Super Event
Gary and Julie Crisp, founders of digital printing company Crisp Imaging, hosted five busloads of active duty Marines from Camp Pendleton at the 10th Crisp Family Super Bowl Event on Feb. 3 at the American Legion Post 291 on Balboa Peninsula overlooking the Newport Beach harbor.
Some 500 people, including retired military guests, enjoyed professional wrestling shows, therapeutic massages and mechanical bull riding. Guests had the option of a video game truck, table tennis and even harbor cruises.
The Derek Bordeaux Group, tribute band Rolling the Stones and the USC Marching Band supplied music. The Los Angeles Chargers cheerleaders happily took photos with the marines. The day-long event featured three meals, cigars and plenty of beer.
And when the low-scoring game was over, the Marines were treated to a Polynesian hula show before they boarded the buses.
“I have heard back from party guests from past years who wrote me to say that the memories from this event sustained them through tough times,” Gary said. “That’s so gratifying and exactly what we aim for with this event—unfettered, good, clean fun and our family’s expression of love and gratitude for our American military personnel.”
During the event, the Crisps presented a check for $25,000 to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, which aids soldiers and sailors stationed at Camp Pendleton and their families.
Event sponsors included title sponsor Crisp Imaging, platinum sponsor Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation, Balboa Bay Resort, Ventura Foods, McCarthy Building Cos., Architects Orange, R.D. Olson Construction, Coca-Cola, Carson Toyota and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
A Dog’s Life, a Dog’s Love
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel donated $1.5 million to the Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit that provides dogs for veterans with disabilities. The funds, which were raised through the net proceeds from its Yappy Hour series, a monthly canine and companion cocktail party, and the Diamond Ball Gala, will be used to provide canine assistance dogs to veterans as they transition back to civilian life. The average cost to train a Canine Companions service dog is $50,000.
“We are committed to making an impactful difference in the lives of those in need, all while connecting with our community to come together and raise funds for amazing causes,” said Bruce Brainerd, general manager, Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. “Whether suffering from PTSD or mobility injuries, there is a growing need for support. We felt the importance of embracing this community by giving the gift of a loving assistance dog.”
Nonprofits Love Largesse
Pacific Life Foundation awarded $3.5 million to 212 nonprofit agencies at its annual grants reception on Jan. 29 at its headquarters in Newport Beach.
Think Together, a Santa Ana nonprofit that helps more than 150,000 children improve their achievement levels and prepare them for college, received the Walter B. Gerken Community Service Award, named after Pacific Life’s former chairman and chief executive, and a $50,000 unrestricted cash grant.
The foundation is planning to donate about $7 million this year overall. The grants, which are given to supporting communities where Pacific Life employees live and work, focus on the areas of arts and culture, civic, community and economic development, environment, education, health and human services.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast received $250,000 to renovate and modernize its existing buildings at six club locations.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast is a vital resource that is proven to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Tennyson Oyler, president, Pacific Life Foundation. “We’re proud to be part of their evolution in meeting the needs of our local youth and communities.”
Other recipients included Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, which received $100,000; the United Way, which through Pacific Life’s annual United Way Campaign collected more than $1 million; and the Life Happens’ Life Lessons Scholarship program, in which four students received $60,000 in college scholarships. Pacific Life Foundation also provided $500,000 toward marine mammal, ocean related and environmental causes.
This year’s biggest grant, which the Business Journal profiled in its Feb. 11 issue, was $2 million to support the LIFEvest Financial Literacy Program at the University of California-Irvine Center for Investment and Wealth Management.
The Pacific Life Foundation was established in 1984 and has donated close to $110 million to the community and national nonprofit entities.
Deluxe Dining, Ducks-Style
The Anaheim Ducks hosted the 19th annual Dux in Tux presented by Honda on Jan. 21 at the Honda Center.
The evening featured Orange County’s most renowned chefs, who donated their time and talent to the cause. Paired with an Anaheim Ducks player, coach or broadcaster as their “sous chef,” the chefs created a unique dining experience for a table of 12.
More than 500 guests attended the sold-out event, which raised $315,000 to support the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, including programs such as Ducks S.C.O.R.E., Learn to Play and Top Flight Street Hockey.
Participants included Chef Bryan Brown, Bourbon Steak Orange County; Chef Nick Weber, 24 Carrots Catering and Events; Chef Jason Montelibano, Chapter One: The Modern Local; and Chef Craig Brady, Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar.
Bits & Pieces
Gregory C. Scott, president and chief executive of Community Action Partnership of Orange County, was appointed to the Southern California Edison Consumer Advisory Panel. … The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services awarded Waymakers a two-year, $1.1 million grant in support of the nonprofit’s statewide campaign to prevent violence within families in California, aimed at reducing the impact of family violence on youth and teens. … Visit Anaheim Cares donated a $20,000 check to GOALS, an Anaheim-based nonprofit designed to help improve the lives of local underserved children.
