THE CROWD:

The Costa Mesa Hilton Hotel welcomed a crowd of 650 guests in support of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation. It was the 10th annual Orangewood Ambassador Luncheon honoring donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to Orangewood.

Founding board chair Gen. William Lyon welcomed the assemblage sending congratulations from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The luncheon raised nearly $300,000 for the cause.

Honored guest David Wilson was recognized for his long-term support. Wilson is president of Wilson Automotive Group and also serves as an Orangewood Foundation board member, joining in 1988.

He initiated the 10K/ 5K run that operated for nine years and raised over $250,000 for the foundation. Accepting the Lyon Crystal Vision Award, Wilson graciously thanked Gen. Lyon and recognized many people in the Hilton ballroom for their support.

The emotional highlight of the luncheon was the appearance of Jessica, an Orangewood youth. A former foster child, now attending Cal State Fullerton, Jessica serves Orangewood as a peer mentor. She candidly spoke of her childhood at the hands of her alcoholic mother, followed by placement in three different foster homes.

“I am no longer ashamed to be a foster youth,” she said, adding, “I refer to the kids at Orangewood as ‘family.’”

Also in the crowd in support of Orangewood were event chair Piero Wemyss and committee members Eva Marie Figueroa, Mark Hales, Andrew Jeffs, Steve Johnson, Norm Katz, Bruce Lyle, Mike McCarthy, Laura Peters and Erik Woodbury.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.