The Crowd: Baker Boys highlight Philharmonic dinner

Newport Beach's tony Ritz Restaurant was the setting for the Big Canyon Spyglass Hill Philharmonic dinner on May 26.

It welcomed more than 100 patrons to a fabulous evening with entertainment by the talented "Baker Boys." If you have not enjoyed an evening at The Ritz when the Baker Boys are performing, you are missing a special treat, as their talent is impressive and they make the evening memorable.

Philharmonic supporters Darby and Bill Manclark, Martha and Malcolm Green, Al and Margaret Clark, Joyce and Al Dieda, and Patricia and Otis Cranford, were among the glamorous crowd that enjoyed a four-course dinner featuring an entree of filet mignon and Atlantic salmon.

Darby Manclark served as planning chair for the party — appropriately labeled "Puttin' on the Ritz" — and received support from Barbara Steinberg and Barbara Taylor. For 50 years the Philharmonic Society of Orange County has sponsored music and cultural programs for O.C. school children, with the Big Canyon Spyglass Hill chapter being a steadfast adjunct for the cause.

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On May 23, Newport's bigger than life Barbara Venezia hosted the Friends of Dorothy Guild fundraiser for the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County with an over-the-top dose of kitsch.

Venezia, always known for making the fashion statement, arrived at the fundraiser dinner and fashion show with her hair died shocking pink and her body clad in skin-tight shimmering turquoise blue leather slacks and matching faux fur vest.

The event, which took place at a warehouse adjacent to the runways of John Wayne Airport donated for the cause by Susie and Kevin Coleman, raised nearly $70,000 for AIDS Services, with virtually no out-of-pocket expense inasmuch as Venezia and crew worked tirelessly to solicit donations for everything needed to support the party.

The wild night on the town featured dining options donated by The Meat House, Sundried Tomato and the famous Tommy's Burger truck. Seventeenth St., Costa Mesa's delicious Nothing Bundt Cakes joined Diva Cakes in providing tasty treats.

As always the highlight of the party was the fashion show featuring the latest in men's and women's clothing. The models were cheered on by some 500 guests including special underwriters Mark Eskander, Howard Gleicher, Damon Chen, and Tom Ray.

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