You Say You Want a Revolution
The Orange County chapter of JDRF, a global organization that provides funding for Type 1 diabetes research, hosted its annual Dream Gala “Join the Revolution” on March 28 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.
More than 350 OC business philanthropists, sponsors, leaders, and organization supporters came together to raise more than $800,000 for diabetes research.
The event featured live and silent auctions, a wine auction and opportunity drawings. Laguna Hills residents Drs. Nancy Silverberg and Larry Silverberg, physicians at Silverberg Surgical and Medical Group in Newport Beach, were honored for their efforts to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes after their daughter Amy was diagnosed with the disease at age 10.
Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.; Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth; Black Starr & Frost; Chase Bank; Applied Medical; First Foundation Advisors; and others sponsored the gala.
Always Hopeful
Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County’s annual Creating Hope gala—presented by Lia Iacocca-Assad, Victor Assad and the Iacocca Family Foundation—raised $300,000 in support of the association’s mission to provide treatments, prevention, and no-cost programs and services for the 84,000 OC residents affected by the disease. Nearly 300 attended the sold-out event on March 28 at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.
“While there’s still so much work to be done, our signature gala presents an opportunity to gather with supporters, because there is hope that one day we’ll have a world without this disease,” said Jim McAleer, association president and chief executive.
The evening, themed “Rustic Elegance,” began with a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. The three-course gourmet dinner was followed by a live auction and music by ChickBand.
Gala proceeds were generated through sponsorships, underwriting, ticket sales, general donations and auctions. Additional gala sponsors included Gateway One Lending & Finance; Irvine Cottages; Vista Gardens; Caring Companions At Home; Farmers & Merchants Bank; and Farmers & Merchants Trust Co.
Magical Night
Organizers of Age Well Senior Services’ 15th annual Captain’s Ball gala and fundraiser made some magic this year with a $100,000 net profit at the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. The theme of the Feb. 28 event was “Do You Believe in Magic?”
Susan Montoya of First Bank; Neil O’Connor of O’Connor Mortuary; and Vicki Clark of Western Senior Housing were honored for their contributions to creating a safer and more productive life for the elderly in Orange County.
Irvine-based Monarch HealthCare was the presenting sponsor. Other key sponsors included Hoag Hospital Newport Beach; Southern California Edison and First Bank.
Beach Blanket Fun
Beach Blanket Bungalow, held on the patio of The Bungalow in Corona del Mar, hosted a sold-out crowd of more than 100 business leaders, public servants, and philanthropists on March 29 to raise $10,000 on behalf of Special Olympics World Games.
“Businesses throughout Orange County are rallying in support of World Games and in promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all people through Special Olympics,” said Jeff Snow, president of Rainbow Environmental in Huntington Beach.
The highlight of the evening was a competition between teams of public officials, including U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher; Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel; Newport Beach Mayor Pro-Tem Diane Dixon; Newport Beach city councilman Kevin Muldoon; and Steve Rosansky, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce president, who served beer and wine to see which team could serve the most guests while also raising the most in tips on behalf of the Special Olympics.
Proceeds benefit Newport Beach Host Town, which will bring more than 150 Special Olympians from Mexico and Fiji to Newport Beach prior to World Games LA 2015.
Bits & Pieces
Science@OC created the OC STEM Connector, an online platform that connects volunteer STEM professionals from companies such as Edwards Lifesciences and Western Digital with middle school educators to bring hands-on experience to the classroom. … Through the end of May, NuVision Federal Credit Union is hosting its annual Spring Toy Drive benefiting Children’s Hospitals of Orange County and Los Angeles.
