Benefit Raises $10,000 to Underwrite Outreach Program of the Arts

The 18,000-square-foot villa of Helen and Harry O. Reinsch provided a breathtaking setting Saturday night for “Mediterranean Magic,” a benefit staged by Founders Plus, an organization comprising founders of the Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.

With 200 guests donating $75 each, the event in South Laguna netted about $10,000. Proceeds will help underwrite the service group’s community outreach program of arts for the elderly and physically disadvantaged.

Event chairwoman Betty Belden Palmer noted the evening was designed to raise funds and to show “what we do.” To illustrate, Founders Plus had invited harpist Catherine White to entertain guests.

White came from London to perform this week in Orange County as part of the Center’s anniversary celebration. White’s schedule includes appearances at Fairview Developmental Center and Childrens Hospital of Orange County.

According to Maxine Gibson, chairman of Founders Plus, the group intends to sponsor activities for those who “otherwise could not share the broad cultural base the Center affords,” she said.

Founder Howard Clark, attending with his wife Lucy, said that the group had worked hard to raise money for the Center and that now the members want the facility to be available to “more than just the affluent.”

After White’s performance, guests enjoyed a buffet of jalapeno lime chicken and veal with fresh wild mushrooms.

Among the guests were Founders chairwoman Maxine Gibson and honorary benefit chairwoman Florence Black, whose friendship with the Reinsches--he’s vice chairman of Bechtel Power Corp.-- made the evening at the villa possible.

Committee members included James Glabman, Ann Pange, Thomas Moon, Barbara Johannes, Vesta Curry, Carol Wilken, Joyce Hanson, Shari Esayian, Jan Landstrom, Marilyn Bean, Charles and Sandy McCune, Lucy Clark, Christine Rhoades and Maxine Gibson.