Giving Hope
City of Hope received a $20 million gift from Orange County philanthropists Norman Payson, M.D., president, NCP Inc. and his wife Melinda Payson to create a pancreas center that will advance groundbreaking research and treatments for pancreatic cancer and diabetes.
The gift builds on the Paysons’ legacy of generosity. The couple has invested more than $10 million in City of Hope and were the first to donate $1 million toward the development of City of Hope Orange County’s cancer campus and network of advanced care. This most recent gift is in honor of Norman Payson’s mother, who died of pancreatic cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer is among the most complex cancer types affecting millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, our family understands its impact all too well,” said Payson. “Melinda and I are honored to further advance research and bring new hope to people worldwide, including here in Orange County.”
The gift is the second significant gift to City of Hope this month to fund pancreatic disease research.
City of Hope received a historic $150 million gift from entrepreneurs and philanthropists Emmet Stephenson, founder and president, Stephenson and Company, senior partner, Stephenson Ventures and his daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand, founder, Tessa Lyn Events, to immediately fund pancreatic cancer research.
“Transformational, innovative thinking often begins with identifying a problem and envisioning solutions others deem impossible,” said Robert Stone, CEO, City of Hope, and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair.
“By working with forward-thinking partners like the Paysons, City of Hope is advancing lifesaving medicine to new heights.”
Making Milestones
CalOptima Health provided Casa Youth Shelter with a $4 million grant in September, representing a milestone in Casa Youth Shelter’s efforts to meet the needs of transitional-age youth aged 18-22 who have experienced abuse, homelessness, sex trafficking and suicidal ideation. Funding will be used to build a first-of-its-kind facility in Southern California as part of the organization’s new program that addresses a critical gap in services for children moving into young adulthood.
The 5,400-square-foot, 14-bed home will provide a stable environment and meet the basic physical needs of residents, provide crucial support for their personal development, foster emotional health and equip them with the skills for a successful, independent future.
“This grant for Casa Youth Shelter will deliver life-changing transitional housing services for many individuals and families in Orange County who have struggled to navigate the complex system of homeless services and housing,” said Michael Hunn, CEO, CalOptima Health.
“Simply put, housing is health. Stable housing is the very foundation for accessing medical and behavioral health services.”
The program’s design fosters a community atmosphere where residents can build relationships, support one another and work together on their personal development after engaging in external commitments such as school, jobs or vocational training.
Funding provided for the program is part of $25 million in community grants for transitional housing projects awarded in May 2024 by the CalOptima Health Board of Directors to address homelessness in Orange County.
Community Campaign
Olive Crest was awarded a $225,000 gift from Northgate González Market in November.
The funds are a result of a community-driven campaign that lasted four weeks led by Northgate González Market leadership and store cashiers where Northgate customers donated during their store visits.
This contribution exemplifies Northgate and its customers’ ongoing commitment to Olive Crest’s mission. Northgate Market has consistently supported the organization for more than 11 years, actively participating in its Grocery Industry Partnership programs and raising funds for Olive Crest’s mission to prevent child abuse by strengthening, equipping and restoring children and families in crisis.
Mike Hendry, executive vice president, marketing and merchandising, Northgate González Market and president, Food Industry Round Table, has been a driving force behind personal and professional investments into the partnership over the last two years, advancing the collaborative nature between these two organizations.
Olive Crest awarded Hendry with the Founder’s Award at Olive Crest’s 50th Year Gala Celebration in February.
“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to honor Mike Hendry with the Founder’s Award as he has been a catalyst behind many grocery campaigns that actively change One Life At a Time,” said Donald Verleur, CEO, Olive Crest.
“Olive Crest is extremely grateful for the work he and the team have done to support our ongoing efforts to prevent child abuse and safeguard the children and families who need us the most.”
Hendry has taken the initiative to develop two programs, The Food Industry Fair and Tote Bag Campaign, within the Food Industry Round Table that are strategically designed to expand awareness of Olive Crest and enhance financial support for the families the organization serves.
Bits & Pieces
The Anaheim YMCA’s TRYumphant Sports Program received a $50,000 grant from the LA84 Foundation, which will enable the program to provide 200 participants aged 6-14 with full scholarships, gear and equipment to participate in year-round sports such as volleyball, street hockey, flag football and gymnastics, where they will learn lifelong skills such as teamwork, leadership and discipline.
Pacific Life, Natrelle, MemorialCare, Albertsons Vons Pavilions Foundation, Providence, Kaiser Permanente, City of Newport Beach, Mentor, Toyota of Orange, UCI Health, Hoag Hospital, Thales Avionics, Pathway Capital, Atabeck & Co., Orangetheory Fitness, ABC7, Cox Communications, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Don Francisco’s Coffee, LaFonn, PepsiCo, VIP Transport, Pure Steel and Orange County Register were among the sponsors of the 28th annual Susan G. Komen Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk at Fashion Island on Sept. 29, which raised nearly $800,000 to provide support for people facing this disease now.
Correction: In the Nov. 11 Philanthropy column, the sponsors of the Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange Coast annual Gala on Oct. 5 were misidentified. The 2024 sponsors are Banc of California, Brown-Forman, Delante Systems, Fifth Third Bank, Haskell & White, Hyundai Capital America, Kohl’s, Netwatch, Pacific Life Foundation, US Bank and Xerox.
