School Rules!
The Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) hosted its 15th annual Spirit of Excellence Gala at VEA Newport Beach, bringing together more than 300 business leaders, alumni and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) and to raise critical funds. The event, which raised more than $1.3 million to support innovative teaching for IUSD’s 38,000-plus students, was made possible by sponsors including FivePoint—Great Park Neighborhoods, First American Trust, Irvine Company, Luminous Capital Management, PNC Bank, Simply Orthodontics, Steph and Donna Sun, UCI and Total Wine & More.
Guests enjoyed a sunset reception featuring a live art demonstration by a student whose painting later sold for $6,000 during the auction. IPSF also honored Irvine High School alumna Farnaz Esnaashari, class of 1999, creator and executive producer of the animated series “Shimmer and Shine,” as the 2025 Spirit of Excellence in Arts recipient for her work through mentorship of emerging creators. Olympic swimmer Jason Lezak, IHS class of 1994, engaged attendees with a panel discussion on determination, teamwork and perseverance.
“The Spirit of Excellence Gala is a celebration of what is possible when a community comes together to support education,” said Neda Eaton, president and CEO of IPSF. “Tonight, we honored extraordinary alumni who inspire our students to dream big, and we raised critical resources that help fuel innovation in every classroom.”
The evening closed with a candlelight student performance by the IUSD Chamber Strings Ensemble, created in honor of the evening’s guests.
Life and Laughter
The Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) marked its 10th anniversary with its annual Comedy Night Gala on Oct. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, raising $170,000 to support children’s mental health and emotional wellness.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour and a live auction. Fiona Ma, California state treasurer, offered congratulatory remarks, and representatives from the office of Catherine S. Blakespear, member, California State Senate, presented ELF with a special proclamation. ELF founder Mara James reflected on a decade of progress in children’s emotional wellness and emphasized the nonprofit’s ongoing mission to provide mental health support for young people.
The evening featured comedians JP Connolly, who has appeared on Comedy Central, HBO and Netflix, and Rachel Burch, who has appeared at the Hollywood Improv and Irvine Improv, providing a night of entertainment and laughter for the attendees.
Sponsors included Fiona Ma for Lieutenant Governor, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, CHOC Foundation, Rick and Adrienne Matros, OC Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Living Success Center, LifeSpring Home Nutrition, Doing Good Works and the Orange County Register.
Proceeds from the event will continue to fund programs that enhance children’s emotional and mental well-being.
Bits & Pieces
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire brought holiday joy and critical support to more than 400 youths from 158 families through its expanded two-day Holiday Gift Drive Shopping Experience in December, made possible by 19 new and returning community sponsors, including AAA, Target, Starbucks, Walmart, CAP OC, Project Boon, Downey Hyundai and U.S. Bank, who collectively provided more than $25,000 in gifts and 4,000 pounds of groceries during a time of heightened economic need across both regions …
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation has rebranded and will now operate as the Library Foundation of Newport Beach, a change that reflects its expanded mission to support and enhance library programming and community connection, introducing a new logo inspired by the Library of Alexandria and adopting the tagline “Supporting Discovery and Connection … Beyond Books” …
Effective March 1, Friendship Shelter Inc. has appointed Nishtha Mohendra as its new CEO, who brings more than 16 years of global experience in public policy, community-based service and executive leadership focused on housing stability, health equity and dignity for individuals and families in crisis, and succeeds Dawn Price, who has served as the nonprofit’s CEO for the last seventeen years and has guided the nonprofit’s growth for nearly 40 years.
Highlighting Mental Health
Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) highlighted teen mental health at its 11th annual I Am Giving Gala on Nov. 15, raising more than $457,000 for youth empowerment programs. Sponsored by Tilly’s Inc., TLD Law, ECCO App, Goldman Sachs, DIFF Charitable Eyewear, San Manuel, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, Frome Family Foundation, The Waterfront Beach Resort, Anaheim Ducks, Salty Crew and others, the event celebrated TLC’s proactive emotional wellness initiative, including its I Am Me program.
Held at A/V Irvine, guests enjoyed a symphonic performance by Orange County School of the Arts students, followed by remarks from Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, who is also a TLC leader.
“Forty-two percent of teens report persistent sadness or hopelessness, making our work at TLC critical,” said Colleen Versteeg, CEO, TLC. “The support shared tonight will echo into classrooms, homes and hearts, traveling further and shining brighter than we can imagine.”
The evening honored Mike Pooley, principal, Magnolia High School, Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) with the I Am One of a Kind award and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (TSMN) with the I Am Making a Difference award. One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when four teen ambassadors shared their personal stories of overcoming anxiety, depression, addiction and isolation through TLC’s programs.
Guests participated in live and silent auctions, including exclusive experiences with Tillys executive chair Hezy Shaked.
