Julia Passes Torch on Philanthropy; Dukes Back in Business

Count on Julia Argyros to gently move the needle on a subject that’s prompted a lot of sideline chatter ever since Henry Segerstrom passed away in February: Who’s in line to take the torch from the remarkable group of entrepreneurs who have driven OC’s philanthropy over the past half century? Julia knows something about that as the wife and partner of George Argyros, one of the lions of this market’s modern development. George was at her side last week as she told a crowd gathered on the lawn of their Harbor Island home that they’ve passed the torch on the philanthropic portion of their affairs to daughters Stephanie and Lisa, and son, George Jr. The crowd was there for the Southern California introduction of We Day, a movement that fills stadiums with self-starting kids whose volunteerism earns them tickets to all-day events studded with celebrities and inspirational stories. Stephanie has signed on as co-chair of the Toronto-based group’s bid to bring its program of child-empowerment and edification to 1,000 schools throughout Southern California. It’s a compelling campaign that’s offered free to public schools but also needs support from the community. The Argyros family got things started with a pledge of $1 million to the program, which needs about $4 million a year to meet its goal in Southern California. Visit weday.com for more information—and don’t be surprised to see Stephanie Argyros selling more than real estate in the next few years … Former Ingram Micro President David Dukes is the new owner of Cappy’s Café, the PCH eatery known for its beach murals, tank-topped waitresses and heaping portions. Dukes says he “stepped out of the business world” 18 years ago to focus on board and charitable work and to raise a daughter, Savannah, who now is headed to college. Dukes, meanwhile, is collecting historical info about the restaurant and has been told it dates to the ‘50s, was once called the Bengal Tiger and featured belly dancers. Anyone with information is invited to contact the Insider or go directly to Dukes, who can be found at Cappy’s most days now … Give the Register a big win over the L.A. Times on coverage of Game 2 of the NHL playoff series between the Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks, a 3-overtime thriller on May 19 at the Honda Center that pushed against the dailies’ deadlines. The Register held the presses and greeted morning readers with the result—a 3-2 win for the Chicago squad. Times’ subscribers in OC got word that the game was tied when the paper went to press … Kudos: to NAIOP and its annual Night at the Fights, which drew a crowd of more than 1,000 to its annual card at Hotel Irvine and will put a minimum of $10,000 toward the group’s Building Block Foundation Fund … Correction: on an error of omission last week, when this column noted Concordia University Irvine’s chance to land a spot in the Avista NAIA World Series field but failed to credit Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, which had earned a similar opportunity. Both made the 10-team field, which was set to start a double-elimination tourney in Lewiston, Idaho, as this edition went to press. The overlooked Lions can thank Donovan McReynolds—president of Systems Waterproofing in Anaheim and a graduate of the school back when it was called Southern California College—for setting the record straight.