Advocating a better life for teens

B.W. COOK

The grand opening of the Ralph Lauren boutique at South Coast Plaza

in Orange County was celebrated by, and on behalf of, the dedicated

members of Court Appointed Special Advocates. The organization,

dedicated to funding advocacy for juveniles involved in the legal

system without support or guidance, has become a lifeline for Orange

County youth attempting to turn their lives around in hopes of having

a chance to become productive members of society. A trio of Newport

activists -- Linda Colton, Kimberly Prado and Ellen Small -- chaired

the chic, in-store reception.

In the crowd were Heather and Martin Klein, Lido’s Karen and

Andrew Littlefair, Chris Overstreet, Mindy and David Gross and Donna

and Greg Hood. Also enjoying the pre-holiday event were Pam and John

Duley, Hanna and Greg Skjonsby and Ann and Michael Moorehead.

Ralph Lauren graciously donated 15% of the evening’s proceeds to

CASA. Brooke Livingston and Laura Johnson, part of the Lauren brass

from New York and Beverly Hills respectively, joined with the

organization’s family to celebrate the important work.

The husbands of the chairwomen, Ed Prado, Cody Small and David

Colton, were all present and accounted for as they supported their

wives and an important and sometimes overshadowed cause in Orange

County.

Coming up on Thursday, the Friends of CASA holiday luncheon will

take place at Pelican Hill Golf Club on the Newport Coast. Lido’s

very generous Chris and Dennis Overstreet of the Wine Merchant and

Overstreet Bar will underwrite the champagne reception at the

upcoming holiday luncheon, which will also feature a fashion show by

Yves Saint Laurent.

It was the 15th anniversary for the Orange County Ronald McDonald

House. Some $48,000 was raised by 250 guests during a traditional

afternoon high tea held recently at the Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa.

The funds will assist out-of-the-area families with seriously ill

children receiving treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Orange

County. The Ronald McDonald House has hosted more than 7,000 families

since its opening in 1989.

Marcie Williams, a Corona resident and former guest of the House,

delivered a heartfelt address to the crowd at the tea chaired by

Newport’s Mary Jo Donofrio and Patti Widdicombe of Tustin.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.