THE CROWD:

On Easter weekend, what could be more appropriate than reporting on the National Charity League Juniors 23rd annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon and Fashion Show?

Chaired by Amy Brach, Heather Klein, and Kelly Wilson, the fabulous affair was called “What A Wonderful World.” The recent Saturday afternoon gathering at the Island Hotel, Newport Beach was fronted by National Charity League Juniors President Darcie Schott.

The event was produced in association with Saks Fifth Avenue at South Coast Plaza and also Saks Fifth Avenue at Mission Viejo.

Saks executive Gretchen Pace, vice president of the South Coast Plaza store, which recently completed a massive remodel and redecoration, was on hand to welcome the sixth-grade National Charity League Juniors daughters and their mothers.

The sold-out event attracted more than 520 guests and featured auction items including vacation packages and the much-sought-after Newport Beach firehouse dinner for six.

An Italian greyhound puppy also stole the hearts of the young crowd.

The National Charity League Juniors are dedicated to supporting three significant local charities.

High Hopes Head Injury Program, represented by Mark Desmond; Harry and Grace Steele Children’s Center, represented by Sue Bierlich; and Pediatric Cancer Research Center, represented by Kim Weiner were all in attendance.

In the crowd were Kerry Barth and her daughter Erin, Susan Beall and her daughter Meredith, Lorraine Gyulay and her daughter Mallory, Kathy Hancock and her daughter Anna, Lori Junkins and her twin daughters Katie and Kristina, and Lesly Knight and her daughter Elizabeth.

Also looking spring delightful were Carolyn Mangano and her daughter Gabriella, Suzy Metcalf and her daughter Jessica, Catherine Pittman and her daughter Amanda, Darcie Schott and her daughter Josephine, and Sue Willett and her daughter Alice Kate.

One month earlier The Charity League Juniors gathered for a breakfast conference at the Center Club in Costa Mesa for an event headlined by two keynote speakers Dr. Beth Hamilton and Dr. Stephanie McClellan.

The breakfast program, which was sponsored by attorneys Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, was a health forum titled, “So Stressed — The Modern Dilemma and its Impact on Women’s Health.”

Both speakers tackled the topic on how women need to live properly to manage stress in their lives. Chaired by Susan Beall, the sold-out breakfast attracted some 150 NCL patrons including Leslie Montgomery, Marcia Cashion, Karen Cook, Teri Pitchess, Wendy Enkema, Kimberly Prado, Kay Davis, Karen Littlefair, Linda Colton, and Maureen Madigan.

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