SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Underwriting Co-Chair Linda Hovee, Chair Jean Weiss and Designer Tom Buderwitz

Danuta Schenke checks out a DK shoe

DONNA KARAN NEW YORK
AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA IS SITE
FOR SCR's 45th SEASON GALA MEETING
By Ann Conway

Never mind those regular Gala work meetings where everyone brainstorms and sips bottled water.

For the SCR committee—led by Chair Jean Weiss—planning SCR's 45th season gala, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," it was far from business-as-usual when they met at the Donna Karan boutique at South Coast Plaza for a breakfast confab. Besides the chance to drink in the famed New York designer's pre-fall collection—slouchy and tailored classics meant to last forever—they tossed down fizzy Orange Blossoms and sampled sweet pastries and fruit compote before giving their committee reports.

Weiss set the tone for the fun-loving affair on June 5 when she told the hard-working crowd she'd felt like a 'Run-away Bride' as she drove to the event in her small car, her full—and tres chic—Donna Karan swing-skirt brushing the steering wheel. The fact that the Plaza parking structure was temporarily closed had also added drama to the beginning of her day. "I'm so glad to see so many committee members here this morning because I'll need every one of you to help me find my car!" she teased.

According to committee reports, the Sept. 6 gala at the St. Regis Hotel is shaping up to be one of the most dreamy events ever to be staged by the Tony Award-winning theater.

Spread the word: the decor will be dramatic and bold, with guests feeling as if they're dining in a leafy glade under a shimmering moon. John Tu's California Dreamin' orchestral band—a mega-hit at last year's gala—will again play for dancing, with singing star impersonators joining the fun. Gala cuisine will offer multiple taste treats within each of its three gourmet courses. And watch for a special 45th season dessert to tantalize the taste buds!

Ten percent of the clothing and accessory purchases made by the committee the week of the breakfast meeting will be donated to SCR, said Karen Stewart, Donna Karan store manager. And, an added incentive: ten percent of purchases by SCR Gala Committee members on June 20th during the Donna Karen fall trunk show will also be given back to SCR!

Gala Chair Jean Weiss and Cuisine Co-Chair Betty Huang	Donna Karen window as Gala Committee members gather
Cuisine co-chair Gail Doe with DK model	Marlene Hamontree and Nadine Hall get set to check out DK clothes
Pre-fall at Donna Karen	Breakfast table at Donna Karen