Having a ball for the Philharmonic

The ballroom of the Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach was

transformed into a Las Vegas showroom last week to welcome pianist

Roger Williams and his musical ensemble.

The event, chaired by Penny LaVoie of the Big Canyon/Spy Glass

Hill Philharmonic Committee, was all for the Philharmonic Society of

Orange County. More than 350 patrons raised $50,000 from the evening

with Williams. Funds will go to music education programs for Orange

County youth.

A glittering crowd, including Philharmonic Committee president

Jacque Heebner, auction chair Rosita Brown, underwriting chair Darby

Manclark, and event cochairs and publicity mavens Bobbitt Williams

and Jenny Gerard, made the event a smashing success.

Underwritten by the generosity of Newport’s much loved Donna and

John Crean -- always among the first to step forward to fund local

charity -- the event began with a lively cocktail reception. There

was also a preview of the night’s auction, which rewarded generous

bidders with a cruise to the Caribbean, as well as jewelry and

fashion from notable vendors, including Edwards-Lowell Furs and David

Webb Precious Jewels, both of Beverly Hills.

Newport’s glamorous Cathy Lowden was the lucky lady to take home

the Valentine’s heart pendant, which was designed for the evening by

Jeff Horwich of Diamonds, Etc.

As dinner was served, there was plenty of table hopping by patrons

Jerry and Sandra Beigel, Grant and Christie Bettingen, Sabra Bordas,

Nancy Burnett, Bruce Buskirk, Pat and Dick Carr, Pat and Otis

Cranford, Debbie Finster, Kim and Seymour Grubman, Barbara and Ben

Harris and JoAnn Kenton. Also in the crowd were Carol and Don Julien,

Mary Ann and Len Miller, Gloria and Ray Osbrink, and Harriet Weider.

Roger Williams’ performance brought cheers and ovations from the

appreciative crowd. The piano legend, who began his career in 1955

with a recording of “Autumn Leaves,” recently celebrated his 80th

birthday. He will be taking his show to Las Vegas for an extended

run.

Most importantly, the evening was a gathering of patrons,

including Roger Williams himself, who passionately believe in the

need for improved music education in the school system.

“Williams’ vision is shared by the Philharmonic Society to spread

the universal language of music by acquainting the youth of today

with the great composers and writers that have shared their talents

to create the world’s tapestry of music,” Bobbitt Williams said.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.