New age with a beat

B.W. COOK

The Ocean Institute recently celebrated with “Jazz in January,”

raising much-needed funds to support the institute’s children’s

educational programs.

Jazz star David Benoit charmed the crowd of more than 180 guests,

many of them from the Newport-Mesa community, at the scenic Ocean

Institute headquarters in Dana Point. By the end of the evening,

chaired by Tim McMahon representing his firm Grubb and Ellis, more

than $75,000 was netted for the charity. Funds raised came from the

$250 per person ticket price as well as winning bids from both a live

and silent auction.

Supporting the Ocean Institute were Rich Sherman, Sean Sweeney,

Ryan Hardin, Jeff Gehl, Dennis Gabrick, Dennis Eversole, and Sally

Coombe to name only a few. Local auction underwriters included Harbor

Island’s elegant Elizabeth Vincent, Mike and Lisa Metz, Raelyn Luckow

and Hyman Fink. For more information on the Ocean Institute, visit

https://www.ocean-institute.org.

CENTER EXPANSION

Elizabeth Segerstrom, wife of Orange County philanthropist Henry

Segerstrom, is set to chair the opening of the new Performing Arts

Center expansion in conjunction with the center’s 20th anniversary.

The major event, which will take place in September 2006, will

undoubtedly be the most ambitious social and cultural celebration in

Orange County history.

The wife of our own international ambassador of the arts, a most

accomplished woman in her own right, has accepted the challenge of

putting the new Performing Arts Center on the world-wide map.

“This is an opportunity for us to enhance our already respected

reputation,” Elizabeth Segerstrom said. “We have an opportunity for

the whole world to focus its attention on Orange County,”

The social and business community rallied around Elizabeth

Segerstrom, lending full support. Center Chairman Paul Folino joined

center President Jerry Mandel and Music Director of the Pacific

Symphony Carl St. Clair applauding her dedication. St. Clair, very

involved with the planning and development of the new concert hall in

which the Pacific Symphony will be the resident orchestra, said, “The

dawning of a new era in cultural life in Orange County has begun.”

To join Segerstrom in the effort to launch the new expansion of

the center, call Todd Bentjen at (714) 556-2122, ext. 4242, to get

involved.

CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN

Plans are underway for the upcoming March 6 gala on behalf of

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County.

The organization known as CASA will produce its 11th annual

Celebration of Children fundraiser to be held at the Sutton Place

Hotel in Newport Beach. Special honored guests this year will include

Bill Cvengros, set to receive CASA’s highest honor as “Children’s

Champion.”

Commissioner Gary Bischoff will be honored as the annual judicial

award winner for his efforts on behalf of abused children. Local

celebrity business leaders Bob and Marie Gray of St. John’s Knits

will also be heralded as corporate honorees. Carrie Craig will be

named “Advocate of the Year.”

Celebration of Children is CASA’s most important fundraising

event, and has raised more than $2 million for the organization since

its inception in 1994. Most generous local donors include Fred and

Linda Port, Chris and Pam Massey, Glenn and Susan Schaffer, Doug and

Kylie Hodge, and Rich and Frances Gadbois. Tickets to the upcoming

gala are priced at $250 per person. For more information and

reservations, call Greg Bradbard at (714) 619-5141.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.