The Generosity Flows Like Wine at Benefit

Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, would have enjoyed Monday’s Showboat Champagne Fest staged by the Red Ribbon 100.

Representatives of more than 40 vineyards were on hand to fill and refill guests’ glasses with wine and champagne. Yet the bacchanalian event wasn’t just for pleasure--it also raised about $30,000 for the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

A sellout crowd of 465 paid $65 per person to join in the merriment aboard Charley Brown’s Showboat in Newport Beach. At the party’s peak, the ship overflowed with revelers. There was little mystery as to why this gala was such a hot ticket: “People have come to expect good food and fine wine at a low price,” said Marcia Adler, a founding member of the Red Ribbon 100, a women’s advisory council to the local chapter of the Red Cross.

Food of the Gods

Situated in rooms throughout the elegant ship were buffet tables loaded with gourmet food provided by Charley Brown’s.

In the Natchez Room, for example, a harvest of cheese, pates and fruits was arranged among colorful autumn leaves. Inside the Casino, fresh seafood, including salmon, oysters on the half-shell and shrimp, was arrayed on tables dominated by three huge ice sculptures, two shaped like dolphins and one like an anchor.

Dessert was by candlelight, with a smorgasbord of sweet confections set up in the saloon, where a big screen showing Monday Night Football went largely ignored.

In each room guests could sample champagnes and select reserve Cabernets, ports and cognacs donated by international and domestic vineyards.

Some tables dispensed mineral water for those who chose not to imbibe, and taxi rides were available to anyone who got carried away with the spirits.

Big Hearts

Members of the Red Ribbon 100 wore red to the party and sported straw hats that, as one noted, tended to fall off when one leaned back to drink a glass of wine.

For event co-chairwoman Christine Perricone, who wore a striking red leather suit, the Red Cross is more than just another worthy cause.

She was living in the San Fernando Valley when the devastating 1971 Sylmar earthquake hit.

“I thought it was the end of the world,” she said. “Our home was almost destroyed. The Red Cross provided us with shelter and food during the days we couldn’t get into our house. That’s why I have a special place in my heart for the Red Cross.”

To the Rescue

A committee from the Red Ribbon 100 will meet with representatives of the local Red Cross to determine how this year’s event proceeds will be spent.

Last year $21,000 was donated to help buy trailers stocked with emergency supplies that can be taken to any disaster area in the county. One trailer was parked outside the showboat during the party.

“I think the Red Cross is fabulous. So many people who have been through disasters have been helped (by the organization),” said Charlene Immell, president of the Red Ribbon 100.

George Chitty, chief executive officer of the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said a high-profile event such as the Champagne Fest helps boost his organization’s image as well as its budget.

“It allows us to reach people we haven’t reached before,” he said.

Other guests included Dianne Fuess, co-chairwoman, and committee members Marilyn Halamandaris, Mary Lou Hornsby, Mary Ann Miller, Mary Anne Wells, Sharon Paisley and Priscilla Selman.