The Crowd:

It takes time, effort and tremendous passion as well as a commitment of many years to sustain a charitable cause. Things just don’t happen overnight.

Most importantly, it takes leadership. Laura Davick is such a leader: a one-woman tour de force on behalf of the Crystal Cove Alliance, which was formed some years ago to protect and preserve the history of a unique beachfront enclave in Orange County.

Last week, Davick welcomed more than 400 patrons for dinner on the sand at the water’s edge of the Pacific Ocean in Crystal Cove.

It was the seventh annual Crystal Cove Alliance gala, which Davick and her committee created around a Prohibition theme to compliment the early 20th century roots of the Crystal Cove cottages and lifestyle.

The beach-blonde Davick with a glamorous smile wore a black 1920s vintage cocktail dress and black fur boa stole. She stood at the entrance to the Crystal Cove cottages with her diamond wristbands flashing in the late afternoon sun, accompanied by a troupe of students from Chapman University, who were all dressed in period costumes.

Patrons had to know the secret password in order to enter the party (Hi de ho) and one flapper even propositioned me, “Hey big spender” (if she only knew).

Davick grew up in Crystal Cove. Her parents came there as young adults and never left.

She was born, raised and spent most of her life in the cove environment.

For Davick, the passion comes naturally; it is a part of her soul. This gala was the grandest and most successful ever, attracting an enormous crowd and raising an impressive $180,000 for preservation.

Funds will be used for the ongoing restoration of the area in addition to supporting the expansion of educational programs sponsored by the nonprofit Alliance.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Davick said. “Despite the current economic climate, Orange County citizens clearly care about this historic site.”

There were some heavy hitters dining on the beachfront, including Jim and Madeline Swinden, Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks, state Sen. Tom Harman and his wife, Diane, and Ken Kramer, superintendent of California State Parks, Orange Coast District. Major sponsors included Michael Lefkowitz, Gregg Miller, Celine Miller, Susan and Henry Samueli, and Newport’s lovely Pam Selber.

The scene at Crystal Cove is incomparable. Banquet tables were set up on the sand no more than 20 feet from the lapping waves. The mood was intoxicating. As the sound of the surf blended with melodies of Prohibition-style jazz, the wait staff served “Depression era” cocktails including Side Cars and Bathtub Gin Fizzes.

Dinner was served family style, catered by a consortium of fine kitchens including the Beachcomber Café, the Montage, Laguna Beach, the Resort at Pelican Hill, and the St. Regis Monarch Beach. The presentation was supervised by Executive Chef Frederic Castan working with chef Jean-Pierre Dubray, and chef Matt Leonard.

By about 7 p.m., a blanket of fog rolled in, adding to the romance of the evening just as jazz singer Brenna Whitaker and her jazz orchestra began to perform. TV anchor Ed Arnold handled the auction duties, helping to add more than $45,000 to the evening’s tally.

Founded in 1999, the Crystal Cove Alliance has been called, “The most important nonprofit to emerge in the region.” In 2007, Crystal Cove was awarded the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award for restoring 21 of the historic cottages adjacent to the beach.

For more information, visit www.crystalcovealliance.org.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.