THE CROWD:Organizations raise charity funds throughout O.C.

The Newport Harbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Delta Delta has dedicated itself to raising funds for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Two summer events, the first being a 22nd biannual fundraiser at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort and the second a more casual dinner at Laguna’s Mozambique restaurant, raised much-needed funds to support children’s cancer research.

They called the evening “Laughter for Life,” and it attracted some 160 guests who enjoyed a multi-course dinner followed by a performance by comedians including Cash Levy and Sam Fedele. By the end of the evening nearly $17,000 was raised.

Then last week, another $1,000 was raised at the dinner, in addition to the generosity of Mozambique, which donated 25% of the group’s dinner cost back to PCRF.

Laura’s House will have it’s 13th annual gala “An Affair to Remember” at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel Sept. 29. Julia Argyros and Bette Aitken will be lauded at the black-tie affair for their lifetime contributions to the community chest. Western National Group will be the presenting sponsor of the evening, underwriting the theme, the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood. Laura Khori will chair the evening which expects to attract 600 patrons. The tickets are $250 per person. Please call (949) 361-3775 for reservations and information.

Taller San Jose’s “Light Up A Life” benefit is set for Sept. 22 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The job training center has become a nationally recognized organization assisting young people in finding their way out of poverty. Founded by Sister Eileen McNerney, Taller San Jose has guided some 4,000 young people primarily from Santa Ana, giving them job skills and helping them establish a self-reliant future. Mike Barth, a prominent local building contractor, will be honored with the “Best of Friends” award this year. For more information call Allison Olmstead at (949) 722-8488.

“Sip, Scoop and Savor,” a Haagan-Dazs ice cream tasting, will take place at the Wine Gallery in Corona del Mar Aug. 28, benefiting the Orange County Museum of Art.

A special pairing of the newly created “reserve series” ice cream will be combined with the finest dessert wines. This is sure to be a massive sell-out with a ticket cost of $20. Five dollars from each admission will be donated to the museum. Here are some of the flavors to tempt your participation: Hawaiian Leuha Honey and Sweet Cream, Pomegranate Chip, Brazilian Acai Berry Sorbet and Toasted Coconut Sesame Brittle.For more information please call the Wine Gallery at (949) 675-3410, or just show up from 6 to 8 p.m. Remember, you must be 21 or older.

A summer garden party at the residence of Annie Stevens of Dover Shores welcomed a host of lovely ladies who came to check out fabulous jewelry by Zasha. The luxury line is represented by the local firm of JudeFrances.

The party was chaired by Jennifer Van Bergh and Leonie Lumpkin,with proceeds earmarked for a brand new fundraiser benefiting Newport Harbor High School. The concept is to have a giant warehouse sale on the school campus featuring surf and skate vendors in the big gymnasium and luxury vendors in the small gym.

Van Bergh and Lumpkin working with participating stores and luxury lines will offer discounted prices to friends of Newport Harbor High School and will donate30% of total sales to the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation. The dates of the big sale are Oct. 19 and 20 with more details provided as we get closer.

Newport Beach residents Susan and Jon Wampler hosted a summer reception at their home on behalf of Dr. Vivian Dickerson, medical director of Hoag Hospital Women’s Health Programs & Care. The reception welcomed 50 local guests who had come to support Hoag’s Women’s Health Programs and to hear an address from Dickerson updating the community on progress at the Health Center. Turnip Rose catered the affair.