THE CROWD:Singing Pacific Chorale’s praises

Donald and Dorothy Kennedy, one of Orange County’s most philanthropic couples, hosted a recent underwriter’s reception and dinner on behalf of the Pacific Chorale.

The event unfolded in the Garden Room at First American Title, the international corporation led by the Kennedy family. More than $135,000 was raised at the gathering, which attracted 90 guests who came to underwrite the Pacific Chorale’s upcoming holiday concert and gala.

Organizers are calling the concert ‘Tis the Season. It’s set for Dec. 17 and 20 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Following the Dec. 17 performance, a party will be held at the Center Club in Costa Mesa. It is appropriately titled Afterglow.

Newport’s most dedicated and lovely Jan Landstrom will chair Afterglow, with support from another most respected couple, Floss and Ed Schumacher, serving as honorary chairs.

Landstrom was front and center at the First American reception, joining local TV anchor Ed Arnold of KOCE-TV in welcoming the crowd. Arnold, who never says no to assist the community, served as auctioneer, helping bring in even more money for the chorale.

A highlight of the evening was the performance by Pacific Chorale member Carver Cossey, who sang Broadway selections from “Porgy and Bess.” Joining in the standing ovation for Cossey — accompanied on piano by Jerry Wilhoit — were chorale donors, including performing arts center chairman Mike Gordon and his wife, Ellie, Newport’s Bill and Laila Conlin, John and Elizabeth Stahr, Charlene Prager, Elaine Keck, David and Darellyn Mellili and Betty Belden Palmer.

Also supporting the chorale were Sharon Morrison, Mary Lyons and Bobbitt Williams of Newport Coast. John Alexander, artistic director of the Pacific Chorale, was also present and shared memories of 38 years of the chorale legacy in Orange County. Both the Dec. 17 Christmas Concert and the encore on Dec. 20 will take place in the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Funds raised by the chorale help defray the cost of producing events and sponsoring educational and cultural programs in Orange County.

Ticket sales from concert events such as ‘Tis the Season only cover about 30% of the cost of keeping the chorale alive and well.

For tickets to the upcoming holiday events, call (714) 662-2345 or visit www.pacificchorale.org.