SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Eric Rodriguez, Assistant General Manager; Gretchen Pace, Vice President General Manager; and Kari Miller, Director of Fashion and Public Relations at Arden Cottage, Blenheim Farms.

Arden Cottage at Blenheim Farms.

PATRON PARTY AT BLENHEIM FARMS SPONSORED BY SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
By Ann Conway

SCR Gala Ball "Affair in Shanghai,"
September 8, 2007. Call 714-708-5504

Underwriters of SCR's Gala, "Affair in Shanghai," will be welcomed to one of So. Orange County's most picturesque private locales when they attend a pre-Gala reception Aug. 16 at Blenheim Farms, a breathtaking equestrian property in San Juan Capistrano that includes the stately Arden Cottage and immaculately kept paddocks filled with sleek thoroughbreds.

Owned by international arts philanthropists R.J. and Gloria Brandes, the stunning estate will be the backdrop for a cocktail and appetizer reception and a fashion parade of elegant evening wear from Saks Fifth Avenue, sponsors of the event that will serve as an exciting prelude to the thrilling Sept. 8 black-tie Gala at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

The Brandes' chose to open their doors to SCR patrons because they love the arts and "want to share the pleasure we experience with like-minded people," says Gloria.

What could be better than staging an event on a beautiful property for people who appreciate art? Blenheim is "pastoral and tranquil and it feels quite luxurious to have such an expanse of private space in the middle of Orange County," Gloria observes. "It is so peaceful. In the morning one can hear the doves cooing..........."

Gretchen Pace, Vice President and General Manager of Saks at South Coast Plaza, is pleased about the opportunity to visit Blenheim and showcase the latest in formal wear for SCR Gala underwriters. "Saks Fifth Avenue has long supported the arts in Orange County and we are delighted to be working with SCR," Pace says. "We will preview a selection of cocktail dresses and gowns. Formal trends for fall include sleek silhouettes, glossy, sophisticated fabrics such as silk charmeuse or brocades shot with metallic threads and color." Shorter cocktail dresses are appropriate for many black-tie functions, "especially in So. California," Pace adds. "Mini-lengths even made a strong showing on the runways, as well as modern shapes such as balloon-hems and empire waists.”

During recent Gala committee meetings, Gala chair Betty Huang has expressed her excitement about the Patron Party, sure to be one of SCR's most unique social gatherings, and encouraged committee members to attend. "I am so appreciative of Saks Fifth Avenue’s generosity for hosting the event and grateful that R.J. and Gloria Brandes are sharing this special time with us," Huang said.

Proceeds from the SCR Gala constitute the first and largest donation to the theatre’s Annual Fund, in support of education programs.