Childhelp Lunch Serves French Dressing
French poodles, can-can girls and a mischievous mime turned the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Irvine into a Paris street scene for Childhelp U.S.A.’s 12th annual “For the Love of a Child” fashion show and luncheon.
More than 600 people turned up Thursday to see Saks Fifth Avenue present spring fashions by Emanuel Ungaro at the Orange County Chapter of Childhelp U.S.A. benefit. The $60-per-person luncheon raised about $75,000 to combat child abuse.
Vive la France
“We chose a French theme because the clothes were from Ungaro,” said Jana Shuler, event chairwoman, who sported one of the designer’s black and white checkered jackets. A painting of a Paris boulevard served as the backdrop for the show. Models sashayed down the runway in Ungaro’s flowing wrap skirts, soft vests and easy blazers; much of the moderately-priced “Emanuel” collection was done in fluid fabrics and muted shades of blue, ivory and camel.
To carry out the French theme, models sometimes sported berets, carried loaves of French bread under their arms and twice walked out with standard poodles. A mime followed, copying the models’ movements and at one point pretending to walk his own invisible--and uncontrollable--poodle.
On the ballroom floor stood carts of fresh flowers while bouquets of pink tulips graced each table--all to give one the feel of an outdoor French cafe.
After the show guests enjoyed a luncheon of artichoke stuffed with bay shrimp, sea bass in a red pepper and caper sauce and--what else?--French eclairs with caramel and cream sauce for dessert.
Friends to Children
Efrem Zimbalist Jr., the luncheon’s honorary chairman, joked with co-chairwoman Barbara Ganahl about recent highlights from his movie and television career.
“I turned on Remington Steele last night and I saw this figure fall to the floor and then I realized that was me,” Zimbalist said. “I’m also doing the voice for King Arthur in ‘Prince Valiant’ and I’m Alfred the butler in ‘Batman.’ I’ve gone from a butler to a king.”
Zimbalist volunteers for Childhelp because “it’s always the one charity that grabs your heart,” he says, “the thought of reclaiming these tiny lives. . .”
Founded 34 years ago in Los Angeles, Childhelp has grown into the largest nonprofit organization that researches, treats and prevents child abuse. The organization operates the Village of Childhelp U.S.A. in Beaumont, a long-term residence for child abuse victims, two group homes in Orange County and a national child abuse hot line ((800) 4ACHILD).
The Orange County chapter began 23 years ago with 25 members; the chapter now has 225 volunteers.
Gene Howard, director of Children’s Services for Orange County, received Childhelp’s Children’s Friend Award for his work with children.
“Children are the most vulnerable part of our society,” said Howard, who attended with his wife, Linda. “They don’t vote, and they’re often times neglected. They’d be struggling by themselves if we weren’t there to help them.”
Other guests included Anna Petruzzelli, president, Childhelp-Orange County chapter, Pam Arnett, Lynn Dowers, Patty Edwards, Joyce Griffith, Charles and Nora Hester, Sara Hinman, Joyce King, Stephanie Lewis, Eileen Saul, Tina Schafnitz, William Steiner, Tani Stevens, Doris Tunney, Nancy Whitlock and Linda Wiley.
