Visionaries support humanitarian work

Demonstrating a signature streak of vision, Orange County’s Women of Vision ? a volunteer ministry of World Vision, the international Christian humanitarian organization ? invited journalist and spokesperson Lisa Ling to address their annual “Faces of Courage” luncheon.

Joni Rehnborg, chair of the Orange County group, proudly introduced Ling to the crowd of 500 of the county’s most visionary women, and a selection of visionary men.

A former co-host of Barbara Walters’ daytime show “The View,” special contributor to “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and host of National Geographic TV’s “Explorer” series, Ling ? a native Californian ? held the audience spellbound as she described her travels in many of the developing nations in which World Vision operates relief and missionary programs.

One of the highlight of Ling’s address was a glimpse into her recently released co-authored book, “Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood,” an account of her investigation of dowry-related deaths in India.

The sold out luncheon at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort attracted Orange County’s echelon of activists including Julia Argyros; Carol Campbell; Patti Edwards; Donna Phebus, auction chair; Diane Sweet, who gave the blessing; Beverly Peters; Becky Pollock; Cheryl Young, who chaired this year’s luncheon; Betsy Tarbell; Sue Campion; and Karen Stockman. Also seen in the crowd were Sandy MacLennan, Jill Hall, Marilyn Witzel, Trish O’Donnell, Nancy Daley and Marcia Finley.

About $250,000 was raised for World Vision projects in regions including Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, Mexico, and local efforts in Southern California.