"Courage is the one quality we need in life," says Maria Shriver
Shriver's theme of courage nets $300,000
B.W. COOK
"How lucky we are to live in this great country," California first lady Maria Shriver said, addressing an overflow crowd at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort.
Six hundred fifty guests came to Newport Beach for lunch with the charismatic woman, who stands with her husband, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, as California's first couple.
Shriver arrived in Newport in support of Women of Vision. The organization is an auxiliary of World Vision, a Christian missionary organization that provides relief to the impoverished around the world.
"Three out of four people living in poverty are women," said Shriver, who attended with her distinguished mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F. Kennedy.
Shriver shared with the crowd that her mother had come to California from her East Coast home for a family wedding and joined her at the last minute for the Women of Vision luncheon.
"I won't have a seat," said Eunice Shriver to her daughter as they got into the car traveling from the Pacific Palisades to Newport.
"Mother, they'll find a seat for you, don't worry," Maria Shriver replied.
A wave of appreciative laughter rounded the ballroom as Shriver repeated the comment.
"I'm proud to be here today to support all of you who work for an organization that is basic and simple, yet succeeds in producing life altering goals," the state's first lady said.
Shriver had come at the invitation of influential Newport resident Gary Hunt. Becky Pollock and Diane Sweet chaired the event.
Pollock and Sweet were joined by Joni Rehnborg -- the Orange County chairwoman of Women of Vision -- and a committee of dedicated ladies, including Beverly Peters of Bayshores, Susan Champion of Newport Beach, Nancy Daley of Emerald Bay, Gay Santos, Jill Hall, Ann Odlum, Mary Amundson, Nancy Short, Lauren May, Jean Wenke, Jan Taylor, Rhoda Stanley and Suzanne and Kristen Paulson.
"As first lady of California, I must shed a light on women," Maria Shriver said. "The frontline of women's work in the field of charity is not picked up by the media. We must do what we can to help others, and that is what all of you do that have come here today."
The theme of Shriver's address came down to one powerful word -- courage.
"Courage is the one quality we need in life," she said.
She told her audience to "smash the mirrors that block your view!"
Shriver, who grew up in a very involved and political household, recalled some of the memories of her own childhood, as she glanced at her mother and the full house.
"I remember coming home from school one day to find Mother Teresa in our home," Shriver recalled. "My response at the time was, 'What is that nun doing in our living room?'"
In another candid memory of childhood, Shriver talked about visiting Israel and meeting with then-prime minister Golda Meir. Shriver said she was about 12, and all she could think of was wondering why Meir was dressed in such unattractive clothes.
Again the audience laughed at Shriver's candor, as they identified with the woman who has come a long way from a privileged youth infused with ideals of service.
Finally, the state's first lady admitted that her own daughter had recently admonished her, telling her she's afraid to bring her friends home because her mother demands to know what they're studying, what organizations they belong to, what they do to help others less fortunate and if they're involved in school politics.
Shriver's daughter told her, "Mom, we just want to go shopping."
So, life and the world has come full circle for the woman whose mother founded Special Olympics and whose uncle created the Peace Corps.
As a dedicated Catholic, Shriver joined those who "have been touched by Christ's love" and have committed their energy to the mission of World Vision.
Presently, World Vision sponsors projects in the United States and 18 other countries. During the last decade and a half, Women of Vision has raised $10 million in support of World Vision's work in those countries and others.
The crowd came together over a meal of grilled chicken breast salad to hear Shriver's inspirational reach and humor.
Spotted in the crowd were Joan Irvine Smith, Arden Flamson, Joan Sammis, Hyla Bertea, Melinda Moiso, Julia Argyros, Anne Badham, Patty Edwards and Twyla Reed Martin.
Also supporting Women of Vision were Betsy Tarbell, Marilyn McIntyre, Trish O'Donnell, Rusty Turner, Cristan Reilly, Jan Vitti Rubel, Tony French, Lynn Booth, Joyce Snyder, Mary Lynn and Renae Ashwill.
Special kudos went to auction chairs Susan Anderson, Lori Gioffredi and Lauri Facey.
By the close of business, more than $300,000 was raised for projects in countries worldwide and for local efforts right at home in Costa Mesa. The entire effort was dedicated to the memory of the late Karen French, a former Women of Vision leader.
Shriver closed the program by reciting an emotional poem by Maya Angelou and then told the audience: "Astonish a mean world with your own acts of kindness."
