Olympians Carry Torch for Retreat Center

The Olympic spirit arrived ahead of schedule when past Olympians joined Orange County’s movers and shakers as models in the Gentlemen’s Haberdashery, a fashion show benefiting the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana.

Themed “Our Hearts Salute the Olympic Spirit,” last week’s show drew more than 400 people to the Irvine Marriott and featured fashions from Fashion Island Newport Beach. The $125-per-person benefit was expected to net about $80,000 for the retreat center, operated by the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart.

Sixteen members of the Southern California Olympians, including gold medalists Sammy Lee, Bruce Furniss and Brian Goodell, kicked off the show by marching onstage in official Olympic ’96 pullovers. They waved to the audience before a painted backdrop of Greece, birthplace of the Olympic games.

Cathy Ferguson, winner of two gold medals for swimming in the 1964 games and president of Southern California Olympians, said each time the games are held, past Olympians feel nostalgic.

“We remember the fun times and a part of our lives that was very special,” she said.

Shy Guys

As in years past, the real fun of the Haberdashery is watching the who’s who of the business community make their way down the runway, often with embarrassed looks and an awkward gait. At this year’s show, however, three of the models were conspicuous no-shows.

While models pay $200 each to participate, John Crean, Michael Hayde and Jim McNamara each paid $5,000 so they wouldn’t have to model. The sisters dubbed the trio the “Runway Runaways.” Female models walked down the runway holding cardboard mannequins of each man dressed in a goofy get-up.

Fashion coordinator Kitty Leslie and emcee Paul Salata introduced the more than 50 models and offered wry commentary on their attire. The men wore everything from a $1,500 cashmere robe from Between the Sheets to tennis togs from Forty Love.

Msgr. Paul Martin of Mission San Juan Capistrano and Father Steve Sallot of Mater Dei High School entered the stage on skateboards, sporting baggy shorts and oversize plaid shirts.

“[Haberdashery founder] Emma Jane Riley has been friends with Msgr. Martin for 25 years, and this is the first time she’s seen his knees,” quipped Leslie.

Operation Sacred Heart

Organizers, led by honorary cochairmen Anthony Moiso and former county supervisor and retired Gen. Thomas Riley, made sure the luncheon operated on precise military time: Caesar salads with grilled chicken were already waiting for guests when they arrived at their tables, and cream of wild mushroom soup was served as soon as they sat down. After carrot cake hit the tables, the fashion show was rolling.

Guests enjoyed the show at tables adorned with heart-shaped ivy topiaries wrapped in red, white and blue ribbon. Each received a thank-you card made by children at the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center.

Considered by its supporters to be a spiritual oasis, the center offers prayer, games, food and respite to children from all over Southern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties. More than 15,000 youths visit the center each year.

“We get all kinds of kids--rich, poor, from good families and troubled families,” said Sister Jane Stafford, superior general of the society. “At the center, they meet each other and discover they do have something in common. There are no boundaries.”

At the show, a panel of judges, led by Emma Jane Riley and Melinda Moiso, issued tongue-in-cheek awards such as “The Man Most Likely to Miss the Opening [Olympic] Ceremony,” which went to Larry Hoffman.

The judges were Cathy Ferguson, Linda Beale, Supervisor Marian Bergeson, Donna Bunce, Valerie Celestin, Gabrielle Chung, Helen Coffey, Janice Fuchs, Harriet Harris, Barbara Roppolo, Tina Schafnitz and Isabelle Villasenor.

Others attending were Ed Arnold, master of ceremonies; Doug DeCinces; Garth Bergeson; Robert O Hill; father-and-son modeling team John and Tom Martin; Jim Phillips; Larry and Donna-Marie Acker; Gilbert Aguirre; David Celestin; Dan and Michelle Donahue; Cathy Marino Bradford; Sam and Virginia Mangione; Bill Harris and his son Chris Taylor; Bjorn Sedleniek; and Donald and Lynne Vodra.