When Less Is More
The event: Whispers of the East, the 16th Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show staged by the Sophisticates. Held last week at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, the show raised funds for the Assessment and Treatment Services Center, a youth and family counseling program in Newport Beach.
Orient Express: A dancing Chinese dragon led more than 700 guests through entryways decorated with bamboo stalks into the hotel ballroom, where tables were adorned with white paper lanterns and Japanese flower arrangements.
“We were told . . . that the [show] fashions were very minimal, white and clean, and we wanted the theme to reflect that,” said Debbie Newmeyer, event co-chairwoman. “It’s very Zen-ish.”
Against a pristine white backdrop, svelte models sauntered down the runway in the season’s minimalist designer styles from Nordstrom South Coast Plaza. George Takei, known as Mr. Sulu to “Star Trek” fans, showed up to help with an opportunity drawing. “I’m looking forward to being transported,” he joked.
Addressing the problem: Founded in 1974, the Assessment and Treatment Services Center offers free counseling to troubled youths and their families. Often, families have been referred to the program by schools because the child is having problems in class. The Sophisticates, a 180-member group of young women, is the center’s main support guild, raising $1.2 million for the
program since their first fashion show 16 years ago.
Quote: “There’s such a great need for [family counseling] in Orange County. Our program deals with the entire family. It’s a place where families can get free counseling for major and minor problems,” said Eve Kornyei, president of the Sophisticates.
Faces: Tammy Moore, event co-chairwoman; Stephanie Voss, who accepted special recognition from the Sophisticates on behalf of her father, Arthur Voss; Laurie Woodruff, Sophisticates vice president; Donna Crean; Nancy Lynn Olson; Debbie Schweickert; Zee Allred; Peggy Goldwater Clay; Jeannie Lawrence; Nili Stevens; Sue Cannon; Lana Chandler; Petrina Noor; Denice Mock; Leslie Harris; Kathie Porter; Patti Edwards; Patricia Lane; Tom Newmeyer; and Sarah Corrigan.
Bottom line: The show was expected to net $187,000 for the center. Proceeds will be used for the counseling program, which has a waiting list of 37 families.
What’s ahead: “Dos” Equis de Mayo, the Sophisticates’ fiesta at Rancho las Lomas, from 3 to 8 p.m. May 2. (949) 756-0993.
