Building a Foundation
The inaugural Siksha Foundation Celebration Dinner held on May 15 raised more than $600,000 for the Siksha Foundation.
The Siksha Foundation—Siksha meaning high-quality education—was founded in 2013 by Ash Patel, chief executive of Commercial Bank of California. The organization provides funding to rebuild dilapidated boarding schools for impoverished children living in rural India and Africa.
Since its inception, the Siksha Foundation has rebuilt or renovated eight boarding schools by providing sanitary kitchens and bathing facilities, rebuilding structures to protect the children from floods, providing beds and bedding, suppling desks and learning materials, and piping for gas and clean water. Two more schools are currently under construction.
Primarily funded by Patel, the Siksha Foundation has drawn the attention of leading Orange County business professionals, including Paul Folino, former chief executive and chairman of Emulex; and Julie Stewart, founder and chief executive of Sportsheets, who have helped bring the foundation’s story to the business community. The funds raised by its supporters at the event will allow the Siksha Foundation to completely renovate two to three schools.
Matching Gifts, Bringing Joy
Orange County philanthropist Ralph Stern—founder of Steri-Oss and CareCredit—and his wife, Sue Stern, want patients at CHOC Children’s Hospital to continue to benefit from moments of joy, wonder, and comfort from Red Nose Docs.
The Sterns, in collaboration with the CHOC Children’s Foundation, are committed to securing funding to sustain the Red Nose Docs program, which they established at CHOC in 2015 after watching clowns provide fun and laughter to hospitalized children in Israel.
In addition to their founding gift, the Sterns have offered to match donations of any amount up to $300,000.
Red Nose Docs use juggling, comedy, magic and music to inject laughter and fun into the hospital environment. These professional artists receive additional training to work in the sensitive clinical setting and partner with staff to aid in patients’ healing.
“This unique program truly supports CHOC’s tireless efforts to ensure a child’s medical condition doesn’t interfere with the joys of being a kid,” said Sue. “Laughter is a natural medicine and we want to make sure the Red Nose Docs continue to deliver weekly doses of it!”
A Classic Cause
Goodwill of Orange County hosted its annual Golf Classic on June 10 at the Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Coast. More than 148 golfers participated in the sold-out tournament, which raised $235,000.
The proceeds from the event directly support Goodwill of Orange County’s Tierney Center for Veteran Services, including employment and career counseling, educational advancement services, housing assistance, healthcare and benefits, legal assistance, financial counseling, and specialized women veterans services.
Following the day out on the green, the evening portion of the event featured dinner and speeches, a live auction and fund-a-need. A special part of the program gave attendees the opportunity to hear from a veteran who has been personally impacted by the Tierney Center and its job placement support.
“The money raised gives us the ability to expand our critical services and programs to deserving veterans and their families, all at no cost,” said retired Army Col. Denton Knapp, brigadier general, California State Military Reserve and director of the Tierney Center for Veteran Services.
Springing for Seniors
Farmers & Merchants Bank, PR Construction Inc., Careline Homecare Services Inc., Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Morrison Community Living, Roberto Gomez Painting, Yorba Linda Pharmacy, Sterling Carpet and Flooring, and KLM Inc. were among the Orange County companies that came together to sponsor the 29th annual Heritage Pointe’s Spring Luncheon and Shopping Boutique. The event netted more than $150,000 to support the Heritage Fund, which helps seniors in financial need live at Heritage Pointe surrounded by comfort and security.
The event drew more than 500 guests at Hotel Irvine, where they enjoyed lunch and dessert while listening to a quartet of musicians from Pacific Symphony. Comedienne Rita Rudner was the event’s featured entertainer.
The Shopping Boutique showcased more than 30 vendors displaying clothing, handbags, jewelry, giftwares and more. A percentage of those sales were donated to the Heritage Fund.
Bits & Pieces
Allergan founder Gavin Herbert and his wife, Ninetta, hosted an exclusive cocktail fundraiser on July 13 at their historic San Clemente home, La Casa Pacifica, which raised $20,000 to benefit Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens … On July 26 at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Resort will host Career Day for junior high and high school students affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire, where resort cast members will share tips that have helped get them to where they are today … NuVision Credit Union hosted the first annual NuVision Freedom Ride on July 4, attracting more than 300 motorcycle riders and raising $5,000 for the Freedom Committee of Orange County, which supports military veterans and first responders.
