THE CROWD:

It was Oscar night spectacular in Orange County Sunday as the Pacific Symphony League welcomed some 200 guests in black tie to The Balboa Bay Club & Resort for a night of dining, dancing and Oscar excitement.

The Orange County event was one of 52 official parties held across the nation sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Napkin rings were fashioned in the form of film strips, mannequins were sprayed gold and placed around the ballroom, and centerpieces were ice sculptures fashioned after movie memorabilia.

Lynn Hackman, Pacific Symphony League president commented, “It was a glamorous night for the Oscars and for the Orange County supporters of the Symphony League.”

The party was underwritten in part by Catherine and James Emmi of Newport Beach with support from numerous additional donors including chair Dorcas Preston, Ina Roth, Renee Adler, Sue Baker, Roya Call, Peggy George, Mary Lonich, Kate Peters, Barbara Trainor, and the lovely Joan Williams to name only a few.

Earlier this month the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Orange County threw a very unique dinner to raise funds in support of research into diseases of the eye.

They called it “Dining in the Dark” an evening chaired by Jim Mazzo, chairman and CEO of Advanced Medical Optics.

Mazzo joined with Michael Drake, UCI chancellor, inviting the crowd for dinner at the Fairmont Hotel, Newport Beach. Drake, who is also a recognized ophthalmologist himself, welcomed the assemblage to a dining experience that was held in total darkness. Even the exit signs in the dining room were turned off.

The experience was designed to acquaint the sighted with what it is like to be blind.

Excuse the choice of words: Dining in the dark is a real eye opener.

First, the sighted crowd gives abundant thanks for the blessing of vision.

Second, without the benefit of developed senses other than vision, it is extremely difficult and frustrating to maneuver eating without sight.

Naturally there was plenty of laughter as guests accidentally placed their hands on their neighbor’s plates, or knocked the food off their plates into the lap of another.

This was only the beginning. Interestingly, dining in the dark has become something of an event phenomenon worldwide, with pitch-black restaurants opening in Los Angeles, New York and other cities.

The purpose and the cause are valiant, but I would question the long-term success of these restaurant experiences. To find out more about supporting research into the diseases of the eye please go to www.blindness.org or call David Harrison at Foundation Fighting Blindness, (410) 568-0124.

The 37th Annual Newport Beach Police Appreciation breakfast is set for March 20. The Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, will host the community effort organized by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The event will honor dedicated men and women of the Newport Beach police department bestowing recognition of merit on honored personnel.

The cost of the breakfast is $35 per person with an interesting twist, donate another $35 and sponsor a police officer for breakfast. For tickets and information please call (949) 729-4400.

The Orange County AIDS Walk kicked off last week with their second annual community event at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa.

The gathering welcomed faith-based leaders from congregations throughout Orange County inspired to assemble a walk team from their respective houses of worship to help raise funds from the upcoming AIDS walk in support of those suffering from HIV/AIDS in Orange County.

Ty Rose of the AIDS Services Foundation commented, “Last year the faith-based teams raised more than $120,000 to fight AIDS.” Founded in 1985, AIDS Services Orange County is a significant provider of services to people living with HIV in this community. Presently ASF assists 1,600 clients in Orange County. For more information contact Doug Vogel at (949) 809-8763.

Mary’s Shelter will present “Emerald Enchantment” March 8 at the Radisson Hotel, Newport Beach.

The Irish themed evening will welcome the crowd in support of a cause that assists pregnant teens and their babies in need.

Paul Peek, who has led the board of Mary’s Shelter through its 13-year history, will be honored at this year’s fundraiser gala.

In addition to silent and live auctions, the party will include dinner and dancing. Mary’s Shelter provides girls ages 12 through 18 who are homeless and pregnant a safe and healthy living environment in order to provide a proper start for their babies.

The shelter also offers career counseling and courses in living skills designed to help the young mothers succeed as single parents in addition to providing support for adoption. To find out more about Mary’s Shelter and to join the fun at the upcoming event, please call (714) 730-0930.

One of the county’s leading children’s charities is preparing for their 22nd annual fashion show and luncheon.

Childhelp USA will produce “For The Love of a Child” chaired by Nancy Whitlock and Katherine Meredith rallying the Newport-Mesa community in support of their child residential treatment facility in Beaumont. The luncheon will honor Debbie Magunsen, who will receive the “Children’s Friend Award” for her service to Childhelp. Tickets to the luncheon are $135 per person. Please contact Pam Pharris at (949) 706-6678 to reserve your spot.

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