RSVP / ORANGE COUNTY : Lights Dazzle Supporters of Wellness Community
Boats that sparkled like jewels dazzled guests at the Friends of the Wellness Community’s “Light Up the Season” boat parade party.
About 120 people showed up Tuesday to watch the Newport Harbor Boat Parade from an excellent viewing point--Nina’s Nightclub in Newport Beach. The party cost $20 per person and was a thank you to supporters and volunteers of the Wellness Community of Orange County. The group offers free support programs for adults with cancer.
They Love a Parade
“Everyone loves the boat parade, and we wanted to thank our donors and volunteers, so we decided to combine the two,” said Beth Winkler, event chairwoman.
Guests spent the evening in front of Nina’s large windows watching boats festooned with colored lights. Many acted like excited kids on Christmas morning whenever a spectacular boat sailed past--such as one featuring the Grinch towing his loot via an airplane.
Throughout the evening party-goers nibbled on a buffet loaded with holiday treats: cranberry scones stuffed with cream cheese and smoked turkey, ham salad croissants, quiche cut into Christmas-tree shapes and assorted Christmas cookies.
Controlling their Destiny
The Wellness Community began 10 years ago in Santa Monica and offers support groups for cancer patients, their families and friends.
“The groups meet once a week and the members get close, like a family. Here they can talk to others in the same situation,” said Gay Irons, a group leader with the community. “We laugh, we cry, we talk about death.”
Many who give of their time and money to the organization have first-hand experience with cancer. Volunteer Sally Norton began doing office work for the community after surviving a battle with breast cancer.
“I do it because I benefited from the program,” Norton said. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, I went to the community in Santa Monica. Being able to talk about cancer with others who have it is different than talking about it with your family. It’s a no-holds-barred situation.”
Tom and Marilyn Walley were honored for their longtime support of the Wellness Community. The couple helped found the group in Santa Ana four years ago after Marilyn learned she had cancer and attended the group in Santa Monica.
“I believe in the program because it’s a place for people who want to make the most of their lives,” said Tom Walley, a board member since 1987.
Other guests were Carol Blanchard, executive director; Harriett Wieder, Orange County Wellness Community founder and county supervisor; Joe Blanchfield, owner of Nina’s; Philip and Louisa Arnold, Gerald Brodie, Chris Crandall, Deborah Denne, Phil and Patti DiSaia, Chet and Patricia Houston, Jim Hughes, Ronald Koons, Cynthia Kupper, Eileen Phillips and Hugh Saddington.