Debutantes Presented in Time for Holidays
Stepping through a floral arch, 17 Las Madrinas debutantes in long gowns and evening gloves heard their names announced by Robert H. Carpenter (husband of former Las Madrinas president Janice Carpenter) at the annual Christmas ball attended by 800 at the Beverly Hilton. The event benefits Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.
Fathers in white tie escorted their daughters around the dance floor to applause before the grand curtsy and the father-daughter waltz, which all had practiced for hours. Then, Carpenter invited escorts to the floor and ultimately the stags (those without dates) had their twirl.
Anne Callaghan, whose mother, Mary Shea Callaghan, was a Las Madrinas deb in 1964, was among those presented. A USC freshman, she volunteered in Childrens Hospital’s cancer ward two summers ago and last summer interned at the hospital, observing 15 cardio / thoracic surgeries.
Ball chairwoman Margaret Larkin and assistant Travis Kranz consulted with Silver Birches Florist before transforming the ballroom with eugenia topiaries, roses and lattices.
Dancing till the wee hours to J. Sterling’s Orchestra were debutantes Hannah Cannom, Carolyn Carlson, Jordan Hayes, Jennifer Hutchinson, DeEtte Laugharn, Nicole Lee, Katherine Mackenzie, Jennie Maguire, Christine McRoskey, Lindsay McNiel, Emily Olsen, Elizabeth Palmer, Simone Porter, Laura Schroeder, Mercedes Simon, Cynthia Webb and Callaghan.
After funding three programs in molecular genetics at Childrens Hospital, Las Madrinas (headed by Susan Hull) has turned its focus to pediatric ophthalmology, applying its donations to the group’s $2-million endowment for Experimental Therapeutics in Ophthalmology.
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Holiday Highlights: The Christmas tree ornament shower and dinner at the California Club for betrothed Stephanie Lindus and Sean Hoover, hosted by Olin and Ann Barrett, Bob and Janice Carpenter and Bill and Penne Durst . . . Maria Hummer’s luminous Christmas tea in her Bel-Air home . . . A few days later, Patty Weber’s tea party in West Los Angeles with lots of mother-daughter duos like Lynn Evans and Erin McKenzie.
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Merriest Season: The atmosphere on the third floor of the California Club took on the look of a baronial feast when Kathleen and Fred Allen hosted 80 for dinner. Having a wonderful time: Joan and Frank Thompson, Joni and Clark Smith, Jim and Chris Econn . . . Debbie and Terry Lanni celebrated the season with a massive cocktail party . . . Gege and Stan Chambers hosted cozy, cheery cocktails . . . Bonnie and Charles Black poured champagne for friends . . . Shelly and Dennis Lowe entertained at a black-tie dinner . . . The MNAM (Monday Night at Morton’s) coterie--Gordon Pashgian, Eileen and Charlie Read, Charlie and Christy Bakaly and more--hosted festive cocktails at the Caltech Athenaeum.
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Masquerade: It’s to be a Masked Ball in April at Dennis Tito’s Bel-Air chateau and, in anticipation, the Luminaires Juniors stirred up excitement at their annual Christmas Luncheon at Drai’s with Sandra Johnson’s fashions (several members of the British royal family have worn her ball gowns). Models Paula Bronson, Maureen Mc Dermut, Callie Irvin, Lynn Hertel and Ann Irvin hid their identities behind masks. Diane Brown and Ginny Shelton co-chaired the luncheon, beginning with carrot ginger soup and ending with hot chocolate souffles. Luminaires president Jan Thompson introduced Marlene Brakovich and Connie Scherer, who will head the benefit, and welcomed 101 guests, including a big Orange County contingent. Everyone walked out with tree ornaments and, in a drizzle, some were also balancing the angel-topped centerpieces that sold for $75.
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In the Spotlight: Lydia and Roscoe Webb took up a new trend and served tournedos of ostrich with persimmon chutney at their black-tie dinner party for 80. Of 10 at one table, however, three declined the delicacy and asked for fruit or chicken. The Armagnac ice cream in a pastry tulip with shards of sugar was a work of art. In the spirit were John and Marion Anderson, Joe and Dorie Pinola and Corwin and Nanci Denny.
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Busy Days: Sisters Marty Coffey and Janet Stanford held a joyous luncheon for 60 friends at the California Club . . . The fireplaces were burning and the dining room was aglow with antique angels and Greek sweets at Dina Oldknow’s Italianate villa in San Marino. Dina and her daughters--Tizzie Huttinger and Tedda and Teri Oldknow--sent friends off with baklava. All were celebrating fourth daughter Tina Oldknow Herzberg’s new book, “Pilchuck: A Glass School.” . . . Janine and Bill Myers’ recent party extended far beyond its 9 p.m. curfew. Everyone wanted to have palms read and see the Myerses’ beautifully decorated (by Penny Bianchi) Pasadena home.
Elsewhere on the Social Circuit
Gearing up for New Year’s day, William S. Johnstone Jr., president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, will host the board of directors at a black-tie dinner-dance Monday evening in the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton, Huntington.
* Arizona State University’s president, Lattie F. Coor, is hosting a New Year’s Eve reception at City Club on Bunker Hill. Guests will lift champagne glasses to toast the ASU Sun Devils, playing Ohio State on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl . . . The ASU Foundation kicks off celebrations at a reception Monday at the Regal Biltmore.
