THE CROWD:

I’m not sure why the ’70s are so popular once again, but Disco Fever is definitely spreading. Providence Speech and Hearing Center held its 43rd annual benefit, which they called “Disco Inferno — Flashback to the ’70s.”

Some 250 guests, the men in their John Travolta-inspired tight white polyester pants, and the women dressed trying to outdo “Disco Queen” Evelyn Champagne King, danced until the midnight hour at The Balboa Bay Club and Resort, Newport Beach.

The boogie-down party raised $190,000 in net proceeds for the nonprofit organization that focuses on speech and hearing for individuals in need.

Mirrored disco balls were everywhere with small versions even passed out to the patrons as commemorative party favors. The nostalgic sounds of The Bee Gees and other iconic musicians of the era filled the club’s ballroom with energy.

Providence chief executive Linda Smith joined guests including Jason DeAngelo, Guy Shields, Heather Watson, and Joel and Kathleen Stevans, helping to raise funds that serve some 20,000 adults and children each year in Orange County. Providence Speech and Hearing Center provides services in identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of speech, language and hearing disorders for persons of all ages.

For more information on the center please call (714) 699-4990 or go to www.pshc.org.

The Balboa Bay Club and Resort was also the setting for the 10th annual Spirit of Philanthropy Gala benefiting the Saddleback Memorial Foundation. The black-tie gala raised $45,000 and honored dedicated patrons including Evelyn Shopp, William Phillips, Ronald Naglie, Sandra Schulz, and the Boeing Corporation represented by Kevin Ludas. The theme of the party at the Balboa Bay Club was “A Ride On The Orient Express,” and was chaired by Bebe Shaddock.

She was joined by Debra Drake and Lisa O’Connor in producing the lively affair and honors presentation. In the crowd were committee members Yvete Ahlstrom, Nancy Emmett, Susie Fitch, Debbie Tellier, Patrice Moody, Sara Griffen to name a few.

Dining on the club’s cuisine created by executive chef Joseph Lageder the crowd danced the night away to the music of the Derek Bordeaux Group. To find out more about the Saddleback Memorial Foundation go to www.memorialcare.org/ saddleback.

Working Wardrobes annual Black Tie and Tennies Gala unfolded earlier this month at the Fairmont Hotel, Newport Beach.

The evening raised in excess of $160,000 for the wardrobe-buying/making and career-development programs helping men, women and teens move from joblessness to self-sufficiency.

Three hundred guests joined together for dinner, dancing and auction bidding including the sale of a Bichon-Papillon puppy, which went for $3,250. Honored guests included Lee Randell, representing Fed Ex and named as Outstanding Corporate Partner, and Karen Lawson honored as Outstanding Community Partner for her service to the Working Wardrobes’ program.

A highlight of the evening was an address by Carmen Rodriguez and Stephen Campa sharing their stories of overcoming drug abuse and homelessness eventually becoming self-sufficient citizens.

The Black Tie and Tennies party was chaired by Christy Marlin and Suzanne Ellingson. Both women belong to the Designing Women, a guild supporting Working Wardrobes. Sprint was the generous sponsor underwriting the evening.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.