THE CROWD:

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County is planning “A Wicked Good Time Gala.” Committee members held a kick-off tea recently to plan the May 31 event, which is set to take place at The Island Hotel Newport Beach.

The recent tea was the first in a series of events that will lead up to the gala.

Glamorous Newport Beach social star Marsha Anderson hosted the inaugural event welcoming some 40 Philharmonic Society committee members.

Anderson commented, “The Society is one of Orange County’s most important cultural institutions; I am always happy to do whatever I can to support the Philharmonic Society.”

Anderson continued, “The gala is going to be a very special evening for everyone and will raise significant funds for the many worthwhile programs that the Society sponsors.”

With Anderson at the helm it is sure to be a smashing success.

The May gala will be the first time in four years that the Philharmonic Society has held a ball. The offbeat theme will invite guests and patrons to celebrate with their favorite villains.

Tickets start at $750 per person, and will be on sale in early February.

Proceeds will benefit various youth education programs. For information please contact Halim Kim at (949) 553-2422 ext. 233.

In other Newport musical society news, the Pacific Symphony is readying their upcoming Feb. 23 wine auction to be held at the Pacific Club Newport Beach.

Jayce Keane with the Symphony comments, “Some might call it the perfect pairing music and wine.”

The Pacific Symphony will hold their first annual exclusive wine auction, which will include some of the most coveted and sought-after wines in America.

Co-chaired by Mike Kerr and Fred Salter, both Pacific Symphony Board members, the wine auction is slated to begin with a gala champagne reception and silent auction, followed by a fabulous dinner prepared by the Pacific Club, and then the wine auction. Limited space is available. Tickets are $250 per person, call Sandra Gee at (714) 876-2363 or visit SymphonyWineAuction.org.

An evening of Irish merriment is in store for supporters of Mary’s Shelter.

Organizers are planning “Emerald Enchantment” for March 8, to take place at the Radisson Hotel Newport Beach. Revelers will be met by Irish entertainers before dinner and live auction opportunities.

Mary’s Shelter will honor Paul Peek, CEO of FLW, Inc. Peek has been a longtime supporter of Mary’s Shelter throughout its 13-year history in Orange County.

His devotion earned him the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus of the board of directors of Mary’s Shelter bestowed upon him in 2007. For those unfamiliar with Mary’s Shelter, it is a home for pregnant girls aged twelve to eighteen who come from families in crises.

The home provides “loving supervision, a safe environment, counseling, continued education, prenatal healthcare and a healthy start for the newborn babies.”

For more information on supporting Mary’s Shelter and reserving your space at “Emerald Enchantment,” please contact Christine at (714) 730-0930 ext. 15, or go to Christine@teenshelter.org.

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