Compiled by Jessica C. Lee
UCI Gets $3.5 Million for Stem Cell Research
The California Institute for Regen-erative Medicine awarded the Univer-sity of California, Irvine, $3.5 million for stem cell re-search. The money will be used to fund six projects focused on diseases such as muscular dystrophy and mitochondria.
n Vincent Procac-cio, assistant professor of pediatrics was a-warded $623,500 to study mitochondria.
n Grant Mac-Gregor, associate professor of developmental and cell biology, was awarded $623,781 to study human embryonic stem cells.
n Kyoko Yokomori, associate professor of biological chemistry was awarded $623,500 to study muscular dystrophy.
n Charles Limoli, associate professor of radiation oncology, was awarded $625,617 to study stem cells and cancer therapy.
n Thomas Lane, professor biology and biochemistry, was awarded $425,594 to study multiple sclerosis.
n Brian Cum-mings, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, was awarded $619,223 to study the central nervous system. The remaining funds will be disbursed over four years.
Toshiba Corp.’s Toshiba Classic Golf Tournament generated $8.8 million for local charities. Recipients include Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, the Orangewood Children’s Foundation in Santa Ana, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Orange County, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International’s Irvine chapter and the American Lung Association of Orange County. Toshiba has sponsored more than 45 charitable events since 1998.
Orangewood Children’s Foundation received a $500,000 pledge from Wells Fargo Foundation, spread out over a five-year period. The donation will be used for Orangewood’s campaign, Building Tomorrow’s Promise. The campaign will establish a $10 million endowment for college scholarships for former Orange County foster children. Orangewood Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit that helps neglected and abused kids.
The Orange County Community Foundation granted $400,000 to the community through its Margaret E. Oser Fund for Women. Twenty-four Southern California nonprofits that assist in women’s health, education and human services received the money.
Irvine-based Sperry Van Ness raised more than $270,000 in 2006 through the Sperry Van Ness Legacy Foundation. The Sperry Van Ness Foundation helps charitable groups by providing capital and credit through low interest loans.
Building Block Foundation Fund in Newport Beach gave $160,000 to five children-oriented local charities at its annual gala. Orangewood Guardian Scholars in Santa Ana received $50,000, Santa Ana-based Kidworks received $50,000, Newport Beach-based Project Access received $25,000, Taller San Jose in Santa Ana received $25,000 and Newport Beach’s Newport Sports Museum received $10,000.
Keith Pham, chief executive and president of Technology Development Center Inc. in Anaheim, pledged $100,000 to Chapman University’s entrepreneurship program.
Fluor Corp. donated $100,000 to Santa Ana’s Discovery Science Center’s KidStation. KidStation is an exhibit area that engages children in activities that encourage role-playing, vocabulary development, communication and advancement of social skills.
Orange County’s Huntington’s Disease Society of America affiliate raised $80,000 for Huntington’s Disease research at its fourth annual Huntington’s Disease Walk for the Cure. The event took at place at UC Irvine’s Aldrich Park and attracted 400 walkers and more than 125 volunteers.
Greenberg Traurig LLP in Costa Mesa donated $7,500 as the presenting sponsor of the 2007 Astounding Invention Competition at Irvine Valley College. The Astounding Inventions Competition is an invention fair that highlights handmade inventions by school children from the Irvine and Tustin Unified School districts. The competition was established to promote student interest and learning in math and science.
The Heart Gallery of Orange County raised $5,000 at its annual gala. The Heart Gallery of Orange County is a group that raises awareness for foster and adoptive homes. The gallery is a photographic exhibit of children and sibling groups in Orange County’s foster care system, who dream of having a a true family.
The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce allocated $1,500 worth of scholarships through its Young Citizen Award. Honorees include Korleyfah Mouth of Fullerton High School, Katherine Pfeifer of Troy High School and Chan Park of Sonora High School. All three recipients live in Fullerton and received $500 scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to students who excel in academics, innovation, leadership and community involvement.
Mission Hospital of Mission Viejo Raises $1 Million
Mission Hospital of Mission Viejo raised $1 million at its 11th Annual Gala at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa. Special guests included former Los Angeles Laker James Worthy, Corry and Carl Nolet Sr. and Janet and Carl Nolet Jr. of Nolet Spirits/ Ketel One Vodka in Aliso Viejo. The event featured a silent auction, a drawing for a 2007 Mazda Sport CX-7, signed basketballs by James Worthy, dinner, music and dancing. Proceeds benefited Mission Hospital expansion projects, including a new four-story patient care tower.
