THE CROWD:

It was a night of “Athletes and Aces” as Newport-Mesa supporters of the Child Abuse Prevention Center gathered for a casino event Jan. 10. The big draw was an all-star guest list of professional athletes and their wives. On the roster were National Hockey League players Jean-Sebastien GiguereJean-Sebastien Giguere, Sammy Pahlsson and Teemu Selanne. Big hitters from the world of baseball included Adam Kennedy, Robb Nen, John Lackey and Darin Erstad, whose wife, Jessica Erstad, is passionately devoted to helping the Child Abuse Prevention Center. From the National Football League Christian Okoye and Rob Johnson were front and center for the event that unfolded on the property of the extravagant Newport Lexus Dealership that features more amenities than many luxury hotels.

The casino night was sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks/Honda Center and the firm of Shulman Hodges and Bastian LLP attracting more than 175 guests and raising an excess of $40,000 for the Child Abuse Prevention Center. Committee members working on the party included Patty Hatcher whose husband, Mickey Hatcher, is the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center serves children and families with a multitude of programs that are designed to stop the cycle of child abuse and family violence. Founded in 1983 the center has served more than 190,000 Orange County residents. For more information go to www.brightfutures4kids.org.

The glamorous Sophisticates in support of the Assessment Treatment Services Center announced this week plans to hold their annual gala dinner dance March 7 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, taking on a very popular theme. They’re calling it a Sophisticated Evening … Dancing with the Stars. Competing for the charity will be Bette Aitkin, Julie Ann Ulcickas, Julia Johnson, Denice Mock, John Heydt, and Hans Keirstead. Costa Mesa-based Dance Asylum and Ballroom is Back Dance Studio will provide both the choreography and the professional dance partners. Newport’s Debbie Newmeyer reports it will be a “hot night on the coast” as an expected sold-out crowd will enjoy cocktails, dinner, auction opportunities and the dance competition. For information call Carol Carlson at (949) 250-0488, ext. 234.

Last night the prestigious Segerstrom Select Series sponsored by Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom under the umbrella of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County presented the acclaimed Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony performing in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The Orange County performance is a stop on a seven-city West Coast tour and is also presented by jeweler Harry Winston. The evening began with a presentation of Aaron Copland’s “Our Town” followed by an original composition by Tilson Thomas titled “Street Song for Symphonic Brass.” Also on the program was Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.” Following the performance, guests gathered for dinner at Pinot Provence, Costa Mesa. More on the elegant party next week.

Fashion, fashion and more fashion … February will be a big month on the California Riviera as Neiman Marcus Fashion Island presents a top-drawer lineup of designer trunk shows. First up Feb. 3 will be the Christian Louboutin showing, which runs through Feb. 8. Giorgio Armani is slated to display his spring line Feb. 4. Gucci will be in the house Feb. 5 followed by Stella McCartney Feb. 6 and the ever-chic Channel Spring truck show Feb. 27 and 28. The fashionista in orange patent stilettos, Michaele Hall, will once again front Neiman’s spring fashion presentation mid-month for members of the social and fashion press, which is always a treat and a trip to Paris and Milan without leaving Newport Beach.

Will report immediately which colors are appropriate for the recession. I have a feeling that black is definitely not among them.

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