Driving Donations
Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations was recognized for its support of American Red Cross disaster response work through the organization’s Annual Disaster Giving Program. After years of supporting the Red Cross in assisting people affected by disasters, Mazda officially became the first automotive manufacturer to join the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program at the $500,000 level.
Members of the Red Cross program pledge donations on an ongoing basis in advance of major disasters to help it ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected, at no cost and regardless of income.
Wine & Dine
More than 130 supporters attended the third annual Wine & Dine benefit hosted by Laura’s House, a nonprofit dedicated to providing domestic violence education, prevention, shelter and counseling services to empower individuals and families affected by abuse. The May 30 event raised more than $20,000 at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach. Guests had the opportunity to learn more about Laura’s House and the services it provides to survivors of domestic violence and also heard from a Laura’s House shelter graduate who gave a first-hand account of her experience enduring years of violence and her reliance on Laura’s House in escaping the cycle of abuse.
Proceeds from the event will support programs and services Laura’s House provides to families affected by domestic violence in Orange County and beyond.
The Fab Four
The American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council honored four local business leaders at the 12th annual Father of the Year Awards hosted at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach on June 5.
The annual awards gala raised almost $300,000 to help the association in its mission to prevent and cure diabetes.
The honorees were Chris Cox of Laguna Niguel, president of Bingham Consulting LLC and partner at Bingham McCutchen LLP; C. John Meagher of Huntington Beach, vice president and division manager for Traylor Bros. Inc.; Chris Tooker of Foothill Ranch, president and chief executive of Trendzition’s Inc., Chris Tooker Training and Tooker Vacation Properties; and Kim D. Thompson of Newport Beach, senior partner at Rutan & Tucker LLP.
Each father received the 2014 Father of the Year Award for demonstrating the ability to balance his personal and professional life, serving as a role model for his children while making a positive difference in the community.
Green For Charities
Irvine-based Ingram Micro Inc. held its sold-out 21st Annual West Coast Charity Golf Tournament, which raised $160,000 for Olive Crest Treatment Centers, Veterans First, Children’s Bureau, and the Council on Aging.
The event was held at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. In the past two decades, it’s raised more than $1.5 million for Orange County charities.
Bits & Pieces
Luke Mysse, president of Crossgrain marketing, will ride his bike 5,000 miles across America on a campaign to end malnutrition. … Taller San Jose, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit organization that provides job skills training to disadvantaged youth, received an Accelerate Change Together for Anaheim inaugural grant to support its programs. … The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders opened a 21,000-square-foot facility in Santa Ana offering social skills classes, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and a wellness program.
