Lido Isle Party Raises Money for SOS Charity

They couldn’t have picked a hotter topic or a colder night.

On wind-whipped, rain-slicked Saturday, a newly formed group from the Lido Isle Women’s Club hosted its first fund-raiser--a cruise that raised an estimated $8,000 for Share Our Selves, the embattled charity in Costa Mesa.

Earlier that day, an estimated 1,000 concerned locals demonstrated in solidarity with the charity and its charter to feed, clothe and assist the needy. SOS executive director Jean Forbath and some of her followers began a two-day fast to protest the cancellation of the nonprofit agency’s lease in the Rea Community Center.

Meanwhile, on Lido Island, a six-woman committee attended to the last-minute details of party planning.

“It can be a little overwhelming,” said Nancy Oreskovich, who heads up the service group, which as yet includes only a dozen or so younger members of the Lido Isle Women’s Club.

For Oreskovich and her committee, the future of SOS was a compelling cause to inaugurate their fund-raising activities.

“We considered a number of charities,” said committee member Jeanne Price, “but this one was near and dear to our hearts.”

Leah Carroll said the committee chose SOS before the burst of headlines concerning the charity’s future.

“We wanted to help the needy on a small scale, on a local scale, where you can really make a difference,” Carroll said. “Personally, I’m not the national charity league type. I like to help with things right here in our own back yard.”

Debi Donsker, who moved to Lido Island recently from Sherman Oaks, said she had never been active in benefit committees before, “but I thought this would be a good way to get involved with our new community.”

Donsker also said she hoped her charity work would set a good example for her 11-year-old daughter, whom she plans to involve in future projects.

“I try to stay out of the whole political side of this,” she said. “I’m just coming from the heart.”

Guests arrived at the Lido Isle clubhouse shortly before 7 p.m., checked in with Donsker and scurried down a slick walkway to the 121-foot yacht Crystal, owned by Lido resident Robert Cornelius (known to many as the boat parade champ). Cornelius, who donated the use of his yacht and crew, did not attend the benefit.

On board, guests grouped in the rose-colored “library” (that’s what captain Chris Hajek said they call it, although nary a book is in sight), the main salon, the dining area near the galley, and out on the decks--never mind the chilly drizzle.

Edibles provided by Thymes caterers included mini-sandwiches of charcoal-grilled sirloin and turkey breast, chilled prawns, asparagus in sesame puff pastry and a grand display of cheeses, fruits and pastries.

Danceables played by a band called the Dodd Squad included ‘50s and ‘60s R&B; that kept the black-tie crowd shimmying out on the back deck and inspired guest Jeff Pence to grab a saxophone and join right in.

Also attending the three-hour harbor cruise were Babs and Francois Albert, Sally and Skip Kendricks, Karen and Bill Walker and Linda and Val Giannini.

Diva Fever: “Dawn to dusk, I’ll be merry at parties,” proclaims Violetta, the tragic center of attention in Verdi’s “La Traviata,” which kicked off Opera Pacific’s season Saturday night at the Performing Arts Center.

The merry center of attention at the post-performance party was none other than diva Diana Soviero, who swooped and soared through Violetta’s troubled love life and won a standing ovation opening night.

“I need a bodyguard! I need help! Something!” exclaimed Soviero, fumbling with her coat and a bouquet as she arrived at the Center Club shortly before midnight.

Awaiting her entrance--which triggered camera flashes and guest gridlock--were about 100 members of the opera company’s Impresario Circle and several other members of the cast.

Soviero’s appearance was underwritten by Richard and Jolene Engel, who met the diva for the first time when she swept into the party.

“Thank you so much for this show,” Soviero said to her sponsors, then hugged each of them. “I am so grateful for this chance to be here.”

Grateful in return were the impresarios, and especially the Engels.

“This is my husband’s favorite opera,” Jolene said. “He’s seen it 15 times and we’ve probably listened to it 100 times this week. We were listening to it in the car, on the way over here--he was reading through his notes.

“He’s obsessed!” she added with a laugh.

Also admitting more than a passing fancy with the saga of Verdi’s fallen woman was Floss Schumacher, chairwoman of Opera Pacific’s board of directors.

“ ‘La Traviata’ was the first opera I ever saw, and it is such a great one,” Schumacher said. “It’s got love and romance. It’s got sadness. It’s got everything.”

Hobnobbing with the opera supporters was the lively baritone, Timothy Noble, who gave the audience high marks.

“Opening-night crowds are usually there for the event of being there,” said the animated Noble. “This group was really exuberant. They’re not snobs, I’ll tell ya!”

For late-night munchies, the Center Club spread a buffet with baron of beef, pasta with mushroom cream sauce or marinara sauce, a pastry display and skewers of fresh fruit accompanying chocolate fondue.

Among guests at the hourlong party were Opera Pacific board president Tom Hammond and his wife, Karla (who wore a man’s silk tie that pictured theater ticket stubs), Impresario Circle co-chairman Walter Henry with fiancee Maria del Carmen Calvo, Gary and Kasia Johnson and Joseph and Theresa Baia.