For the love of a child event raises $230,000
High fashion and helping children: the perfect pairing. The Newport Beach Marriott was the scene for the 26th annual For the Love of a Child fashion show and luncheon March 5, supporting Childhelp’s efforts to prevent and treat child abuse.
The event kicked off with a reception for more than 400 attendees, with models showcasing David Yurman jewelry and dresses by St. John. A runway show featured spring fashions from South Coast Plaza retailers and designers, including Versace, Escada, Saks, St. John, DKNY, Canali, Ted Baker, Bally, Calypso St. Barth and Tory Burch.
Patti Edwards, whose long-term support has helped make the Orange County Chapter of Childhelp one of the most successful in the country, presented the Children’s Friends Award to Lauri Burns, who overcame a brutal adolescence to found a group home and provide support for teens who have been “timed out” of the foster care program.
Some Hollywood glamour was provided by actress Catherine Oxenberg, who accepted the Children’s Inspiration Award for all that she and actor-husband Casper Van Dien do on behalf of neglected and abused children. The luncheon and fashion show raised more than $230,000 to support the ongoing efforts of Childhelp. —Chris Schulz
