GRACIOUS GIFT

Dr. Robert Gumbiner has contributed some $40 million to the Museum of Latin American Art. As a result, the new sculpture garden at MOLAA has been dedicated The Robert Gumbiner Sculpture and Events Garden as a pay tribute to the dedication and ongoing support of the museum founder. The unveiling of the final six sculptures, representing Argentina, Bolivia, Cuba, and Venezuela, marks the completion of the garden, making this the largest sculpture garden featuring contemporary Latin American Art in the U.S.

High Tea Soiree

Elyse Roberts gushed about an amazing English high tea at Suzy Elghanayans home in Irvine Cove. Joni Brice, Margarita Head, Sue Freeman, and Paola Bisson were among the approximately 40 women in attendance. From a beautiful samovar the women helped themselves to Darjeeling tea. Suzy has an amazing collection of antique teacups and saucers. All are very feminine. Elyse thought the wonderful part of the tea was that Suzy requested that each woman introduce herself and state her passion in life. The responses were varied, some funny. Most included the womans family. Some divulged the recent struggles or joys. Some spoke of new beginnings or new thoughts of my turn or of sadness at an empty nest. All were poignant.

There was a happy atmosphere and a collective appreciation to gather for no reason at all in the most beautiful part of the world. In the end, everyone agreed to meet regularly as a sort of womens forumagain for no declared specific reason. Maybe a reason will present itself. All knew that there was a special-ness about the tea and that all will be encouraged to present thoughts or ideas at future gatherings. All this, according to Elyse, because a beautiful Laguna Beach woman with world peace as her passion took the time to gather her friends.

Theres No Free

Lunch

Theres no free lunch, quotes our very own Jim Davenport of Corona del Mar, who just won the PokerRoom.com Become a Poker Pro tournament. This is a bit of a sidetrack from his original plans as a Corona del Mar High School and USC graduate who wanted to be a sports broadcaster and an anchor on ESPN. In addition to the title, Jim was awarded a $250,000 endorsement deal including a $60,000 cash prize that is the greatest free-roll prize in the history of online poker. He was previously a member of the WSOP 2005 Team and entered the Pokerroom.com Poker Pro Final Final with $82,600 in chips. He ended up wining the whole thing! The Become a Poker Pro tournament is one of the most memorable poker events Ive played, said Jim. Its not just about the competition and winning the endorsement deal but also the friendships formed with the guys on Team PokerRoom.com, he added.

Taste for a Cure

Jerry and Anne Stefani combined their love of fine wine to help fund research to cure type-1 and type-2 diabetes when he founded the organization and Taste for the Cure five years ago. Taste for a Cure, an indulgent Sunday afternoon amongst 28 vintners and an elaborate silent auction and live auction, was presented at a new location this year, Palm Garden, which was a perfect location for guests to meet and mingle.

The Stefanis have been passionate in their fight to help cure diabetes since their adult son Brian was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes at age five and is currently being considered for the UCI transplant program. The family affair included a guest appearance by the Stefanis first grandchild, five-week-old Cornell Beans, who was escorted by parents Cornell and Terri Beans.

Chuck Dreyer mastered his usual task of raising proceeds to record-breaking highs while Orange County Supervisor Bill Campbell was on hand to meet and greet just a day before visiting with President George W. Bush during his recent Irvine visit. Kudos as well to Foundation board member Bob Connell and his wife, Elaine, who were thanked for their endless support and countless volunteer hours this year. The 2006 Taste for the Cure raised about $180,000 to fund further research of The Edmonton Protocol out of the University of Alberta, Canada, and an islet cell-transplant program at UCI Medical Center.

Local Chatter

ur very own CDM personal trainer Carla Ralston just made the cut as poster child of the Arthritis Foundations California Coast Classic 500-mile Bike Tour. Her beautiful smile graces some hundreds of thousands of brochures found throughout southern and northern California, not to mention publications like Competitor magazine. Her ride last year was a highlight of her life.

Speaking of athletes, Mary Lonich just placed first in her division (well divulge that it was the 50+ group; sorry, Mar) at the Camp Pendleton Devil Dog Duathlon. It is a run, bike ride, and run.skip the swimming of most triathlons. What next, most ask? Speaking of birthdays...

Cathy Lowden just celebrated her birthday in her elegant grand style. Birthday #1 was the traditional ladies luncheon at The Ritz Restaurant with Martha Green, Darby Manclark, Cindy Gates, Shawn Cunningham, Irene Tomkinson, Barbara Magness, Donna Anderson, and Eve Kornyei. Party #2 was a back-to back at The Ritz in the evening hosted by forever pal Craig Brown. Touched with his flamboyant style of putting on the glitz were bouquets of flowers, throngs of gold and silver lame, gorgeous orchids, and a table setting for a queenneed we say more...two beauties added to the guest list: Betty Jo Knickerbocker and Olivia Chami.

Mariposa was the happening of Harriet Sandhus recent birthday celebration with dear friends. Michaele Hall and Ariela Shani of Neiman Marcus and Caroline Jones of Cartier treated every guest to magnificent favorsyou can just imagine! Her luncheon was hosted by Patsy Marshall, Caroline Jones, and Pamela Lowry (you have to know Eve had a hand in this too). Writing poems on the color best describing Harriet were Beth Hart, Kathie Porter, Sally Crockett, Denise Tsukioka, Jennifer Condas, Carol Dalton, and daughter Dana to mention a few.

Things are still cooking downtown in Balboa Village and Leo Gugasian is shaking it up. He just purchased the former Orange Julius building and seems to be determined to bring about overdue change to the area. Well keep you posted.

Bobbi McKnight of Quiksilver will once again entertain family crowds at the (now annual) Family Movie Night this June, July, and August. Dave and Cheryl Rosenberger, Wing Lam, Terri McCormack, and Michael Cho are among the organizers making sure fundraising will help reopen Balboa Theater. Watch for more news.

Rumor has it that Janet and Walkie Ray just purchased a new home on Bay Island, the famous walk-only island (no cars allowed). Seems to fit, doesnt it?

Abuelita Socorro Vasquez was seen lately in tow with five-month-old granddaughter Marisol. Seems like nothing will slow this well-known philanthropist from attending her heavy load of committee meetings. The adoration illuminated the room and became quite the pleasant distraction.

It took a trip to Vienna to woo Carol Hoffman McDermott and hubbie John to catch the international tour of OCs Pacific Symphony Orchestra performing directly across the street from their hotel. A pleasant surprise to the two of them and a welcomed evening of entertainment.