The Crowd:

The beautiful people did a beautiful thing recently.

Gathering at swank Maestro’s, Costa Mesa for a sunset cocktail confab on behalf of the O.C. affiliated chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, the word was spread on behalf of the upcoming 2009 Pink Tie Ball set for June 6.

It’s all about breast cancer awareness, prevention and the cure. It’s about saving lives.

Word has come to me that a close friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure has become a national source of hope for those afflicted. Supporters are super-dedicated. They will not rest until breast cancer is totally curable.

The Allergan Foundation will be the presenting sponsor of the big OC event June 6. Gwyn Grenrock of the Allergan Foundation was on hand at Maestro’s to meet and greet and receive the heartfelt thanks of those behind the Komen cause.

Local celeb couple Bette and Wylie Aitken were also honored as sponsors of the Pink Tie Ball along with corporate donor/underwriter Saks Fifth Avenue represented by their civic-minded retail Vice President Gretchen Pace.

The third annual O.C. Pink Tie Ball will take place in Costa Mesa’s Noguchi Gardens.

This key annual fundraising event will bring together survivors and supporters with an overriding message of hope as well as help for those afflicted.

Tickets are priced at $350 per person. Call (714) 957-9157 or visit www.komenoc.org for information and reservations.

AIDS Services Foundation O.C. joined with the posh Lexus Newport Beach dealership to throw a little friend-raiser dinner on the showroom floor. A support wing of AIDS Services, known as “The Friends of Dorothy” held a Cinco de Mayo supper surrounded by sparkling autos.

They brought in a grand piano, with keyboard magic from Nick St. Royal, a wine bar graciously poured by Lido Isle’s John and Shauna Oyler and a fabulous Mexican food buffet prepared and served by the loving hands of Carolyn Stoakes. Dinner was exceptionally good.

More than 150 local guests joined the fun led by the founder and chairwoman of the Friends of Dorothy Guild, Newport’s Barbara Venezia.

The foundation’s board president, Maria Marquez, and foundation director, Phil Yaeger, shared the spotlight with Newport Beach Lexus’ Vice President/General Manager Allen Moznett. By the end of the evening nearly $40,000 was raised.

Spotted in the crowd were Loren Blackwood and Richard Moriarty. Jeanne Moriarty was seen singing at the piano with St. Royal and yours truly. Jo-Ri Way and Tom Ray, Steve Bond, Charlie Bambetta, and the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s uber-dedicated Tim Dunn were all front and center fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.