Compiled by Kelly Ryan
Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana received a $1 million donation for its Planetary Experience exhibit from Boeing Co. The exhibit is set to be built inside the center’s 10-story cube alongside the Santa Ana (I-5) Freeway. The gift was announced at the center’s ninth annual gala.
The Schmid family of Santa Ana gave $250,000 toward the Schmid Family Pedestrian Bridge for the Outdoor Education Center being built near Irvine Regional Park. Don Schmid is chairman of Santa Ana’s ECCO Equipment Corp., which rents out construction equipment. The 61,600-pound bridge allows children to cross among camps. Plans for the Outdoor Education Center, set to open in 2008, call for astronomy, ranch and mining camps to teach kids about Southern California’s environment.
W.L. Butler Construction Inc. in Irvine gave $100,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and Inland Empire. The money is set to help grant 20 wishes to children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions. W.L. Butler raised the money at a golf tournament benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Attendees generated $90,000, including $15,000 from Julia Argyros, at the 2007 Orange County Arts Awards. The evening featured a performance by Matthew Morrison, a Tony-nominated actor and graduate of Orange County High School of the Arts. The money was given to support the arts programs and initiatives of Arts Orange County, including informational services and programs.
Westrope and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. gave $32,720 to the Huntington Beach and Newport Beach fire departments. The money is being used to upgrade breathing equipment for firefighters. Huntington Beach received $16,360 to replace outdated air bottles. Twenty-five new bottles will be bought. Newport Beach received $16,360 for a new test bench. The machine tests breathing devices after repairs.
Kylynn Gutierrez raised $30,000 for the Sheepfold, a shelter in Orange for abused women and children. The fundraising project was part of an Aliso Viejo-based Coast Hills Church program called Kingdom Assignment. Gutierrez was the youngest person to be recognized at the Well Done Awards. She raised the funds by encouraging churchgoers to replace $1 bills with larger denominations.
Wells Fargo Foundation gave $23,500 to three groups. The Small Business Financial Development Corp. received $8,500 for a microlending consortium study in OC. The OC Congregation Community Organization received $7,500 to fund its Grassroots Leadership for Affordable Housing project. The Dayle McIntosh Center for Housing Assistance Program was given $7,500 to help the disabled.
Citi Foundation, the charitable arm of Citigroup Inc., gave $20,000 to the Tustin Public Schools Foundation. The classroom grants program of the Tustin Public Schools Foundation provides up to $2,500 for resources not normally available to teachers. The foundation’s executive director, Carol Burby Garrett, received the donation. Lorena Maae and Sean Chaffins presented the money on behalf of Citibank.
Laguna Niguel-based Art & Creativity for Healing Inc. received $10,000 from the Leo Buscaglia Foundation. The money is being used to subsidize the salaries of teachers who provide art and healing workshops. Also, a portion of the money was used to support teacher training programs. Art & Creativity for Healing holds art classes and workshops for those who suffer from abuse, illness and grief.
W.W. Grainger Inc. presented a $5,000 check to the American Red Cross of OC to support the 23rd annual disaster preparedness academy in Anaheim. Grainger is the keynote gold sponsor of the event. The academy plans to feature 18 workshop sessions in emergency response, preparedness planning, mitigation, response skills and recovery operations. Grainger, based in Illinois, runs stores locally distributing construction, maintenance and industrial equipment.
Andrew C. Edwards donated audio-visual equipment to Salem Lutheran School in Orange. Edwards is chief executive of Extron Electronics in Anaheim, a maker of equipment for linking computers and video gear. Thirteen classrooms were upgraded with projector mounting systems, audio-video switching equipment, speakers and wall-mounted remote control panels.
Forty Marines enjoyed a day of catch and release fishing onboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer. The trip was sponsored by members of the Dana Point Yacht Club. Many of the Marines had served one or more tours of duty in Iraq. This is the third year the club sponsored the trip.
