Compiled by Kelly Ryan
Beckstrand Cancer Foundation raised more than $1 million at its 4th annual Diamonds and Pearl Ball fundraiser in Newport Beach. The money raised will benefit Orange County and Los Angeles-based cancer patients and families. The ball featured live and silent auction items from Louis Vuitton, David Kelley Productions and Roberto Cavalli. Neiman Marcus Fashion Island, Newport Lexus and Toyota of San Juan Capistrano sponsored the event.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation donated $1 million to aid victims and first responders of the Southern California wildfires. Half of the grant was directed to the American Red Cross to assist in disaster relief efforts. The other half will be given to local nonprofits based on specific need in impacted areas.
OC business leaders and philanthropists raised more than $200,000 for Olive Crest Abused Children’s Foundation. The funds will go to support programs for more than 2,800 at-risk OC youth. Guests enjoyed a night of live music and entertainment, auctions and fine wines. Vineyard Bank, The Integration Works, Sonic Wall Inc., Oltmans Construction Co. and the Argyros Foundation sponsored the event.
McCarthy Building Cos. in Newport Beach raised more than $79,000 to fight heart disease while participating in the American Heart Association OC Heart Walk in Irvine. The McCarthy team generated funds from employees, family and friends and approximately 63 construction industry partners. The McCarthy Heart Hats community involvement program is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and recognizing employee volunteer efforts.
Mission Parish School in San Juan Capistrano raised $60,000 at an event commemorating the late author Leo Politi. The event featured a book with original story boards and art from Politi’s 1949 Caldecott award-winning children’s book “Song of the Swallows.” Also on display was the actual Caldecott award and the Regina Award. Event proceeds will be directed to underwrite the school’s December gala.
A record $35,000 was raised at the Boys & Girls Club of Anaheim’s seventh annual Kids Luncheon benefiting at-risk youth. The event was sponsored by nonprofit children’s organization, Caterina’s Club and the Anaheim White House. Bruno Serato founded Caterina’s Club in honor of his mother and is also owner of the Anaheim White House. The White House feeds 30,000 children each year, including 100 dinners that are delivered to the Boys & Girls Club daily.
Legacy Park Partners LLC donated $25,000 as part of its role as title sponsor of the 17th annual Dinosaur Dash Run for Education. Legacy Park is a partnership of Shea Properties and Shea Homes in collaboration with the city of Tustin. The Dinosaur Dash fundraiser will finance special learning programs in Tustin public schools and benefits the nonprofit Tustin Public Schools Foundation.
Club Corp. raised more than $22,000 at its Charity Auction Gala in Costa Mesa. This year’s event doubled the funds raised at the same event last year.
The Irvine Auto Center gave $20,000 to men and women in uniform. The Auto Center awarded $10,000 each to the Association of OC Deputy Sheriffs and Heroes & Healthy Families of Camp Pendleton. The charities were selected for their commitment to the selfless protection of local residents. The funds will provide financial assistance and rehabilitation services for military and law enforcement personnel.
The OC Trial Lawyers Association honored five attorneys as Top Gun Trial Lawyers of the Year and raised more than $25,000 for charity. The association also inducted two attorneys into its Hall of Fame. The lawyers who were recognized were: Jeffrey S. Sheldon, Shawn McMillan, Gary Waldron, Larry S. Eisenberg and Michael Banks. The charitable receipts of the silent and live auctions will benefit the Habitat for Humanity of OC Homes for heroes.
The Laguna Beach Rotary Club donated a $5,000 scholarship to Dexter Sarabia. Sarabia is a local preschooler attending the Even Start Preschool Program at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. The Preschool Program is offered to three- and four-year-old children from low-income families.
