ChildHelp puts on spring fashion show

“For the love of a child,” the motto of ChildHelp USA, came to life

recently as about 400 guests converged upon the Hyatt Regency

Huntington Beach for the group’s 19th annual spring fashion show and

luncheon. Chaired by Patty MacDonald and Debbie Trout, an impressive

$70,000 was raised.

The event attracted ChildHelp USA co-founders Sara O’Meara and

Yvonne Fedderson, who came in from their headquarters in Arizona to

thank Orange County for unwavering dedication. The Orange County

chapter is one of the strongest in the nation, in great part thanks

to the longtime service of Newport Beach resident Patti Edwards, who

joined her mother-in-law Bernice Edwards and fellow committee members

Cleo Bluth, Gisela Doniguian, Mary Fitz Gerald, Katharine Meredith

and pretty Diana Miner of Lido Isle. Also supporting ChildHelp USA

were Nancy Whitlock, Susan Whitlock, Mary Allyn Dexter, Carol

Packard, Nanette Grant, Dale San Filippo, Joanna Morris, Shan Womack,

Pam Butler and OC ChildHelp USA president Jana Shuler.

The lively event featured an outstanding fashion show produced by

South Coast Plaza under the talented supervision of Kathryn

Glassmyer. Threads for men and women included the designs of DKNY,

Brooks Brothers, Emporio Armani, Escada, MaxMara, Sergio Rossi, St.

John, Troffic and TSE.

Another highlight of the day was the appearance of Dave Peltzer,

an inspirational speaker and author. Peltzer received the “Heart of

Compassion Award” as he shared with the crowd his life story of

overcoming odds.

Also in the crowd supporting ChildHelp USA were some of Newport’s

most beautiful ladies of substance who lunch: Cerise Jadwin-Feeley,

Cynthia Nolet, Janis Agopian, Christine Bren, Brook Ball, Tracy

Blumenthal, Karen Butera, Lana Chandler, Mary Fitzgerald, Debra

Gunn-Downing and Eileen Saul. Spotted in the crowd were Toni

Tartamella, Carol Warsaw, Michelle Tabb and Ali Woodard.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.