Getting creative for arts high school

B.W. COOK

The Orange County High School of the Arts raised nearly $500,000 at

its recent annual gala, titled “A Tribute to the Movies.”

More than 500 local patrons converged upon the Hyatt Regency

Huntington Beach Resort & Spa for a Saturday-night, black-tie soiree

that raised funds to support the school’s arts-education programs. In

addition, $50,000 was earmarked to support the school’s Artists

Scholar Sponsorship Program, which provides financial assistance to

deserving students.

The evening began with a VIP cocktail reception honoring the

evening’s underwriters, which included Newport Coast’s John and

Sandra Segerstrom Daniels and local arts patrons Robert and Carole

Follman and Michael and Melanie Harrah. Major corporate support came

from H & R Block Mortgage and Option One Mortgage.

As the crowd arrived for dinner, a major silent auction attracted

additional donor dollars. Among the unusual items were two VIP

tickets to the 2005 Tony Awards in New York and an opportunity to

perform in the Disneyland production of “Fantasmic.” Also up for bid

was a private VIP tour of the famous Pixar Studios and an opportunity

to attend the movie premiere and after party for Ashton Kutcher’s

film “A Lot Like Love.”

In all, more than 400 generous items were donated to support the

school, which has become nationally recognized for its performing

arts curriculum.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the showcase of talent

-- more than 200 Orange County High School of the Arts singers and

dancers, accompanied by the school’s ambassador jazz orchestra and

chamber orchestra. “A Tribute to the Movies” included vocal and

choreographic selections from classic Hollywood productions, such as

“Singin’ In The Rain,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Phantom of the Opera.”

Ralph Opacic, president and executive director of the school,

thanked the crowd for its phenomenal support.

“I am proud to say that this year’s gala exceeded our greatest

expectations,” said Opacic.

The Orange County High School of the Arts is now in its 18th year

in Orange County. For more information, please visit

https://www.ocsarts.net.

The Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach was the site for the

Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County’s annual gala to honor community

leaders. The recent evening was billed as “April in Austria,” and

featured the talents of actor Victor Garber (from the ABC hit

“Alias”) as master of ceremonies for the evening.

More than 250 local guests joined forces in the battle against

Alzheimer’s disease, showing solidarity for some very distinguished

local leaders in the search for a cure.

The evening’s honorees included Dr. Carl Cotman, professor of

neurology and neurobiology at UC Irvine. The list of local

philanthropic leaders who were cheered for their generosity included

Tom and Barbara Martino and Donald E. Power. A very special guest was

Larry Varnes, national chairman of the Alzheimer’s Assn. of America.

At the end of the evening, more than $110,000 was raised to help

fund local services offered by the Alzheimer’s Assn. at no charge to

families affected by the disease.

In addition to the wide array of services, the association

sponsors a 24-hour help line at (800) 272-3900. For more information

on the Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County, visit

https://www.alzoc.org.

Respected Costa Mesa attorney Jack Kayajanian will host a VIP

cocktail reception at the Irvine Marriott Hotel on April 18,

preceding the 19th annual Armenian-American Sports Hall of Fame

Banquet. Kayajanian has been the chairman of the event for 19 years.

This year’s dinner is a tribute to “March Madness,” featuring

former University of Utah coach and ESPN analyst Rick Majerus.

College basketball legend Jerry Tarkanian, also an Armenian-American

Hall of Famer, will be a special presenter and will be joined by

Eddie LeBaron.

This annual fraternal event has raised funds over the past two

decades for a host of community charities, including the Orange

County Children’s Hospital and the Ararat Home for the Aged.

The entire community is invited to join in the celebration. Last

minute tickets are still available at a requested donation of $80 per

person. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also still

available.

Please call Simon Hovakimian at (562) 413-1720 for ticket

information, or contact Nakesha at the Kayajanian Law Firm at (714)

437-7000 for group reservations and patron donations.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.