THE CROWD:

Liz Merage welcomed the crowd to her handsome contemporary estate perched high atop the coastal hillside of the Orange Riviera.

They came for a luncheon with a panoramic Pacific coast view and a purpose. Girls Inc. was the rallying point for some 100 dynamic women committed to making a difference for young girls beginning their journey in life.

Their mission is also their motto: to inspire girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” The path to realization of this motto is empowerment based on guided childhood development that instills core values of self-confidence, productivity and responsibility for one’s self and one’s community.

Quite a tall order, to be certain. Merage greeted the arriving women, welcoming Showleh Tolbert, development director of Girls Inc. of Orange County. Marta Bhathal, Larane Rodnick, Marsha Anderson, Deborah Bridges, Peggy Goldwater Clay, Eve Kornyei and Pam Policano were front and center for the afternoon on the coast.

Also enjoying the fabulous alfresco luncheon served on the Merage limestone terrace, shaded by oversized cream-colored market umbrellas, were Harriet Sandhu, Nilli Stevens, Judy Slutzky, Neiman Marcus Vice President Ariela Shani and fashionista Michaele Hall along with best-dressed and beautiful Joan Riach.

Taking their theme from the words of Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” some 500 mothers and daughters of the National Charity League Juniors came together under the banner “Waves of Change.”

They celebrated recently at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort as a class of sixth-grade girls and their supportive moms graduated from the early childhood program that begins a life path of philanthropy.

Chaired by Ondria Kernan, Carolyn Mancano and Suzy Metcalf, and presided over by National Charity League Juniors President Jennifer Lefebvre, the afternoon at the Balboa Bay Club was filled with spring flowers and fashions to match.

The event featured a fashion show produced by Saks Fifth Avenue South Coast Plaza under the direction of General Manager Gretchen Pace. Sixth-grade graduating girls joined a line-up of professional models showing off the latest in spring ready-to-wear.

Katie Calder, Katie Flattum, Kampbell Gritsch, Lauren Hanour, Daphne Janes, Ellen Labbe, Megan Lefebvre, Marissa Remo, Madeline Roth and Elise Schroder were among the lovely young models.

The National Charity League Juniors support High Hopes Head Injury Program, the Harry and Grace Steele Children’s Center and the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

One of Newport’s most famous social leaders, Peggy Goldwater Clay, will welcome her brother, Barry Goldwater Jr., at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Newport Beach Public Library.

Goldwater completed a book co-written with John Dean on the life and times of the late Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona. The book is titled “Pure Goldwater,” a memoir of Goldwater’s life. Call the library office at (949) 717-3800, option 2, for more information on the event.

The Newport Harbor High School Home and Garden Tour is underway today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..

The Daily Pilot joins sponsors Fashion Island and Neiman Marcus, Stonefire Grill and the McMonigle Group presenting eight Newport-Mesa residences open for an intimate peek.

From Cliff Haven and Dover Shores to Bayshores, the full-day event also features a luncheon served at the Newport Theatre Arts Center on Cliff Drive catered by Stonefire Grill.

Following the tour, the 17th Street Promenade will host an afternoon wine reception until 5 p.m. The massive event this year is chaired by Nanette Grant.

Tickets are $60. For last-minute reservations, please call (949) 515-7444.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.