10th Annual Childhelp’s “PS I LOVE YOU” Fall Gala raises more than $315,000

With beautiful sunset and ocean views, guests and members were welcomed to the 10th Annual Childhelp’s “PS I LOVE YOU” Fall Gala, on October 21. The Newport Beach Country Club was the perfect backdrop for the event and it was surely a night to remember. The ballroom was transformed into a retro ‘50s/’60s Palm Springs of yore, with gorgeous vibrant florals and pink flamingo décor. Guests wore colorful chic attire (think Hollywood A-Listers), and enjoyed live music, gambling, dining and dancing.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos by John Watkins

(L-R) Childhelp OC Chapter Presidents Gina Van Ocker and Pam Pharris with Benevolent Heart Recipient Kristen James

Click on photo for a larger image

Kristen James receiving Benevolent Heart Award from Bud Pharris (Men’s Committee chair)

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) David and Kristen James with Title Sponsors Jacquie and Michael Casey

Generous event sponsors included Bob Hope Drive Title Sponsors - Jacquie and Michael Casey; Dinah Shore Drive Sponsors - Patti and Jim Edwards, and Janet and Wilfred Rood; Foundation Dean Martin Drive Sponsors - Joanne and Mike Abel, Becky Cooper, Erna Minkoff and Christine Bren, and Jack Benny Road Sponsors - Make My Day Beautiful and Stephanie Rogers.

After VIP pre-party drinks and appetizers, guests were invited indoors to bid on wonderful silent auction items and into the ballroom for dinner and the award presentation.

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Ellen Hanson Walker, Mickey LaBarthe, Sharhr Reyes and Jemmy Golden

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Jimmy and Patti Edwards with Kristen and David James

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Childhelp members Kelly Haugen, Patricia Ford, Katherine Meredith and Diana Miner

Chapter Presidents Pam Pharris and Gina Van Ocker welcomed guests and Men’s Committee Chair Bud Pharris presented the “Benevolent Heart Award” to Childhelp member Kristin James, a long-time member of Childhelp. Auctioneer and emcee Zach Krone hosted an exciting and lively auction to help raise funds for the children of Childhelp. Live and Silent auctions and the Grand Prize raffle provided opportunities for everyone to contribute toward stopping child abuse and neglect. The event raised more than $315,000 for the children of the Childhelp OC Chapter.

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Gala attendees Lilly James, Kylie Knight, Taylor Zenk and Trevor James

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Gala Women’s Committee

Click on photo for a larger image

(L-R) Gala Men’s Committee

Among the Live Auction items: Vaca’s Incredible Chef’s Tasting Menu and Wine Cabinet; Pebble Beach Golf Package for three nights at the Lodge at Pebble Beach and two rounds of golf; Porsche Ultimate Experience for 4  including lunch and the PS I LOVE YOU Package with a two-night stay at the Sensei in Rancho Mirage, two-night stay at La Quinta Resort and four rounds of golf at your choice of the Pete Dye, Nicklaus Tournament or Greg Norman courses.

Click on photo for a larger image

Flamingo-themed baby items were among those up for silent auction

Gala Women’s committee: Tracy Abel, Michele Capps, Jacquie Casey, Mary Allyn Dexter, Patricia Ford, Jill Glick, Jenny Golden, Susan Hill, Katherine Meredith, Diana Miner, Pam Pharris, Tami Smith, Debra Violette, Gina Van Ocker and Ellen Hanson Walker.

Gala Men’s Committee Co-chairs Scott Amling and Bud Pharris

and committee members Garret Abel, Mike Abel, Jimmy Edwards, Brad Hinman, David James, Mark Simon and Brett Smith.

Childhelp is proud to report that for each dollar expended, more than 85 cents is invested into serving the children in need of their program services, which include three Group Homes in Costa Mesa and the Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in Beaumont, Calif. For more information, visit www.childhelp.org.