THE CROWD:

The Tiger Woods Learning Center beckoned the Newport-Mesa crowd to a private preview party at the new Roy’s Restaurant near Disneyland. The overflow crowd was greeted by hula dancers and Hawaiian music as they entered Roy’s signature Hawaiian fusion dining room famous for “aloha service.”

Chef Roy Yamaguchi flew in from the islands for the reception joining prominent local guests in support of Tiger Woods’ programs that help youth.

Spotted in the crowd were major donors Lori and Brian Hirth, Marie St. John Gray, Bob Waltos, Chef Jamie Gwen, Cinda and Steve Churm, Lana Sills, Jim Walker, owner of Newport’s chic restaurant Bungalow, Linda Daniels, Tracy and Spiro Kimble of Big Canyon, and Greer Wylder. Also on hand for the opening were Wahoo’s Fish Taco Company executive Ed Lee, Michael Cho, Richard Ham, Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation, and special guest Kultida Woods, Tiger’s mother.

One of Orange County’s most beloved volunteers, the late Betty Belden Palmer, will be honored April 20 at the annual “Olympians on Parade” dinner and fundraiser.

Recently some 70 underwriters gathered at First American Corporation — hosted by the philanthropic Dorothy and Donald Kennedy — to raise $110,000 to underwrite the upcoming Special Olympics event at the Newport Marriott.

Belden Palmer was instrumental in founding the Olympians on Parade celebration some six years ago.

Devoted volunteer Jan Landstrom of Newport Beach commented, “Because of Betty’s efforts the number of Special Olympians involved in 22 different sports in Orange County has more than doubled.”

Landstrom continued, “Funds raised from this event make it possible for all programs throughout the year to be provided free of charge to Special Olympians.” This year Joann Waldron and Alison Norris will co-chair the evening.

Tickets are priced at $175 per person and may be reserved by calling Rhonda at the Special Olympics office at (714) 564-8374. By the way, the parade will include many of the county’s most outstanding athletes, led by Olympic Champion Rafer Johnson.

Tax day Tuesday will bring a windfall donation to Costa Mesa nonprofit New Directions for Women.

The charity will share with other local nonprofits in a $135,000 gift to be presented April 15 at a morning reception to be held at Edwards Big Newport Cinemas.

The gift will come from the Decorative Arts Society, which has to date raised more than one $500,000 for New Directions for Women. Cecila Nott, former chair of the Decorative Arts Society commented, “Our organization is very happy to support this most successful rehabilitation program for women for the past 11 years.”

Founded in 1996 the Decorative Arts Society was originally a part of the Junior League of Newport Beach. Funds raised will support a 30-bed, nonprofit residential treatment facility in Costa Mesa that will assist women and their families recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Newport businessman and community leader Bob Waltos, representing the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, has committed $25,000 to establish the Waltos Group of Northwestern Mutual Future Business Leader Scholarship at UC Irvine.

Two $2,500 scholarships will be offered each year to outstanding sophomore, junior or senior students enrolled in the Paul Merage School of Business at UCI.

The scholarship is intended to assist students with both financial need and a background that includes graduation from a low-performing high school in California. The first scholarships will be offered in the fall of 2008 with judging set to take place May 9 at the Waltos Group offices in Newport Beach. For more information please contact SaraForth@nmfn.com.

Lucinda Prewitt shares that the 2008 Philharmonic House of Design will open to the public April 22 with viewing running though May 18. The major event is a benefit for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, with funds earmarked to support youth music education programs, which are free of charge to more than 200,000 Orange County students.

This year the home created by Stonefield Development is in Crystal Cove on the Newport Coast. The expansive estate will display the artistry of 23 designers. Dining will be offered by Jay’s Catering and the monthlong event will feature an array of lectures as well as boutiques offering designer merchandise. Newport Beach women who are instrumental in the creation of the House of Design include Sabra Bordas, Shirlee Pruitt, and Melinda McCrea. For information and/or tickets please call (714) 840-7542 or visit www.philharmonichouseofdesign.org.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.