Benefit Features a Parade of Elegant Ensembles

When the invitation declared the name of the event was “An Evening of Elegance,” you can bet the pressure was on for the 180 guests at the fund-raiser for the Black History Parade to come through in high style.

And they did.

Flirty cocktail dresses and decked-out tuxes were worn by couples who enjoyed the comedy and musical performances at the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel in Costa Mesa on Saturday.

The benefit was organized by MWB, the committee for the annual parade and cultural fair.

A spokeswoman said the committee hopes the next parade, planned for February in Santa Ana, will attract 10,000 spectators.

The committee’s mission is to “provide strong, dynamic and supportive leadership within the African American community of Orange County through sponsorship of events which foster appreciation for the African American experience,” co-founder Ernesta Wright said.

“We are confident that the event will provide an excellent forum for Orange County residents to celebrate as a community,” said Wright, who wore a black and beige, tuxedo-waisted pantsuit to the elegant event.