THE CROWD:

Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming graced the stage at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort this week on behalf of the second annual Women’s Cancer Research Foundation brunch.

The Tuesday symposium included physicians, research professionals, cancer survivors and friends dedicated to improving the cure rates for women with gynecologic cancer. Fleming is a breast cancer survivor who has called her battle with the disease, “Another Olympics... a life Olympics.”

Two local women were honored at the event. Kay Warren accepted the Dignitary Award and Becky Jefferies was presented the Distinguished Supporter Award. Both are cancer survivors. Tributes to the Women’s Cancer Foundation came in from dignitaries, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein.

Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France champion and survivor of testicular cancer, sent a message to the local women’s brunch, simply stating, “Live strong.”

The event was created by an advisory committee of cancer survivors, which included Julie Bright, Pam Dukes, Andrea Esty, Barbara Grey, Marie Hillman, Carolyn Jardine, Joyce Kassouf, Joyce Kozlik, Minta Little, Shalan Nowak, Liz Sanborn and honoree Becky Jefferies.

For more information on the Women’s Cancer Research Foundation, go to www.womenscancerfoundation.com .

One of the most popular dining bistros in Orange County — attracting a large and loyal Newport-Mesa following for some two decades — celebrated its 20th anniversary last weekend, inviting some 400 local guests and benefiting two charities.

Zov’s Bistro, the domain of celebrity chef Zov Karamardian, was the talk of the town Sunday, as the restaurant staff put on a bash they called “An Enchanted Evening of 1,001 Mediterranean Spices and Flavors.”

The event brought in donations of more than $50,000, which will be divided between two of Zov’s favorite charities, Serving People In Need and the Susan Samueli Center for Integrated Medicine at UC Irvine. Skyy vodka martinis flowed from a martini luge while lavish food stations offered Zov’s Mediterranean dishes.

“This was our opportunity to say thank you to everyone who contributed to our amazing 20 years in Orange County,” Karamardian said, adding, “We are honored to celebrate our success and to give back to the community we love.”

Newport resident and celebrity chef Jamie Gwen served as mistress of ceremonies for the anniversary party. Gwen moderates a food and wine show Saturday mornings on KABC-AM (970). She helped Zov welcome the VIP crowd that came to pay tribute to the innovative cooking of one of Orange County’s most beloved chefs.

In addition to the long-standing Tustin bistro, Zov recently opened in the Newport Coast and is planning a third bistro to open in Irvine later this year.

The 2007 Pacific Symphony gala “Concert Royale” will unfold May 19. Organizers have created the party around a “James Bond” theme and have added a twist.

The location of the event remains a mystery until one RSVPs. Not only is the location a mystery, but the program is also labeled “top secret.”

One thing is certain: The martinis will be shaken, not stirred. Organizers will reveal that the party is a casino theme with gaming, dinner, dancing and entertainment. The gala committee honorary chair is the renowned Dr. Phelonius Know.

The real live chairs are Kate Peters and Doug Simao. Local Newport-Mesa support for the symphony and the gala will come from Susan and Sam Anderson, Jeff Bennett, Ellie and Mike Gordon, Wendy and Fred Salter and Gail and John Ueberroth, to name only a few.

A few tickets are still available. Contact Madeline Zuckerman at (949) 644-4777 to make a reservation. Perhaps Madeline will reveal the location of the party when you call.

Attention all fashionistas. Macy’s at South Coast Plaza will present On Impulse on May 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The dazzling in-store runway show will feature the hottest spring trends from designers, including Marc Jacobs, Shelli Segal, Theory, Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk and a host of others. Organizers are requesting a $10 donation at the door, which will benefit the Festival of Children Foundation and the Newport Beach Film Festival. To RSVP, call (714) 556-0611, ext. 4231.