The Crowd: Women of Chapman raise $300K at holiday event
The Women of Chapman’s 30th annual Christmas at the Ritz unfolded Dec. 10 at Newport’s Island Hotel, raising an impressive $300,000.
With the closing of Hans Prager‘s iconic Ritz several years ago, the Island Hotel’s hostess with the mostess, Barbara Eidson, also a longtime Women of Chapman devotee and currently the president of the fundraising arm of the local university, opened the hotel ballroom doors to accommodate some 500 Chapman guests. The tradition lives on — but in a decidedly different fashion.
The annual Christmas luncheon has been a magnet for O.C.’s most influential residents. They arrive year after year to greet old friends and renew their mutual enthusiasm for the university. They also raise major funds.
This season it was announced that the Women of Chapman are making multiple six and seven figure donations to Chapman’s new Musco Center for the Performing Arts, Dodge College’s Media Digital Arts Center and the now-under-construction Center for Science and Technology.
Chairing the massive holiday extravaganza, which has become known for its unique “Nutcracker” table décor, was the unstoppable Donna Bunce, who worked with a committee of dedicated gals including the other two unstoppable Donnas, Donna Bianchi and Donna Calvert. Also front and center for Chapman were Kathy Hamilton, Sue Hook, Anne Manassero, Charlene Prager, Kristen Rhynerson and Eve Kornyei Ruffatto, to name a few.
Major underwriters included the philanthropic Julia and George Argyros, Marybelle and S. Paul Musco, Deedee and Don Sodaro, Janet Curci, Joann Leatherby, Ruth Ann Moriarty and Kim Smith. Honored guests included Dori de Kruif, Charlene Prager and George Argyros Jr.
The festivities began with late Saturday morning cocktails, as the crowd arrived at the Island greeted by the traditional Chapman receiving line. This year the new president of the university, Daniele Struppa, joined retiring — and much respected — Jim Doti in shaking hands with every guest. Santa Claus was at his post at line’s end. Fellow Chapman VIPs included William Hail, Bob Bassett and David Janes.
Generous Jonathan Ratter underwrote a massive martini bar, putting the crowd in a proper holiday mood before entering the ballroom, which was draped in red satin and accented withan enormous Christmas wreath at center stage. Following a 30-year tradition, a version of the classic Ritz luncheon was served, beginning with the caviar-topped egg in a shell, followed by mushroom cappuccino soup and an entree of filet of beef.
As guests dined, models from Saks Fifth Avenue at South Coast Plaza paraded around the room, displaying fashions and jewelry to tempt holiday givers.
To cap off the celebration, the annual raffle drawing delivered prizes to fortunate ticket holders. Funds from the ticket sales aid the Women of Chapman’s pledges.
Stylish O.C. fashionistas in the crowd were Gail Soderling, Leslie Cancellieri, Laura Baratta, Cynthia De Baun, Marci Hollander, Laura Johnson, Kristin Martin, Mona Lee Nesseth, Christine Sullivan, Youngsong Martin, Sue Tucker and Adrienne Brandes.
Merry Christmas and happy Hanukah to all Daily Pilot readers.
