Communities Transformation
Nonprofit group Project Access honored Mazda at its 11th Annual Keys to Success Gala and fundraiser amid a collection of timeless automobiles at Crevier Classic Cars in Costa Mesa.
The Sept. 24, Great Gatsby-themed event raised $267,000 in support of the organization’s programs designed to help break children and families out of the generational cycle of poverty.
The event’s theme, “Fueling the Drive to Transform Communities,” echoed Mazda’s goal of giving back to the communities in which it does business and highlighted the changes that can be made when for-profits and nonprofits work together.
“The Mazda Foundation is proud to partner with Project Access to support its After-School Tutoring and Enrichment Program,” said Mazda Foundation President Robert Davis.
Bridge Investment Group Holdings was the gala’s title sponsor. Apartment developer Affordable Housing Access, KDF Communities LLC, and Vitus Group also sponsored the event, as did AOF/Pacific Affordable Housing Corp., Banc of California, Steadfast Companies, Stradling Law, City National Bank, Related California, Toffer Mann Investments, U.S. Bank and US Residential.
Thanksgiving Giving
The Lestonnac Free Clinic, which provides free medical, dental, vision and mental health services to low-income individuals and families, distributed 1,500 Thanksgiving meals on Nov. 19 to underserved families at its clinic locations in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The donation was made possible by Allen Boerner, chief executive and chairman of Granite Investment Co., who donated the complete meals, which each included a 12-pound turkey and all the trimmings. It was the 10th year the longtime clinic board member has donated meals.
Team members from Eaton Aerospace in Irvine also contributed to the distribution by preparing dry goods ahead of time.
Cal State Fullerton’s Guardian Scholars and volunteers from the United Way of Orange County Women United helped distribute the meals at the Orange clinic, and state Sen. Janet Nguyen, who represents the 34th District, and her staff distributed meals at the Los Alamitos and Garden Grove clinics.
More Possibilities
More than 600 guests attended the Tracy Family Celebration 2016, St. Joseph Hospital’s annual fundraiser, raising a record-breaking $575,000 to support a Behavioral Health Services expansion project at the hospital. It took place on Oct. 22 at the City National Grove of Anaheim.
“Approximately one in four adults experiences behavioral health symptoms,” said Steven C. Moreau, St. Joseph Hospital president and chief executive. “And Orange County alone had a 45 percent increase in suicide rates, which is the largest increase of any urban county in the nation.”
The evening was presented by Ron and Marsha Moeller, the president/chief executive and vice president, respectively, of Moeller Manufacturing & Supply Inc.
Guests enjoyed silent auctions, raffle drawings, a wine wall, dinner and a live performance by singer Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.
Hope for Veterans
Leaders of Orange County’s top real estate companies and financial institutions, in partnership with the Orange County Community Foundation, came together in April at Hotel Irvine to support Orange County’s 130,000 military veterans. The 1st Annual Orange County Real Estate Luncheon raised more than $500,000.
A selection committee consisting of business leaders, representatives from the foundation, and retired military members since met to review grant proposal submissions from nonprofit organizations that assist local veterans in their transition back to civilian life.Â
The recipients of the grants were announced this month. They include:
Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation’s Veterans Resource Center; Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund’s Education and Career Transition Assistance Program; Irvine Valley College Foundation’s Veterans Resource; Saddleback College’s Veterans Resource Center; UCI Foundation’s Veteran Resource Center; and Volunteers of America’s Battle Buddy Bridge.
Bits & Pieces
NuVision delivered Thanksgiving dinners to 20 families at Oak View Elementary School. … Nearly 5,000 visitors flocked to a math fair hosted by the social impact nonprofit group MIND Research Institute at the OC Fair & Event Center on Nov. 5 where children and their families experienced 24 mathematical exhibits, 37 performances and a workshop.
