THE CROWD:

It is one of the grand holiday events of the year in Orange County. The annual Business Committee for the Arts awards presentation and dinner unfolded last week in Newport Beach. Honors were bestowed upon three outstanding citizens, David Emmes, Martin Benson and Judith O’Dea Morr, for their significant career contributions to the Orange County cultural landscape.

Emmes and Benson, co-founders of South Coast Repertory Theater in 1964, have been nationally recognized as the creative force behind one of America’s leading theatrical organizations. O’Dea Morr has served the community for 21 years as the executive vice president of the Orange County Performing Artscenter bringing some of the world’s most acclaimed performances to the region.

In addition to the arts awards, the ceremony, which took place at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel in Fashion Island, recognized a variety of businesses and their executives for ongoing contributions to culture. Accolades went to The Aura Group, Crevier BMW, the Capital Group Companies, Merrill Lynch, Automobile Club of Southern California, Cartier Inc., South Coast Plaza, Tiffany & Co., Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank and Narratus, Inc.

The evening was emceed by Paul Folino, executive chairman of Emulex Corporation, who also serves as the chairman of the OCBCA. Folino introduced the guest speaker and guest of honor, Kristina Dodge, representing husband Larry Dodge’s company, American Sterling Group. The Dodges have become community activists most notably recognized for their major donation to Chapman University culminating in the creation of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

Kristina delivered a thoughtful address concerning the relationship of business and culture in the American community and the important interconnection between serving the arts and its effect on the enrichment of lives and the growth of children, thus impacting the bottom line of any business in any community in America. Kristina also challenged the crowd, largely consisting of the region’s very top business leaders, that Orange County needs to do more. With a burgeoning population the opportunity to improve the standard of living in what is one of America’s already most successful regions will require businesses to step forward and get involved to a greater degree. Her message was clear: The more we do, the greater the reward for all concerned.

Folino kept the evening moving with grace. Speeches were short and to the point as each honoree collected a beautiful crystal bowl, engraved and donated by underwriting sponsor Tiffany & Co. represented at the event by Jeff Bennett, Tiffany vice president and executive in charge of the South Coast Plaza store. Bennett and his wife, Barbara, also in attendance, have become major supporters of Orange County charitable endeavors including considerable support for the growth of the respected Bowers Museum in Santa Ana as well as supporting many events and avenues associated with the Orange County Performing Artscenter.

Also in the crowd was another extremely generous corporate sponsor, Cartier, represented by the lovely Caroline Jones, headquartered at South Coast Plaza. Guests were treated to a Cartier favor at the event, part of the underwriting largesse provided by Jones and her employer.

Following the awards ceremony guests traveled across the street to the Ritz Restaurant for the annual holiday dinner.

It was the 26th annual celebration fronted by the much-loved Betty Moss, founding executive director of the OCBCA. Betty has selflessly served Orange County as an ombudsman of culture for more than 40 years, making connections for business leaders with arts organizations that have fostered long-lasting relationships contributing to both personal and business successes that have enriched this region.

She is something of Orange County’s own Perle Mesta, orchestrating the perfect evening for a diverse and demanding crowd.

Enjoying the Ritz dinner celebration were Joyce and Ralph Allen, Adrienne and Dave Bailey, Joanne and Jeff Spring, Betsy Banker and Peter Cousins, Peggy and Ed Lynch, Charlotte and Tim Chamberlain, Yvonne and Damien Jordan, Don Crevier and Laurie Kraus, Vicki and Tom Johnson, Vicki and Rick Rayson, and from the distinguished Deutsche Bank team, Doug McCrea, Craig Wells, and John Chamberlain. Also in the crowd were Jeanne and David Tappan, Peter Keller and Anne Shih, Jennifer and Sean Fitzgerald, and Hanford Hotel chairman Don Sodaro with his charming wife, Deedee. Rick and Anne Keller joined Julia and George Argyros and Charles and Twyla Martin for dinner in the Ritz dining room. Kent and Carol Wilken, OCPAC president Terry Dwyer, Pat and Charlie Poss, Roger and Gayle Kirwan, Tom Nielsen, Joan and Don Beall, Chapman University president Dr. Jim Doti and his distinguished wife, Dr. Lynne Pierson Doti, and Newport’s glamorous Zee Allred joined by beau Drago Gligic, all enjoying the festivities.

From Wells Fargo Bank, John Evans and his wife Ruth Ann held court. Tiffany executives in attendance included Lori Clark and James Goudreault. South Coast Plaza’s Debra Gunn Downing looked smashing in a vintage sequined cocktail jacket trimmed with fur. South Coast Plaza has been a longtime supporter of the OCBCA under the direction of managing partner Henry Segerstrom.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.