THE CROWD:

A summer night in Shady Canyon was the setting for an exquisite al fresco dinner event on behalf of the Great Park Conservancy.

Janet Ray, along with her husband, Walkie, invited underwriters in support of the “Jewel of Orange County” to dine and socialize with Ken Smith, the landscape architect in charge of the Great Park Design Studio.

The party was sponsored by the McMonigle Group, and the hosts John and Robin were front and center to welcome some one hundred guests who came to sip Chardonnay while overlooking the coastal hills at dusk.

The setting was a spectacular new Mediterranean residence created by designer/builder Rob Glass and Glass Construction Company. An elegant backdrop for the crowd to meander the über-tasteful residential creation marveling at the attention to detail and the creative inspiration that went into the project.

The McMonigles were joined by sponsors including Maybach Automobiles, Jean Marc XO Vodka, the Glenrothes and Riviera Magazine in underwriting the party.

Following the welcome reception, during which guests enjoyed tray-passed hors d’oeuvres from the outstanding caterer Saltwater Events, fronted by Newport’s blond beauty Nancy Robertson, the crowd moved outside to the terrace and lawn for a seated dinner.

Candles were lit, wine flowed, and a host of speakers, including the talented Ken Smith and Irvine Mayor Beth Krom, addressed the assemblage about the importance of the Great Park and its impact on not only Orange County but all of Southern California. In the crowd were Hal and Joni Brice, Michael and Teddie Ray, Peggy Goldwater Clay, Mechelle Lawrence and Joe Adams, and many others.

Also front and center was the distinguished Paul Ruffino, director of sales for the Irvine Co. at the new Villas at Pelican Hill. Ruffino shared with the crowd the latest developments on the upcoming opening of the luxurious villas, all featuring ocean views adjacent to the 36-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course, lavish pools and cabanas with views of the ocean and every amenity known to man.

The Great Park Conservancy will gather July 11 for its annual fundraising gala and concert in hangar 244 with dinner served under the stars. Organizers have booked the classic rock group the Guess Who to perform. The event is open to the public. Go to www.jeweloc.com or call (949) 653-1775 for tickets and reservations at $250 per person.

In an age that has become increasingly impersonal, a recent event in Costa Mesa brought together a large contingent of citizens with a very personal message. “A Gathering of Friends” unfolded at the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel on behalf of Alzheimer’s Family Services Orange County. The crowd came to honor two distinguished women, Donna Klein and Nella Webster O’Grady. Organizers themed the event around the charitable pursuits of Klein, who has enjoyed a lifelong commitment of working with animals, naming the party “Sunset on the Serengeti.”

Donna Klein is also known for her work assisting the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, the Kiwanis Club and the preservation of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Donna lived in Washington, D.C., where she was an active volunteer at the National Zoo, which named a newborn giraffe in her honor.

Her community work on both coasts has helped many people who do not personally know Donna Klein. Today, Donna benefits from the Alzheimer’s Family Services Center.

Many of the friends who worked with her through a lifetime of charitable endeavors surrounded her at the gathering of friends as she was lauded as the Alzheimer’s very special guest.

Chaired by Joan Lund, a longtime friend of Klein, the hardworking event committee also included Eve Thompson, Linda Gallagher, Linda Mayer Howit, Nouha Hreish, and Pat McDaniel. Also supporting the event were Sue McGraw, Mary Lou Shattuck, Joanne Spagle, and Jack and Jan Stephenson.

Sharing honors on this special night was Nella Webster O’Grady, representing First American Trust. O’Grady received the “Distinguished Friend Award” presented by Cordula Dick-Muehlke, executive director of Alzheimer’s Family Services.

Dick-Muehlke said, “There are leaders and then there are leaders like Nella, who is in a class all her own. She has continuously sought out ways to better this community and particularly ways to help families coping with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Alzheimer’s Family Services Center is the only state-designated Alzheimer’s day care center in Orange County.

Services include nursing and personal care, rehabilitative and maintenance exercises, counseling, and nutritional guidance among an array of many additional avenues of assistance for both the patient and the family.

For more information please call (714) 593-9630 or visit www.AFScenter.org.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.