Style and ice attract attention at Center patron event

The very glamorous Cerise Feeley, dressed in a floor-length black

cocktail sheath adorned with a large white silk camellia

strategically placed to accent the decolletage, greeted more than 100

guests at Morton’s Steakhouse Monday night in Costa Mesa.

The crowd had come to celebrate the upcoming Candlelight Concert

at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, which is arguably the

grandest and most exclusive fund-raiser of the year on the Orange

Coast. Morton’s opened their doors to a private patron’s reception as

a thank you to generous local citizens who are raising more than $1

million for the Center through the Candlelight Concert.

Feeley was also adorned with diamonds by Van Cleef and Arpels,

celebrity jeweler and benefactor of the upcoming concert. She was

joined by her co-chair for the evening, Cynthia Nolet, a tall

striking blond also dripping with diamonds.

The feast began at the front door and continued into the

restaurant, the people filing in a fashion show of beauty and

glamour. Barbara Bowie looked svelte in black leather. Best-dressed

Ronnie Allumbauh was an absolute knockout, joining Sandy Segerstrom

Daniels, Maralou Harrington, Nora Johnson, Whitney Mandel, Gini

Robins, Joan Riach, Sandi Simon, Candlelight Concert chair Marsha

Anderson and co-chair Elizabeth Tierney on the glamour patrol.

The beautiful and warmhearted Patti Edwards, joining husband Jim,

sat down at one of the Morton’s tables to enjoy a bite of the spread

that was labeled as “grand hors d’ oeuvres.”

“This is an incredible dinner,” Patti Edwards said, looking

extremely chic with a sapphire and diamond ornament dangling from a

black lace rope around her neck that made the Titanic blue diamond

look insignificant. “Morton’s is so very generous to provide this

wonderful dinner for all of us. It is really quite fabulous.”

She was absolutely correct. The Morton’s reception was lavish from

the asparagus spears to their signature sliced sirloin, Caesar salad

and more, this was one underwriting event not to be missed.

Tom and Joyce Tucker were there. Kent and Carol Wilken, Jan Salta,

Alan and Pat Rypinsky , Betty Belden-Palmer, Gerrie Goodreau, Ellie

and Mike Gordon, and Elaine and Martin Weinberg all circulated at the

patron’s affair.

In addition to Van Cleef, the evening was generous underwritten by

Giorgio Armani, Fendi, The Golden Door, XOXO, and Three Dot. Kettle

One Vodka donated the martini bar serving a special Candlelight

Concert mixture.

The 2002 Candlelight Concert will star Kenny Loggins in early

December at the Center.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.