The Crowd:

It’s hard to believe that the fall social calendar is upon us. There are more parties, charitable gatherings, causes and civic affairs than ever. Already there are multiple events on most weekend nights over the next couple of months. So take that, you recession.

Actually, most of the charitable causes in Newport-Mesa are reporting that they are working much harder to earn contributed dollars.

Donation levels have been down across the board. Organizers are reaching out to the community with new and innovative ideas that are keeping nonprofits reasonably healthy as we are hopefully coming out of the worst of the economic downturn.

There are economic forecasts that predict a continued rocky road into 2010; however, the diversity and the strength of the Orange County community, coupled with the commitment and passion of so many citizens contributing to those in need or hoping for a better future, will continue to make a discernible difference in this community.

Here’s a rundown of a few of the current and future events:

First, the annual Festival of Children Celebration, now in its eighth season, kicked off last week in Costa Mesa with a grand old celebration that honored Wahoo’s Fish Taco founders Wing Lamb, Ed Lee and Mingo Lee.

The passionate Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, brainchild behind the Festival of Children concept, presented the “Founders Award” to the three civic-minded taco barons for their more than 20 years of service to children in the community.

The Festival of Children will continue throughout the month at South Coast Plaza and around town with a myriad of activities. For more information, visit www.festivalofchildren.org.

In other children’s charity news, the Mighty Rubber Ducky Derby is just around the corner, set for Oct. 4 at Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine. It is the 16th annual day in the sun on behalf of the Children’s Bureau, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

For those not familiar, the event is centered around donors purchasing rubber ducks that float down the Wild Rivers waterway to a finish line of fabulous prizes. This year, organizers are thrilled to offer a chance to win $1 million in the duck race. The day at the water park features plenty of fun and fabulous food. For information, including how to win the $1 million prize, go to www.duckyderbyoc.com.