THE CROWD:

The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa in Fashion Island was the setting for the 24th annual Cystic Fibrosis Gala presented by the Orange County Cystic Fibrosis Guild. The event has become a community rallying point honoring the indefatigable people who have stepped up and raised the bar in an effort to find a cure for the disease that robs children and young adults of the breath of life.

Over the ast two and a half decades, local support in Orange County has raised nearly $6 million from the annual gala alone to help fund a cure. This year, the event honored Myron, Carol and Megan Kanofsky, recipients of the 2007 Cystic Fibrosis Breath of Life Award.

Chaired by the incredibly dedicated Sue Hook of Newport Beach, with support from her husband Dave Hook and a committee of Newport-Mesa advocates — including Karen Hall, Charlene Goetz, Debbie Hambright, Gayle Demsher, Dean Gerrie, Danni Good, Gail Isen, Paul Motenko and Maggie MacCubbin — the party was a rousing success.

Adding to the funds that will fight cystic fibrosis were donations from major sponsors, including American Airlines, BJ’s Restaurants, the Crean Foundation, Jerry and Cheri Hennessy, Pat Hitchcock O’Connell, Gordon and Marcia Kanofsky, Bob and Carolyn Waltos, Heidi Goetz, Ron and Dianne Higgins, Stuart and Simone Isen, Barry Myra Ross, and Mike and Mary Zollman.

Also in the crowd and helping to underwrite the party were Gary and Catherine Griffin, Ron and Pat Harris, Mickey and Gail Isen, Harold and Adele Motenko, Michael and Lory Sarlo, Jason and Noelle Kirby, Lou and Nancy Stremick, Paul Gale, Dan and Gayle Demsher and Rob and Char Goetz.

The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction at the Marriott, followed by dinner, dancing and a lively auction that included a first-class trip to New York City, island getaways to the Caribbean, a stay at a villa in Punta Mita, Mexico, valued at more than $28,000 for a seven-day stay, tickets to a Notre Dame game, and much more.

The auction helped the organizers to raise more than $200,000, of which 90 cents out of every dollar goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to help fund a cure.

Radio personality Shawn Parr, a host of Go Country 105 KKGO-FM (105.1), served as master of ceremonies for the black-tie event. Parr has donated his services to the cystic fibrosis cause for more than 17 years.

“Forty years ago, the life expectancy of a child afflicted with cystic fibrosis was only 5 years; today the life expectancy is 37 years and growing,” Sue Hook said.

The auction took on special meaning as it related to raising funds to save the lives of countless young people who are suffering.

Guest of honor Myron Kanofsky and his wife, Carol, and daughter, Megan, stood before the crowd and expressed thanks for the support of all in attendance for the help they received while battling cystic fibrosis, which took the life of their precious daughter, Sarah. Myron Kanofsky, a prominent local physician, said, “Please remember when you are bidding on the auction that these dollars are buying life.”

Dinner began with a first course of Bibb wedge salad with poached pears and Stilton cheese, followed by an entree of grilled filet mignon or miso-glazed sea bass. For dessert, a fresh raspberry white chocolate creme brulee got the crowd up and dancing to work off the calories. Young’s Market graciously provided the featured wines, all of which were California vintages.

Spotted in the crowd were Danni and her husband Dan Good, Jeff and Mary Campbell, Rabbi Heidi and Matt Cohen, Rob and Desiree Davis, Louie and Goldi Eisenberger, Tom and Marilyn Hicks, Ken and Debbie Johnson, Rebecca Lee and Richard French, Cam Hunter, Bob and Mary Lombardo, Brian and Joan McGuire, George and Joanne Namkung, Dick Newby and Karen Elliott, Jerry and Hollis O’Brien, and Peter Zak and Lauren Snyder with David and Amy Zak.