Making the Most of Life
Tilly’s Life Center held its fourth annual I Am Giving Gala at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana. The event benefitted the center’s social and emotional learning program.
Sponsors, supporters and friends gathered for an evening of dancing, drinks, family-style gourmet food, music, and live and silent auctions accompanied by a center graduate’s captivating story of forgiveness. Their support resulted in raising more than $500,000.
“We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from this year’s gala,” said center founder Tilly Levine, who with Hezy Shaked founded the Irvine-based apparel retailer Tilly’s in 1982. “On behalf of TLC, I’d like to give thanks to all of our loyal supporters who have donated and believe in our mission of empowering today’s youth with soft skills, emotional intelligence and coping techniques.”
Event sponsors included Tilly’s, Vans, Union Bank, GoldLine Brands, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trader Joe’s, Protective Film Solutions, Liquid Graphics, Wells Fargo, CSI Electrical Contractors Inc. and Goldman Sachs.
Excellent Results
On Oct. 13, Irvine Public Schools Foundation hosted its ninth annual Spirit of Excellence Gala at Kia Motors America headquarters in Irvine. FivePoint was again presenting sponsor. Other corporate sponsors included Google Fiber, Kading Briggs LLP, BrightView Landscapes LLC, FUTEK and Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island.
With more than 300 guests in attendance, including a mix of civic and business leaders and individual community members, the event raised more than $770,000 to help fund critical programs and classroom support for the Irvine Unified School District.
“The success of the 2018 Spirit of Excellence Gala is a testament to the unwavering support the Irvine community has for education,” said Neda Eaton, president and chief executive of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation. “Our sponsors and gala committee showed tremendous leadership, which resulted in our most successful event yet. The funds raised will make an impact in the educational experience of over 35,000 students in our community.”
Never Forget
Elephant Cooperation, which is dedicated to saving elephants and helping children, hosted its second sold-out event at Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach with more than 350 guests in attendance. The fundraiser took in more than $800,000.
George Argyros Jr., president of Elite Financial Group, hosted for the second year.
While guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner, Elephant Cooperation showcased its work to stop the extinction of the African elephant.
“We are ecstatic we were able to build on the momentum of last year’s very successful premier gala,” said Scott Struthers, founder of Elephant Cooperation. “Our community has been so supportive and has made it clear that stopping the extinction of elephants is a passion and a top priority, something we can all do together.”
Miracle of Love
Duke Spirits, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka, Martin Katz Ltd. and NOLET’S Silver Gin were lead sponsors of the Miracles for Kids annual Night of Miracles Gala: The Miracle of Magic. The Oct. 20 event was sponsored in part by Audi/Volvo Mission Viejo, Cinderella Cakes, the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center, Angels Baseball, Banc of California, Hoag Executive Health, Javier’s and Perricone Farms.
Nearly 500 philanthropists and business and civic leaders gathered at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point to raise funds to benefit families with critically ill children. Together, guests raised nearly $1.3 million, a record-breaking amount for the event.
During the evening, Perricone Farms Chairman Joe Perricone was named the 2018 Miracle Maker Honoree for his longtime support of the organization, including launching the company’s Home Runs for Kids Program, which raised more than $50,000 this year.
Bits & Pieces
The 50-year-old Laguna Playhouse broke ground Nov. 5 on a renovation of the Moulton Theatre, which will include upgrades to the patio and sidewalk, and removal of some exterior walls. … The Costa Mesa-based Festival of Children Foundation has awarded $50,000 in grants to children’s charities, including Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire and Connecting Hands OC. … Marine life artist Wyland rang in the 25th anniversary of his foundation, which promotes waterway and ocean conservation, with a live painting and gala celebration on Nov. 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach.
