The Crowd:

An impressive $350,000 was raised at the 2010 spring benefit for Mariner’s Christian School. Organizers labeled the party, “Denim and Diamonds,” attracting 430 devoted guests at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach. The crowd came together to raise much-needed funds earmarked for technological upgrades for every classroom at the private Christian school.

“I am continually impressed by the support of the Mariners’ community,” said interim Headmaster Todd Perkins. “Funds raised at this benefit will enable Mariner’s Christian School to reach a higher standard academically, providing our students with the education they have come to expect.”

Perkins joined his wife, Julie, along with Pastor Tim Celek and his wife, Sue, greeting the arriving parents and friends of the school. Tim Celek serves as pastor of the Crossings Christian Church in Costa Mesa while Sue Celek is the principal of Mariners Christian Elementary School. Also at the event was Jeff Williamson, principal of Mariners Christian Middle School.

Chaired by Susan Morehouse and co-chaired by Susan Midstokke, the evening featured a massive silent auction that included 200 generous donations from local merchants. The evening also was enhanced by a live auction, which helped to bring in additional funds. Committee members deserving recognition are Lisa Chavos, Chantel Beck, Gaylene Wayne, Zanna Donaho, Janet Mitchell, Kristin Simons, Joanne Whitelaw and Leanne Sheward, president of Mariner’s Parent Teacher Fellowship.

The crowd dined on an elegant dinner of pan-seared filet mignon paired with Atlantic salmon topped with jumbo lump crab. Bob and Carolyn Waltos, parents of a new baby boy, who joined their family of three daughters, were in the crowd along with Robbie and Regina Lee, Richard and Janine Tarbell, Byron and Frances Trane, and the much admired Cleva and Bob Howard.

Newport society joined forces with Los Angeles society recently on behalf of the Luminaires, a support group of the Doheny Eye Institute. Some 250 guests came together for the 35th annual Spring Benefit at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. The afternoon, which featured a runway fashion show, raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Doheny Eye Institute’s respected programs which restore, preserve and improve human eyesight.

The chairs of the event were Mimi Bell, Ellie Jones and Betsy Ulf. Committee members included Mary Cooper, Beverly Fitzgerald, June Harwell, Sis Jones and Barbara Nielson of Newport Beach. Also supporting the Doheny Eye Institute were Sally Moser, Liz Smith, Peggy Whitmore and Connie Van Vorst.

Front and center was Barbara Heublein, president of the Luminaires. Heublein welcomed the handsome crowd with the important purpose. The women were seated in symmetrical rows of gold-leafed Chiavari chairs placed up against a Parisian-style fashion runway. Los Angeles-based couturier Lourdes Chavez, known for her exquisite workmanship and the use of rare and beautiful fabrics, showcased her designs, many of which are featured in the nation’s high-end retail department stores.

In the crowd were Shirley Botsford, Sonia Hathaway, Marie Crowley, Betty Ann Brooks, Rita Coulter and Jackie Flynn. Following the fashion presentation, the ladies were treated to a little shopping among boutique vendors displaying everything from designer handbags and jewelry to art, interior decorating items and fashion accessories. Lunch was served in the main dining room of the California Club with tables draped in satin cloths of French blue adorned with shimmering gold thread centered by Venetian gold vases of alternating heights overflowing with baby blue hydrangeas, white tulips, roses and cascading white Dendrobium orchids.

Also spotted in the crowd were Kandi Wopschall, Ann Summers, Winnie Reitnouer, Nancy Porteous, Cathy Miller, Cece Horne, Lucy Hilands and Liz Hezlep.

The Doheny Eye Institute was founded in 1947 by Mrs. Edward L. Doheny and became affiliated with USC under the guidance of Dr. Stephan Ryan. Ryan was the first full time chairman of the USC ophthalmology department. The Luminaires support group was launched in 1975 and led by its first president, Mary Crary. The group took its name the Luminaires, which means “Givers of Light.” The Doheny Eye Institute is a nonprofit institute committed to pursuing the finest in ophthalmological medicine through research, patient care and physician education, serving people from all over.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the magazine of the Balboa Bay Club & Resort. His column runs Thursdays and Saturdays.