Column: The Crowd: Women of Chapman put on the ritz for 31st annual holiday extravaganza

The Orange County community is extremely proud of Chapman University.

Among its major accomplishments are the creation of a nationally recognized film school, theater arts program, law school, business school and a science and engineering school currently being developed. A medical school remains a significant goal.

Part of the success belongs to tremendous community pride translated into financial support.

One of the longest running groups to lend its help is Women of Chapman.

Established in 1971, the group consists of some 250 members donating more than $7 million to various Chapman programs over the years.

Currently, WOC is completing a $1 million pledge to Musco Center for the Arts and a $500,000 pledge to Dodge College’s Digital Media Center. The women have recently added another $1 million pledge to the new Keck Center for Science and Engineering.

The funding comes from dues and events planned year-round, culminating in their largest celebration known as “Christmas at The Ritz.”

In its 31st annual presentation, the holiday-themed extravaganza unfolded at the tony Fashion Island Hotel, Newport Beach prior to Christmas attracting close to 400 guests and raising a net of $291,000.

Chaired by the dynamic Mona Lee Nesseth who joined WOC president Barbara Eidson, who also represents the Fashion Island Hotel with great style, the committee was a “who’s who” of local women of influence.

Among the many were the super loyal Chapman devotees Laura Barata, Kathy Hamilton, Sue Hook, Anne Manassero, Charlene Prager, Sheri Nazaroff and the “three Donnas” — Donna Bianci, Donna Bunce and Donna Calvert.

The Fashion Island Hotel ballroom was beautifully decorated by the talented party designer Youngsong Martin. Tables were covered in shimmering gold linen accented with traditional fresh pine boughs and seasonal berries. Fabulous Christmas trees were strategically placed all around the ballroom.

Special guests of the day were Chapman President Daniele Struppa and Dean Bob Bassett of the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

The crowd enjoyed a traditional holiday lunch first served at the former iconic Ritz Restaurant, Fashion Island, Newport Beach run by the late and much-loved Hans Prager. The four-course feast began with Prager’s celebrated “Ritz Egg” topped with caviar and served with either chilled Champagne or Aquavit.

The WOC members and their husbands or significant others table-hopped and caught up with old pals exchanging plenty of holiday hugs and Christmas cheer.

Among the revelers were donors and Chapman champions Janet Curci, Zee Allred, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Kim Smith, Rusty and Bill Hood, Donna and Dave Janes, Joan Riach-Gayner, Dee Dee and Donald Sodaro, Leslie and Dino Cancellieri, Eve Ruffatto, Sarah Corrigan, Shannon and George Argyros Jr., Ashleigh Aiken, Carole and Robert Follman and Joann Leatherby.

Also front and center was the big guy himself Santa (aka James Walker) granting wishes to all of the big kids in the crowd.

Most of them wished for good health and joy in 2018, adding in a special wish for continued support for Chapman University.

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