THE CROWD:Diamonds and pearls for cancer group

The Diamond and Pearl Ball, held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort, raised $1.18 million for the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation.

The recent Saturday evening gala honored the late Andi Collins, a teen who lost her battle with inflammatory breast cancer at the age of 16. An auxiliary support group of Beckstrand was formed and formally announced in memory of Andi.

They are calling the group Four Pearls — for Andi and founders Veronica and Stephanie Muth and sister Lauren Collins. Their mission will be to raise funds to support a Beckstrand pediatric hospice program.

The evening marked the third annual gathering of friends supporting Beckstrand.

Founded in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand and a team of cancer specialists, the organization is dedicated to providing individual patient assistance, helping cancer victims cope with critical survival needs, including day-to-day living and basic needs.

In the crowd were donors Valaree and Robert Wahler, Bo and Dick Marconi, Kelly and Duane Roberts, Marge and Jeff Lewis, Tami and Mike Kahn, Jan and Mike Salta, Debbie Simon, Toni and A.J. D’Amato, Wade and Bob Wells and Tara and Mike Shapiro.

South Coast Plaza welcomed distinguished Russian guests at a spectacular evening cast party thrown in honor of the Kirov Company, including members of the ballet, orchestra and opera from the world-famous Russian troupe.

Jewel Court was transformed into a scene reminiscent of Imperial Russia, replete with rich red and gold draped fabric surrounding tables decorated with abundant red and white roses.

Dolls dressed in ballerina costumes danced gracefully from the rafters and a seven-foot ice carving of the old Moscow skyline received accolades from the crowd.

Stoli Elit Vodka was the drink of choice as hosts Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom welcomed their Russian guests. Sampling the seasonal pumpkin soup and grilled lamp chops were Elaine and Rich Steinoff, Gisella and Ted Donuguian, Eve Foussard, Ruth Ding, Orange County Performing Arts Center Vice President Todd Bentjen and O.C. celeb chef Jamie Gwen.

The 2006-07 Pacific Symphony Pops season debuted in grand style with an opening night Broadway Blowout in the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

The popular conductor Richard Kaufman led the show, starring Davis Gaines, Monica Mancini, Patti Austin and Lisa Vroman.

The party was billed as the Big Orange, chaired by Virginia Boureston and Vivian McCluney, featuring a preconcert dinner. Following the performance, there was more celebration with late night dessert, cocktails and entertainment. Pacific Symphony Orchestra board chairman John Stahr, John and Sandy Daniels, Mike and Ellie Gordon were all front and center for pops at the arts center.

The superb Decorative Arts Society launched its fall-winter schedule of events with a swank cocktail party at the oceanfront residence of Hyla and Richard Bertea.

The mid-week gathering welcomed San Francisco-based floral designer Ron Morgan, who joined sophisticated local gals, including event chairwoman Cecilia Nott, Ann Dennis, Elana Donovan, Meredith Graves-Foreman, Sharon Henwood, Mary Anna Jeppe, Mary Manno, Joan Sammis and Lois Tingler.

This season, the society will sponsor five events, the next one taking place Nov. 14, with collector and author Beverly Jackson addressing the crowd. Her topic will be “Splendid Slippers.”

On Feb. 13, Bunny Williams, noted international interior designer, will speak on “An Affair with A House.”

Hutton Wilkinson will join the parade March 13, speaking on “Tony Duquette: American Design Icon.” Then on April 17, Stephen M. Salny will conclude the series with a forum on Frances Elkins.

All of the events take place at the Newport Stadium Theaters in Fashion Island. A breakfast buffet begins the day, followed by a lecture. The 12th annual series, sponsored by the Decorative Arts Society, benefits its local charities: New Directions For Women, Laura’s House and Girls Inc.

For more information, call (949) 675-8299.