Compiled by Kelly Ryan
Trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Gerald Albright helped raise $135,000 to benefit programs at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. 200 guests attended the Jazz in January fundraiser. The event featured auctions and a cocktail reception. Celebrity Executive Chefs Bill Bracken, Brun Egea, Frederick Castian, Matthew Leonard, David M. Scalise and Rob Wilson provided a gourmet dinner for attendees.
The Pacific Life Foundation in Newport Beach distributed more than $2.7 million in grants to 200 nonprofit organizations. Donations ranged from $2,500 to $135,000. Pacific Life Foundation Chairman Jim Morris and Bob Haskell presented the 2008 Walter B. Gerken Community Services Award to Healthy Smiles for Kids of OC. Jack Shaw and Sandra Bolton accepted the award. Healthy Smiles for Kids funds the Smile Mobile, a mobile dental clinic for children.
The OC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure gave $1.3 million to more than 20 local nonprofits. The donations will be used to reach underserved women of OC who may not get breast health knowledge because of language or economic barriers. Grant recipients include Latino Health Access, Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Survivors include the Pink Ribbon Club Foundation.
Irvine-based Center for Hope and Healing received a $209,746 grant from the California Endowment to address mental health needs of OC residents. The California Endowment is a private, statewide health foundation. Also, the Wright Ford Young & Co. in Irvine donated $5,000 to the center for client counseling.
The Impac Cos. in Irvine donated 10 laptop computers, 15 desktop computer and 23 17-inch monitors to the Blind Children’s Learning Center. The gift is valued at more than $30,000 and will be used by teachers and specialists in the field and onsite at the Center’s Santa Ana location. Phillip Solomane and Joy Swafford presented the donation to Learning Center Executive Director Brian Thorne.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC members made donations to children and families in need. Big Sister Nannette Ortiz joined with coworkers at ITT Cannon Industries in Santa Ana to adopt three families. Big Brother Richard Duong donated toys valued at $455. Tim Strader Jr. donated $3,500 to sponsor a holiday party at the House of Blues in Anaheim. KPMG employees sponsored seven families. Aeropostale employees in Brea donated 40 teddy bears.
Irvine-based Gravis Footwear donated more than $2,000 in products to Huntington Beach nonprofit Wheels 2 Water Foundation. The nonprofit helps share ocean experiences with individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries. Travis Tremble started the organization last year when he took a paralyzed friend surfing in Newport Beach.
Santa Ana resident Kathryn Forrest was honored at the Honda Helpful Awards, sponsored by the Southern California Honda Dealers Association. Forrest was recognized for her work in caring for and educating at-risk and autistic children from underprivileged families. She received a 2008 Honda Civic EX-L.
Irvine-based Pacific Dental Services Inc. sent more than 100 employees, dentists and family members on a three-day outreach trip to Mexico. They provided dental care for adults and children and completed construction projects for the Ensenada community.
Consolidated Contracting Services Inc. in San Clemente is participating in the Adopt-A-Family program. South Orange County Family Assistance Ministries organizes the program. The nonprofit provides temporary living expenses and job counseling for families and individuals in need.
Employees at Moss Adams in Irvine donated toys, games and clothing to two local charities. Five boxes of toys and games were given to Toys for Tots. The employees also gave 174 pairs of shoes and 220 pairs of socks to Shoes That Fit, which gives shoes and clothing to schoolchildren. Lake Forest-based Sole Technology Inc. provided discount shoes.
Professional Community Management of California Inc. collected more than 1,000 items of food, toys and personal hygiene products for South County Outreach. Each year more than 250 employees from the company donate items to local charities.
Henry’s Farmers Market hosted a Grab and Give Food Drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of OC. Henry’s has stores in Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and Yorba Linda.
The Anaheim Ducks visited Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange to spread cheer during the holiday season. The Ducks played air hockey and video games with the children. Players signed autographs and spent time with parents and siblings of patients.
Foothill Ranch-based Oakley Inc. donated gift bags of clothing, shoes, socks, hats and glasses to the women and children of Laura’s House in Ladera Ranch. Additional donated goods were canned food items, fruit drinks and household cleaning supplies.
