Column: The Crowd: Angelitos de Oro luncheon raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters

One hundred women dressed to impress came together for lunch at Balboa Bay Resort to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire.

They call themselves Angelitos de Oro and the group remains one of the longest-running and loyal confederation of civic-minded local citizens dedicated to the same cause for nearly half a century.

Since its founding in 1961, more than $6 million has been raised for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Equally as important — perhaps more so — are the number of young people whose lives have been transformed.

One impressive recent statistic offered that all of the young people assisted through Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have been accepted to colleges and universities, as well as other advanced programs including military service.

On hand to welcome dedicated Angelitos attending the luncheon was organization president Sherry Bilbeisi.

“Last year, Angelitos raised and donated a record sum of $360,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Bilbeisi said, garnering applause. “This year we will likely surpass that record.”

Among the crowd were numerous long-time advocates, including past presidents of the organization.

Patricia Allen and Donna Divine, members of Angelitos for more than 40 years, were recognized for their unwavering dedication. Joining the legacy team were many 30-year volunteers, including Brenda Currie, Trish O’Donnell, GiGi Spragins, Catherine Thyen and Lois Tingler.

An elegant ladies’ luncheon was underwritten by donors, including Balboa Bay Club matriarch Carole Pickup and daughter-in-law Natalie Pickup.

The ladies were joined by fellow donors Teri Elliott, Shanaz Langson and Alicia Mape. The luncheon was planned with style by co-chairs Sherry Fix and Karen Taylor.

One of the significant programs supported by the Angelitos is called the “Bigs” and “Littles.”

This is a match between a high school student and a grammar school student overseen by a supportive adult.

The one-on-one relationship between the older and younger youth has produced significant results. Two local high school students were honored by Angelitos with their 2017 Angelitos Award for their volunteer servicers in the “Bigs” and “Littles” programs. Sergio Hernandez and Daisy Zambrano shared their personal experiences with the crowd, accepting the honors.

The most important item on the luncheon agenda was the announcement of the upcoming major Angelitos fundraiser known as the Shopping Card Event at South Coast Plaza.

Natalie Pickup and Georgina Jacobson will chair the effort this fall taking place Oct. 4-10, with the big preview day and luncheon being held on Oct. 3.

More than 100 stores and restaurants are slated to participate in the program offering 20% savings on merchandise and dining to guests who have purchased the $60 card entitling them to savings.

Proceeds from the cost of the card go to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The annual card event will enter its 17th year of major Angelitos support in partnership with South Coast Plaza, celebrating its 50th year anniversary.

Bilbeisi proudly presented a check for $25,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Melissa Beck as Angelitos Marilyn Wooten, Kathy Harrison, Kathie Buchanan, Mary Allen, Colleen Manchester, Patti Boortz, Maralou Harrington, Pallie Jones, Marrilee Harris, Anne Reese, Kathy Marconi and Nanette Mayo shared in the success.

Also front and center for the event were new members of Angelitos: Allison Eastman, Christy Gallagher, C.C. Knowles, Molly McCrey, Mary Beth Molnar, Lara Srinivasan, Caroline Ward and Cari Young.

Spectators enjoy the 10th annual Father’s Day Car Show at Balboa Bay Resort

Some folks called the show “Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance South.”

An exhibition of some 100 vehicular entries were lined up for show on Father’s Day on top of the garage at Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach.

The 10th annual event, organized by Balboa Bay Club, was open to the public featuring show cars provided by club members.

Balboa Bay Club director of events Aaron Trent turned the day-long event into a family carnival.

Food stations, live music, face-painting, balloon artists and more entertained the crowd.

Sponsorship for the show came from local businesses, including Fletcher Jones Motorcars, Ferrari Newport Beach, Crevier Classic Cars, Meguiars, Volvo OC and Wells Fargo The Private Bank, among others.

Following the event, Ferrari Newport Beach — led by Tim Rogers — welcomed sponsors, entrants and VIP guests into the Ferrari showroom for a sunset cocktail reception. Awards were presented to the winning entries from the car show, which were voted on by the general viewing public.

Winners included: Marc Nebenzahl with a 1966 Corvette, Nick Clemente for a 1956 Mercedes 300 SL, Gary Almas for a 1939 Ford Coupe, and Craig Lyons for a 2016 Porsche 918.

A special honor went to Andrew Dempsey for a 1961 Lincoln Continental handed down from grandfather to dad to him. Dempsey shared that showing the car was an emotional experience for his family, as his father had recently passed.

Also honored was a 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S, labeled “Sexiest Car” in the show from Lamborghini Newport Beach.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.