Truly Transformative
City of Hope received a $25 million gift from Julia and George Argyros, philanthropists and longtime supporters of the Duarte-based cancer-focused hospital, which recently unveiled its new center in Irvine.
The gift, announced during the Hope Gala on Sept. 10, advances City of Hope’s mission to deliver world-renowned research, treatment and cancer cures to Orange County.
In recognition, the Argyros name will grace the healing garden at the new comprehensive cancer center in Irvine, extending a shared commitment to healing mind, body and spirit.
“We are honored to be in the position to support City of Hope, which is saving lives and expanding access to its advanced cancer care,” said Julia Argyros, president, Argyros Family Foundation. “We hope that this gift helps people get the care they need and that everyone who walks through the healing gardens at the new cancer center is filled with peace and hope.”
The Hope Gala, hosted by City of Hope and held at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, raised $2.3 million, in addition to the Argyros family’s gift. Sponsors included Julia and George Argyros; Stephanie Argyros, president, Arnel Estates; Lisa Argyros, board member, Argyros Family Foundation; Elizabeth Segerstrom, co-managing partner, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons; Lugano Diamonds; Hensel Phelps Construction; Gemini Resources LLC; FivePoint and Great Park Neighborhoods; Chapman University; Farmers & Merchants Bank; and the Richard Nixon Foundation.
Julia Argyros was honored at the event and Nick Jonas, Grammy-nominated singer, provided the musical entertainment for the evening.
“City of Hope came to Orange County to answer a pressing need in the community, and we are grateful for those foresighted supporters who help us ignite a movement that is changing the healthcare landscape,” said Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Supporters like Julia and George Argyros, and everyone whose contributions are helping to make this vision possible, are evidence of the incredible support for City of Hope in Orange County. Together, we can achieve our goal of making our communities cancer-free.”
Romance is in the Air
The theme Love Endures was evident throughout Mission Preservation Foundation’s Romance of the Mission gala, with close to 400 guests at historic Mission San Juan Capistrano on Sept. Â16.
The black-tie affair raised $772,000, which will support the stewardship of the 245-year-old landmark.
The gala celebrated Orange County philanthropists Joan and Bill Cvengros, chairman, National Retirement Partners. Major underwriting was provided by Kerry and Gavin Herbert Jr., president and CEO, Roger’s Gardens. Roger’s Gardens donated the evening’s floral design and decor while Lugano Diamonds provided ruby and diamond earrings for the opportunity drawing.
Additional drawing items were donated by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club and Jim Curwood, owner, Buy My Bikes. Valet services were provided by Brand Enhance Parking & Hospitality.
The evening included a live concert in The Great Stone Church featuring Vonzell Solomon and Terron Brooks, both Broadway award-winning artists.
Mission San Juan Capistrano’s historic bells were rung by members of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians as guests made their way into the Central Courtyard for dinner.
The four-course plated dinner was hosted by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, with wine pairings provided by Rancho Capistrano Winery for the reception and dinner.
Envisioning Long-Term Solutions
At Orange County United Way’s “Rally for Change” corporate social responsibility celebration event, Ingram Micro presented a $750,000 check to the organization.
The funds will support the organization’s mission of improving lives in Orange County by helping struggling families gain financial security and helping provide housing for those in need.
“With these funds, we will be able to continue delivering long-term solutions to complex issues and go the extra mile to care for our Orange County neighbors,” said Susan Parks, CEO and president, Orange County United Way. “Their generosity is testament to the true power of our community and transformational corporate partnerships.”
Last month, Ingram Micro and Orange County United Way also launched the eco-friendly “Closing the Digital Divide” effort. Orange County companies have an opportunity to help residents in need by donating used technology devices. Ingram Micro donated 100 laptop computers and 400 refurbished, high-quality smartphones and accessories to kick-start the effort.
“Ingram Micro and Orange County United Way are aligned in many ways, including our strong desire to give back to the community and continuously make it better for those who live here,” said Todd Zegers, global vice president, ITAD and reverse logistics, Ingram Micro and United for Financial Security Leadership Council Chair.
Bits & Pieces
With the start of the 2022 school year, TGR Foundation announces the relaunch of the flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, following an extensive renovation that includes classrooms outfitted with new technology including Boxlight touchscreen monitors; The Makerspace Lab with access to 3D printers and laser cutters; and expanded curricula to align with modern careers including Intro to Cybersecurity, Podcasting 101, Forensic Biotechnology, and Let’s Build a Drone. … One of Orange County’s first craft beer businesses, The Bruery, raised more than $20,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast at their 14th Anniversary Invitational Festival at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado on Aug. 13, bringing the total The Bruery has raised for the club to more than $250,000. … More than 1,100 families and individuals raised $182,000 through their participation in Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County’s first-ever Walk to Feed OC, which was held on Sept. 11.
