Committee member Christine Bren and Chad Brokaw flash a smile.
Committee member Christine Bren and Chad Brokaw flash a smile.
Neda and Billy Eaton
Neda and Billy Eaton
Dancing With the Stars’ Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are among the movers and shakers in attendance.
Dancing With the Stars’ Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are among the movers and shakers in attendance.
Jim Violette poses with wife Debra, president of Childhelp.
Jim Violette poses with wife Debra, president of Childhelp.
The Havana Congo Band sets the scene with Cuban beats.
The Havana Congo Band sets the scene with Cuban beats.
Joe Carroll and Ginger McCully browse the silent auction goodies.
Joe Carroll and Ginger McCully browse the silent auction goodies.
Guests gamble it all for charity.
Guests gamble it all for charity.
THE PARTY
The exotic allure of Cuba sizzled on Newport Beach’s shores when Childhelp’s O.C. chapter put on its Havana Nights gala, an evening of good-hearted gambling (think roulette and blackjack), bidding (a trip to Montana took off with $9,750) and fundraising (to the tune of more than $260,000 net).
THE GUESTS
Some 350 jet-setters donned the colors of the Caribbean and alighted on Balboa Bay Resort for the affair. Philanthropist Neda Eaton looked pretty in hot pink, while committee member Christine Bren tucked a scarlet flower behind her ear. And nonprofit ambassador Maksim Chmerkovskiy (you’ll know him from Dancing With the Stars) sported a sleek suit. Also caught among the crowd were co-chairwomen Kristen James, Linda Burns and Krista Arce; and VIP Dru Hammer.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Got the travel bug yet? Here’s a bit more: Rum drinks were toasted in honor of Michelle and Jim Yang. The duo was recognized for their work with abused kids at the organization’s Costa Mesa facilities—that’s a trip we’ll take any day. -Photography by Ann Chatillon and Nick Shetterly of NASFILMS
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