The Crowd: Some exceptional gatherings

An evening in Newport Coast attracted Orange County VIPs to an intimate yet serious salon gathering on behalf of the local Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The private gathering raised $100,000 in donations from guests, including Angels President and Chairman Dennis Kuhl, Irvine Co. Vice President Steve Friedlander and his wife, Marie, and Montage Resort General Manager Todd Orlich and his wife, Victoria.

Hosted by make-A-Wish board members Daniel Kim and Joel Solomon, the event was billed as the 2012 Inaugural Cornerstone. David Williams, Make-A-Wish American president and chief executive, attended, along with Stephanie McCormick, Make-A-Wish's chief executive for Orange County and the Inland Empire.

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Elsewhere in Newport...

Another intimate salon gathering on the other end of Newport unfolded at the chic Lido Isle residence of Karen and Andrew Littlefair. The mid-week dinner party on behalf of the Lido Isle Women's Charitable Foundation found its purpose in presenting Hoag Hospital with a check for $13,000.

Funds raised were proceeds from the island's "Home For The Holiday's" tour in December. Some 75 dedicated Lido Isle ladies created the holiday home tour, which featured the exceptional residences of Linda Colton, Pamela Pickens and Mark and Shana Conzelman.

Dr. Neil Barth was on hand on behalf of Hoag Hospital to accept the gift, earmarked for Hoag's cancer center and Circle 1000 Cancer Auxiliary.

Enjoying the Littlefair's hospitality were Diana and Chris Miner, Anne and John Wortmann, Diane and Jim Aust, Sharon and Gary Grimes, Susan and Sid Crossley, Ida Middlesworth, Gloria Parker and Carol Poe.

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The world comes to O.C.

The World Affairs Council of Orange County hosted a smashing international event at the Westin South Coast Plaza hotel in Costa Mesa.

The consul generals of France, Greece and Italy were seated on a panel, moderated by David Pyott, discussing current issues facing Western Europe and the world.

The distinguished crowd included World Affairs Council Executive Director Karen Levesque, Jerry and Maralou Harrington, Rod and Liz Maxson, and Adolf and Birgit Luttke.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.