The Crowd:

Mariners Elementary School held its annual fundraising event to infuse its foundation with needed funding earmarked to support teaching assistants, expansion of the music program for kindergarten through sixth grades, accelerated math and reading support, advanced science projects as well as technology needs and facility improvements.

The Newport Beach community has rallied behind the needs of this public elementary school for years, and the parental support has helped make Mariners an example of what can be accomplished when neighbors get involved.

Chaired by Sharon Zabaln, Molly Kassouf and Jamie Delgado, the party attracted a sold-out crowd of more than 200 sponsors.

Party organizers chose a Hollywood theme, taking revelers back to the gilded age of the silver screen. A remarkable $100,000 was raised.

In the crowd were Jennifer and Tom Blanchfield, Eva and Jim Palmer, Meredith and Jason Cagle, Raylene and Doug Groves, Annette and Edward Gonzalez, Debbie and Alan Wiesner, and Maria and Jim Solomon. Also helping Mariners were Beth Blower, Kelly Fults, Maryls and Jeff Braun, Katie Lynch and Carrie Young.

Mesa Verde Country Club in Costa Mesa welcomed WISEPlace for a 10th annual Home for the Holidays celebration. WISEPlace assists women in crisis, helping them transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

The annual holiday gathering was a joyous celebration of success recognizing local women who have been able to re-enter society as a direct result of WISEPlace.

Proceeds will help fund a transitional shelter offering housing and support for homeless women in Orange County.

The evening was chaired by Tim and Michele Ryan, and sponsored and underwritten by the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center.

Patrons enjoyed dinner and dancing along with a jazz concert featuring pianist Yve Evans.

“In Orange County there are a reported 21,479 homeless individuals and more than half of them are women and children,” said WISEPlace Executive Director Kathleen Bowman. “With the help of funds from this event we will be able to help many women regain their independence, go to school or find a job and ultimately support themselves and their families.”

Orange County was buzzing recently as Court Appointed Special Advocates held its annual holiday luncheon at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Laguna Niguel.

The event was fronted by television personality Dr. Phil MaGraw and his wife, Robin, who are both dedicated supporters of the organization.

Robin MaGraw became involved first, and as a result Dr. Phil has discussed the work of CASA on numerous television shows in recent years.

At holiday time they make a special effort to raise awareness of the work of the organization and to help raise funds to support young people in need of advocacy in the foster care and legal system.

CASA of Orange County trains volunteers to serve as mentors for children in the foster care system who have been removed from their parents as the result of abuse, abandonment or neglect.

The who’s who crowd in attendance also enjoyed a spring fashion show by internationally known designer Michael Kors. For more information on CASA, go to www.CASAOC.org.

The Waltos Group of Northwestern Mutual led by Newport’s Bob Waltos has announced establishment of a college scholarship at the UC Irvine for future business leaders.

Two $2,500 scholarships will be offered each year to outstanding students majoring in the Paul Merage School of Business at UCI.

Scholarship applicants must be sophomore, junior or senior class members with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

The first judging will take place Dec. 15.

To learn more, visit www.WaltosGroup.com or contact Sara Forth at (714) 392-0146.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.