Bargainers Bedazzled at Boutique

The event: Through the Eyes of a Child, a holiday boutique and luncheon benefit for the Orange County chapter of Childhelp USA. The event at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Thursday netted more than $70,000 for the operation of the national agency’s group homes for abused children in Orange County and its residential treatment center in Beaumont.

Up for grabs: By 10 a.m., nearly 800 bargain shoppers were cruising tables stacked with homemade goodies--everything from holiday wreaths and garlands to gaily wrapped loaves of bread. Professional vendors were also on hand, hawking glittery sweaters, jewelry, handbags and oil paintings.

“We accommodate about 20 vendors and have about 30 more on a waiting list,” said Eileen Saul, a supporter of Childhelp since 1979. “The rest of our items are made or donated by our members.”

Growing up: What began as a white elephant sale in the ‘70s has become one of Orange County’s most eagerly awaited holiday events, noted Patti Edwards of Newport Beach, a member of Childhelp’s national board. “We’ve gone from a small boutique to an event where we are sold out and pushed to the seams,” she said.

The event owes its popularity to the cause, observed Dale San Filippo, co-chairwoman of the boutique with Gemma Wolf. “When you know children are being abused, you want to do something to help stop it.”

Child abuse prevention: Besides its residential facilities, Childhelp USA operates a 24-hour Hotline ([800] 4-A-Child) staffed by professional crisis counselors. Other Childhelp programs include parenting education, Head Start preschools for at-risk children and sexual abuse prevention education in elementary schools.

To reduce the trauma of multiple exams for children suspected of being sexually abused, One-Step examination centers have been established in Tennessee and New York.

Quote: “I got involved with Childhelp when my first child was born,” Wolf said. “Once I saw how helpless children were, I realized how important it was to protect them.”

Faces: Deborah Abrecht, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates, who received Childhelp’s Spirit of Giving Award at the luncheon; Mary Allyn Dexter; Pam Arnett; Ro Frey; Kathy Slavik; Nancy Whitlock; Kim Doud; Beth Bidna; Debra Violette; Barbara Ganahl; Katie Clark; Debra Schmidt; and Mary Fitzgerald.

Also on the scene: Natalie Tabb; Susan Whitlock; Pam Butler; Tami Smith; Lindah Miles; Jana Shuler; Nancy Cardin; Melinda Stone; and Sharon Van Sickle.

What’s next: South Coast Plaza fashion show on March 25 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Tickets: $75. Information: (714) 721-0814.