THE CROWD:

The search for a cure for diabetes is front and center this month in the Newport-Mesa community.

Two major receptions have been held recently to raise funds for diabetes research.

First, an inaugural fund-raiser sponsored by UC Irvine for the Center for Diabetes and Research attracted an enthusiastic crowd at Prego Ristorante in Irvine.

The evening honored esteemed Harvard-educated endocrinologist Dr. Ping Wang, who is part of the UCI team at the Josyln Center at UCI’s Gottschalk Medical Plaza. Wang said, “We started the diabetes center in 2004 with the goal of making it Orange County’s leading resource for diabetes care, and we are well on our way to accomplishing this goal.”

On hand for the Prego party were Dean Yoost, chairman of the diabetes center’s executive board and his wife, Mei. Dr. David Bailey, vice chancellor of UCI’s Health Affairs joined UCI researcher Dr. George Chandy in discussion of the latest discoveries in diabetes care. Also on hand were Jack and Gloria Braunberger of Costa Mesa, Patrick Farber of Newport Beach, Rick Keller, Richard and Adrianne Thomas, Dick and Mary Allen, Brad and Kim Cohen, Suzie Won Davidson, Jerry Von Talge, Jean Hobart, and prominent Orange County philanthropists Robert and Carole Follman.

Last week the “Dream Guild” in support of a world without diabetes gathered at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island for a glamorous midweek luncheon and fashion show to kick off its 2008 membership drive.

It also happened to be the celebration of Neiman’s 100-year anniversary. Jennifer Condas, who is passionate about diabetes research and works tirelessly for the cause throughout the year, welcomed members to the occasion including O.C. philanthropist Joann Leatherby, Missy Callero, Sherry Smith, Debbie Simon and Kristilyn Goff. Condas joined co-chairwoman Elyse Roberts last year to raise $2.3 million at the annual Diabetes Dream Gala, “Wild for a Cure.”

Sponsors and supporters are hoping to surpass that goal in 2008. Local Dream Guild members supporting the cause include Marsha Anderson, Inga Beder, Carole Bell, Jennifer Berlinger, Toni Berlinger, Courtney Black, Alana Hedley, Sally Crockett and Sharon Wackeen, to name only a few.

In upcoming diabetes fund-raising news, if you are a George Lopez fan, the popular television star will headline an event Nov. 4 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles called “Stand Up For A Cure.” The fifth annual dinner event presented by Turner Construction Company will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute. Tickets for the party are $175 per person and can be reserved by calling the Institute’s office at (323) 857-0080.

The 2007 Jones Cup Golf Tournament, sponsored by Fletcher Jones Motor Cars and honoring the late Marion Halfacre,welcomed golfers from local country clubs including Big Canyon, Mesa Verde, Newport Beach and Santa Ana. The unique one-day tournament consisted of four five-person teams welcoming both male and female golfers on the beautiful Big Canyon greens.

Top honors went to the Big Canyon team including golfers Mike Carpenter, Bob Lovejoy, Robert Pang, Warren Caves and Martha Redfern. A highlight of the event was a presentation by Fletcher Jones General Manager Garth Blumenthal with a check in the amount of $5,000 to The Cystinosis Research Foundation on behalf of the Natalie’s Wish Fund. The donation was made in the name of Marion Halfacre and presented to his widow, Lula Halfacre, at the awards ceremony following the tournament.

South Coast Repertory’s 44th season opened recently with a production of “A Little Night Music” on the Segerstrom stage.

First nighters were welcomed by SCR artistic directors David Emmes and Martin Benson, along with SCR board President Larry Higby. One of SCR’s most generous couples, Barbara and Bill Roberts of Newport Beach, underwrote the production in conjunction with support from U.S. Bank.

For almost 25 years the Robertses have been major SCR donors and have underwritten half-a-dozen productions for the local theater. Following the play a lively reception welcomed the crowd including Nancy and Kim Kelley, Lindsay and Michael Davis, Linda and Tod White, Pattie and Bob Deuster, Kay and Kelly Mortensen, Margaret and Tsu Lai, Donna and Bryan Williams, and Marian Bergeson.

Several evenings later Newport’s Bob and Carolyn Waltos hosted business associates and friends for a performance of the acclaimed Sondheim musical production. Mark’s Catering of Laguna Beach set up an al fresco Italian-themed dinner on SCR’s front terrace for some 200 guests of the Waltos Group, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

The crowd gathered for dinner and cocktails at sunset and, following a warm thank-you speech by Bob Waltos, the crowd entered SCR to enjoy the performance of “A Little Night Music.”

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.