Music to the Phil’s Ears

Despite the recession, persistent volunteers continue to battle successfully for the dollars that put the zip in the cultural and social programs of Los Angeles.

Attendance was down to 425 from last year’s 485 at the Philharmonic Ball, chaired for the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic Committee by Carolyn DeWald on Oct. 9 at the Beverly Wilshire. However, the anticipated net from the $500-per-person event will be $120,000, about $18,000 more than last year’s thanks to large patron gifts (including those from I. Magnin and Bullock’s) brought in by patron co-chairs Nancy Wayte and Dolly Gillan. Guests danced to the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra. The next night the Philharmonic opened its fall season, and many volunteers were at the Music Center proving that they not only love fund-raising, but they love music.

In Long Beach, never-give-up co-chairs Frani Ridder and Janet Cree led an effort that raised $450,000 at the Long Beach Cancer League auction--not the $500,000 they hoped for, nor last year’s $485,000, but a good take (and a lot better than the first auction 16 years ago, which brought in $30,000). They didn’t get the anticipated 600 guests, but 500 came to bid on the kinds of things you don’t ordinarily buy: Lunch with Erma Bombeck at her Bel-Air home went to John and Joanne Carey for $1,400 and a speaking part in Carter de Haven’s upcoming movie went to Sheldon and Shell Grossman for $1,900. Fred Chel got the $35,000 BMW.

Major successes, too: The Rape Treatment Center brunch at the home of Marilyn and Barron Hilton brought in $400,000 with the aid of Sally Field, Quincy Jones and Gail Abarbanel; the Chrysalis Founders dinner raised $85,000 for Skid Row.

A number of agencies have benefited from a different form of benevolence. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury was asked to divide a sizable charitable donation among 12 local charities.

The gift was made by the plaintiff in a civil fraud suit, Dr. M. Lee Pearce of Miami, Fla., and his lawyer, Herb Hafif of Claremont, after a settlement. The donations included Pearce’s gift of $500,000 to the Los Angeles Mission, the Venice Family Clinic, Mayo Clinic Foundation and Cedar House Rehabilitation Center.

The jury divided the remaining $200,000 among groups including the California Special Olympics (which has its Spirit of Friendship Award dinner Nov. 9 at the Beverly Hilton, with Dionne Warwick), St. Barnabas Senior Center and the Consumer Network.

GLAMOUR NIGHT: There was plenty of excitement at the Holmby Hills home of Madeleine and Allen Paulson the night they and Wendy and Leonard Goldberg hosted Gayle Wilson to announce the nine distinguished California artists and supporters who will receive the 1991 Governor’s Award for the Arts Nov. 22 at the Beverly Hilton.

The awards are sponsored by the California Arts Council for significant achievement. Expected to receive original lithographs by Sam Francis are Jimmy Stewart, John Adams, Wallace Stegner, Wayne Thiebaud, Craig Noel, Carmen Zapata, Doris and Donald Fisher, the James Irvine Foundation and the J. Paul Getty Trust. Proceeds from the gala will go to the California State Summer School for the Arts to provide arts training for talented high school students.

Gala co-chairs are Susan Dolgen, Wendy Goldberg, Anne Johnson, Joanne Kozberg and Joyce Pollock. John Bryson is corporate chair.

A LITTLE POMP: And a lot of fun accompanied the pre-inaugural dinner on Marston Quadrangle feting Pomona College’s new president, Peter W. Stanley, and his wife, Mary-Jane. At this event--just one of a number of celebrations planned by trustee Joan C. Hanley, inauguration chair--trustee Stewart Smith paid tribute to Stanley’s energy, curiosity and scholarship.

Ford Foundation program officer Sheila Biddle noted that Stanley is “rumple-free” and a chocolate freak. English professor Martha E. Andresen spoofed Shakespeare and said, “Pomona hath need of thee.” University Center and Graduate School president John D. Maguire quoted Willa Cather. Donald M. Stewart, president of the college board and Nicholas S. Winslow, alumni leader, gave accolades. And Pomona president emeritus David Alexander got a stand-up ovation and lauded Stanley in style.

Dining were Vassar College president Frances Fergusson; UC Riverside chancellor Rosemary Schraer; Haverford College president Tom G. Kessinger; former longtime Pomona trustees chairman Russell Smith and his wife, Jeanne; the Stanleys’ daughter Laura; new Pomona trustees chairman Robert Tranquada and his wife, Janet; Gurnee and Marjorie Hart of New York City, Sally and John Thornton of San Diego, Peter F. Drucker of Claremont, Don Hanley, Catharine Alexander, Patty Smith and Carolyn Lyon.

CHEERS: It seemed everyone had birthdays or anniversaries at the black-tie soiree tossed by John Seitz to celebrate “the annual 37th birthday” of New York musical maestro Lester Lanin. To say everyone danced (Lanin brought out a 17-piece orchestra) is an understatement. The beanies, Lanin’s trademark, were passed out during the frivolity.

Having a very, very good time were about 400, including Susie and Bill Armistead, Nancy Davis and Ron Arnault, Cece and Tad Williamson, Roger and Julie Corman, Virginia and Clifford Lord, Terry and Debbie Lanni, Michael and Peggy Lanni and Richard and Patti Lanni. More on the scene: Valerio and Linda Giannini, Bradley Farwell, Mary Louise Frawley and Sean McCarthy, Angus Mackay and Reese and Mary Milner.

KUDOS: Douglas Fairbanks Jr. received the Mary Pickford Award at the Screen Smart Set auction/fashion show Wednesday at the Beverly Wilshire. . . .

Elisabeth Familian has announced a new advisory board for Los Angeles Masterplanner. It includes Sandra Ausman, Jason Berman, Eli Broad, Bruce Corwin, Fred Hayman and Patricia Medavoy.