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Party to Remember

It was quite the party! This year’s 34th annual Candlelight Concert, benefiting the Orange County Performing Artscenter to the tune of $1.3 million for its arts-in-education programs, not only featured Frankie Valli and the hit songs he and The Four Seasons made famous in the ’60s but also a stunning New York nightscape from a penthouse terrace that covered the entire orchestra level seating with terraced platforms for dining. The mandatory penthouse box hedges, twinkle-lit as well, separated the different levels, and mammoth screens surrounded the hall with views of the Big Apple at night. The 450 delighted guests entered the hall through a wintry Central Park scene, complete with snow and twinkle-lit trees, and dined on a sumptuous gourmet feast catered by the Patina Restaurant Group. My filet of beef Wellington entrée with porcini mushroom duxelle was superb! The night belonged to Valli and the four young singers representing The Four Seasons. From “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” to hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “You’re Just Too Good to be True,” the crowd was on its feet dancing. The Nightcap Cabaret Lounge, sponsored by Donna Karan and Vanity Fair, followed, with music for dancing provided by jazz great John Pizzarelli and Broadway star Jessica Molaskey. In a more quiet moment, Center Board Chairman Michael Gordon thanked Candlelight Chair Pat Poss with a beautiful pearl and diamond clasp necklace from lead sponsor Lugano Diamonds. Poss, in turn, thanked her committee, in particular, honorary co-chairs Carol Wilken and Sally Crockett. It was left to Roger Kirwan, vice chairman of the center’s capital campaign, to propose a toast to Virginia and Richard Hunsaker for their $5 million gift in response to the $10 million Dodge Challenge Grant. As you might guess, guests continued to party well past midnight. Oh, what a night! --By Donna Bunce