Party With Purpose

They danced swing. Posed for souvenir photos. Even smooched a little as they snuggled with their sweeties at the 10th annual Senior Prom.

But this was no teenage romp. This was a gala attended by more than 900 seniors, most older than 65.

The fund-raiser for South County Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels Program has become one of Orange County’s most popular social affairs. It not only offers seniors a chance to kick up their heels, but also gives them an opportunity to help people who are unable to prepare their own food, much less whirl around a dance floor.

“I love the dancing--but I also love this party’s purpose,” said Maxine Mitchell, 75, during the event on Sunday at the Irvine Marriott hotel. “The proceeds go toward helping the homebound elderly who need food brought to them. They also love visiting with the volunteers who bring the food. They wait for them each day.”

Asella and Rudolf Aru of Brea love to dance. The couple, married for 51 years, wowed fellow prom-goers with their effortless tango and English waltz.

But they also came to support the cause. They have known hunger, they said. Forced out of Estonia in 1944 by the Communist regime, the couple fled to Germany. After World War II, they had no food.

“It was hard, very hard,” said Asella Aru, 73. “We were afraid to take a walk because it would make us more hungry.”

“It’s an odd feeling when you know what food is and you can’t have it,” said Rudolf Aru, 78. “You just drink water, and when you walk, you hear it sloshing around.”

If not for the 414,000 servings of food delivered annually by Meals on Wheels, most of the South County recipients would be living in nursing homes, said Marilyn Ditty, executive director of South County Senior Services.

“We’ve had some of our people on the program nine or 10 years because of their physical limitations,” Ditty said. “We try to keep them in their homes as long as possible. We have more than 800 volunteers who deliver food every day.”

The concept for a Senior Prom was born out of a meeting between Ditty and Leo Brennan, current vice president of Cox Communications, co-sponsor of the annual benefit.

“We were looking to team up with a worthwhile organization to provide some support,” Brennan said. “And Marilyn came in and sold me on South County Community Services. I attended the first prom. We never dreamed it would become this big.”

A Taste of the Islands

Underwriters of the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s upcoming Candlelight Concert were honored at a reception on Tuesday at the chic Hawaiian-flavored Roy’s restaurant in Fashion Island Newport Beach.

Arriving guests received fresh orchid leis flown in from Oahu. As they sipped island drinks and sampled fresh salmon and ahi appetizers, they were serenaded by a Hawaiian combo.

Was it a preview of the Dec. 10 concert for 450 people to be held onstage in Segerstrom Hall?

Not even close. That affair will showcase a Venetian theme, formal dinner and Broadway singing sensation Linda Eder.

“Guests will feel like they’re dining in a 17th century Venetian palazzo,” said Pat Rypinski, co-chairwoman of the event with Dotti Stillwell.

Said Stillwell: “The event is already a sellout. We’re going to net a million.”

“It’s the event in town,” Center President Jerry Mandel said. “It builds on its own energy--people want to be there.”

Suddenly, Shields

Actress-model Brooke Shields will make an in-store appearance at Mikimoto of South Coast Plaza’s holiday bash for customers on Dec. 14.

Architectural Digest is co-hosting the affair that will feature the star of TV’s “Suddenly, Susan” sporting the latest in pearl jewelry.

Mikimoto, a faithful player on Orange County’s charity scene--the company handed out pearl necklaces to each of the women guests at last year’s Candlelight Concert--has gained a measure of fame with its glamorous parties.

Last spring, Mikimoto held a benefit for the Chao Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCI Medical Center that featured clothing and a pearl choker once owned by Marilyn Monroe.

Giving Thanks

Members of Orange County Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives held their annual Spirit of Philanthropy luncheon on Monday at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

More than 900 representatives of Orange County’s nonprofit sector jammed the hotel ballroom to honor their own for outstanding community service.

Recognized at the event were Dan Harney, named Outstanding Founder for establishing the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County; Mary Bouas, named Outstanding Volunteer for her work at Anaheim Memorial Medical Center; Stephanie Perez, named Outstanding Youth for her dedication to the welfare of her four siblings; and Katie Machoskie, named Outstanding Nonprofit Professional for her work with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

The Sisters of the St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation and Ginny and Rich Hunsaker--donors to the St. Joseph Ballet--were named Outstanding Philanthropists. Disney VoluntEARS was named the Outstanding Volunteer Organization.

Charity Opener

Saks Fifth Avenue celebrates its grand opening today at the Shops of Mission Viejo with the presentation of checks for $5,000 each to representatives of five Orange County charities: the Orange County Marine Institute; Laura’s House; the Orange County Chapter of the American Cancer Society; the Irvine Barclay Theatre and the Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center.

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Ann Conway can be reached at 714-966-5952 or be E-Mail at ann.conway@latimes.com.