Oh, What a Night
The Allergan Foundation, Capital Group Cos., First Republic Bank, Haskell & White LLC, the Moulton Co., Nolet’s Spirits and U.S. Bank were among the corporate sponsors that, together with community philanthropists and supporters of the arts, raised $1.7 million for the Laguna Playhouse at its annual gala. Of that, $1 million came from the Moulton family of the Moulton Co., a real estate investment firm. The funds will go toward renovations to restore the beauty and vitality of Moulton Theatre, according to Ellen Richard, executive director of Laguna Playhouse.
The sold-out event was on May 12 at Fashion Island Hotel. The evening began with a VIP Sponsors Reception and a private performance by “Phantom of the Opera” star Davis Gaines.
Highlights of the gala included a historical introduction about the Moulton family, paying special tribute to philanthropist Nellie Gail Moulton, the major benefactor for the building of Laguna Playhouse’s Moulton Theatre 50 years ago. She also co-founded the Laguna College of Art and Design.
South Coast Plaza was also honored for its role since it opened 50 years ago in supporting arts, theater and culture in Orange County.
Serious Fun, Serious Mission
Human Options hosted its Serious Fun Gala on May 19 at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. The event brought together more than 325 influential community leaders who helped raise over $480,000 for Human Options to continue its work to break the cycle of domestic violence and provide critical programs and services to victims.
Guests enjoyed a Tahitian Nights-themed evening that kicked off with cocktails, an opportunity drawing and a silent auction. The evening also honored longtime supporter Kate Duchene, chief executive and president of Resources Global Professionals, with the 2018 DOVE Award for her dedication to breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
During her time as board president, she led Human Options to expand its community education program, which now reaches more than 20,000 people each year.
Event sponsors included Capital Group, KPMG and RGP.
Serving Hope
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County raised more than $121,000 for the food insecure population in Orange County at its fifth annual Serving Hope Breakfast.
The event, held on May 17 at Hotel Irvine, gathered more than 200 community members, local leaders, donors and volunteers to share stories of success from the nonprofit’s work in the community and how the organization is working to reach its goal of ending hunger in the county.
The goal seeks to increase the number of meals it provides from 20 million to 30 million by 2021, putting Second Harvest on pace to close the meal gap entirely by 2025.
Last year it provided a record 21.6 million meals to the hungry in OC.
Swapping Laptops for Hammers
Executives of BigRentz joined the effort to build affordable homes for families in Orange County. The company donated $25,000 as presenting sponsor of the Leaders Build project, an annual event organized by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. Collectively with Fluidmaster, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Parker Aerospace, Toshiba America Business Solutions and others, business leaders raised more than $200,000 for the local Habitat office.
The 10th annual Leaders Build event took place on May 18 at Fluidmaster in San Juan Capistrano. Participants built the frames of four Habitat OC homes that will be sold to low-income families.
In addition to construction of the homes, participants had the opportunity to participate in contests, such as the “First-Frame Up,” which judged the teams on speed and precision.
Bits & Pieces
Waymakers, a nonprofit group that provides counseling and support services to Orange County families in their greatest times of need, held its 35th annual Swing for Kids Charity golf tournament on May 17 at Oak Creek Golf Course in Irvine, presented by John Jory Corp., raising $84,000 in support of Waymakers’ Family Counseling and Support Programs. … MOMS Orange County hosted a Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures luncheon at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel on May 10, raising more than $60,000 to support at-risk mothers and families. … Fluor committed $10,000 as a presenting sponsor of this year‘s CanstructionOC design build competition, which helps raise awareness and reduce hunger in Orange County.
