Nearly 300 at Auction in Bid to Help Youths

Nearly 300 guests attended the fifth annual “Share a Bid of Your Heart” dinner and auction, raising more than $28,000 for Concept 7, a short-term residential treatment program for teen-agers.

During the cocktail hour, guests bid in a silent auction on more than 140 items on display in the foyer and had the opportunity to view items that would be offered later in the evening at a live auction.

The grand ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel had been transformed into what looked like a mini-warehouse--with 27 pieces of oak furniture donated by Alan Smith & Co. of Corona stationed around the room.

Auction co-chairman Paul Guiso greeted guests before turning the program over to master of ceremonies George Wakeling, executive director and co-founder of Concept 7.

Concept 7 took shape more than 20 years ago when Wakeling and his wife, Betty, a licensed counselor, began housing and helping aging “flower children” who grew up “unanchored,” they said. Today, the majority of the residents are referred to the program by the Probation Department.

Guests were also treated to an eight-minute multimedia slide presentation, “Throwaway Kids,” which explained the treatment programs used in Concept 7’s eight facilities.

Fully trained staff members operate the homes in Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton, Hemet and Apple Valley.

But the Wakelings still dream. “We have a three-year plan,” said George Wakeling. “We are looking for three to five acres to build a 100-bed facility in Orange County.”