Over the Rainbow

B.W. COOK

The National Charity League’s Newport Beach chapter honored 30 young

ladies at its annual Rainbow Luncheon.

The event attracted a full house of support to the Hyatt Regency

Huntington Beach, as family and friends congratulated the group for

completing six years of philanthropic service to the community.

Appropriately, the luncheon was actually dubbed “The End of The

Rainbow,” signifying the culmination of more than 10,000 hours of

service to charities.

Chapter president Carolyn McKitterick presided over the recent

Sunday luncheon, which was chaired with style by Renee Penewell.

The ladies were assisted by a dedicated committee of mothers who

helped produce a summer fashion show featuring the senior girls.

The sentimental highlight of the gathering was the viewing of a

video tribute made by the graduates to their mothers.

The National Charity League supports local charities including the

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, Orangewood Children’s Home, Human Options

and High Hopes.

The glamorous gals of the Sound of Music Chapter of the Guilds of

the Orange County Performing Arts Center invited fashion designer Zac

Posen to a chic cocktail party hosted by Newport Coast residents

Kelly and John Hague.

The Thursday night gathering brought together local fashionistas

anxious to view a private showing of Posen’s fall collection.

Known for designing flowing dresses cut at the bias, utilizing

liquid silk fabric and fashioning waxed wool suits meant to hug the

feminine figure, Posen showcased his line, which was filled with

clothes made of snakeskin prints mixed with Old World touches,

including embroidery.

Proceeds from the $175 per person tickets will benefit the Center.

The worlds of fashion and society also mixed recently on behalf of

Toby’s House.

Giorgio Armani presented its 2005 spring and summer designer

collection at a fashion show fundraiser at the Ritz Carlton Hotel

Laguna Niguel.

Chaired by Ali Woodard, the Toby’s House fashion event attracted

some 300 guests and raised approximately $50,000, which will be used

for programs to assist pregnant women and their children who rely on

the services of Toby’s House.

In addition to the support of Armani, other South Coast Plaza

merchants -- including Donna Karan -- generously underwrote the

occasion with merchandise in the opportunity auction.

Kathleen Eaton, executive director of Toby’s House, greeted the

arriving crush and proudly announced that Mary Ann Campaigne had been

chosen as Volunteer of the Year.

For more information on the work of Toby’s House, please contact

Lana Chandler at (949) 721-0475.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.