Rock the Miracle
Miracles for Kids raised a record-breaking $1.8 million at its signature annual Night of Miracles Gala on Oct. 12. All of the funds raised will support their mission to improve the lives of critically ill children and their families in need.
Themed “Rock the Miracle,” the event welcomed more than 500 Orange County business leaders and philanthropists to the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. The event was presented by Xponential Fitness. Other key sponsors included Katz Jewelers, Nolet Spirits USA, McLaren Newport Beach and La Adelita Tequila.
Each year, Miracles for Kids also recognizes an outstanding supporter whose dedication has made a significant impact in the lives of Miracles for Kids’ families. The 2019 Miracle Maker Honoree was Tim Smith, founder and principal of The Smith Group-Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
“Miracles for Kids children are facing unimaginable obstacles and it means the world to be able to make even the smallest difference in the lives of these families,” Smith said. “This is why I first became involved with Miracles for Kids and why I continue to work hard in support of the organization.”
Culinary Stars United
March of Dimes held its annual Orange County Signature Chefs Auction on Oct. 24 at the Irvine Marriott, raising more than $220,000 to benefit the March of Dimes’ mission to lead the fight for the health of moms and babies. Sponsors included Executives United, Cisco, Hoag, Leadership in Heels, Orange Aluminum, Palmieri Tyler, Squar Milner and Wells Fargo.Â
Scharrell Jackson, partner, chief operations and financial officer, Squar Milner and founder, Leaders in Heels, received the March of Dimes Champion Award for her commitment, advocacy, encouragement, and service to women.
“I am so happy to support March of Dimes, an organization which strives for equality and is working to level the playing field to improve the health of all moms and babies,” Jackson said. In the United States, more than 50,000 women experiencing life-threatening complications as a result of pregnancy and childbirth and 380,000 babies born prematurely each year.
“These statistics are unacceptable. If we work together, I know that we can bring about change,” said Ross Pangilinan, chef/owner of the restaurants, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar and Terrace by Mix Mix. “The culinary community is proud to be raising funds to help March of Dimes tackle these urgent health issues.”
In addition to Pangilinan, the lineup of chefs included James Hamamori of Hamamori Restaurant and Sushi Bar; Greg Daniels of Harley; Michael Puglisi of Electric City Butcher; Nick Weber of 24 Carrots; Dan Morton of Del Frisco’s Grille; Leonel De Leon of Marriott Heirloom Farmhouse; Rainier Schwarz and Alan Aguinaga of Hendrix/Driftwood; Eric Samaniego of Michael’s on Naples; Luis Gomez of Vaca; Jorge Valines of Bluegold; Gabbi Patrick of Chaak; and John Park of Toast.
One Enchanted Evening
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens netted more than $130,000 for its artistic and educational programs at the 17th annual Toast to the Casa gala, held on Sept. 21. Funds from the gala also support the preservation of the historic Ole Hanson home and maintenance for its 2.5 acres of coastal gardens.
The theme of the black-tie gala was “The Enchanted Garden,” and featured a live and silent auction. Other elements of the fundraiser included sampling fare from 20 local restaurants, wineries and breweries; enjoying garden-inspired cocktails from spirits partners Nolet’s Silver Gin and Ketel One Botanical; a cigar lounge; live entertainment on three stages; and bidding on international trips, tickets, entertainment, jewelry, and more in live and silent auctions.
Toast to the Casa was also the debut of two new attractions: Casa Lumina and Otherworldly Glaciers. Both attractions opened to the public on Sunday, Sept. 22.
Notable philanthropists and business leaders in attendance included Gavin Herbert, Allergan founder and his wife, Ninette Herbert; Peter Ochs, Fieldstone Homes founder, and his wife, Gail Ochs; Maj. General Robert Castellvi, commander of the 1st Marine Division in the United States Marine Corps; Ruth DeNault, founder, DeNault’s Hardware; Greg Stoutenburgh, CEO, Epica Medical Innovations; John Wohlfiel, vice president, Fluidmaster; and Scott Proud, branch president, Farmers & Merchants Bank.
Walking the Walk for Youth
On Sept. 12, Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP sponsored the Building Block Foundation Fund’s annual White Party. Held at the Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa, the event united hundreds of Orange County commercial real estate professionals and raised nearly $140,000 for at-risk youth in Orange County.
One of the event’s highlights was a fashion show featuring commercial real estate professionals wearing styles from Grayse, Rebecca Taylor, Rodd & Gunn and Gary’s Men’s Clothing. Youth from the Boys Hope Girls Hope and Taller San Jose modeled looks from Billabong.
Event proceeds benefitted local charitable programs such as Project Access, Taller San Jose/Hope Builders, Kids Connected, Joyful Child Foundation, Career Beginnings, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Orangewood Children’s Foundation and KidWorks.
The White Party title sponsor was Bascom Group. Other sponsors included CapRock Partners, RETS Associates, People Space, Panattoni, Walker & Dunlop and Haworth.
