THE CROWD:

They were all “in the pink.” The second annual Pink Tie Ball unfolded last week at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, attracting a large contingent of Newport-Mesa support for breast cancer research and treatment.

Under the auspices of The Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer charity, some 500 well-dressed men and women wearing plenty of pink sipped cocktails at sunset and shared stories of survival. The evening netted $508,212, surpassing goals of organizers.

Chaired by Harrald Herrmann, in honor of his late wife, Kathie, who succumbed to breast cancer, more than 200 volunteers from Orange County burgs pitched in to raise the bar on local treatment for patients as well as future research into the all important cure.

Lisa Wolter, executive director of the Komen O.C. affiliate, said 75% of the proceeds will go to local treatment and 25% will fund Susan G. Komen sponsored research.

Newport-Mesa culinary talent underwrote the three-course dinner. On hand were Alan Greely of Golden Truffle, James Hanamori of Hanamori, Bill Bracken of The Island Hotel, Chris Garnier of Roy’s, Brian Hirsty of Bluewater Grill, Carlito Jocson of Yard House and Richard Mead of Sage.

Major support for the evening came from Herrmann’s “Kathie’s Konnection” foundation and The Allergan Foundation. Additional support for breast cancer treatment and the cure came from Bette and Wylie Aitken, Susan Barker, Mike Parks, David Lee, Kim Lee, Diana McGarry, Elizabeth Jocson, Craig Carlyle, and Frank Winnaman.

Spring will blossom in profusion April 24-27 at South Coast Plaza when the 2008 Southern California Spring Garden Show debuts. Considered a premiere garden show on the West Coast, the free event is a must for anyone who loves the garden.

This year’s theme is “Greener Living.” The displays will co-exist with some of the regions top garden experts and vendors offering their wares. The four-day show will also feature events for children as well as more mature gardeners. Call (714) 425-2160 or go to www.springgardenshow.com for details.

Patricia Heaton from “Everybody Loves Raymond” will headline the May 2 “Women of Vision” luncheon at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort, which expects some 500 guests raising funds in support of Women of Vision sponsored aid in O.C. as well as worldwide locales.

The Christian humanitarian organization funds relief for poor and disenfranchised people primarily in Mexico, Peru, Africa and Palestine. “We endeavor to help people reach their full potential by tackling poverty and injustice,” commented activist Susan Anderson helping to organize this season’s big event. For tickets and info, contact Marie Forde at marieforde@cox.net.

The crowd was swaying to the music this week as the Irvine Barclay Theatre bestowed three awards upon locals who have made quite a mark in the cultural life of The O.C.

On April 12 the UCI campus theater welcomed 200 culture-minded patrons who came to say “job well done” to Corona del Mar’s artistic young woman and devoted dance enthusiast Molly Lynch, the talented and philanthropic Sam Goldstein, and respected dancer and choreographer Mark Morris.

The party was created around the song “Sway” recorded by such legends as Dean Martin, Rosemary Clooney and most recently by the Canadian “Sinatra-esque” Michael Buble. Organizers thought the song lyrics were a perfect match to the evening’s accolades.

The success of the TV show “Dancing With The Stars” has given rise to themed events that have filtered into charitable causes, as well. The Assistance League of Newport-Mesa will throw a gala evening May 10 at The Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel being labeled as “Dancing For Tomorrow’s Stars.”

Local celebs led by one of the fashionable first ladies of The O.C., Julia Argyros, along with Charlene Prager, Susan Adams, and gents Wing Lam, Steve Myers, Jon Wampler, and the wildly popular Chapman President Jim Doti will dance the night away for dollars to help the league and their programs for children in the community.

Newport’s Marie-France Lefebvre, a lifelong A.L. devotee, will chair the evening with Ed Arnold as emcee and high profile locals Ruth Ko, former publisher of Orange Coast Magazine, Jeff Teller, and Tom Johnson, Daily Pilot publisher, serving as judges. Tickets are $200 and can be reserved by calling (949) 645-6929 or visit www.alnm.org for more information.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.