Pink Tie raises some $70,000 more than last year

The 2010 Pink Tie Ball, thrown by the Orange County affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, raised a most impressive $400,000 for the fight against breast cancer. Some 400 donors gathered in the private Atlantic Aviation hangar at John Wayne Airport for the evening chaired by Analisa and Bruce Albert. Supporting the Alberts were co-Chairs Marcia Pendjer and John Miller, and Trish and Michael Gustafson.

“Seventy-five percent of the funds raised at the ball will support programs focused on the breast cancer needs of the medically underserved population, and 25% will fund the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program,” said Lisa Wolter, executive director of the O.C. Komen affiliate.

She thanked the crowd for its generous support, which was up more than $70,000 from the event tally in 2009.

Major sponsorship of the evening came from the Allergan Foundation, Saks Fifth Avenue, FreeCreditReport.com and Newport Beach philanthropic citizens Mindy and Glenn Stearns. Dinner was catered by Crème de la Crème and Bluewater Grill followed by special guest star entertainment from singer Debbie Gibson.

Balboa Bay Club hotelier and cigar impresario Henry Schielein, credited as the creator of the Gentlemen’s Cigar charity dinner, will produce his 16th annual Gentlemen’s Smoker and Lobster Clambake July 30 on the beach at Newport’s Balboa Bay Club & Resort. About 250 gents will converge upon the legendary waterfront property to partake in what has been arguably called the “feast of all feasts” featuring the finest libations, cigars, and a dinner of filet, lobster, clams and every accompaniment known to man.

The indulgence has a purpose other than simple male bonding. The $275 ticket goes in part to fund the Balboa Bay Club Scholarship Fund, which distributes more than $60,000 each year to deserving local Newport-Mesa students heading for college. To date, the fund has granted more than $500,000 in assistance.

“Come and enjoy,” Schielein said. “Bring your checkbook for the auction, and don’t forget you must wear a blue blazer — my dress code will be enforced!”

For more information and reservations, call Eileen Braun at the club at (949) 630-4200.

Newport social doyenne Peggy Goldwater Clay reports that the Jewel of Orange County’s fifth annual Great Park Conservancy summer party is set to unfold July 31 on the grounds of the nation’s most ambitious park project in a century. This year the Microsemi Corporation will be the presenting sponsor of the al fresco night infused with the romantic music of Bulgarian virtuoso guitarists Triada Guitar Trio under the summer stars.

Local VIPs supporting the annual park fundraiser include event Chairs Marian Bergeson, Michelle and David Horowitz, Janet Ray, Teddie Ray, Kathy Taylor, Doug Neff, Bob Currie and Deborah Hefter. Dinner, dancing, entertainment and an auction will complete the evening. Dress code is strictly Napa chic. Tickets are priced starting at $1,000 per couple.

For information and reservations, call (949) 653-1775 or go to Jeweloc.com.

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