The Crowd -- B.W. Cook

The Turnip Rose catered lunch for the Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange

County, celebrating 20 years of assisting both victims and their loved

ones battling the insidious disease that robs human beings of their mind

and their dignity.

Activists and volunteers gathered in the Costa Mesa dining room of the

Turnip Rose for a holiday lunch and to share memories of the past 20

years together.

Linda Scheck, executive director of the Orange County chapter of the

Alzheimer’s Assn., hosted the midday gathering that featured an

impressive lineup of volunteers who have given countless hours of service

to the cause.

Very special mention was made of selected volunteers and supporters

named as Alzheimer’s All-Stars for 2001. Each honoree received a special

heartfelt tribute delivered specifically to them accompanying the

presentation of an engraved Lucite star to commemorate their service.

In other association news, guests at the Alzheimer’s Assn.’s “Memories

In The Making” auction held recently in Newport Beach experienced an

exhibition of 30 works of art by local artists with the disease. The art

show was exhibited at the Northern Trust Bank in Fashion Island.

Many of the artists and their families attended an afternoon event and

tea held in their honor that preceded an evening auction of the works of

art. The paintings were sold in a fast and furious bidding, which raised

more than $10,000, bringing the total net amount raised from the event to

more than $16,000.

The funds will go to help the specialized services of the local

Alzheimer’s Assn. chapter.

Television host Stephanie Edwards served as the emcee for the event,

which included participation by many local activists, including Betty

Belden Palmer, Pat Cox, Nora Hester, Mark and Barbara Johnson, Melinda

and Tony Moiso, Marilyn and Jim Spain, Carol and Kent Wilken, Sandra and

Alex Rados, and John and Donna Crean.

In upcoming association news, April 6 will see the local Alzheimer’s

Assn. chapter present an “April In Paris” gala fund-raiser at the Four

Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach. The evening will feature comedian and

impersonator Rich Little. Julie David and Donald Power will co-chair the

black-tie event, with tickets set at $200 per person. Major sponsorships

and underwriting opportunities are available.

For more information, call Patti Cunningham or Louise Cummings at the

Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County at (714) 283-1111.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.