The Crowd:

South Coast Plaza is becoming Grand Central Station for fabulous events.

This week a Wednesday night affair in a tent erected on the northwest side of the center was possibly the most lavish of Orange County extravaganzas created to introduce the community to the upcoming partnership between Carnegie Hall and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and in particular the Chinese cultural explosion set to be presented to Orange County audiences this coming season.

A few days prior, one of Orange County’s longest-running and most admired charitable groups, the Angelitos de Oro, also came together in the jewel court at South Coast Plaza to launch their holiday shopping spree.

The crowd descended upon the jewel court at dusk for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and to buy the $60 Angelitos card, which entitles the bearer to 20% discounts at more than 125 participating South Coast Plaza boutiques Wednesday to Oct. 28. The $60 Angelitos card purchase goes to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County and the holiday savings at all the stores benefit the consumers as well as the merchants.

Last year the Angelitos raised $190,000 from the card sales. Since the group was founded in 1961, the women have raised and donated more than $3.7 million to support the programs of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County. Each and every year more than 1,500 children are assisted by the organization in this community alone.

Spotted in the South Coast Plaza crowd were Janet Hackett, Kelly Mazzo, Pamela Schmider, Laura Frasier, Ali Ramser, Gigi and Sam Spragins, Dave and Marilyn Wooten, Jackie Glass, Toni Berlinger, Bonnie McClellan, David and Laraine Eggleston, Beth Bidna, Diana Lorenzi, and Twyla and Chuck Martin. To purchase an Angelitos card call (949) 642-9883 or visit any South Coast Plaza concierge desk.

In the social and charitable world there are a few dominant names on the national map associated with raising major funds and awareness for causes that effect multimillions of Americans.

On the East Coast one such name is that of the late cosmetics giant Estee Lauder and her daughter-in-law, Evelyn Lauder, who have perhaps more than any other women in recent history had an impact on the prevention and cure for breast cancer.

In 1989, Evelyn Lauder launched a fund drive to raise more than $18 million to establish a breast center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York.

Opened in 1992 the breast center was the first cancer diagnostic and treatment facility, and it became a model for clinics throughout the world. In collaboration with Alexandra Penney, Lauder promoted the use of the pink ribbon symbol which has become known as the universal icon in the fight against breast cancer.

The Estee Lauder Breast Cancer Walk is a national experience. This year will be the second annual walk set for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 on the Balboa Peninsula boardwalk. The event is being hosted by Adriana Irde and Michelle Klimko. Participants are requested to meet at the Newport Elementary School on West Balboa Boulevard.

To find out more, call Adriana at (800) 944-3200 ext. 9766 or visit aired@estee.com.

She was one of the grand dames of Newport Beach.

Elizabeth Colyear Vincent, who died earlier this year, left a legacy of charitable giving that included among other benefactors the Orange County Performing Arts Center and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.

Colyear Vincent was a strong and memorable presence in the community. While she was soft-spoken and a woman of few words her opinions were solid and strong, and she suffered no fools. One of the most elegantly dressed women on the Orange Riviera, her couture wardrobe was always ultra tasteful and her jewelry was the finest of artistic creations.

Most importantly, Colyear Vincent was the mother to a large brood of children, many of whom were adopted special needs kids.

She used her wealth to better the lives of her children as well as to help countless others that her charitable efforts touched.

On Nov. 8 Bonhams and Butterfields will auction Colyear Vincent’s personal estate at their Los Angeles showroom. A collection of 300 lots of furnishings and art will go to the highest bidders.

“This estate represents a lifetime of passionate collecting,” Andrew Jones at Bonhams said. “The pieces are a reflection of a distinct style and an appreciation of 18th and 19th century Europe.”

The preview of the sale will be Nov. 6 to 8. For more information, call (310) 567-7990.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.