The Future Looks Radiant
Radiant Futures raised $153,000 at its Back to the Radiant Futures Ball, an ‘80s prom-themed gala held April 25 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.
The event, complete with an Enchantment Under the Sea theme, transported guests to the fictitious Hill Valley High, featuring period-inspired attire, dinner, live and silent auctions and nostalgic music.
Proceeds will support a major new initiative: the construction of three accessory dwelling units. There will be two two-bedroom, one-bath homes and one one-bedroom, one-bath home. Rent will be set at 30 percent of the Radiant Futures client’s income.
Auto Club Enterprises: Rise Up Business Resource Group received the Radiant Partner Award for their growing partnership with Radiant Futures, including contributing more than 253 volunteers to help with events, including Radiant Future’s annual ball, dueling pianos fundraiser, Open House, Summer Splash and the Holiday Survivor Party.
Back to the Radiant Futures event sponsors included AAA, Banc of California, Columbia Bank, Customers Bank, Nguyen Law Group, Pittman & Associates, Republic Services, RDM General Contractors and Unoaked.
Miracles in Bloom
Miracles for Kids raised more than $350,000 at its 6th annual Miracles in Bloom Tea, presented by Diamond Wish Fine Jewelry, on April 30 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
The fundraiser, hosted by the organization’s 360° Miracle Giving Circle, welcomed 300 guests, including Orange County philanthropists, community and business leaders and other supporters.
Funds raised will support critically ill children and families in need through programs such as the Boost Program, which delivers food, essential goods, and seasonal items year-round.
At the event’s Garden of Miracles, guests sponsored more than 70 children for upcoming Back-to-School Baskets of Miracles. Proceeds also provide critical financial support and renewed hope for families navigating complex medical challenges.
Event highlights included the unveiling of the Diamonds & Miracles: Charms of Love philanthropic jewelry collection by Diamond Wish, a luxury silent auction, a Raise the Rose fundraising moment inspired by family guest speaker Catherine Anselmo and remarks from wellness influencer Sarah Stage.
A New Sheriff Training Facility
The Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council hosted a groundbreaking ceremony April 3 for its new Special Training and Response (S.T.A.R.) Facility in Orange. The facility will be an added component to the Orange County Sheriff Department’s Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center.
The project has now met its funding goal of $15.4 million. Key donors have included the Argyros Foundation, Laura Khouri and Mike K. Hayde, Paul Black, Rancho Mission Viejo LLC, the Johnson Family Foundation, Janet and Carl Nolet Jr., the Samueli Foundation and the Bertea family.
Providing an adaptable force-on-force training resource, the 7,500-square-foot S.T.A.R. facility will encompass two floors and a usable rooftop that are reconfigurable for a variety of scenarios.
It is designed to offer a state-of-the-art, safe environment for academy recruits, deputies and tactical units to train for various scenarios, including basic calls for service, active shooter situations and tactical responses.
The exterior of the facility can be adapted to simulate a range of structures, such as commercial businesses, motels, apartments, churches or schools. Interior features include a tracked, moveable wall system for efficient alteration to serve specific training objectives.
The building will also have internal and external stairwells.
“The groundbreaking of the S.T.A.R. Facility marks the beginning of a project that will significantly enhance training for law enforcement and help ensure the safety of our community for generations to come,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
“I am grateful for the generosity of those who stepped up to make this project a reality. It is truly an investment in our public safety infrastructure and our ability to meet the complex threats we face.”
Prime contractor on the project is Brea-based KPRS Construction Services while handling project management is Rob Plavjka from Balsa Construction of Newport Beach. Completion is slated for next April.
Full Circle
The 39th annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch, held on April 23 at the Balboa Bay Resort, raised more than $1.3 million to advance Hoag’s physician-scientists and support the technology, research, and professional development that have made Hoag Orange County’s leading destination for exceptional cancer care.
The event celebrated nearly four decades of philanthropic support for the Hoag Family Cancer Institute.
Steven Grossman, MD, PhD, Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director endowed chair of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, whose recruitment was supported in part by Circle 1000 philanthropy, spoke about developments in cancer treatment at Hoag, including the expansion of cellular therapy, clinical trials and precision medicine.
Keynote speaker Taryn Southern, a pioneering AI artist and breast cancer survivor, shared a powerful account of her recovery and the resilience of the human spirit.
Sponsors included the Ueberroth Family Foundation; Kyle Team, philanthropist, and David Team, president, commercial property group, LNR Property Corporation; Vicki Booth, president, Ueberroth Family Foundation, and Bill Booth, managing partner, VIC Partners, LLC; Laurie Capello, manager, Seawind Properties, and Jeff Sewell, manager, Seawind Properties; Frome Family Foundation; Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Laura Khouri, president, COO, Western National Property Management, and Michael K. Hayde, chief investment officer, Western National Group; Melinda Hoag Smith, president, CEO, George Hoag Family Foundation; Melissa Smith, owner, chief clinical officer, Ceano Health, and member, board of directors, George Hoag Family Foundation; The Cannery; Louie’s by the Bay; El Cholo; and The Witte-Sakamoto Family Foundation.
