March 26, 2007

GUILDS’ 12th ANNUAL FASHION
EXTRAVAGANZA SALUTES VISIONARY ELIZABETH SEGERSTROM

By Ann Conway

Fashion Show co-chairs Patty Lance
and Deloris St.John

Calling her a "true friend" and a tireless visionary who chaired the Celebration 2006 opening of the Orange County Performing Arts Center's new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, The Guilds of The Center saluted philanthropist Elizabeth Segerstrom at its 12th annual benefit fashion show extravaganza.

Raising more than a whopping $250,000 for The Center, the sold-out luncheon on March 26 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine not only featured a parade of lean and lovely models showcasing the latest in spring and summer fashions by the premiere design house, Escada, but a ballroom abloom in elegant white floral bouquets and a feast fit for royalty - a gourmet duet of Rotisserie Chateaubriand and Chicken Breast with Bernaise Sauce.

Guilds Chairman Linda
Thauer with Elizabeth Segerstrom

More than 600 members of The Guilds and their guests enjoyed a red carpet arrival and the chance to bid on an array of silent auction items before they took their seats for the show. On view from Escada, as the sensuous sounds of a pounding rock beat filled the air: exquisitely detailed sartorial silhouettes that ranged from figure-hugging jeans - paired with waist-defining toppers - to silky evening gowns.

Segerstrom herself wore a chic Escada suit to the affair, in which she and The Guilds were featured in a biographical video presentation that highlighted both of their love affairs with the performing arts. Segerstrom's husband, Henry Segerstrom - founding chairman of The Center - was among the narrators. The tribute to Elizabeth by The Guilds "means a lot to us," Segerstrom said. "For more than 25 years you have been a support system to The Center."

Escada's Kerry Kooistra and Richard
Gonzalez with Elizabeth Segerstrom.

As a token of their esteem, The Guilds presented Elizabeth with a pair of diamond, chandelier-style earrings created by jeweler Black, Starr & Frost of South Coast Plaza. "I have never met a more dedicated group of individuals in my life," Elizabeth said as she stood under the spotlight with Guilds Chairman Linda Thauer and event Co-Chairmen Patty Lance and Deloris St. John. "I am proud to be recognized by The Guilds and honored to have earned your respect. What a blessing to The Center you are!"

Elizabeth Segerstrom with underwriters
Citigroup Smith Barney (representatives)

Center President Terry Dwyer also praised The Guilds, citing their fund-raising ability and their "great leadership." "On behalf of the entire Center family, I also want to offer my special congratulations and gratitude to Elizabeth Segerstrom," he added. "You are so deserving of this special occasion. Your continued support of the activities of The Guilds has been inspiring. And your leadership in the Celebration 2006 activities that led to the opening of the new concert hall had record-breaking results, made us so many new friends, and further enhanced the reputation of The Center locally, nationally and internationally. We will remain grateful for many seasons to come."

Elizabeth Segerstrom with underwriters Mary and
Richard Cramer

Barbara Myers of Con Gusto chapter won the 1 carat Black, Starr and Frost diamond, presented to her by BS&F President Alfredo Molina.

Also attending: Underwriters Kathy Fleming of South Coast Helicopters, Mariko Suga from THK Photo Products, Kurtis Van Horn and Kevin Howard from CitiGrouop/Smith Barney and Gail Daniels. Also Bev Sandelman, Julia Argyros, Ellie Gordon, Gail Kirwan, Carmela Du, Patricia Ann Marshall, David Grant, Kathryn Glassmyer and Debra Downing from South Coast Plaza.