The Crowd: Luminaires light up for Doheny Eye Institute

Everyone has thought about this question. If you had to lose your senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste or touch — which one would be last on the list to lose?

For most people the answer is probably sight.

Many would also agree and admit that we take the gift of sight for granted. That is, until it’s in jeopardy.

The Doheny Eye Institute, founded in 1947 by the late Los Angeles philanthropist Estelle Doheny, is a nationwide leader in vision research and treatment.

In partnership with the renowned UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, their focus combines clinical and teaching operations that expand patient access throughout greater Los Angeles and Orange counties. Closer to home, Doheny Eye has a satellite facility at 18111 Brookhurst St. in Fountain Valley.

Supporting the clinics in L.A., Pasadena and O.C., an adjunct auxiliary known as The Luminaires has become a mainstay of support. The Luminaires were founded in 1976 by San Marino doyenne Mary Crary, who gathered a confederation of friends for an inaugural luncheon at the California Club in downtown L.A.

Crary chose the moniker Luminaires because it refers to celestial bodies that give off light. Nearly five decades later, the charitable giving has not only given light, but much of that light has been green.

Recently, The Luminaires joined forces for their annual luncheon and fashion show, the 48th, on Valentine’s Day at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, where more than $200,000 was raised.

Peggy Schmid chaired the successful gathering with support from fellow Balboa Island residents Susan Wofford and Liz Shonk. Also in the dining room were O.C. docents Taylor and Tracy DuPont, Barbara Nielsen, Winnie Reitnouer, Gail Titus, Dawn Stephan and Susan Kendall.

A shopping boutique tempted donors preceding the elegant luncheon. Broadway star Davis Gaines entertained with a selection of memorable show tunes and American classics from the Great American Song Book. Closing for Gains was a musical finale performed by sopranos Michele Patzakis and Jacquelynne Fontaine.

Honored guest of the 2020 luncheon was 40-year Luminaire Alyce de Roulet Williamson. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger presented de Roulet Williamson with an official proclamation naming Valentine’s Day in her name. Applause rang out in recognition of her remarkable service to Doheny Eye from devoted fellow Luminaires, including Mary Cooper, Betsy Ulf, Barbara Bishop, Kim Covey, Anne Ganahl and Mary Lindgren.

Also front and center were Sharon Giannotta, Judy Kloner, Bonnie Thomas, Dee Dee Klunder, Sonia Hathaway, Linda Hubbard, Dianne Thurman, Laura Wisner, Kandi Wopschall and Luminaries President Mo Sprunger.