Bridging the Interval : Ball of the Butterflies Celebrates the Transformation of Domestic-Abuse Victims to Women of Independence

The event: Le Bal des Papillons (Ball of the Butterflies), a black-tie gala celebrating the metamorphosis of women who have escaped domestic violence and found independence through the Interval House shelter. The 18th annual celebrity ball for the shelter took place Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Dana Point.

Butterflies are free: Shelter volunteers play an active role in staging the gala. About 30 of the women circulating among the 350 guests were current and former shelter residents. “We want them to enjoy the concept of moving on from a former life and entering this beautiful world,” said Robert Armstrong, board president.

They came to the right place: The hotel was decked out in lush garlands and thousands of miniature lights. Each table in the ballroom featured a towering crystal centerpiece with winter white flowers. Guests enjoyed a gourmet feast of venison chop with a crust of juniper berries and gingerbread sauce--the creation of Ritz-Carlton chef Christian Rassinoux.

Growing up scared: During the gala, half a dozen former shelter residents (who had lived with their mothers at Interval House when they were children) shared memories with the audience. Diana Dowell, 23, entered the shelter when she was 6. “Not only did Interval House become a safe home for Mother and me, it also became the bridge to a new life,” said Dowell, who is an Interval House volunteer.

Celebrity sightings: The ball attracts a small contingent of celebs every year. Comedienne Joanne Worley served as a zany “Queen of the Auction Floor,” and singer Helen Reddy was honorary chairwoman.

“I was driven to write lyrics [to ‘I Am Woman’] because there were no positive songs about women” years ago, Reddy said. “A lot has changed in a generation.”

Quote: “We expect 3,000 calls [to the shelter hotline] during the holidays,” said Joyce Kakkis, event chairwoman. “It’s a rough time because of the economic pressures” on families.

Bottom line: The $200-per-person ball was expected to net more than $100,000 for Interval House, which will use the proceeds to renovate its emergency shelter and expand a teen outreach program. Based in Long Beach, Interval House has three shelters in Orange County at undisclosed locations.

Faces: Mark Thompson, emcee; John Kunkle, auctioneer; Guy Yelda, consul general of France; Bob Navarro; Gerald Ismael; Real Andrews; Tim Able; Msgr. Ernest Gualderon; Peter Fotinakes; Cynthia Armstrong; Mike Morey; Cynthia Courtney; and Harlene Goodrich.

What’s Ahead: A Gathering With Angels, a fund-raising gala scheduled for spring. Call (562) 594-9492.