Boosters Prove to Be at the Top of Their Game

They’re betting they win their game at Anaheim Stadium on Saturday, but if they don’t, they still won the Pigskin Classic.

Boosters of Texas A&M; University were on hand for Disneyland’s annual Pigskin Classic luncheon and fashion show at the Disneyland Hotel on Monday, but their Stanford University rivals were a no-show.

“We don’t know what happened,” said a Disneyland official at the event that drew 600 guests. “They just didn’t make it.”

The idea was to square team representatives off (in a friendly way, of course) at the annual benefit for the Assistance League of Anaheim.

One one side of the ramp--where fashions from MainPlace would be paraded after lunch--sat Texas belle Janet Slocum, wife of A&M; coach R.C. Slocum. On the other sat a noticeably empty table.

“We’re hoping for a win,” Slocum said in a Texas drawl as smooth as syrup on pancakes. “This is so much fun. I never dreamed I’d have my picture taken with Minnie and Mickey.”

For the past three years, Disneyland has joined forces with the Orange County Sports Assn. to sponsor a series of social events around a college football game. Activities include a golf tourney, a salute to the teams at Disneyland park, a tailgate party on game day and the fashion show.

“This is always so much fun,” said Theresa Pawlowski, president of the Assistance League of Anaheim. “Disneyland does everything so perfectly.”

For starters, guests were feted at a wine reception in the hotel foyer. Once inside the grand ballroom (still the best room in Orange County for a performance-centered benefit--it has a huge stage and bi-level seating) guests sat down to a luncheon of chilled cucumber soup, salmon-and-smoked-chicken salad and fruit tarts. Tables were spread with red, white and blue pompons and table favors were small jewelry boxes containing a Mickey Mouse logo pin. Then the spotlight was on everything from cheerleaders and Disneyland characters (picture Goofy in a white satin tuxedo, Pluto in a rhinestone collar) to door prizes and fall fashions.

During the festivities, Pawlowski whispered that her husband, Anaheim banker Stanley Pawlowski, had been invited to join Disneyland 2000, a new group of Disneyland boosters.

Does the name mean Disneyland’s Anaheim expansion will be complete by the year 2000? “It had better be,” joked Disneyland President Jack Lindquist, who attended the event with his wife, Belle.

Committee members included Diana Gardner, chairwoman, and Linda Davis, co-chairwoman. Also among those serving on the committee: Marlene Millard, Gloria Simmons, Marian Parsons, La Vada Moudy, Nadine Williams, Margery Fisk, Joan Hoyt, Jackie Terrell, Mary Simpson, Marjorie Barth, Janet Bolton and Jody Brewer.

Arty bash: The Newport Harbor Art Museum will stage a fund-raising reception on Sept. 20 at the Center Club to launch the museum’s “Both Art and Life: Gemini at 25” exhibit. (Gemini G.E.L., Graphics Edition Limited in Los Angeles, is an influential center for the creation of limited edition artworks and attracts artists such as Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichenstein and David Hockney). About 300 museum supporters are expected.

Social breakfast: Along with the Santa Ana Council of Arts and Culture, Galleri Orrefors Kosta Boda will sponsor a breakfast on Sept. 14 at Gustaf Anders restaurant at South Coast Plaza Village. Orrefors artist Anne Nilsson will present her work. Renee Segerstrom is honorary chairwoman.