Compiled by Kelly Ryan
The John R. Wooden Classic teamed up with the Orangewood Children’s Foundation and the Special Olympics Southern California to raise $200,000. The weekend of events included a golf tournament, coaches’ dinner with auction and two collegiate basketball games. The coaches’ dinner featured a $50,000 check presentation by sponsor Ditech in Costa Mesa. Guests took part in both live and silent auctions that included travel packages and tickets to a Chicago Cubs game. The coaches’ dinner began with master of ceremony Jim Hill sitting down for a one-on-one interview with Hall of Fame University of California, Los Angeles Coach John Wooden, who told stories of selfless acts. The weekend culminated with a UCLA basketball victory over perennial dark horse Davidson. The basketball game was hosted by Honda Center.
Chapman University’s 26th annual American Celebration raised $2 million for the university’s scholarship fund. This year’s celebration honored Marybelle and S. Paul Musco as Chapman’s Corporate Citizens of the Year. Rita Moreno was given the Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award. The event featured a costumed and choreographed stage show. President Jim Doti also took stage as a dancer in the show’s opening number.
The Pimco Foundation, the charitable arm of Pacific Investment Management Co., gave more than $1.1 million in 2007 to 68 charities and community organizations and $200,000 in additional gifts. One notable gift of $15,000 went to the Center for Hope and Healing to subsidize counseling for uninsured people.
John Laing Homes raised $350,000 for the Interval House at its annual Charity Golf Tournament. The money raised was $70,000 more than last year. Interval House provides services to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The House relies on Newport Beach’s John Laing Homes for its operating budget.
Working Wardrobes raised $235,000 at its Black Tie and Tennies Gala in Newport Beach. Sprint and Designing Women were presenters and Pimco sponsored the evening. Architectural firm KTGY Group Inc. was honored for being an Outstanding Corporate Partner. Judy Fox Brandt, president of Fox & Co. was named Outstanding Civic Partner.
The New Directions for Women Foundation received $140,000 from the Couture on the Course fashion show. The show was held at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine while the 13th annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament also took place there. New Directions patients and staff members modeled the clothes for guests.
Friends and supporters of Rancho Santiago Community College District celebrated a Decade of Distinction at the Disneyland Hotel. The evening generated $135,000 for student scholarships.
EZ Lube LLC raised $50,000 for the American Red Cross to aid relief efforts for those affected by the Southern California wildfires. EZ Lube donated $10 from every regular, full service oil change in the month of October. The chain also established American Red Cross donation stations in many of its OC facilities.
Ford Motor Co. donated 10 specially equipped vehicles to the Orange County Fire Authority to aid in the rescue and assistance of evacuees from the recent wildfires. These vehicles were used to transport victims to their homes to retrieve valuables and pets.
The Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine raised $40,000 at its Laughter is the Best Medicine event. Attendees listened to comedian Brian Regan, who is famous for his family friendly style. Proceeds from the event will go to the center’s research and education programs.
The Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation contributed $30,000 to support the B.I.G. Impact program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC. The program allows adult volunteers and youths to meet monthly in a group setting. Such events have included bowling, miniature golf, ice skating and a visit to the Ocean Institute.
Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. Inc. donated $25,000 and 13 lift trucks to aid in recent wildfire relief efforts by the American Red Cross. Toyota Material Handling is headquartered in Irvine. The company and its parent, Toyota Motor Co., donated a combined $2 million to the Red Cross and matched donations made by employees.
Mary Erickson Community Housing received a $5,000 contribution from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The funds support the expansion of the Regional Employer Assisted Collaborative Housing program. Wells Fargo also donated $5,000 to the Jewish Family Services of OC for its Women Forward Program. The program fights poverty and helps people ages 40 to 65 re-enter the workforce after a major life crisis.
