THE CROWD:

For those unfamiliar with the routine on the charity/social circuit, major events are often preceded by a special donor reception to thank the big givers who underwrite the cost of the major parties.

Childhelp USA held an impressive fashion show luncheon Monday at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The week before, the underwriters were invited to a cocktail supper at the waterfront residence of Beverly and Robert Cohen, whose Bayshore Drive estate is on the former land of the legendary John Wayne residence.

Such underwriter events are generally quite social and civilized. This party was beyond imagination. Beverly and Robert, who likes to call himself “RC,� entertain in world-class style. They are the owners of the Los Angeles Four Seasons Hotel on Doheny Drive, and Robert Cohen is also one of Southern California’s most knowledgeable horticulturalists and floral designers.

Guests entering the Cohen residence were met by Childhelp volunteers including O.C. President Diana Miner and her husband, Chris Miner, and co-chairwomen of the underwriter reception and the major fashion fundraiser Alana Hedley and Libby Werner.

Also front and center were Dale San Filippo, Cleo Bluth, Mary Allyn Dexter, Katherine Meredith and Carol Packard. The Cohens completed a ground up construction project on the former Wayne property, which they have owned for many years, following a multiyear construction adventure.

The result is a very unique Parisian-inspired deco mansion, filled with artistic whimsy and personal creativity. It is a feast for the senses. Exploring the home and gardens, which are filled with exotic plants and massive succulents of every variety, the crowd was enthralled.

One of the Cohens’ entertainers from their Los Angeles hotel turned the Bosendorfer Grand Piano in the two-story salon living room into a concert setting.

Outside a reflecting pool constructed from a living room terrace straight into the Newport Harbor with an infinity edge facing the bay was illuminated by a row of lights on each side of the pool. An outdoor fireplace roared, and bartenders were at the ready at three different stations in the gardens.

The crowd, including longtime Childhelp super advocates Patti Edwards and her husband, Jim Edwards, Marie St. John Gray, Howard and Olivia Abel, Otis and Patricia Cranford, Peter and Barbara Ganahl, Don and Erna Minkoff, Mark and Joyce Simon, Joy Whitlock, Nancy Whitlock, and Saks Fifth Avenue’s Vice President Gretchen Pace and her husband, Mark Pace, chatted with celebrity guest of honor Connie Stevens, who had come to Newport from her residence in Holmby Hills in honor of Childhelp USA.

Two Legendary comedian Jack Carter and his wife, Roxanne, in from Beverly Hills, were there supporting good friends Beverly and Robert Cohen.

And, Mr. Malapropism himself, Norm Crosby also front and center. Craig Brown, celebrated hair stylist and interior designer and close pal of Beverly Cohen, added some punch to the party.

The buffet supper was incomparable. The Cohens served every imaginable delicacy. The crowd raved about the lobster, the scallops and the salmon filets. There was a “martini� seafood station, grilled mini lamp chops and sliced filet mignon.

At another station a magnificent smoked salmon with all the trimmings including sliced tomatoes, onions, capers, cheeses and freshly baked breads of every possible variety tempted the guests.

The dessert buffet was beyond description and on every bar there were tiers of your favorite See’s candy.

The lavish reception honored 50 years of support for Childhelp USA founded by Yvonne Fedderson and Sarah O’Meara who were lauded this week at the fashion show.

Also honored were two remarkable physicians: Larry Nichter, founder of Plasticos Foundation, and his associate Jed Horowitz. Nichter was presented with the “Children’s Friend Award� this week for his unwavering humanitarian assistance to children suffering from birth deformities in developing nations worldwide.

Since 1987, Nichter, a respected plastic surgeon along with Horowitz and a team of medical professionals have donated their services and resources traveling wherever and whenever needed to perform surgery in places where people would otherwise have no chance of receiving such treatment.

Nichter and Horowitz chatted with Childhelp donors including Stephanie Howard, Robin and August Iacono, Patty and Paul McDonald, Tonie and Mark Meyer, Pam and Bud Pharris, Stacy Draper, Nancy and Nick Cardin, Cathie and Steve Caporaso, and Jeff and Karen Armour.

Next week, more coverage on the big Childhelp Fashion Luncheon with special guest actress Betty White.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.