Cancer Society Benefit a Ball at Newport Mall

In the Mall

About 800 youngish, upwardly mobile types brought their business suits and sharp haircuts to Fashion Island’s Atrium Court on Thursday night to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Orange County unit. The event, which netted an estimated $14,000, was hosted by a newly formed group called “Young Professionals Against Cancer.”

Just 39 More Days

. . . until Christmas! Let the retail frenzy begin.

Party-goers swarmed the newly revamped Farmers Market and the two levels of stores above it--stores, let us note, that were open for business during the benefit .

The Newport Beach shopping center underwrote all expenses for the party--including the lavish food, the free-flowing champagne and other drinks, and the live music provided by New Orleans’ Dr. John and his band. So why not hawk the goods?

During cocktail hour, models wearing clothes from Atrium Court stores circulated, paraded and posed on platforms set at various pit stops around the circular mall. Appetizers and tasty entrees were served at the six bistros on the first level (pickings included sushi, dim sum, pastas, Mexican fare, chocolates and pastries).

“Fashion Island has been really great about underwriting everything,” said Betsy Wilson, a fund-raiser for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

“We like to do things for the community,” said Susie Plummer, assistant marketing manager for Fashion Island.

Sights and Sounds

While the guests dressed predictably--a few even dramatically--well, the real style maven of the evening was Dr. John himself. The New Orleans piano man (whose real name is Mac Rebennack) was a visual symphony in his floral print vest and shiny striped jacket with natty pocket square. Among his accessories: a black beret studded with pins, a feather earring dangling to his shoulder, a lapel pin with pendants, a necklace dangling a dozen more pendants, and a cane with peace signs and key rings and feathers rattling from the handle.

John worked his usual bluesy magic at the keyboard, complemented by his seven-man band. He greeted the crowd appropriately enough with a song called “Love for Sale.”

Faces

Steve Kwong, president of the fund-raising group, said he and his board members decided to keep the ticket price at a bargain $25-per-person to increase attendance. “We want a lot of people to get involved, not just a few heavy-hitters who can pop for $100 a plate.”

Dr. John’s mom, Dorothy Rebennack, came from Orange, where she lives with her daughter and son-in-law. Also on the scene: Frank Campbell; Brett Diamond; Angie Merkel-Hart, Suzanne Kennedy; Leanne McCausland and Dave Walker. Renee Rossi was chairwoman of the event.

Quote

I just think he plays the piano so beautiful,” said Dorothy Rebennack, as her son got ready for the first of his two hourlong sets. “I never thought he could sing much, but they always include the voice (on his albums) anyway.”