Compiled by Talene Yotnotsian
Barons’ Ball Raises Money for Cancer
The OC Barons’ League, a fund-raising support group for the American Cancer Society, raised more than $425,000 at its eight annual ball, Legend of Hollywood: OC Goes Hollywood to Cure Cancer. The money will go toward the cancer society’s patient services and educational programs for Orange County residents, and as well as advocacy and cancer research. More than 800 people attended.
The James Irvine Foundation awarded more than $4 million to 12 arts institutions, including five in Orange County. The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana received $400,000. The Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach received $400,000. The Opera Pacific in Santa Ana received $400,000. The Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach received $400,000. The Saint Joseph Ballet Company in Santa Ana received $350,000.
Tustin-based jewelry company Cookie Lee Inc. donated about $1.4 million in jewelry to the “The Today Show” for its 13th annual holiday toy and gift drive. Cookie Lee Chief Executive John Lin appeared on the television program in December to announce the gift. More than 128,000 pieces of jewelry were given to 26 youth and family charity groups nationwide. In 2005, the company donated $1.2 million in jewelry to the show’s toy drive.
Human Options, which helps those affected by domestic violence with educational and other programs, raised $175,000 at its annual Fall Luncheon.
Project Access, a Newport Beach-based nonprofit that helps poor families through education and other programs, raised $50,000 at its Keys to Success Awards Dinner.
Child Guidance Center Inc., a nonprofit Orange County United Way agency, raised more than $40,000 at its 24th annual Holiday Tree Fantasy luncheon with a live auction. The money will fund the center’s counseling programs for abused children and their families.
Share Our Selves, which provides services to Orange County’s needy, raised $25,000 at its first Adopt A Family Festival Of Trees. The money will go toward the nonprofit’s Adopt A Family program, which partners members of the community with struggling local families. The funds were raised through decorated Christmas trees at a live and silent auction.
Bruno Serato, owner of restaurant Anaheim White House, and Frank Gracia, owner of restaurant La Casa Garcia in Anaheim, donated $10,000 to Hacienda and Casa de Hogar orphanages in Mexico. The money went toward buying toys, games, decorations and food for the holidays as well as toward general operation of the orphanages.
Employees of Irvine-based Dana Capital Group replied and fulfilled holiday letters to Santa written by kids.
The company worked with the Santa Ana post office.
Letters to Santa is a community program that helps fulfill holiday wishes for kids who are needy.
