Starlight, Star Bright
More than 4,000 friends and supporters of California State University-Fullerton gathered on campus for the school’s annual Concert Under the Stars on Sept. 19.
The event grossed more than $750,000, which will be used for student scholarships and programs, such as the Guardian Scholars Program, which awards full scholarships to former foster youth or students at risk of homelessness.
The evening featured music presented by CSUF alumni, students and special guests.
“Tonight’s concert supports the education, the stories and the success of nearly 39,000 current Cal State Fullerton students,” said Tim Alexander, a 2015 graduate of the Guardian Scholars Program. “Thank you for believing in our students.”
Seeing Stars on Red Carpet
Orange County philanthropists and business and community leaders gathered on Sept. 26 for the Discovery Cube Orange County vintage-Hollywood-themed gala, Premiere—A Red Carpet Affair. The sold-out event raised more than $575,000 for science education.
It also honored Julia Argyros of the Argyros Family Foundation and her husband, George, chairman and chief executive of Arnel & Affiliates, with the Arnold O. Beckman Award—named in honor of the world-renowned scientist, inventor, philanthropist and civic leader who was one of Discovery Cube’s founding donors—for their support of Discovery Cube’s initiatives in the community.
“Discovery Cube is a world-class organization that changes lives every day, and we are proud to be associated with them,” Julia Argyros said.
The event also launched the new Spirit of Discovery Award, which was presented to Linda White-Peters, vice president of community relations at Discovery Science Center, for her service to Discovery Cube.
The gala was held at the expanded the Discovery Cube campus. The dinner program was held at the new Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater and Exhibition Hall.
Raising Money, Razing Homelessness
More than 400 guests joined Families Forward to celebrate 31 years of service to local families in crisis at the organization’s The Art of Giving gala. The event took place Sept. 19 at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach. It raised $400,000, which will be used to support programs that help families at the edge of homelessness gain independence and stability.
Families Forward also honored partner companies Marx-Okubo and AvalonBay Communities. It presented the Partner in Hope Award to Marx-Okubo for helping guide Families Forward through the purchase, design and construction of additional affordable housing properties. The Spirit of Community Award went to AvalonBay Communities for improving access to affordable housing in its apartment communities.
“Because of these remarkable partnerships with industry leaders, we had an incredible year of growth, serving 30% more families in cities across Orange County,” said Margie Wakeham, executive director of Families Forward.
Great Time for Great Cause
Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle was the title sponsor of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s annual Insuring the Children Golf Tournament.
The event took place at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club on Sept. 22 and raised $93,000. The money will be distributed to Orange County nonprofit groups that fight child abuse and neglect, including the Child Abuse Prevention Center OC, the Children’s Bureau, Olive Crest Treatment Centers, Seneca, and Big Brothers Big Sisters OC.
Anthem Blue Cross, Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, HUB International, Lincoln Financial Group, UnitedHealthcare, and Word & Brown were among the companies that supported the event through sponsorships and in-kind donations.
“Insuring the Children has done an excellent job at staying close to the charities we serve and has been instrumental in raising awareness and significant funds for specific programs,” said Kristen Allison, president and chief executive of Burnham Benefits.
Bits & Pieces
Kellie Pendergest, former director of advancement at St. John’s Episcopal School, joined the Irvine Public Schools Foundation as director of communications and marketing, and two-time U.S. Olympic athlete Donald Suxho stepped in as director of business development. … GameChanger, a nonprofit organization that provides video games to hospitalized children with life-threatening illnesses, is partnering with Child’s Play to launch the Gamers Give Back Tour, which will enable the organization to visit and deliver gifts to 75 children’s hospitals next year.
