May 2, 2007

THE CENTER BENEFITS FROM GALA OPENING OF BLOOMINGDALE'S SOUTH COAST PLAZA

By ANN CONWAY

In a thrilling retail launch that doubled as a generous ode to the arts, the gala opening of the new state-of-the art Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza brought in proceeds of more than $155,000 to the benefit the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s education and community programs.

Hundreds of arts lovers jammed the polished retail emporium - nicknamed Bloomie's - May 2 to shop on three marble-paved levels, sip cocktails and feast on an array of culinary creations that included exotic Brazilian and Asian fare as well as The OC's own: mini-cheeseburgers and multi-flavored martinis and margaritas. Columbia recording artist Mat Kearny captivated the crowd with a performance on the upper floor. Elsewhere, bluesy jazz sounds had guests tapping their toes as they floated up and down escalators to visit departments offering everything from edgy fashion silhouettes to enchanting children's wear.

"We have a deep appreciation for Bloomingdale's generosity in underwriting this event on behalf of The Center," said Center President Terry Dwyer as he welcomed performing arts lovers to Southern California's largest department store - 300,000-square-feet of glittering retail space housed in one of its toniest retail centers. "I think it’s fantastic that Bloomingdale's is so involved with the community. We look forward to a long and successful partnership." (Each year, The Center touches the lives of more than 500,000 children, families and educators through its education and outreach programs.)

Joining Dwyer in welcoming guests was Michael Gould, chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale's. "We are thrilled to be in South Coast Plaza," said Gould, who joined with store manager Jim Murphy to welcome the ecstatic crowd. "And we are thrilled to be across the street from The Center and its new concert hall. I started talking to Henry Segerstrom about coming here more than 20 years ago. Sometimes good things take a long time," he said. For The Center Founding Chairman Henry Segerstrom, who escorted his wife, Elizabeth, it was a night to celebrate "the dazzle and beauty of the new Bloomingdale's at South Coast Plaza that matches the glamour and sophistication of the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall." They are both equals in international recognition to all associated with The Center," he added.

Fashionably dressed guests swept down an orange carpet lined with applauding Bloomie's employees and enjoyed a ‘Champagne Greeting’ as they arrived at the 6 p.m. event where 10% of the evening's sales benefited The Center. "Ooooooh! This is truly a beautiful space," said Center patron Nancy Baldwin as she shopped in costume jewelry for pastel summer accessories. "It's wonderful to have such a fabulous event benefit arts education." Also spotted: a guest opening a Bloomie's charge account as she rhapsodized over what seemed like an acre of ladies' shoes. "I need to be prepared!" she quipped. Pat Poss, chairwoman of The Center's December 2007 Candlelight Concert, saw the event as an opportunity to shop for evening wear. "Who couldn't find something absolutely gorgeous here?"

Honorary event chairs were John and Sandy Daniels, Jim and Jane Driscoll, William J. Gillespie, Joann Leatherby and Dr. Greg Bates, William and Willa Dean Lyon, Henry and Elizabeth Segerstrom and Christopher W. Silva.

Also on the scene:
Sally Segerstrom, Susie Segerstrom-Perry, Anton and Jennifer Segerstrom, Michael and Ellie Gordon, Amy Dwyer, Kent and Carol Wilken, Catherine Emmi and Paul Fisher, Dee Higby and Betty and S.L. Huang, Sharon and Bruno Lebon, Patty Lance, Norbert and Deloris St.John, Victoria and David Collins, Shaun MacKenzie, Chris Peasley and Robert Sprout, Sylvia Dostal and Fred Pugh and The Real Housewives of Orange County star Slade Smiley.