The Crowd:

It’s hard to believe that the fall social calendar is upon us. There are more parties, charitable gatherings, causes and civic affairs than ever. Already there are multiple events on most weekend nights over the next couple of months. So take that, you recession.

Actually, most of the charitable causes in Newport-Mesa are reporting that they are working much harder to earn contributed dollars.

Donation levels have been down across the board. Organizers are reaching out to the community with new and innovative ideas that are keeping nonprofits reasonably healthy as we are hopefully coming out of the worst of the economic downturn.

There are economic forecasts that predict a continued rocky road into 2010; however, the diversity and the strength of the Orange County community, coupled with the commitment and passion of so many citizens contributing to those in need or hoping for a better future, will continue to make a discernible difference in this community.

Here’s a rundown of a few of the current and future events:

First, the annual Festival of Children Celebration, now in its eighth season, kicked off last week in Costa Mesa with a grand old celebration that honored Wahoo’s Fish Taco founders Wing Lamb, Ed Lee and Mingo Lee.

The passionate Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, brainchild behind the Festival of Children concept, presented the “Founders Award” to the three civic-minded taco barons for their more than 20 years of service to children in the community.

The Festival of Children will continue throughout the month at South Coast Plaza and around town with a myriad of activities. For more information, visit www.festivalofchildren.org.

In other children’s charity news, the Mighty Rubber Ducky Derby is just around the corner, set for Oct. 4 at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine. It is the 16th annual day in the sun on behalf of the Children’s Bureau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

For those not familiar, the event is centered around donors purchasing rubber ducks that float down the Wild Rivers waterway to a finish line of fabulous prizes. This year, organizers are thrilled to offer a chance to win $1 million in the duck race. The day at the water park features plenty of fun and fabulous food. For information, including how to win the $1 million prize, go to www.duckyderbyoc.com.

The dedicated Emily Evans announces the second annual wine tasting event benefiting student programs at Newport Harbor High School. The party will unfold from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery at a cost of $75 per person as a donation to the school. Kenny Smith from the Wine Warehouse will be on hand to offer value-priced wines from France and Italy.

Catering for the party will be provided by the Orange County Wine and Food Center. Kathy Hancock and Gay Butera are organizing the event for the school and hope to have an overflow crowd of support. For reservations or information, e-mail eevans@nmusd.us, or call Evans at (949) 646-1556, ext. 2.

Wine events are always a winner. The Alzheimer’s Family Services Center will also be sponsoring a wine reception and auction Oct. 8 at the Santora Building in Santa Ana. The party is being called “Design 2 Care” and it is the third annual event under the incredible leadership of Anita Lambert. The party will include wine and hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and both a live and silent auction. Call Lambert at (714) 593-1842 or go to alambert@afscenter.org.

Chapman University proudly presents “First Cut” on behalf of the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Chapman’s Dodge College has earned (within a matter of a few years) a reputation of excellence. The “First Cut” is a presentation of some of the best student films of the year and it will take place Oct. 7 in the theater complex at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. The evening will begin with an hors d’oeuvres reception, followed by screenings and then a post-screening dessert reception and confab. For more information, contact Amber Reyes at tmpfma02@chapman.edu or call (714) 628-7267.

One of Newport’s favorite dining rooms celebrated a 10th anniversary dinner recently, attracting a “who’s who” crowd of revelers. Roy’s at Fashion Island welcomed signature chef Roy Yamaguchi, who presided over a fabulous five-course dinner party paired with wines provided by Levendi Vineyards.

Regarded as the pioneer of Hawaiian Fusion cuisine, Yamaguchi was recently featured on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters. Each course was prepared by a different Roy’s chef. The dinner began with jumbo scallops, followed by an heirloom tomato salad.

A third course of steamed Japanese Hiramasa and then a fourth course of salt and long pepper filet mignon was followed by a dessert of Lilikoi pudding cake featuring raspberry puree and fresh fruit. In the crowd were celebrity restaurateur David Wilhelm and his beautiful wife, Paula, Newport celebrity chef and radio personality Jamie Gwen, Ruth and Bob Bein, Sherry and Todd Rustman, and Marilyn and Bill Robbins.

On a final note, “Legally Blonde The Musical” debuted at the Orange County Performing Arts Center this week and runs through Sept. 20 in Segerstrom Hall.

The first national tour of the former film turned stage show came to town from Los Angeles with its upbeat story of a misjudged blonde bombshell airhead who turns out to be a brilliant Harvard law school grad winning the hearts of her fellow students.

Center organizers held a cast party following opening night that was, above all else, totally pink. Center donors supporting the light opera season include Sally Crockett, Carmela Du, Dardie Dunlap, Darleen and William Manclark, Lily and Liz Merage, George and Terry Schreyer, Sheila and Ygal Sonenshine, and Bill and Ginger Rosenbaum.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.