A CHOC-Full Calendar for Event Chair
It’s a huge job, overseeing the All Guilds Fashion Show for Children’s Hospital of Orange County, but Lula Hatfield made it look easy.
As general chairwoman of the 34th annual benefit, Hatfield was in charge of three events: luncheon and Nordstrom fashion shows Thursday and Friday and a black-tie grand finale Friday night, all held at the Anaheim Marriott.
The $60-per-person luncheons attracted a combined crowd of more than 1,600 guests. The $125-per-person grand finale drew about 375 people, bringing total net proceeds to more than $200,000 for CHOC.
*
It’s a Tough Job, but . . .
Hatfield has worked day and night on the gala for more than a year. “It’s always on your mind,” she said.
One of her first official acts was to choose “Celebrate America” as the gala’s patriotic theme.
“America’s a wonderful place, and we need to promote that,” said Hatfield, who wore a navy and white St. John knit suit to the first luncheon.
In keeping with the theme, flags from all the states hung from the ceiling of the ballroom, while a scaled-down replica of the Statue of Liberty stood in the corner. Betsy Ross teddy bears, created by guild members, adorned each luncheon table.
According to Dick Hatfield, the best part about being the spouse of the general chairwoman was taste-testing different courses for the menu.
The luncheon proved a hit with guests. The Hatfields and committee members chose a “California Spa Salad” with fresh cranberries, walnuts, mandarin oranges and red peppers topped with grilled breast of chicken and raspberry vinaigrette. The lighter fare left room for a slice of Florida Key lime pie.
Guests at the grand finale dined on New York sirloin and grilled Alaska salmon.
*
Fashion--Then and Now
Nordstrom showed off the latest spring styles using vignettes. The first segment traced the history of American fashion, from the Colonial era with models sporting powdered wigs and gowns, to the 1970s, with models in platform shoes and bell-bottoms.
Also on view: models wearing pale, pastel suits and escorting white poodles down the runway; men in suits (a few worn with sandals) transported onstage on a conveyor belt, and tots in swim togs who strolled down the runway under the watchful eye of a lifeguard.
For the grand finale, Nordstrom showed its latest collection from St. John and introduced the line’s founding designer, Marie Gray, to the audience.
With 1,800 members, the 15 guilds have raised $2.5 million for CHOC through its annual fashion show. Gala proceeds will go to support the hospital’s outpatient clinic.
Other faces in the crowd: Thomas Penn Jones, president and CEO of CHOC; Howard Jones, board of directors member; emcee David Paulson; Marvin Weiss, chairman of the hospital foundation board; Dana Walker; fashion coordinator for Nordstrom in Orange County; Christina Hughes; Anne Neish; Jill Cagle; Liz Clem; Carol Ojers; Fran Paulson; Pat Calderone; Andrea Northcote; Beverly Singer; Jean Hamann; Janet Nagurski; Barbara Kehke; Susan Carter; Sylvia Burnett; Ruby Stowell; and Carol Kewell.
