THE CROWD:

South Coast Plaza produced a top-drawer runway fashion show last week at the Island Hotel on behalf of Childhelp. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Childhelp, founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson. The international children’s charity began as an adoption and child-placement service and is today one of the foremost agencies working to prevent child abuse.

O’Meara and Fedderson, now headquartered in Arizona, flew in for the event, part of a yearlong national celebration of their lifelong work with children. The Orange County Chapter is one of the largest and most generous in the nation.

The afternoon at the Island began with a reception as some 400 guests mingled sharing stories of their commitment to Childhelp. The occasion also marked the 23rd such luncheon fashion fundraiser produced by the local Childhelp ladies. Co-chaired by Alana Hedley and Libby Werner, with devoted assistance from the beautiful and bright Diana Miner, president of the chapter, the event was surely one of the most successful in spite of current economic conditions.

Tragically, child abuse is on the rise, in part due to the economic meltdown. Many in the crowd, including some of the most passionate sponsors such as Newport’s Patti Edwards, a member of Childhelp’s National Board of Directors, commented, “Our work is more necessary than ever.

“Fifty years of dedication to the prevention of child abuse has made a difference in so many lives yet there are so many more that need our help.” Edwards went on to say, “Raising money is important, but it’s not the money that matters most. The children helped are given love. That makes the most important difference.”

Fittingly, Childhelp has labeled its annual fundraiser-fashion show “For the Love of a Child.” Edwards introduced the audience to the founding women who both delivered eloquent words of thanks and prayer.

The religious connection, although somewhat downplayed publicly today, is key to the Fedderson and O’Meara purpose. The belief that God has placed them on earth to save children has been a guiding light for the pair for more than 50 years.

Many of the women associated with the cause share the spiritual connection. Some of the dedicated include Dale San Filippo, Katherine Meredith, Jennifer Kite, Cleo Bluth, Pam Pharris, Mary Allyn Dexter, Tanya Fisher, Tonie Meyer, Gina Van Ocker, Joy Whitluck, Nancy Whitlock, Carol Packard, Jaime Saul, Maria Schechter and Alisa Levitt.

South Coast Plaza was represented by Kathryn Glassmyer, Debra Gunn Downing and Saks Fifth Avenue Vice President Gretchen Pace.

Participants in the runway show were shu uemura, Calypso, Tory Burch, Bally, John Varvatos, SoCa., Brooks Brothers, Saks, David Yurman and St. John. Ladies hooted at the male models, a strange, yet now common occurrence on the fashion circuit.

The au currant men’s fashions are too tightly fitted, jackets too short and pants clinging to the leg paired with brightly colored tennis shoes and swooping neck scarves. Urban chic meets skid row on the way to a children’s playground.

Call me old fashioned. In the women’s arena, St. John was the show highlight, despite the wildly popular girlie-girl designs of Tory Burch.

The most beautiful dress in the show was a St. John-designed cream-colored silk evening dress, backless and form fitted with a touch of shimmering beading appliquéd at the neckline. Feminine, rich and sexy.

The annual Children’s Friend Award was presented to Dr. Larry Nichter, a prominent surgeon who has devoted more than 20 years of his career to helping children in need worldwide. Nichter and his team travel to nations where their services are desperately required. They have performed more than 3,000 surgeries since the founding of his organization in 1987 known as Plasticos.

Celebs in the crowd included actress Joyce Bulifant, co-star of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” among other credits, and her husband, actor Roger Perry.

Special guest celeb was actress Betty White who received the annual Childhelp Inspiration Award. White thanked Joyce for introducing her to Childhelp some 40 years ago then delivered an emotional thank you to O’Meara and Fedderson and all who have made a difference for so many children.

Lunch was served in the Island’s Palm Garden following the show. Spotted in the crowd were Zee Allred, Beth Bidna, Ruth Ann Burns, Cathie Caporaso, Cathy Heck, Wendy Enkema, Tiffany Ensign, Marie Gray, Sara Hinman, Jean Macino and the lovely Mary Kay Groff of the Newport Balboa Peninsula.

Also present were Darbi Manclark, Susan Morehead, Cynthia Nolet, Eileen Saul, Pam Selber, Debbie Simon, and Corky Winters.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.