Ride for a Cause

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

- John Wayne

Since 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation has been committed to groundbreaking cancer research and education at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI).  Patients from over 40 foreign countries and 48 states in the US have come to JWCI for assistance in the management of difficult cancer problems. 

To raise money, JWCF has hundreds of committed "team" members who independently host events. Tomorrow there will be a Mountain Bike Ride in Foothill Ranch, starting and finishing at the Oakley headquarters. There will be a Wahoo's truck there serving breakfast burritos and a raffle with lots of fun auction items.  All proceeds will benefit the research and eduction of the JWCI.

 I will continuously post local events that Team Duke members are hosting. If you want to check for yourself, feel free to check the John Wayne Cancer Foundation website.

‘Twas the midst of the holidays and the Chargers just lost,

 The rain was coming down and there was a rainy layer of frost.

 It was much to my surprise that I made it into the theater,

 My heart felt instant warmth from the array of candy canes and glitter.

But really… it was a crumby day. The weather was cold and wet, I was running late and I couldn’t help from being in a drab mood. I should have known that my evening was going to change for the better when I pulled into the Grove of Anaheim and was fortunately directed to a premium parking space at no extra charge. Umbrella in hand, I quickly ran to the entrance and found my seat.

On this particular night, the Anaheim Ballet  was performing The Nutcracker, a heartwarming story of a little girl and her doll. Together, they live out her dreams that include graceful dancers, concerto masterpieces and seasonal decorations that tantalize all of the senses.

The lights dimmed and with the first strum from the symphony, the stage came to life and I felt warm inside. Really! My heart was filled with excitement and the child within me was sitting on the edge of her seat watching every detail move across the stage. Just before the intermission, I enjoyed what was going to become my favorite part of the performance. Slowly sneaking across the stage were dancers dressed as mice and then finally an oversized character that pranced around holding his hunk of cheese. What fun! The show included humor and the talent was incredible within this local company.

Not to be overlooked, the venue was an especially perfect fit for this act. The Grove headlines famous artists, cover bands, comedians, and some specialty plays. For an additional price, concert go-ers are able to include dinner with their ticket and settle in well before the crowds arrive. I remember years ago, I attended a New Years Eve concert and opted for the dinner package. The food was enjoyable and it was a memorable event.

Orange County has many venues, but few offer comfortable seating with the option to come early and be served. I’d highly recommend visitors and locals stop into the Grove for a performance; whether it be a musical act or something more thoughtful, like a ballet performance. My evening with The Nutcracker started off my holiday season on a high note and I’ll be sure to return again for more fun in the future.

Quack-tastic!

On a daily basis, the employees of Live Nation are entered into a drawing for tickets to random events. Just recently a friend of ours/employee of Live Nation got an email notifying him that he was the lucky winner of 2 tickets to a Ducks game at the Anaheim Honda Center. He wasn’t able to attend; ironically, because it was a day game and he had to work. Fortunately enough for Ben and I, our wonderful friend forwarded us the offer and we cleared our schedule to attend our first NHL game!

We drove up a few minutes before the puck hit the ice and joined the masses through the crosswalk and into the chilly arena. Quickly, we were directed into a private elevator and we were escorted to a premium level lounge that offered service throughout the game. Ben and I were in hockey heaven!

Although our home team was not victorious, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Live Nation!

Season for Giving

Liz Smith and I with Michaela Periera, KTLA
news anchor, and Nia Long

Yesterday I was lucky enough to share a heart-warming experience with my mom and dear friends, the Smith family. Herb is not only the patriarch of the Smith clan but the president of the Los Angeles Mission. With Herb's wife, mother and daughter, my mom and I drove up to Skid Row to work with a large team of volunteers serving Thanksgiving dinners to those less fortunate than ourselves. 

Before you sigh and give me credit for being such a philanthropic young woman, I have to give you some more details. As I was expecting to suit up with latex gloves and a hair net before dishing up green beans and mash potatoes in the buffet line, Liz (Herb's daughter) handed me a list of celebrities that we were going to be "in charge" of. Yep! I got to work with the Smith family and coordinate the special guests. 

Sarah Drew from Grey's Anatomy

My mom with Ally Walker
from Sons of Anarchy

On every traditional holiday, the LA Mission gathers some wonderful local talent to serve some of the less fortunate residents of the county. On an annual basis the Mission provides nearly 600,000 hot meals. They also give over 210,000 articles of clean clothing and more than 130,000 nights of safe lodging. In addition to the celebrities that volunteer their time, the Mission gathers more than 6,000 people throughout the year to donate over 23,000 hours of community service. 

Kathy Smith with
Brandon Molale

The Mission extends its welcome to anyone that wants to serve. Please click here if you are interested in getting involved in their inspiring endeavors. If you are so inclined to make a monetary donation instead, please click here. 

Liz Smith with Chad Rogers from Bravo TV's
Million Dollar Listing and Greek cast mates
Andrew West and Amber Stevens

With Blair Underwood

Floating Parties

The Christmas season is upon us. I know this, because I got my first invite for a Boat Parade party today!!! 

The Boat Parade is an annual tradition for the city of Newport Beach and the main symbol of the season. All locals know about it and many non-locals drive from miles away to see it. It really is a spectacular sight. Dozens upon dozens of boats get dressed up with strands of lights, sparkley décor and festive natives joyous to celebrate the holiday season. Vessel owners are sure to realize how many friends they have around Boat Parade time, because anyone and everyone flock to the floating parties on the bay.

In high school and college I always got stuck working at my parents restaurant on Balboa Island, Amelia’s Restaurant. The 5 nights of the Boat Parade were always extremely busy for the Island businesses. Once I got married, my husband and I would sometimes watch the parade from the bayfront of Balboa Island. Surprisingly enough, I’ve never actually watched the parade from the water! This year I will have 2 events to attend. The first is at a house on Lido. (This is the invitation that I just received.) It should be a great party. I actually leased the house to a client and I’m very excited for him to take full advantage of his waterfront views! The second party will be pretty awesome, too. A dear friend of mine owns a boat and keeps it docked at Bay Island. This is where the Boat Parade route begins. He isn’t actually entering is boat in the parade, but we will invite a lucky selection of common acquaintances, stock the galley with appetizers, good wines and cheerful spirits. Without leaving the dock we will have front row seats of all the action.

First thing first, turkey day is upon us. Come Black Friday, I will start sending out invitations of my own. I am just giddy thinking about my first Christmas season with Parade parties!

Pumpkins & Pancakes

Bundle up the kiddies this Sunday morning and head to South Coast Plaza for a Halloween breakfast party.
Pancakes will be provided by Plum's Cafe and there will be activities galore! Face painting, arts & crafts, balloon artists and skateboard demonstrations are just a few of the fun goings-on to enjoy.
There will also be a silent auction and opportunity drawing for the parents.
Tickets cost $30 each and proceeds benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA works against child abuse and creates healthy environments where kids can thrive.

The New Hot Spot???

So many parties and so little time! 

Well, this is probably a party that you might want to attend. Yes, it is on a Wednesday, but if you haven't stopped into the Newport Beach Commonwealth Lounge this is the time!

Let's give a friendly welcome to newest hot spot and show our support. The location is spectacular, the atmosphere has everything and the owners are good guys!

Free Concert!!!

Isn't it wonderful when a town comes together to show off it's charm and embrace the holiday spirit!?!?
Enter Balboa Island....
The merchants of Marine Avenue have come together and organized a free concert for the community. The classic surf rock band, "The Surfaris" will be performing and the 200 block will be completely shut down for pedestrians to dance, wander the street and shop as the sun sets.
Multiple sponsors are offering promotions that will enhance the evening fun.

Amelia's Restaurant will have "Grab-and Go" items to buy.

Barney's Barkery will have $10 Pumpkin Collars.
5 Seas will have 20% off Ella Moss and Splendid clothing.
Classic Kids Photography will have Halloween Snapshots in their studio.

HOM Real Estate will have appetizers and drinks.

And more...

Firemen, Fashion and Free Lunch

And did I mention that it was all for a good cause!?!

I've been involved with the Glass Slipper Guild for a few years now. The group is composed of women throughout the community who raise money for the Neuroscience Institute at the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Our group definitely tries to put the "fun" into fundraising. In addition to sending mass mailers requesting donations, we plan events throughout the year to make giving money to our philanthropy more enjoyable than just cutting a check.

Bloomingdale's is generously hosting a luncheon and fashion show this Saturday, September 18th at noon. The hottest fall fashions will be modeled by local heroes of the Newport Beach Fire Department. After the event, a percentage of all purchases will be given back to the Glass Slipper Guild, so this type of shopping doesn't even need an excuse! (Ben, my husband, doesn't let me get away with this reasoning, but I still try...lol.)