Shooting for Big Money
The fourth annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout raised more than $345,000 to benefit CureDuchenne, a nonprofit group that raises awareness and funds research to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. All proceeds will fund Duchenne research that could help bring potential life-saving drugs to patients.
Ryan Getzlaf, captain of the Anaheim Ducks, hosted the shootout. More than 250 guests attended the party at Sutra in Costa Mesa on Sept. 6, and 146 golfers participated in the tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point on Sept. 7.
Getzlaf Golf Shootout sponsors included Patriot Environmental Services, CNC Motors, The Sports Corp., Bauer Hockey, Taylor Made, Chino Valley Medical Center, Ayres Hotel, RESQWATER, Straub Distributing, Audi Mission Viejo and Flight Options.
Paying it Forward Family-Style
On Sept. 20, more than 350 guests gathered at the Fairmont Newport Beach to celebrate Families Forward’s 30 years of service to local families in crisis. The Art of Giving gala highlighted the importance of partnerships and community support to reduce homelessness across Orange County, raising a record $340,000 to support local families as they work to gain self-sufficiency.
The event featured two honorees committed to that goal, Kia Motors America and Orange County United Way. Families Forward presented the Spirit of Community Award to Kia Motors, headquartered in Irvine, for its dedication to giving back to communities most in need.
Families Forward presented the Partner in Hope Award to Orange County United Way for its commitment to cut the percentage of local homeless and housing-insecure families in half by 2024 as part of its 10-year communitywide action plan known as FACE 2024.
Hope on Wheels
The fourth annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk benefiting CHOC Children’s was held Sept. 28 in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. More than 430 runners and walkers participated in the 5K at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex. Proceeds totaling $20,000 were presented to the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s.
Following the 5K, Dr. Leonard Sender, medical director of the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s, accepted a check of the proceeds.
The event marked the end of Hyundai’s annual campaign recognizing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Hope On Wheels, as part of its efforts during September, awarded $9 million to support childhood cancer research at 36 U.S. children’s hospitals. Hyundai is headquartered in Fountain Valley.
In the Pink
The employees at all five Earth Friendly Products facilities wore pink goggles to work on Sept. 26 to kick off its companywide support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed in October. Employees will participate in fundraising for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks. Each facility was given $1,000 to kick off its fundraising efforts.
“In 2007, I lost my mother during her fight against breast cancer,” said Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, chief executive. “No other woman should go through this disease, and no child should endure such a loss. This is why we will continue to support organizations that focus on breast cancer prevention, treatment and ultimately a cure.”
The Garden Grove-based company will donate an additional $20,000 to breast cancer prevention centers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month that will be divided between the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, Silent Spring Institute and the Nancy Yeary Women’s Cancer Research Foundation. The company has a facility near each of the centers.
Bits & Pieces
Mercury Insurance donated a 2015 Kia Sorento on Sept. 29 from Kia Motors America to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to finding cures for children with cancer. … The Orange County Rescue Mission, in partnership with the Inland Empire Rescue Mission, is launching its own brand of specialty coffee with a cause, Restoration Roasters, available online at www.restorationroasters.com.
