Wonderland Warms Community Clinic Supporters

The Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point was transformed last week into a winter wonderland complete with a small ice skating rink for the South County Community Clinic Auxiliary’s fashion show.

A sell-out crowd of 650 people showed up Thursday for the auxiliary’s eighth annual Holiday Expressions luncheon, show and Christmas boutique. The $65-per- person affair was expected to raise $55,0000 for the San Juan Capistrano health care clinic.

Christmas Memory

Event chairwoman Liisa Lippincott chose a “Christmas Garden” theme for the event based on her memories of Christmases past.

“I grew up in Finland, and at Christmas we had amaryllis; we didn’t have poinsettias,” she said. Amaryllis bulbs served as party favors.

Guests enjoyed a luncheon of spinach and mushroom salad with toasted almonds and mustard grain vinaigrette, poached Norwegian salmon with fennel sauce and lemon meringue tart with fresh vanilla sauce and toasted pecans.

South Coast Plaza then presented a lavish fashion show that included music, dancing and models wearing everything from body-conscious beaded dresses to cashmere blanket throws.

Producer Karen Burdett opened the show with a winter wonderland scene, dressing everyone in white while skaters did a spin on the small rink (made of Teflon, not ice) erected at the foot of the runway.

“Who would imagine that in Southern California, by the beach, there would be an ice rink?” asked Sam McClendon, show commentator.

Holiday Scenes

Preceding the lunch and show, guests got an early start on their Christmas shopping at a boutique set up in the hotel’s courtyard.

They could also view six holiday-themed vignettes created by the members. Starting with just a plain backboard and fireplace mantle, members created holiday scenes stocked with goodies solicited from donors.

“Our First Christmas” featured champagne in a crystal champagne bucket, Spode service for eight, Wedgwood candlesticks and other luxuries, while “Memories of Christmas Past” was filled with antiques. Money raised from sale of the vignettes and part of the proceeds from the boutique go to the clinic.

Healing the Sick

The South County Community Clinic provides health care services to families who have difficulty paying for medical care.

“With the recession we’re seeing all sorts of people come to the clinic who haven’t been there before,” said Barbara McRitchie, auxiliary president. Many have lost their jobs and medical insurance.

“Health care is something so desperately needed by everyone. We should all be afforded equal access to it,” said Gaye Birtcher, who founded the auxiliary eight years ago.

Mame Mertes, longtime auxiliary member and supporter, was honored for her contributions to the clinic.

“They think I do a lot because I show up for everything,” Mertes joked.

Others attending were event co-chairwoman Karlene Hickman, board chairman Art Birtcher, Linda Berkshire, Cindy Boragno, Murray and Murel Brown, Liz Carlson, Anne Crawford, Thyra Decker, Anita Houston, Mark Nolan, Walter and Doreen Pagel, Jack and Eunice Parker, Jan Roberts, Donna Schuller, Nita Scott, Boetta Saunders and Christopher Sullivan.