The Crowd: Money raised for the work of Holy Family Services
Supporting the Adoption Guild, a financial lifeline for Holy Family Services in Orange County, is nothing short of a call to service for the women dedicated to saving the unborn in this community.
When birth mothers have decided for many very personal reasons that they are unable to keep and raise their own, in steps Holy Family Services. Since 1947 the local organization, with its strong religious roots, has facilitated 6,000 adoptions. The ripple effect of such action extends beyond the 6,000 lives saved, reaching countless extended family members (birth related and adoptive) as well as subsequent generations created by the adopted children.
Last week in Newport Beach, the 56th annual Spring Adoption Guild Patroness Luncheon unfolded at the chic Newport Beach Country Club. More than 260 women turned out for the luncheon/fashion event featuring seasonal prêt-à-porter from Elie Tahari of Fashion Island, C Dobbs of Corona del Mar and Bailey 44 of Newport Beach.
A lively fashion runway show produced by Couture Productions entertained the women, who had serious purpose in coming together. As the country club staff served its signature salmon citrus salad, the talk was about raising as much money as possible to support the work of Holy Family Services’ adoption and foster care outreach. The Adoption Guild is an auxiliary of Holy Family Services.
Wallets were opened wide, and handmade baskets filled with treasures turned into silent auction items — ultimately raising more than $100,000 at the luncheon. That’s clearly success. And it’s all about passion and dedication.
Making it happen were a host of stand-up women led by co-chairs Jeannie Hidey and Christine Johnson and Adoption Guild co-presidents Pamela Selber and Pamela Fossler. Donors included Jackie Glass, Britt Meyer, Susan Price, Joy Emerson, Susan Devens, Lix Maxson, Cricket White, Nancy Collins, Merily Wilson and Sue Grant.
Entertainer and master of ceremonies Jim Roberts kept the auction/raffle pace lively. Items included a $2,500 gift certificate at Fashion Island and coveted theater tickets to “Hamilton,” which is coming Los Angeles later this year and then Orange County next year.
The pretty spring attire of the ladies, including Stephanie Peleuses, Shan Vincent, Katherine Meredith, Mary Allen Dexter, Liz Hogan, Chris Garber, Patrice Werschmidt and Tina Retosi, complemented the verdant display of pale yellow tulips adorning the tables at the club. As the wait staff delivered a decadent chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream, serious speeches inspired the crowd.
Adoption Guild leaders shared with the women the value of their generosity.
“Did you know that most adoption agencies provide counseling to the birth parent for just three months after giving birth?” offered co-President Pamela Selber. “I am proud to say that our birth parents are promised free counseling whenever they need to talk, now or 10 years from now. Our professional counselors are available to discuss grief or guilt or any aspect of their decision to give up their child to offer confirmation that the child they gave birth to will be loved. Donations make this possible.”
In addition, funding from the guild supports the services of registered pediatric nurse Connie O’Neill, also a certified doula. O’Neill is thoroughly involved with providing infant care education, support during pregnancy, labor and delivery and extensive follow up after infant placement.
Finally, the Adoption Guild funding supports the vast record keeping of Holy Family Services. Its files are a vital link to the past for adopted children seeking information as adults.
“HFS is the intermediary between the adoptive family, adoptee and the birth parents,” Selber said.
This important historical link along with providing very basic services such as supplying new adoptive families with diapers, formula and other necessities for infant care, are all part of the process funded by guild donations.
Celebrating the success of the day was Holy Family Services’ Julie Brown, joined by Julie Ahlert, Joan Forsum, Sherry Betterly, Sherry Hunter, Jaci Lindstrom, Cyndie Borcoman, Joyce Macardican, Jeannie Mullen, Sue Podany, Bettie Shepard and Maria Zucht.
From May 26 to 29, the Adoption Guild will sponsor its major annual event, the 51st annual Roy Emerson Tennis Tournament in Newport Beach. To learn more, go to HFS.org.
B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
