Helping Children Is the Heart and Goal of Family Solutions

A cornucopia of good company and goodwill overflowed at Family Solutions’ Autumn Magic Dinner Dance held Saturday at the Village Crean in Newport Beach.

The 115 guests sipped wine and toured the estate’s Southern-styled mansion before sitting at tables topped with autumn-colored bouquets in the candle-lit courtyard.

Magician Carl Wilson intrigued his audience with an after-dinner show, but no sleight-of-hand was needed for the lively auction that followed, which brought event proceeds to $20,000.

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“Family Solutions is not well known yet, so we’re really still infants in the fund-raising arena,” said three-time event Chairwoman Teresa Bassett. “But my heart just fell in love with the organization and what they do.”

Founded in 1986, the Santa Ana-based organization provides residential and foster-care homes for at-risk and abused children ages 10 to 18. It also offers a transitional mentoring program for 18-year-olds when they leave the foster-care system.

Executive Director John Peel said the fund-raiser enables the organization to provide additional activities for the children. “Our goal is to promote their physical, mental and emotional growth, but many times the kids need special things that wouldn’t normally be available to a child in foster care,” he said. “The money we’ll raise tonight allows us to provide extras like music lessons or sports equipment.”

Marci Salmon, honorary event chairwoman--and wife of Angel outfielder Tim Salmon--said she was privileged to help support Family Solutions. “If I can encourage people in any way to support these children, then that’s what I want to do,” she said.

Observed guest Marcie Vinson: “Family Solutions not only helps to get children back into life but alleviates some of their pain. It’s a great organization to support.”

For information: (800) 869-2731.