Charity Makes $50,000 When 20 Debutantes Make a Bow

Twenty young women, gloriously gowned and groomed, made their social debuts Saturday night at the Newport Marriott Hotel. And the Children’s Home Society made $50,000.

Sponsored by the Newport Harbor Auxiliary, the gala began with a pre-party for the debs in a private salon. There they joined escorts and their fathers to nibble at finger sandwiches, sip punch and watch a magician pop coins into a Perrier bottle.

At the same time, mothers of the debs, along with family and friends, enjoyed a cocktail hour in another salon before they took their seats in the ballroom.

After each debutante floated through an archway of bamboo and peach moire-wrapped columns (flanked by tiny reflecting pools) they took the ballroom stage, made their St. James bow and waltzed with their fathers.

Dinner and more dancing followed. Guests paid $100 each to attend, with other proceeds coming from donations.

Making their debuts were: Lori Diane Bailey, Catherine Suzanne Baker, Corinne Marie Callaghan, Elena Estelle Camaras, Sabrina Theresa Combs, Rebecca Carole Crane, Tiffany Johnston Doyle, Sherrie Ann Frink, Jessica Kateri Jones, Janine Jurgensen, Tracy Lynne Krueger, Penelope Sarah Mackie, Elizabeth Anne McKibbin, Kimberly Kaye Merickel, Kerry Brooke Parker, Jonelle Renee Payne, Catherine Mary Riley, Kelly Elizabeth Ryan, Sarah Hill Shea and Anne Churchill Viehe.

Susan Beechner is auxiliary president. Linda Hughes was ball chairwoman. Assisting on the committee were Fran Smith, Marilyn Read, Bonnie Lambert, Vickie Riccabona, Brenda Eastman, Kathy Reed, Gloria Pierce, Carol Boice, Thais O’Neil and Carol Dru.