RSVP / ORANGE COUNTY : Silver: Element of Romance : All that glitters is gala apparel at a Le Meridien ball saluting Chapman General Hospital.

Tradition calls for silver on a 25th anniversary and so out came silver bow ties, brooches and mesh bags Saturday for the Silvery Moon gala at Le Meridien’s ballroom in Newport Beach saluting Chapman General Hospital.

The 400 guests attending the event--many doctors, technicians and nurses from CGH--were encouraged to don something silver at the black-tie event. Most, however, shunned the stunning silver fashions in season and opted instead for minimal touches, such as cuff links or earrings against customary black attire.

A few dared to sparkle with sterling knit or lace dresses and pantsuits. Others proved more stylistically daring in metallic sequins or beads.

After dinner, revelers danced to Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers, who certainly wooed the guests with his soulful voice and good humor. The mood couldn’t have been more romantic with the glittery moons, silver stars and white lights decorating the room.

And as typical of professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping others, proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit Chapman/Orange Community Health Foundation, which provides health education programs to the community. The event netted $25,000.