Plenty to Credit on IPSF’s $780K Night

Credit FivePoint Holdings boss Emile Haddad for punctuating his generosity with a sense of humor during the Irvine Public Schools Foundation’s 7th Annual Spirit of Excellence Gala & Auction, where he announced that his company would extend its role as the event’s presenting sponsor for three years, added $100,000 to a kitty that came to $780,000 for the night—and then wondered aloud whether the city of Irvine was on the hook for another $200,000 because of a 2-1 match it offered for donations … No—the match only applied to the $100,000 that had already been raised from individual donors in a lightning round with auctioneer Jim Nye … Haddad gave due credit to Irvine Company, which was present and ably represented by Keith Greer when the IPSF launched in 1996, serving as an early role model for the community of business when it comes to an appreciation for the broad benefits of strong public schools. Donald Bren’s outfit got a Spirit of Excellence Legacy, with Doug Holte addressing the crowd via video and Dan Hedigan picking up honors on stage … Haddad was funny, but “Saturday Night Live” vet and current sitcom player Nasim Pedrad had to be much funnier. She put herself in that position by using the F word early on in her stand-up routine during the dinner show at Kia Motors’ HQ. Then she paid off—the balance of her act was so sharp and funny that it seemed to smooth over any lingering rough edges … Pedrad knew where she was going—she’s a product of Irvine’s public schools, along with members of the band Thrice, who performed and picked up a Spirit of Excellence in Music award … So is comedy legend Will Ferrell, who couldn’t pick up his Spirit of Excellence in the Arts award but sent along some personally branded Super Mega Sexy Hot Tan sunblock that went for $400 at auction … The bet here is that there’s an award in the future for Ryan Lee, a 17-year-old high schooler who pinch-hit for Ferrell with a well-crafted appearance as the comedian’s Ron Burgundy character … Give Janet Rome credit for telling a compelling story to the packed house about how much her family enjoyed the special night at Angel Stadium they won in the live auction last year. She said that her husband—renowned sports radio persona and one-man cottage industry Jim Rome—enjoyed the game more than any of the many other sporting events he’s attended during his own storied career … Credit Angels Chairman Dennis Kuhl for making sure this year’s package once again included his personal seats and a chance for some family’s kid to stand on the field and shout out “Play Ball” to start a big league game … Give Mike Trout credit for giving Kuhl an autographed jersey to toss into the deal this time—a move that helped get the price up to $5,000 … Credit Irvine Unified School District Superintendent Terry Walker for a smooth move as he thanked the crowd for their generosity and said that a hilarious bit that Pedrad worked into her routine about her father’s use of Lamborghini as a synonym for excellence would be his takeaway for the night. Don’t know if Walker planned it—or whether it was necessary—but his remarks might have been just the thing to change the subject in case the F word was stuck in anyone’s craw on the way home.