Presidential Proportions
Argyros Family Foundation’s President Julia Argyros, and Lisa Argyros, board member, surprised a crowd of more than 350 business leaders and CEOs with the announcement of a $10 million gift to Chapman University’s Argyros School’s endowment.
The pair made the announcement during a special fundraiser featuring former President George W. Bush on Oct. 9. Bush’s visit was part of Chapman’s 20th anniversary celebration of the transformational naming gift made by Julia and George Argyros, who served Bush as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra.
The gift, coupled with the $5 million raised by the evening event, pushes the school’s endowment to $64 million. Chapman recently launched a “50 for 50” campaign to help support the next generation of scholars at the Argyros School. The goal is to enhance the student experience by propelling the Argyros School into the top 50 in the U.S. News & World Report business school rankings by raising $50 million, thus increasing the Argyros School’s total endowment to $100 million.
“We as a family are so inspired by all of you, by the money that we’ve raised here tonight and so moved by being with all of the people that we love, and we love this school so much that we want to donate $10 million toward the future of the Argyros School,” said Lisa Argyros, who served as chair for the event.
“I don’t know how to express the gratitude,” said Daniele Struppa, president, Chapman University. “You have been a tremendous support to this school, and once again you have demonstrated your love. I want you to know we are grateful for the university, but we are grateful for our students.”
Luxury Luncheon Feeds Millions
On Oct. 2, Harvesters presented the season’s most fashionable styles to more than 400 guests during the 27th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. The event raised in excess of $1 million.
The funds raised will provide 3 million-plus meals for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, which serves hungry children, working families and seniors throughout the Orange County community.
South Coast Plaza sponsored, produced and curated the runway show. City National Bank was the event’s Corporate Legacy Harvest Sponsor.
The event kicked off with a premium silent auction and champagne reception, followed by a runway show featuring highlights from the fall/winter collections of Giorgio Armani, Lanvin, Marni, Max Mara, Moncler, Oscar de la Renta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, The Webster and Versace. A luncheon immediately followed the runway show.
This year marked the second annual Harvesters Innovative Service Award, which recognized Grateful Hearts Storehouse. The organization received a $25,000 grant from Harvesters.
To date, the annual sold-out event has raised more than $9.5 million for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The fundraising in the past 27 years has provided 28.5 million meals to feed more than 290,000 hungry people throughout Orange County.
An Affair to Remember
The Orange County Museum of Art held its most successful gala in more than a decade on Oct. 5. The sold-out event, the Affair 2019 at OCMA, raised more than $615,000.
The yearly event attracts cultural and civic leaders from throughout Orange County and Southern California, as well as artists, supporters of the arts, collectors, and other community members. It is supported by Burberry, City National Bank, Aston Martin, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
The benefit was held at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, adjacent to OCMA’s future home. Renowned Southern California artist Larry Bell was honored at the event.
“We are privileged to have nine of Larry’s key works in our collection and to have featured his works in exhibitions that date from 1964 to our current exhibition,” said Todd Smith, director and CEO, OCMA.
“At this pivotal moment in the museum’s history, it is fitting to reflect on the impact and career of an artist who has been critical to the success of Southern California as creative center.”
Raising Awareness, Saving Lives
Human Options hosted its annual Fall Luncheon on Oct. 10 at Marriott Irvine Spectrum to help educate and raise awareness about relationship violence.
The event, held during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, raised more than $220,000 to support Human Options’ relationship violence programs, including a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling program, legal advocacy, and community education.
Sponsors included Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Kaiser Permanente and Wells Fargo Bank.
During the event, Human Options was announced as the recipient of the Bank of America 2019 Neighborhood Builders award. Bank of America awarded $200,000 to Human Options to support efforts to build a thriving community by addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility and impact caused through relationship violence.
Bits & Pieces
YMCA of Orange County received a donation of $14,500 from the Regal Yorba Linda & IMAX Theater, which provides financial assistance to families for essential programs and services at the Yorba Linda/Placentia Family YMCA … SeniorServ changed its name to Meals on Wheels Orange County to raise awareness about hunger among at-risk older adults and as part of this alignment, Holly Hagler, president and CEO, Meals on Wheels Orange County, will serve as a board member of the national association and the affiliated state association … The Orange County Community Foundation granted $378,322 from the Margaret E. Oser Fund for Women to local organizations in support of improving outcomes for pregnant women and mothers affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and/or mental health needs, including Casa Teresa, Eli Home, Fristers, Human Options, Laura’s House, Moms OC, OC Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and more.
