Compiled by Kelly Ryan
Start Orange County Heart Walk raised $1.1 million for heart disease and stroke research, education, advocacy and community service programs. More than 5,000 Orange County residents participated in the 5k walk and 1k kids fun run. McCarthy Building Cos. was this year’s top fundraiser, raising $105,000.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raised $710,000 at its Light the Night Walk. About 5,500 people participated in a two-mile walk around Angel Stadium. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim co-sponsored the event. Chick-fil-A Inc. sent 20 employees to the event to serve chicken sandwiches to participants.
Finton Construction donated building costs for the 10,000-square-foot California Homes Magazine Showcase House in Shady Canyon in Irvine. Visitors to this year’s house will view rooms decorated by 24 interior designers. Proceeds from the showing will benefit the Philharmonic Society of Orange County Youth Music Programs. Finton Construction has an office in Costa Mesa. Irvine’s Spectrum Architecture designed the house.
Lifemodeler Inc. in San Clemente donated $400,000 in software and services to InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute and the University of Memphis in Tennessee. The grant will help surgeons test the fit of implanted medical devices. Lifemodeler provides software for the orthopedic joint replacement companies.
The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano raised $300,000 at its barbecue. The event also held a groundbreaking for the Klein Family Education & Therapy building. Shea supporters Jenny and Bill Klein made a $1 million gift and an $850,000 challenge grant to help complete the project. The center uses the movement of horses to treat physical impairments.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County raised $151,000 at its Mardi Gras Extravaganza, presented by Honda Motor Co. The event was held at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and featured jazz music, authentic Cajun cuisine and a live auction. The Marion Knott Foundation made a separate contribution of $20,000 to Big Brothers to support its High School Bigs program. The Capital Group Cos. Charitable Foundation also donated $10,000 to Big Brothers.
The Orange County Community Foundation donated $150,000 in grants to local nonprofits serving OC’s senior citizens. The funding came from the Shanbrom family and the foundation’s discretionary funds. Some receiving grants were: Alzheimer’s Family Services Center, Acacia Adult Day Services and South County Senior Services.
The Easter Seals raised more than $60,000 at its Walk With Me fundraiser walk. Proceeds will directly benefit children and adults with disabilities.
Fountain Valley-based Working Wardrobes raised $50,000 at its Starry, Starry Night fundraiser. More than 100 guests attended, including cast members from the Real Housewives of Orange County. Steve Anderson Photography, Eleme Medical, Studio 486, Stephani Reuter and Adecco sponsored the event. One auction item, the Fantasy Driving Experience, included rides in a Ferrari and Mercedes Benz McLaren SLR.
