THE CROWD:

The 2008 Newport Harbor Children’s Home Society Debutante Ball raised $50,000 in support of the charitable endeavors of Children’s Home Society. It is one of California’s oldest and largest children’s welfare organizations, founded in 1891. The Newport Harbor chapter was inaugurated in 1947, and since its founding in Orange County, more than $1 million has been raised for local children’s welfare charities.

This social season 17 beautiful young women took their formal bows and joined society as some 300 family members and guests stood and applauded their formidable accomplishments. The debutants took their St. James bow under a magnificent arbor of red roses, willow and Magnolia leaves, taking the arm of their proud fathers and escorts carrying a coordinated bouquet of red roses.

The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel was the setting for the ball. Tables were adorned with large silver bowls and silver urns overflowing with more red roses and Magnolia leaves, with the floral design created by Square Root of Irvine. The large ballroom was filled with candlelight mixing with the shimmering glow of crystal chandeliers.

This season the ball was co-chaired by Kathy Stuart, Marion Palley and Anne Yahn. Donald Yahn served as master of ceremonies for the evening. For some, it was a multigenerational affair. Debutantes Kristin Kenney and Paige Lynch, the daughters of former Children’s Home Society debutantes Mrs. William Kenney and Mrs. Timothy Lynch took great pride in the familial connection. Also, debutantes Brook Nelson, Lauren Barto and Charlotte Farrell followed in the footsteps of their older sisters, making their debut with Children’s Home Society. The Wayne Foster Entertainment Group kept the party in full motion until the midnight hour.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.