The Tradition of Holiday Fund-raisers

Starting with the Candy Cane Ball to benefit the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa and wrapping it up with the Child Guidance Centers Holiday Tree Fantasy, December fund-raisers in Orange County uphold years of tradition and truly ring in the holiday season.

The 58th annual Candy Cane Ball was held at the beautiful Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa in Newport Beach and is considered one of Newports longest standing Christmas fund-raising traditions. This year 170 guests enjoyed lively holiday entertainment and raised $60,000 for philanthropic programs serving children in the Newport-Mesa communities. The top live auction itema private home in Manzanillo, Mexico, for one week with full meal servicewent home with Grant Dunning. Event chair Andrea Fine said, I am just thrilled with the overall success of this event. She went on, It takes so much work and a dedicated committee to pull an event of this size together and the satisfaction comes with enjoying a beautiful evening and raising money for deserving children in our community. Thanked for their hard work were Junior Auxiliary co-chairs Marilyn Bendetti and Vivian Browne, Bev Eppey, current president of Assistance League Newport-Mesa, and Karen Treaccar, the incoming president.

On to the ever-so-popular Christmas at the Ritz luncheon, hosted by The Fashionables, which attracts the most supportive philanthropists of Chapman University. Chaired this year by founder Charlene Prager (and in memory of the late Hans Prager), over 340 guests celebrated the 20th anniversary in fashionable holiday style. Past chairmen were honored for their continuous support, who to date, have contributed over $1.5 million to Chapman University. Darling Leslie Cancellieri and hubby Dino served as honorary chairmen along with Dorothy and Don Kennedy, and added the sparkle to the drawing of the lavish raffle prizes. The afternoon touched on all extravagances in a grand style of superior fund-raising. It began with a warm and welcoming reception in the Ritz Garden with cheerful supporters like Chapmans President Jim Doti and charming wife Lynn Pierson, Ron Soderling (also past chair of Chapmans American Celebration with wife Gayle), Terri McCormack (donor of Aloha Airlines package), Michaele Hall (Neimans PR whiz), Ollie Hill, Judy and Terry Jones, and Lo-ren Blackwood with Richard Moriarty, and his pop Gene. Adding to the perfect holiday mood, were strolling models adorned in gorgeous Frette lingerie and lavish jewels from Black, Starr and Frost. Lastly, Santa helped Drago Gligic out with his shopping list for sweetheart Zee Allred, as he was the lucky winner of the 20th anniversary grand prize of a Kurt Wayne 18-kt. yellow gold pearl and diamond ring donated by Black, Starr and Frost.

Cartier Unveils New Boutique Design

Cartier North America, the international luxury goods company, had quite a bit to celebrate at this years Christmas party as they showed off their new digs. A beautiful renovated Costa Mesa store has significantly increased from 1851 square feet to 2,781 square feet and combines traditional and modern elements to create an alluring and inviting retail space. I am delighted to announce that the extensive renovations of the Costa Mesa boutique are completed. The new design boasts a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere with an open environment that beautifully showcases Cartier jewelry, watches, accessories, and fragrance collections. I look forward to welcoming clients to the new boutique and continuing our strong presence within the Costa Mesa community, says Caroline Jones, boutique director, Cartier, Costa Mesa. The design accolades go to the renowned Paris-based architects Bruno Moinard and Barteluce Architects & Associates. Stop by and experience the new luxurious and contemporary feel and the broader variety of pieces from the various Cartier collections. Youll notice the new watch environment with a wider selection of classic Cartier timepieces with a dedicated watchmaker and watch specialist, a larger range of their bridal collection with a dedicated bridal specialist, new high jewelry, display cases to feature even more high jewelry, and larger accessories environment.

Law School Approved By UC Regents

Congratulations to University of California, Irvine, which just announced the approval from the Regents of the University of California to establish a School of Law. Irvine will be the first campus to open a public law school in California in more than 40 years. We are extremely pleased that the University of California selected Irvine to develop the states next premier public law school, said Chancellor Michael V. Drake. Orange Countys dynamic economy and diverse population, combined with UCIs reputation for building outstanding programs and the incredible level of local support, give us great confidence in the future excellence of our School of Law. The school is expected to serve 600 students within five years of opening its doors and will eventually include 30 full-time faculty members. By establishing what will be only the second public law school in Southern California, UCI will help increase accessibility for students from underrepresented groups in a region that has one of the fastest growing and most diverse populations in the country. Interest in and support for a UCI School of Law dates back more than 40 years, when it was initially discussed as part of the campuss long-range vision.

Dont Miss A Visit to the Ocean Institute

If you havent already, make a point in 2007 to visit the Ocean Institute in Dana Point to enjoy ocean-themed exhibits, view hundreds of living ocean animals, and witness shark and jellyfish feedings. To expand your adventure, sign up for one of the Ocean Institutes sea-going vessels, the state-of-the-art R/V Sea Explorer, or the historic tall ship Spirit of Dana Point. Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standards for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers, and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute welcomes visitors on weekends only and also offers many exciting programs for children. To become a member or for more information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

Sounds of the Sea Rings Record Proceeds

Providence Speech and Hearing Centers 41st annual benefit event hosted a record 340 guests which helped raise more than $230,000the popular events highest net everto support the Centers mission to provide diagnostic and treatment services to more than 11,000 children and adults annually who have communicative disorders. Co-chaired by Robbie Nicoli and Joan May, the gala evenings Sounds of the Sea theme inspired guests to don a colorful array of costumes ranging from rakish pirates and wen-ches to elegant nautical, cruise, and South Seas styles.

Acting Providence CEO Bruce McClymonds welcomed the guests and recognized Providence founder Margaret Anne Inman and longtime board of trustees member Carl Karcher. Karcher, with his late wife Margaret, is the honorary co-chairman of Providences capital campaign to expand and remodel the Centers facilities in Orange. To date, a total of $l.6 million has been raised towards the $2.5 million goal for the expansion.

Welcome New Fire Chief

A big welcome to Steve Lewis who will ring in 2007 as the new Fire Chief for Newport Beach! Joining us from the City of Long Beach, he brings 25 years of impressive professional fire department experience to our coastal haven. He will replace retiring Fire Chief Tim Riley who will be a tough act to follow. He is excited to be a part of this world-class community and we are thrilled to have him!