‘Alien’ Helps Fight Against Child Abuse

Six hundred party-goers turned up at Edwards Lido Cinema in Newport Beach on Thursday to see “Alien 3” land in Orange County.

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor presented the premiere of the sci-fi thriller through Edwards Lido Cinema and 20th-Century Fox as a benefit to help fight child abuse.

About $30,000 was raised from the food-tasting, auction and screening, with proceeds going to the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center.

Alien Alert

Guests crowded in the alley outside the recently renovated Art Deco-style theater and awaited the start of the movie, in which Sigourney Weaver once again does battle with a deadly E. T.-type.

“We just rented the first two ‘Alien’ movies on video, so we’re ready,” said Julie Fox, wife of Exchange Club president W. C. Fox. “That one scene in the first movie when the alien pops out of that guy’s stomach grossed me out.”

She liked the strong female character played by Weaver. “In the second movie she looked like Ramboette holding that big gun.”

The Lido, built in 1939, with its old-fashioned marquee and elaborate facade, proved the perfect setting for a premiere.

“I think the Lido just lends itself to theatrical events like this,” said Jim Edwards, president of Edwards Cinemas.

At $30 per person, the Exchange Club had no trouble selling out the show tickets.

“Everybody likes to be first to see a big movie,” said Bob Washer, who co-chaired the event with his son, Greg.

On Their Toes

The event was so crowded, guests had to squeeze by each other to sample the different specialties prepared by eight local restaurants.

Among the offerings were grilled swordfish kebabs from the Rusty Pelican, bowls of New England and Manhattan clam chowder from the Cannery, a seafood salad with tiny squid from Tutto Mare and gyros from Hassan’s. Perry’s Pizza, Gino’s on the Hill, Pavilions and Ho Sum Bistro also participated.

With no room for tables, the resourceful movie buffs balanced drinks and plates in their hands. One man solved the problem of where to put things by stuffing a large bread roll in his pocket.

Breaking the Cycle

The Child Abuse Prevention Center in Orange matches trained parental aides with families who are at high risk for abuse.

“The key word is prevention. We prevent child abuse from happening. We break the chain,” said Bill Culbertson, president of the center’s board.

“This event keeps our center running for a month,” Culbertson said.

Other guests were Lois Wood, executive director of the center; William and Bonnie Barrington; Dave and Sotera Brakesman; Sydney and Pat Deem; William and Carol Demeulle; Arnold and Kathy Frankenberger; Ralph and Bonnie Wilcox; John and Jackie Winger and William Wittman.