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Too Sexy for the Catwalk, and More

Brazil: April showers brought exotic flowers amidst the lush tropical rainforests and the colorful streets of Rio de Janeiro, as showcased in “Brazil” at Macy’s 55th Annual Flower Show, Apr. 8-2l.

“Brazil,” a blend of diverse cultures and natural beauty, also featured Samba lessons and the classical vocal mastery of Virginia Rodrigues as customers were treated to a floral and visual feast.

Never Too Old To Walk the Catwalk: Earlier, San Francisco Junior League presented four summer fashion shows in two days, raising over $500,000 for local charities with Macy’s sponsorship. Chairperson Jane Inch led the 2,000-strong membership in their 75th Anniversary fashion shows with pizzazz. One of our perennial favorite models was stylish Susan Tom.

Opening this year’s show was 90-year- young Ursula Bergin who sashayed smartly down the runway, just as she did in the League’s first fashion show.

Gold Celebration: 50 years of wedded bliss were celebrated by David and Ella Chan at a champagne and filet mignon Golden Anniversary Party at the Fairmont Hotel, March 11.

Covered up to their ears, the Chans wore beautiful leis with gold dollar coins entwined in lace, presented by their friends. Hand-made gold boxes containing the new gold dollars were presented to each guest as party favors from the Chan children: Marssha, Darice, Derrick, Wesley and Kerry.

The Chans, natives of the San Francisco scene, had many fond memories to share with their friends, as piano and vocal music rolled out the tunes of the last half-century.

Also celebrating 50 years of successful marriage were King and Dawn Ming, who invited friends to a rack of lamb and salmon dinner, followed by dancing at the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco, Mar. l7.

Originally from New York, the Mings moved to California and found a new circle of friends who made them feel welcome and very much at home in the Bay Area. Each guest was presented with a jade favor from the Mings’ recent trip to China.

Special guests included King’s mom Sara from the East Bay, his brother Walter and his daughter Stefanie from Southern California, and sons Kevin and Gary and families.

The hosts initiated dancing to the music of the Pete Damante Band, then each took turns dancing with their guests. The gentlemen lined up to dance with Dawn, and all the ladies lined up to dance with King. I bet the charming hosts were exhausted by the end of their party!

It’s a whole new world for Baby Dustin Chinn who was welcomed at a Red Eggs and Ginger buffet luncheon by his grandparents Arthur and Alice Chinn, and Jun and Mely Munar. Also present were god-grandparents Dr. and Mrs. Lew Lee at the Silver Dragon Restaurant in Oakland, Mar. l8. Parents of the contented Baby Dustin are Delano and Danna Chinn.

Baby Jet-setters: At a Peninsula Golf and Country Club Brunch, Baby Sydney Jolie Kwok debuted among friends of grandparents Joe and Sharon Kwok and parents Stephen and Julie Kwok. Sydney Jolie was born on Oct. 20, 2000, and named after her Grandpa Joe and Mom Julie after a vacation in Sydney, Australia. Already a world traveler, Sydney will be leaving soon to visit relatives in Asia and Hong Kong.

More Sashaying: Circle your calendar for a repeat performance and more as those stunning models from Shanghai return to the United States, accompanied by three handsome young male models, also from Shanghai. They will showcase the artistry of Mr. Chan Yi Fei, one of the leading designers of China. Scoring this feat sponsorship is Self-Help for the Elderly’s 35th Millennium Ball on May l2 at Burlingame’s Hyatt Regency.

Following last year’s successful event, the Dynasty costumes and fashions raised over $550,000; this year’s goal is $600,000. The fabulous evening will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m., a silent auction and a live auction, with raffles to win a dream car and the exciting fashions from Shanghai.