THE CROWD:

The fourth annual Peace Gala on behalf of Soka University of America welcomed singer/songwriter Paul Williams Paul Williams to Orange County. Nearly $750,000 was netted for the very special university in Aliso Viejo, dedicated to the universal principles of human co-existence and peaceful cooperation between nations. Funds raised will be used for student scholarship endowment.

The local crowd, including a prominent contingent of Newport-Mesa citizens converged upon the Soka campus for the black-tie fundraiser earlier this winter social season hosted by master of ceremonies Patrick Duffy. The handsome television actor best known for this portrayal of Bobby Ewing in the 1980s primetime drama “Dallas,” returned yet again to assist Soka in spreading its profound message educating young adults from around the globe under the umbrella of a true United Nations philosophy.

Nearly 500 like-minded guests joined Soka President Daniel Y. Habuki for the evening that included dinner, dancing and a performance by Williams that included renditions of many of his famous songs including, “The Rainbow Connection,” “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Just An Old Fashioned Love Song.” Williams also performed holiday treats such as numbers from his “A Muppet Christmas: Letters To Santa,” which was written by Williams and performed by guest stars on TV on an NBC special including Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane and Uma Thurman.

South Coast Plaza generously helped to underwrite the evening auction, which raised nearly $100,000 of the total proceeds for the fundraiser.

Chairing the elegant party with a Venetian holiday theme were hostesses Joan May and Dita Shemke.

Dinner was catered by Patina, enjoyed by significant donors, including Sue Shaw, Sheila and Jim Peterson, Don English, Carl and Matilda Buck, Chuan Chuan Chen, Steve Chi Kong Lee and Judy Chao Di Chow, Kathy Williams and Thomas Scroggins, Anne Sherman and Courtney Horn, to name only a few. Corporate and foundation support came from the Ray Charles Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank, MicroSemi, CB Richard Ellis and ROEL Construction.

The message of peace surely resonates during the holiday season, perhaps more than any other time of the year. Soka University, founded by Daisaki Ikeda is open to students of all races, nationalities and religions. Half of the student body are American citizens and half come from some 30 countries around the world. Teaching peace may just make peace a reality — someday.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.