Flights of Fancy : At the Butterflies Ball, Formal Attire Suits the Supporters of Interval House Crisis Shelters

The event: Le Bal des Papillons (French for “Ball of the Butterflies”), a black-tie dinner benefiting Interval House Crisis Shelters for victims of domestic violence. Saturday’s gala took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point.

Hear them roar: Guests were greeted by about a dozen women in glamorous gowns--all survivors of domestic violence who had transformed their lives, thanks to Interval House.

Throughout the dinner, celebrities saluted their courage: Singer Maureen McGovern serenaded the crowd with an a cappella version of what she called “a very hopeful anthem”--her ‘70s hit “Morning After.” Helen Reddy delivered her signature ‘70s smash, “I Am Woman,” dedicating it to “all the wonderful, strong, invincible women of Interval House.”

Metamorphosis: Interval House, established in 1982, has three emergency shelters in Orange County and one in Long Beach. Housing is provided for about 60 women a month for an average stay of 30 to 45 days. “Demand for services is constantly exceeding our capabilities,” said Carol Anne Williams, executive director of Interval House.

The agency is expanding one of its emergency shelters and plans to add an intermediate shelter in an apartment-like setting to help women make the transition to independent living.

Quote: “Unfortunately, there are very few people who haven’t been touched by domestic violence,” said Joyce Kakkis, event chairwoman. “That’s why people identify with this cause.”

Bottom line: The gala was expected to net about $150,000 for Interval House. A portion of the proceeds will be used for the agency’s expansion plans.

Faces: Bob Armstrong, president of the Interval House board of directors; celebrity auctioneer and “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” veteran Jo Anne Worley; emcee Beverly Garland; Christopher Darden; former Miss America Lee Merriwether; and Eric Mossman, architect of the new emergency shelter.

How to help: To volunteer for Interval House, call the headquarters at (562) 594-9492.