THE CROWD:

It was off to Miami for the holidays. Miami, Costa Mesa that is.

The PALS (Providing Assistance, Love and Support) of Orangewood threw a winter bash with a summer theme, Cruisin’ South Beach, which attracted 200 local guests. They converged upon the Crevier Classic Car Showroom and Lounge, which was transformed into a Miami Beach nightclub.

Chaired by Keri Dugan and Julie Hefner, the party raised $40,000 earmarked for the Orangewood Children’s Home, which is operated by the county as a children’s shelter.

In addition, some funds will go to current and former foster youth for college scholarship support. Major support for the night in Miami came from David and Kelly Emmes, Jeff and Stephanie Gehl, Mitch and Lori Junkins, Mike and Julie Hefner,and Phil Escalette.

The Center Stage chapter of the Guilds of the Orange County Performing Artscenter hosted its annual Christmas dinner and boat parade party. They called it “’Twas The Lights Before Christmas,” as they gathered for a festive dinner at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar.

Carolers in Victorian attire sang while Center Stage gals, including Carlene Chew, Janet Craig, Susan DeSontis, Kathy Fleming, Carol Hunt, Margie Lord, Dana Richmond, Shari Willis and Rebecca Wright ensured a successful evening.

Boys Hope Girls Hope raised an impressive $129,000 at their recent holiday fundraiser. Billed as the 10th Evening of Hope, the party was created around an evening at OCPAC featuring a performance of the musical “Jersey Boys.”

Some 300 guests attended the celebration, sponsored by the Mark Chapin Johnson Family Foundation. The party began with a pre-show dinner gathering at the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel. Other prominent local support came from the Kirwan Family Foundation, Albert J. Crosson Family Foundation, Van Cleve Foundation, Teresa C. Morrison, J.W. Mitchell Company, Peter Lannon and many more.

Boys Hope Girls Hope assists children in need, providing homes, opportunities and education through college. To find out more call Brandy Hudson at (714) 537-3211 or go to [email protected].

Here’s a holiday love story to bring some cheer. Monica Bridle, daughter of Mark and Yana Bridle of Dover Shores, attended Mariner’s Elementary as a child. Her classmate was a young man named Deane Salter, son of James and Patricia Salter. They were friends in the second grade, then Deane moved to Hawaii. Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Monica is a student at UC Santa Barbara studying history and international relations. She was invited to a party by a friend, and there she caught the eye of a handsome young man who looked vaguely familiar.

It was Deane Salter from the second grade. Following two years of renewed friendship, their love blossomed and the couple will be married Jan. 5 at Turtle Bay on the northern tip of Oahu, Hawaii. Deane is a psychologist for the Oahu school district, and Monica is a marketing manager for X-Terra, a sports company also located in Hawaii.

A sad note to report this week is the passing of Betty Belden Palmer. Betty lost her battle with cancer last Sunday, and her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange. She was a shining star of service to others in this community. Betty worked tirelessly for many causes, her favorite perhaps being Special Olympics. She was kind, compassionate, and above all mindful of the values of human dignity. Her big heart will be sorely missed, but long remembered.

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