Carving Out Family Oasis
The event: Mysteries of Morocco, a spring fashion show staged by the Sophisticates support group of the Assessment and Treatment Services Center of Newport Beach. Staged at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, Thursday’s luncheon benefited the center, which offers counseling to troubled youths and their families.
Road to Morocco: Entering the ballroom, guests found themselves in a desert scene complete with tents and belly dancers bearing swords and snakes. Terra-cotta urns filled with lemons, limes and spice-colored roses adorned each table. After a meal of roast chicken with lentil sauce, guests watched models in sand-colored gowns, sarongs, bandeau tops and flowing drawstring pants. “It’s hot to be ethnic,” said Nili Stevens, Sophisticates’ president.
Assessing the problem: ATSC counselors help students in the areas of antisocial and delinquent behavior. By also counseling the family, the center also tries to evaluate the source of the problem, whether it be a learning disability or friction at home. “Usually the child is reacting to something in the home environment,” said Melinda Guinaldo, executive director of the ATSC. “That’s why we want to achieve harmony and success in the entire family.”
Quote: “ATSC provides free counseling for children all over Orange County,” said Eve Kornyei, event co-chairwoman. “The children have various problems. Some have parents who are going through a divorce. Often it’s a teacher who notices a change in their behavior and gets [the child] to the center.”
Guest list: Darleen Manclark, event co-chairwoman; Donna Crean, who received the Caring Heart Award at the event; Peggy Goldwater-Clay; Jeannie Lawrence; Judie Argyros; Debbie Newmeyer; and Harriet Sandhu. Also on the scene: Penny Fox; Carleen Brennan; Sue Cannon; Marianne MacDonald; Laurie Woodruff; Tamara Moore; and Lana Chandler.
Bottom line: The fashion show netted about $200,000 for the treatment center. Proceeds will help the center serve 200 families during the next year, Guinaldo said. Information: (714) 756-0993 or (714) 730-6529.
