Exciting Challenges Await in New Year

No rest for 1987’s socially-on-the-move. Not even time for a nap. According to local cognoscenti, the new year will bring Orange County society a broadening of its base, a time like never before to fund-raise for the Performing Arts Center, a silver anniversary, two 20th anniversaries, a hotel opening and the continuation of a heightened philanthropic awareness.

A look ahead to the challenges and celebrations that await:

Thomas Kendrick, Performing Arts Center executive director: “In 1987, Orange County society will begin to spread its contacts and broaden its base. When the Performing Arts Center begins to advertise in the north (the San Fernando Valley area) and the south (San Diego), a social interchange will begin.

“And as the Center broadens its programming, it will attract a broader (county) audience. The more new people come, the more the Center will have as prospective members of support groups and the more new ideas and concepts will be exchanged.

“We come out of 1986 without a deficit because of the success of our opening night benefit gala and the generosity of the Center’s support groups. Orange County has been extremely generous in building a nationally ranked facility. Now its challenge is to run a nationally ranked Performing Arts Center.

“It is common knowledge that the performing arts are an endangered species. All of them--ballet, musical theater, opera, symphony--must be supported on an annual basis. Every community with a major arts center knows that.

“Now that the Center opening is over, the hard task of building a national reputation--through quality programming--has begun. We will need more than $4 million in subsidy for 1987. Support groups raised more than $1 million in 1986. We will continue to be heavily reliant on the annual generosity of the community’s individual donors and support groups. This is their key time.”

Kevin Consey, director, Newport Harbor Art Museum: “A summer party honoring the museum’s founders will highlight a yearlong celebration of the museum’s 25th anniversary. We’re planning a gigantic outdoor party for mid-July.

“We’re also planning a ‘Murder at the Museum’ benefit for February. And we’re working on a food extravaganza for spring that will feature chefs from all over the country. A wine auction is set for fall, and an art auction will be staged in January of 1988 to launch our next 25 years.”

Maura Eggan, marketing director, South Coast Plaza: “This year is our 20th anniversary, time to thank the people of Orange County for the success of South Coast Plaza. Several celebrations, from family-style benefits to black-tie galas, will be staged here. Among them, a celebration in our Carousel Court, the plaza’s initial retail area. Original carousel riders will be invited to return and bring their children with them. The plaza’s Jewel Court will be the site of a thank-you party. Representatives of charities who have staged benefits there will be acknowledged. And our newly opened Crystal Court will be the site of an elegant black-tie gala.”

Kathleen Flood, marketing manager for Newport Center Fashion Island: “We’re planning a major event for September, our 20th anniversary month. We’re also planning a series of grand openings and reopenings of Fashion Island stores. . . . For 1987, we’re expanding our fashion office. This will result in our working with more charities to stage more fashion show benefits.”

Judy Trest, communications director, United Way of Orange County: “While some think the Performing Arts Center has created competition for the charity dollar, we at United Way feel that the Center has brought out a group of people who have not been involved in charity in the past. The Center has increased people’s awareness in favor of charity in general.

“In Orange County, it’s not so much charities competing as it is a geographic separation. With 26 cities, there are so many ways to (donate) in Orange County. The Center has made Orange County more aware of giving back to the community. More people are giving than ever before.”

Tony Laughlin, general manager of Costa Mesa’s New Beverly Heritage Hotel: “We’ll host a gala benefit reception in our Heritage Ballroom when we open sometime in March or April. The ballroom is elegant--hung with crystal chandeliers and trimmed in oak. Three charities are under consideration for the event. I can’t release any more information at this time.”