The Country Friends announced today that it is proud to pay tribute to the late Betty C. Zable and Betty L. Mabee at this year’s Art of Fashion, the annual luncheon and runway show presented September 23 in partnership with South Coast Plaza at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
“Mrs. Zable and Mrs. Mabee, longtime members of The Country Friends, are being honored for their commitment to community,” says Andrea Naversen, chair of the Art of Fashion. “Although each was unique, their lives bear striking similarities.” Betty Virginia Carter married her college sweetheart, Walter J. Zable, after graduation from the College of William & Mary. Betty Murphy grew up in Iowa where she met and married John Mabee, her high school beau. These power couples would go on to establish successful companies: the Zables’ Cubic Corporation and the Mabees’ Big Bear supermarket chain, Golden Eagle Insurance, and Golden Eagle Farm. “Married to powerful men, Mrs. Zable and Mrs. Mabee were powers in their own right,” says Naversen, “raising families and contributing generously to a variety of community causes.
Betty Zable was a member of the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, Friends of the First Ladies, the San Diego Symphony and the Old Globe Theatre. Betty Mabee was a founding member of Angels of Aseltine Auxiliary and Gold Diggers, to name just a few of her charitable causes.
Both women loved horses. Mrs. Zable spent childhood weekends riding in Central Park. Mrs. Mabee became a successful horse breeder. Her favorite horse was Best Pal, who earned more than $5.6 million in a six-year career. Called the “First Lady of California Racing,” Mrs. Mabee became a director, and later, director emeritus of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, founded by her husband.
This year’s Art of Fashion features the fall/winter collections of Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John and Versace. “We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers taking part in this year’s show,” says Jeanne Lucia, president of The Country Friends. “We look forward to a fabulous afternoon of philanthropy and fashion.”
The event begins with “Luncheon on the Lawn” at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, followed by the runway show, and concludes with “Apres Affaire,” a wine tasting hosted by Falkner Winery.
Throughout the day, the boutiques of South Coast Plaza will offer the latest trends in clothing, handbags, jewelry, eyewear and other accessories. Participating retailers include Christofle, Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Frette, Marni, Max Mara, Michael Kors, Tod’s, and Versace.
Major sponsors include:
• The Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation
• The Family of Betty L. Mabee
• Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
• DJO Incorporated
• Karen and Robert Hoehn of Hoehn Jaguar, Land Rover, Carlsbad
• Denise and Bertrand Hug of Mille Fleurs
• Virginia Napierskie
• The John and Mary Rainsford Charitable Foundation
• R.J.L. Wealth Management
• The Joan Waitt Family Fund
• Wells Fargo
• Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Management
• Frank and Tonita McKone
Naversen says this year’s Honorary Committee is composed of “an elite group of savvy, stylish and accomplished women from the arts, business and philanthropy.” They include:
• Lisa Barkett
• Tanya Brandes
• Valerie Cooper
• Karen Z. Cox
• Deborah Cross
• Lola Green
• Denise Hug
• Laurie Joseph
• Lynda Kerr
• Julie Klaus
• Ruth Mangrum
• Connie McNally
• Virginia Napierskie
• Catherine Nicholas
• Sally Thornton
• Priscilla Webb
• Stefanie Zable
• May Zawaideh
Underwriting is provided by:
• Blanc de Bleu
• Classic Party Rentals
• Drop Dead Design
• EDCO Waste & Recycling Services
• Falkner Winery
• Kaleidoscope Printing
• Park ‘N Fly
• Ranch & Coast Magazine
• Rancho Santa Fe Review
• San Diego Magazine
• The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
“Thanks to our sponsors’ generosity in these tough economic times, The Country Friends will be able to fund much-needed programs serving thousands of people throughout San Diego County,” Naversen notes. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs at 18 charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Canine Companions for Independence, Project Concern International, and the San Diego Blood Bank.
Members of the Art of Fashion Runway Show Committee include: Donna Ahlstrom, Maggie Bobileff, Judy Burer, Marci Cavanaugh, Deborah Cross, Jo Ely, Connie Englert, Sharon Ferges, Rebecca Franks, Christine Gootee, Jeanne Lucia, Andrea Muir, Gina Muir, Jean Newman, Pearl Padovano, Molly Santistevan, JoLynn Shapiro, Mia Stefanko, Heidi Timlake, Rhonda Tryon, Kathe Votsis, Anna Waite and Jean Waters.
The Country Friends funds more than two dozen charitable agencies each year, primarily through proceeds from its consignment shop in Rancho Santa Fe, specializing in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china and objets d’art. Its mission is “helping people to help themselves.”
Tickets begin at $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show only. Guests can purchase tickets online at www.TheCountryFriends.org or by calling 858/ 756-1192 ext. 4.
