UC Irvine is taking the long view on its $1 billion fundraising campaign, launched in the shakiest economic times since the Great Depression. “Typically one will see some upturns and downturns in the market during the life of the campaign,” says Vice Chancellor of Advancement Tom Mitchell. The campaign starts with $405 million already committed; target finishing date is 2015. Mitchell says “it’s a little early” to tell how the stock market collapse will affect 2008-2009 fundraising after three record, $100 million-plus years …
But so far, so good. UCI’s Medal Awards gala at the Bren Events Center raised a record $2.1 billion for scholarships. “The challenges we face in the world today have not overwhelmed hope, and solutions can be found. That’s what great universities do,” Chancellor Michael Drake told 800 attendees, including new UC president Mark Yudof. A notable no-show was the center’s namesake, Donald Bren. He and wife Brigitte opted to join the Argyroses, Folinos, Lyons and about 1,200 others for the $2 million Sarah Palin fundraiser at Segerstrom Concert Hall …
Nella Webster (First Foundation Bank) and Kevin O’Grady (Palo Capital) are maintaining a sense of humor in these trying economic times. Their entry in the pig races at Saturday’s OC Barons Ball at South Coast Plaza is named “Boar Market” …
Chairman Emeritus Donald Kennedy celebrates his 90th birthday and 60th year with First American this week …
Broadcom co-founder Henry Nicholas, under indictment on fraud and drug charges, has given $4.8 million to promote two anti-crime measures on the state ballot, Propositions 9 and 6. And T. Boone Pickens’ Seal Beach-based Clean Energy Fuels has put another $4 million into the Prop. 10 energy initiative, raising the company’s total contribution to almost $8 million …
Will the euro eclipse the dollar? The topic is debated Wednesday at the Hilton Costa Mesa by Allergan CEO David Pyott, British Consul-General Bob Peirce, Congressman John Campbell, Claremont Institute Prez Brian Kennedy and Baroness Collingtree Jill Knight. Call (949) 472-2221 …
Luciana’s Ristorante in Dana Point celebrates its 25th anniversary Saturday with a benefit for Augie’s Quest …
OC Superior Court Judge and former Congressman Jim Rogan speaks at Mayor Curt Pringle’s Prayer Breakfast Oct. 21 at the Anaheim Convention Center …
The Boy Scouts honor former Supe Harriett Wieder at an Oct. 22 luncheon at the Island Hotel …
Meg Whitman visits with the New Majority on Oct. 24 …
Stocking stuffer: Silverado’s chanting Norbertine Fathers have struck a chord with their CD, “Christmas at St. Michael’s Abbey,” recently in the top 10 on Amazon’s classical vocal and song list.
