Compiled by Christina Hur
Several Orange County businesses, groups and individuals were recognized at the Spirit of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Daranne and Paul Folino received the Spirit of Lifetime Achievement award. Folino is chairman of Costa Mesa-based Emulex Corp. Pat and William Podlich received the Outstanding Philanthropist award. William Podlich cofounded Pacific Investment Management Co. and is a consulting managing director there. Teddie Ray, founding member of the Harvesters of the Second Harvest Food Bank of OC, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award.
The Showpros, an event production company in Laguna Beach, received the Outstanding Corporation/Business award for a company with fewer than 30 workers. Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union received the Outstanding Corporation/Business award for a company with more than 30 employees. Walk Among the Stars, a group of cancer patients, professionals and volunteers at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, won the Outstanding Philanthropic Group award. Al Roberts, the founder of Aids Services Foundation Orange County, received the Outstanding Founder award.
The city of Anaheim gave its first star to Walt Disney on its new Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars. Ed Grier, president of Disneyland Resort, received the star on his behalf. The Walk of Stars honors well-known celebrities, athletes and humanitarians who have shaped Anaheim and Orange County and elevated the region’s prominence. The creation of the Walk of Stars coincides with Anaheim’s 150th anniversary celebration.
The Orange County chapter of the Building Industry Association was named Chapter of the Year by the Building Industry Association, Southern California. Chapters are chosen based on their outstanding work in daily operations, including networking events, workshops, publications, legislative victories, monthly membership numbers and educational opportunities.
Bank of America, as part of its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, honored two Orange County nonprofits, the Camino Health Center in San Juan Capistrano and the Jamboree Housing Corp. in Irvine, with the Neighborhood Builders award. The award includes $200,000 for general operation as well as executive and leadership workshops. The Excellence Initiative recognizes organizations, local leaders and student leaders who sustain, strengthen and grow their communities. Five OC residents and community volunteers received the Local Heroes award, which came with $5,000 to give to the charity of their choice: Anita Coyoli-Cullen, Julie Inman, Said Abdelsayd, Fred Lenz and Rogers Severson.
A group of Orange County Transportation Authority employees received the Model Program award from the National Transit Institute for the redesign and implementation of its student coach operator training program. The OCTA team was led by manager Diane Kiernan, senior operations instructor Mark Andrews, operations instructors Lynn Allen, Jaime Hernandez, Jim McGlocklin, Kathi Thomson, Tina Wimberly, Claudette Charles, Pam Peters, Debi Raab and office specialist Janet Matthew.
Marian Bergeson, a former longtime board member of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, was honored with the 2006 General Lyon Crystal Vision Award.
The annual award is given to those who reflect unending commitment to children. Bergeson has been an advocate for education and children’s issues. She served the in the state Assembly, state Senate and on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
