Grants Help Fund Quest for a Cure
The Cystinosis Research Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million to eight research programs in California, Texas, Belgium, New Zealand, India, Switzerland, Italy and France to enable scientists to investigate improved treatments and a cure for cystinosis, a rare metabolic genetic disease that affects about 500 children and young adults in the United States and 2,000 worldwide. Cystinosis slowly destroys every organ in the body, and there’s no cure for it.
“Since 2003, the CRF has raised more than $25 million and has funded 122 multiyear studies and fellowships in 12 countries,” said Nancy Stack, CRF trustee and president. “CRF-funded researchers have developed an improved treatment, and we are optimistic that within the next three years we will have an autologous stem cell treatment for cystinosis that very well might be the cure.” Stack and her husband, Geoffrey, managing director of Irvine-based real estate company Sares-Regis Group, have a daughter, Natalie, who has cystinosis.
The foundation is guided by a Scientific Review Board, a group of cystinosis experts and scientists who evaluate every research application.
Up to the Challenge
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ President and Chief Executive David Cabot, along with Orange County managers and board members from The Charitable Foundation, took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on the sand in Laguna Beach to honor the memory of their friend and former Chief Executive Jon Cook, who died from the disease in 2010. The challenge took place Aug. 22.
The foundation has raised more than $30,000 since 2012 to support the fight against ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Money raised is designated to research and patient care. The foundation, for the third year in a row, will also participate in the annual Walk to Defeat ALS on Nov. 8 in Irvine in memory of Cook.
‘Monkey Magic’
The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo hosted the 22nd annual Zoofari black-tie fundraising gala on Aug. 23 at the Santa Ana Zoo. More than 300 guests attended the event, themed “Monkey Magic.”
The gala netted more than $80,000—$34,000 just in the silent auction alone, a record amount. Proceeds will be used in part to purchase a digital X-ray machine for the zoo.
As guests arrived, various animals and their docent “handlers” greeted them, including an armadillo, rooster, goat and millipede. Guests got a sneak peak at the Ocelot Exhibit & Education Center, which is scheduled for completion in March.
Knowlwood Restaurants owners Thanh Nguyen, Ginger Nguyen, Ginna Nguyen and Tana Everhart were honored at the event, along with the zoo’s veterinarian, Scott Weldy. Event sponsors included Tudor House Productions, Parties by Panache and R.W.B. Party Rentals.
Fight to Save the Oceans
BMWi, Nolet Spirits U.S.A., Kettle One Partners, and Orange County Pacific Symphony were among the many Orange County businesses that joined top Orange County philanthropists and Hollywood celebrities at Oceana’s 7th SeaChange Summer Party. The sold-out Aug. 16 event was held at a private ocean-view coastal villa in Laguna Beach. More than 400 people attended, raising $1.4 million to support Oceana, an international organization dedicated to ocean conservation.
Since the first SeaChange Summer Party in 2007, Oceana supporters have raised more than $7 million. Oscar-nominated actor Leonardo DiCaprio was honored for his commitment to protecting the world’s oceans. This year, the DiCaprio Foundation donated $3 million to Oceana, allowing the organization to expand its conservation work in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Additional event underwriters included Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island, Walbern Investments USA LLC and Signature Party Rentals.
Bits & Pieces
The Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter’s GO Purple OC campaign runs Sept. 15 through 21. Major OC landmarks will change the color of their exterior lighting to raise awareness of the disease. … The Blackbaud Index of Charitable Giving reported that nationwide overall donations to nonprofit groups increased 3.1% and that online giving increased 8% for the three months ending in July compared to the same period last year. … IKEA Costa Mesa is donating a complete office makeover to Project Hope Alliance as part of the store’s annual “Life Improvement Challenge.”
