PARTY LINES : AN EVENING OF WINE AND ROSES FOR MANCINIS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt

It was an evening of wine and roses at the third annual Heritage Salutes gala at the swanky California Club in downtown L.A. It seemed fitting, as one of the honorees was Ginny Mancini, arts patron and wife of the late composer Henry (``Days of Wine and Roses'') Mancini. The annual event, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts, attracted 250 guests. They included Hollywood icons Cyd Charise and Tony Martin, who dined on sauteed filet mignon and frozen cappuccino souffle with mocha sauce served on tables decorated with big red roses.

As Ginny accepted her award, she spoke about growing up in Los Angeles and working as a young singer during the big-band era when she met her future husband. She added that when she and her family walk up the Mancini Pageant Staircase on the opening night of the new Disney Hall, she is sure Henry will be there. Both of the Mancinis' daughters, Felice and Monica, were there to applaud their mother. Felice, a Studio City resident, serenaded Ginny with several of her father's hits, including the theme songs from ``Two for the Road'' and ``Charade.''

Also honored that night were world-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta and Music Center Foundation president Peter Mullin.

Mehta, who led the very first performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the newly opened Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Dec. 6, 1964, spoke of his wonderful memories of the Music Center's early days and of working with its creator, Dorothy Buffum Chandler.

Mullin seemed shy in the company of Mehta and Mancini, commenting, ``What's a guy like me doing here? I'd like to think I am here on behalf of the hundreds of men and women who, like me, do not bring artistic talent to the table - but who can contribute the talent of volunteering.'' He paused, and then surprised everyone with a touching tribute to one of the guests. ``In a world of overrated pleasures and underrated treasures, Merle Miller, you are indeed a treasure.'' Miller, he says, is a ``special friend.''

The event was hosted by actorMichael York, organized by chairman Alyce de Roulet Williamson of Pasadena and sponsored in part by Union Bank of Switzerland. Honorary co-chairs were Caroline Ahmanson, Hannah Carter, Diane Disney Miller and Barry Taper.

On the party circuit there's often dancing, and it's often to the music of Art Deco and His Society Orchestra. The band, assembled more than 20 years ago by Sherman Oaks music teacher Vincent Houser (a k a Art Deco), provides the lively sounds of the '20s and '30s, with hot new renditions of standards like ``Puttin' on the Ritz'' and ``Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy'' at numerous local galas. After years of being asked if they had a CD, Deco and his band finally made one. It's called ``Snake Hips,'' and can be purchased for $15 at their next gig, or on their Web site, www.artdecoswing.com.

The Southern California Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation has been partying a lot lately, usually to raise money for research. This time it was to present its annual Awareness Award to one of its most generous volunteers, radio executive Howard Freshman.

According to chairman of the board Debra K. Papageorge of Westlake Village, Freshman, who is marketing director for KRTH (101.1 FM), was honored for his generous support of the recent Countrywide/Freddie Mac Golf Classic at the Valencia Country Club, which raised $340,000 for the Arthritis Foundation.

The black-tie event was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and was part of the organization's annual meeting for volunteers.

The Juniors of Social Service held their 64th annual candlelight ball, and as usual, it was an elegant affair. For those who like all the little details, event chairwoman Kathy Merrill of Westlake Village said the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel's grand ballroom was lavishly decorated with jewel-toned silk banners suspended over the dance floor, and tables were accented with antique silver candelabra topped with Christmas tree topiaries decorated with tiny lights and crystal icicles. It was the magic of interior designer Norm Wogan with floral arrangements by the Tea Rose Garden of Pasadena, she confided.

``I've never seen so many men in tuxedos. And the gowns. Wow. Everyone was so glittery, it was like a scene from the '80s - only more subdued. And instead of furs, women wore pashminas, although some had fur rosettes on them,'' commented Elizabeth Alford, who was among the 400 guests.

The gala included a feast of poached salmon and filet mignon, followed by creme brulee with berries. There was dancing to the Jay Sterling Orchestra, but before guests hit the dance floor they honored Toni Hodgkiss of Los Angeles for her many years of dedicated service to the organization. Besides her friends, husband Thomas and about 50 relatives were there to support her. To remember the evening, each guest received a keepsake pillow that was cross-stitched with ``Happy Millennium.''

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Juniors' favorite organization, Regis House, a non-sectarian community center in L.A. that provides meals, senior-citizens' activities, counseling and a children's summer camp.

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos

Photo: (1) Performing Arts Center chairman Andrea Van de Kamp, left, with honoree Zubin Mehta and actor Michael York.

(2) Honoree Ginny Mancini, center, with daughters Monica, left, and Felice at the Heritage Salutes dinner.

Bonnie Toman 

(3) Michael and Debby Parker at the Juniors' Candlelight Ball.