Out & About
Women dressed by Oscar De La Renta exude confidence. They love luxury and expect perfection. So do young and tiny (size two) Oscar models. Back stage, those models are shy and vulnerable, but onstage — whoa! Sexy, sassy, tough and sweet, they strut with an attitude 100 percent Oscar! Carefully selected in Beverly Hills for specific shows, the rigorous model selection process pays big dividends on runways. To see Oscar women both in and out of the spotlight, and for an insider’s look at fall 2005 Oscar fashions, the place to be on July 26 is the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. There, the “Oscar...in 2005” luncheon and fashion show will continue a tradition of high-style theater before a large and enthusiastic audience. This year’s event will be the 15th consecutive one, and a highlight of annual social calendars. Every year since 1991, the Globe Guilders, the support group for the Old Globe Theatre, has coordinated this beautiful couture event. This time, Mary Johnson chairs and Phyllis Parrish co-chairs. With Boaz Mazor in command of Oscar’s smashing threads, Saks Fifth Avenue presenting the show, and the Guilders at the overall helm, everything always runs flawlessly, perfectly matching the quality of Oscar’s clothes.

What will we see this year? Deep rich hues, that’s for sure. Brown, particularly chocolate brown, red, gold, green and beige dominate the color palette this fall. A few of Oscar’s masterfully constructed garments in fabulous black will be seen, no doubt. Look for belted jackets and coats, nipped waists, lace, fur, and that famously intricate beading. Classic lines and opulent fabrics are embellished with embroidery and stitching. Draping is masterful. De La Renta’s strong designs are so outstanding that any fashion observer instantly spots them. True fashionistas are never fooled. While the clothes look important, sumptuous details tell the stories. Only a front row, up close, fashion show guest can begin to fully appreciate the work that goes into these remarkable garments.

A special note about “Oscar...2005”: this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Globe Guilders, a dedicated group of nearly 300 women and men who support the Old Globe Theatre. These “volunteers extraordinaire” are indefatigable, offering hospitality to designers, directors, actors, and crew, providing food for Company Call, leading backstage tours, and volunteering in countless other ways. They provide funds for the theatre and for student scholarships. The group is sophisticated, capable, and fashionably aware. Oscar De La Renta and the Globe Guilders are a great match. (619/231-1941) - Darlene G. Davies

Good Bye To Ginger
Because it’s the Senior Center, most folks at the standing-room-only good bye party for Ginger Bord knew the history and the players. Way back before Rancho Santa Fe National Bank, even, a young bank employee named Ginger worked under Rea Mowery. Rea was thinking of new ways the then RSF Savings Bank could reach out to the community. The answer came from Dr. Groth, who was everybody’s physician; lots of older people on the Ranch needed help with shopping, transportation, and daily living. And Ginger was just the ticket – while she worked for the bank she helped to start a little community service called “The Ranch Hands,” with volunteers to reach out to seniors, and never looked back. That was 17 years ago.

Hal Sexton, Rea Mowery, Colleen Sansone, and Bob Cleary all honored Ginger with speeches and reminiscences. Finally, Terrie Litwin was introduced as Ginger’s replacement – a highly qualified young woman stepping into her shoes. – Sparkle Stiff

Out Of This World Birthday
Dr. Mitch Goldman, owner of La Jolla Spa MD, celebrated his 50th birthday last month with some 200 VIP guests, including entertainment by singer Rita Coolidge and stunts by trapeze artists. The event was held at the spa during cocktail hour. In addition to the live acts, the parking lot was transformed to look like the moon, and even included a laser show. Growing up, Goldman had dreamed of being either a doctor or astronaut, and he finally got to walk on the moon. – Alicia Garcia

Planned Parenthood Annual Dinner
More than 1,000 guests attended the Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties’ 42nd annual dinner event. Event chairs, Rosanne and Joel Holliday, were pleased to announce that the honorary dinner committee raised over $250,000 this year. Honorary chairs this year were Ann and Jim Lemke. New Yorker humorist Calvin Trillin was the featured guest speaker, entertaining the crowd with his famous wry commentary on the American scene. – Alicia Garcia

Galaxy Lounge
The Carmel Valley Unit of the Children’s Hospital Auxiliary is once again celebrating in a big way, presenting “Sounds of Hope for Children,” featuring the vibrant brass and dance music of Earth, Wind and Fire. The private concert, dinner, and dance will take place on June 4, at the exclusive Galaxy Lounge, a unique and swank nightclub specially designed for this event only. An unassuming commercial spot will be transformed into a celestial nightclub. Proceeds will assist in the planned expansion of the Children’s Trauma Center’s Sam S. and Rose Stein Emergency Care Center. The expansion is necessary to accommodate the ever-growing need for emergency services. Tickets are $300 per person to the first 400 who respond. (858/793-8307) — Ana Kessler

You Belong In The Zoo
That always swell party, RITZ Rendezvous In The Zoo, has a great title this year. Called “Swingin’ on a Star,” the heavenly event will benefit improvements to exhibits at the San Diego Zoo. It also will feature first class swing music from the Les Brown Orchestra, as well as The Four Freshmen. With seasoned charity event pro Dotti Howe at the helm, ably assisted by co-chair Jinx Ecke, zoo space will be transformed once again by those wizards of visual artistry, Dick and Annette Ford along with Liz Smith. The RITZ party under the stars is always a beautiful event — a time to toast friends, community, and animals. The date is June 18. (619/287-5435) — Darlene G. Davies

Party With A Point Of View
The San Diego Repertory Theater will hold its 12th annual Party With A Point Of View at a private home in Rancho Santa Fe on June 11. The southwestern themed event, Southwestern Soiree, will include delicious southwestern fare, dancing, and live and silent auctions. And what would a theater event be without a little theater? The company will include a bit of its own entertainment for guests. The event will honor The Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust for its philanthropic leadership in San Diego.

The other special guest, El Viejo Triste — a giant puppet created by REP designers to embody the infamous Sad Old Man of Santa Fé — will be on hand to eat your lamentations and regrets from the past year (traffic citations, divorce papers, etc.). The Old Man will devour your regrets in a southwestern fire ritual, and bring you new hope in the coming year. Ticket packages vary from $150 to $250 per person. (619/231-3586, ext. 621) – Alicia Garcia

Country Friends Teams With South Coast Plaza
The Country Friends, with members well versed in the art of gentle persuasion, have scored another coup, teaming up with South Coast Plaza merchants for their annual fashion event to be held on September 22 in Rancho Santa Fe. Names like Gucci and David Yurman were being bandied about, but for the nonce, after a recent luncheon at Estancia, they contented themselves with glamorous goods from Afghanistan sold by speaker Bonita Chamberlain, an advocate of this exotic country. Other vendors offered various product bags and estate jewelry. Sales were brisk. — Nannette Martin

Welcome Advances
No question: the best and the brightest in Biotech tend to stream into San Diego, and the 30-year-old brain trust that now calls itself The Burnham Institute is at the top of that list. A group of enthusiastic supporters of the organization gathered at the home of Donna Walker and Mark Pulido, to hear John Reed, Stuart Lipton, and Evan Snyder speak on the advances and fascinating progress made by the institute in the areas of cancer, immuno- and neurological-treatments, plus stem cell research. — Sparkle Stiff

Home Sweet Home
Anyone who loves history adores the opportunity to view old private residences; it’s such a tangible peek into the past. That’s one reason that the San Diego Historical Society showcase homes bring in such large crowds. That and the remarkable makeovers done by designers make the event irresistibly fascinating.

Guests had their first opportunity to preview this year’s Showcase Home at the Showcase Opening Night Gala. The 1908 Craftsman-style, Judge Alfred Haines House had been transformed by Roderick Shade, honorary designer, and 20 other talented designers.

After meeting and greeting, guests continued to enjoy themselves while they admired the new take on an old home. People nibbled, danced and swooned at the revamp. — Ana Kessler

SAVE THE DATE

Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Annual Spring Fling
6/4: “Evening in Paris....an Elegant Affair” will begin at 7pm at the Fairbainks Village Plaza. Food catered from 18 well known restaurants, a hosted bar, and dancing. Proceeds benefit the Animal Center’s programs. 858/756-4117., ext. 348.

Swing Into Summer
6/4: The St. Germaine Auxiliary celebrates their 20th Anniversary. Dinner and dancing with a reception featuring top restaurants and a silent auction. Entertainment by Society Beat Orchestra with Tom Blair. Contact Susan Clifton at 858/450-9950.

Galaxy Lounge
6/11: The San Diego Repertory Theatre presents their 29th annual fundraiser, “Southwest Soiree.” This event will be held at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe. Come dressed in southwestern or cocktail attire. For more information please call 619/231-3586.

Art of Caring 2005
6/18: Join San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care for a lavish evening of wine-tasting and fine art. Proceeds benefit San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care programs and services for adults, children and infants affected by a life-limiting illness. Please call 619/278-6509.

Starlight Theatre
6/11: This event celebrates 70 years of Starlight and will feature cocktails, hors d’oeures, live and silent auctions and dinner hosted by the Prado. Entertainment and dancing until midnight. For more information please call 858/455-8448.

San Diego Wooden Boat Festival Father’s Day Weekend
6/18: A fun day in the sun with dad! Wooden boat owners are invited to display their craft at The San Diego Wooden Boat Festival, held every Father's Day weekend at Koehler Kraft. A wealth of boats for viewing pleasure. All proceeds are donated to the San Diego Sea Scouts. For more information please call 619/222-9051.

Survivors' Annual Chocolate and Cabernet Gala
6/26: This annual fundraising event benefits Survivors' services to torture survivors in the San Diego area. It features an internationally known guest speaker and a reception with desserts and wine from the area. This will be held at the San Diego Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice. For more information please call Kathi at 619/278-2400.

City Of Hope
6/26: Benefitting the City of Hope Cancer center. Local gourmet restaurants and wineries will be serving their best menu selections. Come and sample the best San Diego has to offer. Try food from local gourmet restaurants and enjoy selections from some of the area's best wineries. The event also includes a silent auction and the smooth jazz sounds of the Jorge Cambero band. Please contact Christina at 858/452-6846.

Woofstock
8/4: Benefitting Canine Companions for Independence. Come enjoy contests and games, including an agility course, fly ball, face-painting, groovy dog products, and more. Held at the Mira Costa College Campus, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. 760/901-4300.