Recognizing a Leader
More than 200 business and community leaders attended the 13th annual Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America Investment Real Estate Luncheon on Oct. 5 at the Westin South Coast Plaza. The event raised more than $150,000 for scouting outreach programs.
Steve Craig, president and chief executive of Craig Realty Group, was recognized for his contributions to the Orange County community and his philanthropic endeavors.
“Steve Craig exemplifies the traits of the Scout Law and sets a noble example of leadership and volunteerism for young men to emulate,” said Jeff Herrmann, president and scout executive of the Orange County Council.
The event was sponsored by Craig Realty Group, Citadel Outlets and Cabazon Outlets, among others.
Betting on Giving
Orange County businesses Miller Environmental Inc., West Coast Firestopping, GGG Demolition and California Equipment Rentals teamed up for the second year in a row to host Casino Charity Night to benefit Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The event took place on Sept. 30 at the House of Blues Anaheim and featured casino-style gaming, dinner and more.
The sold-out event raised more than $427,000. The evening’s sponsors included Clark Construction, Hensel Phelps, Laborers Local 300, McCarthy Construction, PCL, Swinerton Builders and Whiting Turner.
Granting Solutions
On Oct.12, Bank of America announced $425,000 in economic mobility grants to be distributed to 18 nonprofits working on community revitalization efforts across Orange County. The organizations provide solutions addressing a range of economic development issues, from affordable housing and self-sufficiency resources to urban gardens and arts and cultural programming.Â
“Investing into neighborhood revitalization initiatives in Orange County is part of our approach to helping people achieve financial stability,” said Allen Staff, the bank’s Orange County market president. “We’re honored to partner with nonprofits who are addressing the growing need for key resources like housing and supportive services to build a stronger community.”
Other organizations receiving grants include: Art-A-Fair Foundation, Discovery Science Center of Orange County, Festival of Arts Laguna Beach, Jamboree Housing, Kennedy Commission, Latino Center for Prevention & Action in Health & Welfare, Mercy House Living Centers, Opportunity Fund Northern California, Pacific Symphony, Sawdust Festival, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory, Chapman University, Habitat for Humanity Orange County, Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, OneOC, Arts Orange County and Alegria Farms.
Fashion and Philanthropy
For the 25th year, The Harvesters dazzled 450 attendees at its Annual Harvesters Fashion Show & Luncheon. The sold-out Oct. 5 event, presented by South Coast Plaza, netted more than $1 million. City National Bank, Veuve Clicquot, Fendi, South Coast Plaza, Mikimoto, South Coast Plaza and Water Grill South Coast Plaza were among additional event donors and underwriters.
The runway portion of the lunch and fashion show was held at The Pavilion and showcased brands such as Fendi, Lanvin, Marni, Max Mara, Moncler, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino and Versace.Â
Proceeds raised from Harvesters’ fashion show and luncheon will go toward accelerating Second Harvest’s efforts to reach its goal of providing 30 million meals by 2021. That includes plans to add more permanent and mobile school pantries to feed more children, help grow its community partners’ capacity to distribute food countywide, and gear up to feed the rapidly increasing number of elderly people in Orange County.
Bits & Pieces
Orange County United Way added several prominent business and community leaders to its board, including Victoria Collins, community leader/private investor; Martha V. Daniel, president and chief executive, IMRI/Cytellix; Diane Brooks Dixon, Newport Beach city council member; Ethan Morgan, managing director, Orange County, San Diego & Inland Empire, J.P. Morgan; James J. Scheinkman, partner at Snell & Wilmer, LLP; and David Schiegoleit, managing director, investments, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management … Sawdust Art & Craft Festival received a grant from the Festival of Arts Foundation to help fund classes for spouses of active military personnel … In September, the Irvine office of Dimension Data donated diapers, wipes, baby wash, clothing, blankets, toys and 110 diaper bags to MOMS Orange County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families have healthy babies.
