The Crowd:

South Coast Plaza produced a top-drawer runway fashion show last week at the Island Hotel on behalf of Childhelp. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Childhelp, founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson. The international children’s charity began as an adoption and child-placement service and is today one of the foremost agencies working to prevent child abuse.

O’Meara and Fedderson, now headquartered in Arizona, flew in for the event, part of a yearlong national celebration of their lifelong work with children. The Orange County Chapter is one of the largest and most generous in the nation.

The afternoon at the Island began with a reception as some 400 guests mingled sharing stories of their commitment to Childhelp. The occasion also marked the 23rd such luncheon fashion fundraiser produced by the local Childhelp ladies. Co-chaired by Alana Hedley and Libby Werner, with devoted assistance from the beautiful and bright Diana Miner, president of the chapter, the event was surely one of the most successful in spite of current economic conditions.

Tragically, child abuse is on the rise, in part due to the economic meltdown. Many in the crowd, including some of the most passionate sponsors such as Newport’s Patti Edwards, a member of Childhelp’s National Board of Directors, commented, “Our work is more necessary than ever.

“Fifty years of dedication to the prevention of child abuse has made a difference in so many lives yet there are so many more that need our help.” Edwards went on to say, “Raising money is important, but it’s not the money that matters most. The children helped are given love. That makes the most important difference.”

Fittingly, Childhelp has labeled its annual fundraiser-fashion show “For the Love of a Child.” Edwards introduced the audience to the founding women who both delivered eloquent words of thanks and prayer.

The religious connection, although somewhat downplayed publicly today, is key to the Fedderson and O’Meara purpose. The belief that God has placed them on earth to save children has been a guiding light for the pair for more than 50 years.