Betsy Metcalfe, left, Pam Duran, Leslie Schlauch, Janet Foley and Margie Penny were all seen at the scene of the annual Children s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Show. (Picasa)

For as long as I can remember, the annual Children's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Show has been the premier event of February.

This year's luncheon, fashion extravaganza and silent auction was held Feb. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The ever-popular Rick Papp, brother of member Sondra Williamson, was once again the charming master of ceremonies for the day.

Under the leadership of President Margie Penny, Vice President Pam Duran, Co-Chairs Leslie Schlauch and Janet Foley, the event raised over $45,000 to benefit the Pediatric Emergency Department of Miller Children's Hospital of Long Beach.

More than 360 Children's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary supporters and fashionistas enjoyed the day while bidding on captivating baskets, jewelry, destination activities, special decorations and fashion accessories to purchase. Very popular was the fur section that featured a reversible chinchilla rain coat and other tempting styles.

Intense bidding added to the excitement. Lakers vs. Knicks tickets and stunning, exotic baubles provided by J&L Jewelers were two of the more sought after items. Among the winners were hospital administrator Donna Hartman, who will, with her guests, cruise Alamitos Bay with Captain and First Mate Jim and Margie Penny. Betty Patterson and Joan Ratigan were the lucky winners of the day's raffle prizes.

Lovely floral arrangements with mauve orchids in Vera Wang bowls, provided by Tom Worthy of Bixby Knolls Flowers, were the centerpieces for

As usual, the male models were crowd-pleasers, prompting fun napkin waving and whistles. Spring fashions included bright colors of tangerine, lime and coral in ensembles of colorful jeans and matching large hand bags; gorgeous fabrics; classic black dresses accessorized with pearls; spectacular furs '60s-look evening gowns; navy with lime and with lemon; and striking cream ensembles with camel accessories.

Seen at the scene: Lisa Maloney, Roxie Hause, Mary McClung, Dolorie Thurner, Mary Kelly, Hazel Hoshiko, Lucille Basye, Joyce Garrett, Shirley DeMent, Gloria Vilallobos, Sally Lane, Glenda Wycoff, Linda Dilday, Cindy Smith, Judie Jacobus, Liz Shaw, Eileen Klein, Jane Nielsen, Nancy Piazza, Jeannette Gilles, Betsy Metcalfe, Liz Minor, Rachel Wismann, Karen and Bob Lewis, Mary Alice Braly, Diane Pickard, Kathleen Costello-Pitts, Sue Cannon, Karen Wells, Mari Hooper, Collette Anderson, Dawn McKenna, Lisa Rowe, Kelly Pierce, Bonnie Scott, Shirlee Bouch, Jeanne Bader, Rosemary Scott, Lorie Scarborough, Elaine Goodnoe, Barbara Gaylord, Elaine Davis, Debi Lorbeer, Joan Knight, Lorie Merrill, Barbara Gaylord, Mari Hooper and Bob and Karen Lewis.

Golf Classic

It was a nail-biting March 17-18 with the threat of storms and high winds throughout the weekend and beyond. However by Monday, March 19, the sun was out, the air was fresh and clear, the winds had died down and the Palos Verdes Golf Club welcomed the Long Beach Day Nursery's 100th Anniversary Golf Classic.

"The course was as good as any and definitely the best we have played for our annual golf tournament," said Jonathan Gotz, LBDN board member and former chair. "The food was fantastic at both ends - lunch and dinner - and the general service from the staff was amazing."

The event, sponsored by Commerce Casino, had a scramble format with a shotgun start. The 19th hole reception was sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors. Boulevard Cadillac provided a Hole-in-One opportunity, that, unfortunately, went unclaimed. However, Greg Sanossian had the highest bid for a Mercedes convertible - a child-size model, that is.

Eighty-plus golfers participated, raising close to $20,000 for the children served by Long Beach Day Nursery. The foursome of John Wells (who also won Closest to the Pin), Mike Wells, Mike Driscoll and Mark Evans were the first- place winners with an unprecedented score of 55. Rumor has it the score was achieved through a skillful use of mulligans, miracle putts and free throws out the sand, sold at check-in. The Longest Drives were won by Michael Scott and Kathie Tomasulo.

This was the second in a series of six events commemorating LBDN's 100th anniversary - a milestone for any organization. Founded in 1912, Long Beach Day Nursery is one of the oldest nonprofit child development organizations in California, providing state-licensed and nationally accredited services for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. For more information, call 562-591-0509, Ext. 111, or visit www.lbdn.org.

Seen at the Scene: Steven Romeyn, Fiauni Tofa, Steve Gordon, Greg Bell, Peter Jensen, Joen Garnica, Cindy Allen, Roy "Bud" Landers, Henry Taboada, Ron Arias, Brian Russell, Bruce Patterson, Greg Williams, Andy Perez, Greg Haeseler, Blake Christian, Robert Garey, Robert Stemler, John Watkins, Jan Faris, Pam Quinn, Sandy Wells, Dr. Mel Marks, Jay Davis, Diego Lopez, Jim Haney, Peter Lupo, Art Carette, Phil Sblendorio, Tom Bennett, Jr., Tom Bennett, Sr., John Glaza, Mike Deovlet, Bill Bryant and Jeff Lewis. 

News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9668. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information. Please check the website for coverage of additional events: wwwpresstelegram.com/social.