A picture-perfect Saturday afternoon in Newport Beach was the backdrop for "Under the Big Top."
The circus-inspired theme was chosen for the 2012 National Charity League, Juniors Mother-Daughter luncheon and fashion show held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort. It was one of the most exceptionally designed events held in the Bay Club ballroom, transforming the massive space into the interior of a romantic circus tent.
National Charity League, Juniors President Jenny Gehl joined co-chairs Samantha Anderson, Erin Greenwald and Becky Scanlan in welcoming some 500 mothers and daughters under the big top.
The event ultimately raised more than $100,000 for the group's charities. The beneficiaries include High Hopes Head Injury Program, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, and the Harry and Grace Steele Children's Center at Orange Coast College.
The upbeat event included the introduction of sixth-grade mothers and daughters graduating out of the National Charity League, Juniors program, some of whom began as kindergartners. The purpose of the endeavor is to foster a strong mother-daughter relationship in connection with passing on to the new generation a concern for philanthropic, cultural and social involvement in the community.
