Hoag Hospital in the spotlight

B.W. COOK

They called it a dream gala, and at the end of the evening, more than

$1 million was raised to help make the dream a reality.

Eliminating juvenile diabetes was on the minds of a black-tie

crowd of Newport-Mesa residents who joined forces over dinner at the

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa for a gala on behalf of the

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Orange County.

It was a record-breaking year for the event -- in its fifth year

-- and for the foundation. The evening’s special honoree was Hoag

Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Stephens.

George Hoag Foundation trustees were on hand to present the Juvenile

Diabetes Research Foundation with a $100,000 check, honoring Stephens

and his longtime commitment to healthcare charities in California,

including advocacy of children’s health challenges.

The proceeds will help support research being conducted by UC

Irvine scientist Maike Sander, an assistant professor in the

university’s department of development and cell biology. Sander is

involved in the study of beta cell regeneration, a crucial factor in

the process of insulin production. The research is essential to

finding a cure for diabetes.

For more information about the Juvenile Diabetes Research

Foundation of Orange County, call (949) 553-0363.

One of the most inspirational and important events on the Orange

County calendar is coming April 11. The 18th annual Circle 1,000

Founder’s Brunch is set to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in

Newport Beach.

This year, actress Meredith Baxter will be the keynote speaker,

focusing on the topic of breast cancer.

Circle 1,000 was founded in 1988 by Newport activist Sandy Sewell.

With dedicated and loyal community support, millions have been raised

for the Patty and George Hoag Cancer Center. More importantly,

multiple lives have been saved.

The annual brunch is a pilgrimage of hope, allowing hundreds of

Newport cancer survivors and their families to display their

solidarity against cancer.

It is a life-affirming day, a display of the best of human spirit

to overcome all odds. It is also a day to hear some of the most

enlightened speakers share thoughts.

Baxter will join a list of past speakers and honored guests that

includes Nancy Reagan, Harry Belafonte, Geraldine Ferraro, Peter

Ueberroth, Scott Hamilton and many more.

This year, Vicki Booth will chair the event, which is expected to

sell out and raise upwards of $600,000 for the cause.

To participate, donate or find out more, call Shiara Davila at

Hoag Hospital at (949) 764-5939.

This is surely the week to take note of Hoag Hospital. The Toshiba

Senior Classic golf tournament has rolled into Newport with passion,

purpose and plenty of play.

The weeklong event began Monday with the pro-am and qualifying

rounds and was followed by a big time champions breakfast at the

Balboa Bay Club & Resort. Keynote speakers Gary McCord and David

Feherty had the sold-out ballroom crowd in stitches with their golf

tales.

The $100 breakfast ticket was just the start of a week of

fundraising that’s expected to top $1.5 million this year for Hoag

Hospital.

The first round of the pro-am tournament began yesterday at

Newport Beach Country Club with play continuing through today. The

Senior Classic rounds begin on Friday and conclude Sunday. Tee times

begin at 8 a.m. and tickets are available.

Go to www.ToshibaSeniorClassic.com for all tournament information.

Attention fashion lovers and victims. One of the spring’s biggest

charity fashion events unfolds March 21 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The Sophisticates for Assessment Treatment Services Center will

pull out all the stops as they present their annual event, which is

always the talk of the town. Chaired by Tora Brown and Donna Card,

the designer’s fashion luncheon will feature clothes from Nordstrom

South Coast Plaza.

Billed as “Benvenuto Primavera,” or “Welcome Spring,” the event

will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a reception and silent auction,

followed by the fashion show at noon and a Tuscan-themed luncheon.

Tickets are $125 per person, and last-minute reservations are

welcome. Please call Christy Netro at (714) 730-6529 to support the

Center and secure your table at the show!

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.