Sophisticates Honor Past Leaders
The Sophisticates took a sentimental journey at the “Legends in Fashion” show and luncheon celebrating the groups’ 10th anniversary.
About 400 women in their spring best turned up last week to honor the group’s past presidents at the Irvine Marriott. The $55-per-person luncheon raised about $35,000 for the Assessment and Treatment Services Center, a Santa Ana-based youth counseling program.
Fashion Parade
“Look at these clothes,” said one guest--and that was before the actual fashion show.
Indeed, not one but two fashion shows took place at the luncheon--the official one presented on the runway by South Coast Plaza and the unofficial one that unfolded off-stage, in which guests ogled each other’s outfits.
The well-dressed group sported plenty of spring suits and floral dresses set off by broad-brimmed hats. One woman turned heads with a see-through lace skirt worn over black leggings.
Jan Roberts, marketing director for South Coast Plaza, promised guests the real fashion show would have a few surprises. She delivered. The show featured a sampling of spring styles, including a flowy parade of sarongs, easy jackets and wide-legged pants, with musical numbers introducing each segment.
To kick off a collection of ‘70s retro styles, Sonny and Cher look-alikes paraded down the runway in bell-bottoms singing “I Got You, Babe.” In a special effects trick, a video of a couple dancing cheek to cheek played on a wide screen, when suddenly the duo burst through the screen and danced up the runway as if they were movie stars magically come to life.
Sophisticated Style
Organizers decorated the ballroom in an Art Deco style, with black vases containing white Easter lilies and gold branches adorning the tables.
“I thought we’d try something elegant,” said Alanna Urbanus, event chairwoman.
The fare included spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette, chicken Wellington and a trio of mousses in chocolate cups with raspberry coulis.
Members saluted past Sophisticates presidents by calling them on stage and handing each a bouquet of flowers.
“Most of these women are still the hardest working women in our organization,” Urbanus said. “They knock themselves out. This is a good way to say ‘thank you’ to them.”
Those honored were Carlyn Callan, Cindy Galardi, Darlene Drummond, Darleen Manclark, Martha Green, Cathy Lowden, Nancy Weisbrod and Debra Ann Lloyd. Mary Sabatasso could not attend.
“Being president made us grow as people,” said Weisbrod, president in 1990. “It’s an experience that makes us do things we didn’t think we could do.”
Proceeds from the luncheon will be used by the ATSC to counsel child abuse victims, juvenile offenders and youngsters at risk of getting into trouble with the law.
“The cause is something I dearly believe in,” said Sue Cannon, current Sophisticates president. “In my first life I was a counselor at a junior high school. I know how important it is for kids to have someone to help them through tough times.”
Other guests were Bruce Hughes, ATSC president; Mary Dell Barkouras; Jolene Engel; Cindy Galardi; Cindy Gates; Tita Loza; Marianne MacDonald; Evelyn Parrella; Margarita Rose; Jana Sennes; Nili Stevens, and Patti Zimmer.
