Building a Better Community
R.D. Olson Construction, based in Irvine, built its first Habitat for Humanity home on Aug. 28. More than 20 R.D. Olson team members dug trenches, moved cinder blocks, and relocated fencing at the “job site” on McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana.
The general contracting and construction management firm was drawn to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County because of its mission to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing.
“Bringing the team together to build for Habitat for Humanity was a natural for R.D. Olson Construction, as a team and as individuals,” said Bill Wilhelm, president of R.D. Olson. “We all take a special pride in contributing to a cause that is not only supporting our own county, but is also in keeping with our shared passion for building.”
Groundbreaking Gift
The First Team Real Estate Foundation gave a gift of $175,000 to the Irvine Public Schools Foundation in June to sponsor its Summer Enrichment Academy, which took place June 29 through July 24.
The classes were held at a number of school sites throughout the Irvine Unified School District. Enrichment courses were offered in areas such as writing, math, reading, science and other subjects.
“In today’s world, teaching science, technology, engineering, and math in compelling and fun ways is critical to our children’s future,” said Cameron Merage, chief executive and founder of First Team Real Estate.
Game On!
Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, a member of the ClubCorp, raised $260,000 through its ninth annual ClubCorp Charity Classic on Aug. 22. The result represents a 31% increase over last year’s total of $199,000.
Proceeds were distributed among four Orange County nonprofits: Orange County California Abuse Prevention Center, a nonprofit group focused on the prevention of child abuse; California Youth Services, which provides programs and services that assist and support adolescents, parents and individuals to address challenges related to substances abuse; ClubCorp Employee Partners Care Foundation, which has granted more than 1,500 requests and awarded more than $1.8 million to employee partners in need of financial assistance in times of crisis; and Augie’s Quest, a cure-driven effort focused on finding treatments and cures for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
‘Can’ We End Hunger?
Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, an international architecture and design firm based in Costa Mesa, is a leading contender in the eighth annual Canstruction Orange County Design/Build Competition, which benefits the Orange County Food Bank. The competition pits teams of architects, engineers, contractors and others against one another to build structures made entirely of canned foods. All of the goods are then donated to the Orange County Food Bank to help provide food for over 500,000 Orange County residents.
“Canstruction gives us a chance to use our creativity to have a direct impact on helping others by providing can goods that will be used by local food banks for those in need,” said Doug Robidoux, partner and president of Little Diversified.
Little’s team decided to “Mine Cans to End Hunger” by creating a Minecraft character nicknamed Steve built from 3,654 cans and weighing 5,500 pounds.
Other local architectural and design firms taking part in the event included Jeffrey Rome & Associates, Disneyland Resort Design & Engineering and Fluor Enterprises, among others.
The entries are on display at South Coast Plaza through the end of this month. The winner will be announced Sept. 24. Winners in each category—including Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, People’s Choice, and others—go on to compete in an international competition.
Bits & Pieces
Bankers Life’s Brea office, through its recent event known as “Forget Me Not Days,” raised $6,731 for the Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter. … Wal-Mart announced that Orange County residents generated $40,692 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County through Wal-Mart’s Fight Hunger campaign in order to support those facing hunger in the local community.
