Model Children
To aid COPES at the Lollipops and Rainbows fund-raiser, youngsters took to the runway. For some, the spotlight was a snap. For others, well . . .
The event: Lollipops and Rainbows, a fund-raising fashion show starring supporters’ children, at the Newport Beach Marriott on Sunday. The show benefited COPES (Children or Parental Emergency Services) in Santa Ana, which operates group homes for abused and neglected children.
Under the rainbows: In a ballroom festooned with massive lollipops and rainbows, about 20 children from 2 to 12 showed off casual and dressy togs from Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Some seemed born to model; others shyly tiptoed before an audience of 200.
Linda Gomberg, event chairwoman, watched proudly as two of her grandchildren, 3-year-old Rebecca and her cousin, 20-month-old Drew, modeled like a couple of pros. “I was worried about my youngest grandchild, but he wouldn’t get off the stage,†Gomberg said.
Children helping children: Besides their contribution as models, the children--with the help of their families--sent letters last spring to 200 potential donors, asking them to support COPES. “This event . . . is about fortunate children helping less-fortunate children and bringing families together,†said Denise Stevens, executive director of COPES.
Quote: “This event is good for children. They begin to realize they have something to offer others. It’s not just gimme gimme,†said Jeanne Walker, COPES board vice president whose 7-year-old granddaughter Killian Ferriera participated in the show.
Faces: Among the models: Jillian Doti, daughter of Frank and Margaret Doti; Hallie Stern, daughter of Marilyn Stern; Daniel and Christina Valle, children of Artemisa and Francisco Valle; and Ben and Adam Hurwitz, sons of Lawrence and Kathleen Hurwitz.
Others guests included Gladys Fried, COPES founder; Kitty Leslie, show producer; Janice Richardson, clinical director; Stephanie McMackin, board president; Betty Bienstadt, Peggy Evans; Patricia Fontaine; Roxanne Lane; Gabrielle Lieberman; Jennifer Pierot; and Penny Walker.
Pot of gold: Tickets to the show were $45 for adults and $30 for children. Proceeds--about $30,000--will go to operate the agency’s four group homes in Orange County.
Now in its 20th year, COPES provides housing, counseling, food and other services for 24 children from Orangewood Children’s Home who have been removed from their homes by the courts and are awaiting return to their families, adoption or placement in foster homes.
What’s ahead: For information about upcoming COPES events, (714) 836-3255.
