OUT & ABOUT
CHARITY PURSUITS AND COASTAL HAPPENINGS
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1 . Bailey Johnson , Cindy Canale , Mahtab Jafari , Mike Johnson 2 . Susan B . Parks , Melinda Masson 3 . Max and Artyn Gardner , Melinda Masson , Pierre Masson , Susan B . Parks 4 . Steve and Cinda Churm , Dula and Nanda Kumar Cheruvatath 5 . Greg Backley
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IT ’ S SHOWTIME
Orange County United Way ’ s Alexis de Tocqueville Society rolled out the red carpet for the nearly 200 guests that attended the It ’ s Showtime fundraising event at The New Port Theater on Nov . 4 . More than $ 250,000 was raised in support of the local chapter , and it will be used to uphold key programs that ensure academic success , financial security , permanent housing and health services for Orange County residents . Although the event featured music and a live auction , the spotlight was on some of the nonprofit ’ s biggest supporters . In addition to a Million Dollar Roundtable where individuals and foundations that have donated more than $ 1 million over the years were recognized , Orange County United Way presented three distinct medals . Board member Mike Johnson earned the Taking Action award for his role in enhancing employee engagement at the Automobile Club of Southern California while Ken and JoAnn Lickel were awarded the Inspiration medal for their support of the group ’ s Endowment Fund . Melinda Masson and the Masson Family Foundation were also honored , bestowed with the Legacy award thanks to her deep commitment to both the nonprofit ’ s mission and to the local community . ( unitedwayoc . org ) — Ashley Ryan
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1 . Jamie Gwen 2 . Keith and Pamela Curry 3 . Line dancing 4 . John and Diana Conners
DENIM & DIAMONDS
More than $ 100,000 was raised for the Balboa Island Museum at the third annual community gathering and fundraiser Nov . 17 at the Pavilion on the Balboa Fun Zone grounds . Around 250 supporters attended the Western-themed event with guests arriving via the Balboa Island Ferry and entering the party under the glowing Ferris wheel to the sound of The James Kelly Band . Among the activities , attendees enjoyed line dancing and played carnival games like a ball toss and balloon pop with prizes for winners . Guests also sidled up to the margarita bar for refreshments . Event emcee and celebrity chef Jamie Gwen wandered around the party rooms to chat with guests . A barbecue dinner was served by Naples Rib Co . at tables covered with red-and-white checkered cloths . The chuck wagonstyle feast included brisket , grilled filet bites atop mashed potato martinis , chicken kabobs , smoked sausage and more . Meanwhile , a silent auction included items like a diamond bracelet from Lugano Diamonds and a historic Newport fire boatsold to a local boat enthusiast . Proceeds went to support the museum , which documents , preserves and promotes the history and culture of Balboa Island and the surrounding region . ( balboaislandmuseum . org ) — Sharon Stello
TOP SECTION : COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY ; BOTTOM SECTION : JOHN WATKINS
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