This Time, Walkers See the Light, Kick Back

The Newport Beach boat parade and a Las Vegas-style casino night proved a winning combination for AIDS Walk of Orange County.

More than 200 guests boarded the Catalina Flyer from the Balboa Pier and embarked on a four-hour cruise that included an Italian buffet, gambling and a close-up view of the floating Christmas decorations. Last week’s $125-per-person gala was expected to net about $10,000 for AIDS Walk of Orange County, which raises funds for organizations that provide AIDS education, research and services.

Change of Pace

The boat party was a departure for AIDS Walk supporters, who are accustomed to raising funds for the cause by taking to the streets instead of the sea. This was a little less taxing than their traditional walkathons.

When party-goers weren’t sitting in the yacht’s comfortable cabin watching boats illuminated by colored lights sail past, they were trying their luck at blackjack and roulette.

“This is a way to see the lights without all the (traffic) hassles,” said Joann Ruden, executive director of AIDS Walk. “Many of us have never seen the parade before.”

They oohed and aahed over everything from small motorboats to huge yachts, all festooned with lights and such characters as the Grinch and Santa. Throughout the night they indulged in a buffet stocked with chicken Cacciatore, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna and chocolate mousse for dessert.

“I’ve been at boat parties and successful casino nights and thought it would be a great combination,” said Debora Hintz, event chairwoman.

“We’re here to eat, drink and be merry--and we’ll raise money.”

Making Strides

The local chapter of AIDS Walk began eight years ago after a group of friends attended the AIDS Walk in Los Angeles.

“They came back and said, ‘We ought to do our own walk in Orange County,’ ” Ruden said.

Since its inception, the 10K walk has grown from 1,000 to 9,000 participants. Each walker lines up sponsors who pledge a donation for every kilometer logged. Last year’s walk raised more than $400,000 for Orange County AIDS organizations. AIDS walk will be held June 5 at UC Irvine.

Proceeds from the boat party will help defray the cost of the event.

On board were: Jay Fournier, president of the AIDS Walk board; Carl Berman, Joe Davis, Mitchell Goldstone, Robb Helms, Patrick Jager, Joel Loquvam, Tony Rich, Charles Robertson, Judith Ryan, Linda Smith, Arlene Sontag, Judith Upton, Janet Winterhalder and Bill Wood.