Compiled by Kelly Ryan
Local businesspeople mixed with celebrities at the SeaChange Summer Party, a fundraiser for Oceana, an ocean conservation group. The event, held at the Laguna Beach home of Bruce Cahill, chief executive of technology manufacturer representative Centaur Corp. of Irvine, raised $900,000. Attendees included Paul and Lilly Merage, Larry and Kristina Dodge, Jim and Kelly Mazzo and Jim and Suzanne Mellor. Celebrities included Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Sam Waterston, Diane Lane, Diane Keaton and Jeff Goldblum. Ford and Waterston were honored along with John Picard for their environmental work on behalf of the oceans.
Nearly 125 golfers helped raise more than $200,000 for the Orange County Chapter of the American Cancer Society at this year’s Orange County Invitational Golf Tournament. The event featured an awards dinner, auctions and an opportunity to win a Mercedes-Benz donated by Fletcher Jones Motorcars.
Laguna College of Art & Design raised $110,000 for student programs and scholarships at this year’s Collector’s Choice Fine Art Event and Exhibition. More than 450 people attended the event.
The Ramada Maingate at the Park hotel in Anaheim is raising money for the V Foundation for cancer research and AIDS Research Alliance by offering a free night’s stay on Sept. 1 and Nov. 30 with a minimum $35 donation to the charities. Earlier this year, the hotel raised $6,000 for WorldVision and Children’s Alliance by offering a free stay with a donation. The effort is part of the hotel’s 35th anniversary. The charities were selected by hotel employees. For reservations, call (800) 854-6097.
Joe Ziomek gave $50,000 to support a Money Matters-Financial Literacy program for teens at local Boys & Girls Clubs. Ziomek is president and founder of Laguna Financial Services in Laguna Beach.
The Ocean Institute raised $50,000 at its Build-a-Boat Challenge. More than 700 people attended to watch teams build and sail their own small boats. Proceeds preserve the institute’s two tall ships, the Pilgrim and Spirit of Dana Point.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Derek Fisher spoke at an Olive Crest fundraiser at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin. Fisher offered praise to leaders of Southern California grocery stores for their support of Olive Crest and its programs. The event raised $75,000.
Children’s Hospital of Orange County received $30,000 from Experian Group Ltd. to support its Child Life Program. The program helps patients and families cope with hospital stress through creative arts.
The Society of Angels raised more than $22,000 for Laura’s House. The evening featured dancing and Cuban-inspired food and casino-style games. The Society of Angels was founded in 2006 to raise money for Laura’s House, which helps victims of domestic violence.
The Draper Family Foundation, headed by real estate investor Ranney Draper, gave $20,000 to the Stepping Up Program of Orange County Community Housing Corp. The money will help expand the program to serve 265 students, up from 200.
The BMW Ultimate Drive fundraiser at Crevier BMW in Santa Ana and Sterling BMW in Newport Beach raised $13,000 to benefit the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Orange County received a $10,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support its micro-lending program. The chamber will lead marketing efforts and provide technical assistance for those seeking financing.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim gave $1,000 and school supplies to Hoover Elementary School in Santa Ana.
