Rounding Up AIDS Services Supporters

The Event: Round-Up for Life III, a boot-stompin’ hoedown featuring a barbecue, country dancing and arcade games to benefit the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County. The gala took place Saturday amid haystacks and barnyard animals at the Orange County Fairgrounds’ Centennial Farm.

Down on the Farm: More than 500 city slickers in blue jeans, boots and cowboy hats moseyed around the farm, bidding on auction items and trying their hands at arcade games.

Many guests line-danced under the trees to the Sam Morrison Country-Western Band and watched the Floyd’s Cloggers kick up their heels. They sat at picnic tables for an upscale chuck wagon of barbecue chicken and ribs.

Quote: “We’re here to laugh and see our friends,” said Al Roberts, board president of ASF. “Today I attended a burial for a good friend of mine, and we get enough of that.”

Faces: Those attending included Judy Fluor Runels, event chairwoman; Charlie Franciscus; Wendy Friedman; Risa Groux; Roger Hampton; Bradd Linn; Scott MacGowan; Jon Madison; Judy McInnis; Cherie Morre; and Judy Morr. Others were event emcee the Lovely Carol, Lois Osborne, Pat Powers, George Rabb, Robert Ricker, David William Schaar, Rick Silver, Melinda Serra, Don Stratton and Shana Woodyard.

Bottom Line: The $75-per-person event was expected to net about $50,000 for ASF, which serves more than 700 people in Orange County living with AIDS. The group has offices in Irvine, Laguna Beach and Anaheim. Proceeds will support client services such as counseling, emergency financial assistance, food, transportation, home health care and housing.

What’s Next: “Big Splash,” ASF’s all-volunteer poolside musical comedy revue, will be held Sept. 5-7 at the Laguna Beach home of Ken Jillson and Al Roberts. This year’s theme: “Splash Back to Disco Beach.” Tickets are $50. For information, call ASF at (714) 253-1500.