Goodwill to Go Around
Goodwill of Orange County announced on May 5 the largest single program-specific donation in its 90-year history: a $1 million gift from philanthropists Thomas T. and Elizabeth C. Tierney to support veterans.
Thomas Tierney is president of Tustin-based Vitatech Nutritional Sciences.
The aim of the donation is to help Goodwill of Orange County reach its goal of putting 20,000 military veterans who are transitioning to civilian life to work by 2020 through its Enduring Independence program.
It will also support the Goodwill Fitness Center, which provides physical therapy for injured veterans and others with chronic illnesses and disabilities.Â
“Elizabeth and I are passionate advocates for helping soldiers and community peace keepers who bravely protect and serve our nation and the constitution,” Tierney said. “Goodwill of Orange County is making profound strides in helping veterans succeed in civilian life.”
All Goodwill offices and buildings offering programs for veterans will be branded as the Thomas T. & Elizabeth C. Tierney Center for Veterans Services.
Runaway Runway Success
The annual Gentlemen’s Haberdashery, held April 21 at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel, raised more than $200,000, a near-record amount.
The fashion show featured 41 of Orange County’s top male business leaders modeling the latest men’s styles as they walked, strutted, and even danced down the runway, much to the delight of the sold-out crowd of approximately 460.
The Gentlemen’s Haberdashery provides the major funding for the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana, operated by the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart.
Frandy and Jeremy Laster of Rancho Mission Viejo LLC co-hosted the event. Fashions were provided by At-Ease, J. Hilburn, GARYS, Burns 1876 and St. Croix.
“During the Haberdashery, we have more than 40 of Orange County’s top professional leaders, as well as respected community and educational leaders modeling a wide range of menswear,” said Jeremy Laster. “Plus, we get to meet many of the children who attend programs and events at the retreat center.”
Ready to Rumble
A sold-out crowd of 430 cheered on their favorite boxer at the Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids annual Fight Night XVII on March 13.
The event, held at the Marconi Automotive Museum, was one of the most successful in its history, netting $350,000. The money benefits the Jessie Rees Foundation, which provides a support network for children fighting cancer and their families.
Fight Night XVII featured live boxing, appetizers, cocktails, dinner, and a live auction. Former professional boxers Chuck Finley and Sugar Shane Mosley were among the guests.
Bits & Pieces
The grand opening of Community for Innovation Entrepreneurship Leadership & Opportunities took place May 1. The organization’s mission is to cultivate leaders throughout Orange County by helping them realize their entrepreneurial dreams through education, counseling, mentoring, investments and peer-to-peer teams. … The Laguna Playhouse was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from the Orange County Community Foundation for general support and its year-round education programs. … Susan G. Komen Orange County’s three-month partnership with Knott’s Berry Farm raised more than $136,000 for the nonprofit group’s mission to end breast cancer and save lives.
