Continuing the Commitment
Irvine Co. and The Donald Bren Foundation provided the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) with a $4 million contribution in honor of IUSD’s 50th anniversary.
The gift represents a $2 million annual increase to the Irvine Co.’s 20-year, nearly $50 million commitment to support arts, music and science education in the district. The Excellence in Education Enrichment Fund, established by Irvine Co.’s funding commitment, helps provide art, music and science teachers to every fourth- through sixth-grade student in the district. Instruction includes two one-hour science lessons per week, two 40-minute music lessons per week, and six one-hour art lessons per year, all taught by highly specialized instructors.
“Education has always been at the core of our planning principles in Irvine, and today’s contribution deepens our company’s decades-long partnership with IUSD, students and families to support enrichment programs in science, art and music,” said Jeff Davis, senior vice president, Irvine Co.
The presentation took place on Oct. 18 at the annual State of the District address, held at the newly constructed Performing Arts Center at Woodbridge High School.
Terry Walker, superintendent, IUSD, accepted the gift and said it “will allow the district to further expand our enrichment programs and continue to enhance our commitment to educational excellence.”
Thriving in the Country
Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) raised nearly $600,000 at its eighth annual I Am Giving gala on Oct. 8. This year’s event was held at Giracci Vineyards in Silverado Canyon and featured the theme Gone Country. Guests showed up in their best Western attire and enjoyed a photo-op next to a horse, whiskeys from the San Diego Distillery, tequila tastings from Santo tequila, wine tasting from Giracci, plus tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and a three-course gourmet dinner by 24 Carrots.
The funds raised will help expand TLC’s mission to inspire today’s youth to reach their full potential as productive, kind, happy, and responsible individuals by teaching life skills that build confidence, inspire compassion, and encourage them to pursue their dreams.
“By addressing health as a ‘whole self’ approach, which includes students’ emotional well-being, we prepare our youth with the tools they need to thrive in this world,” said Tilly Levine, founder of the Irvine-based youth apparel retailer (NYSE: TLYS), and founder and president, TLC.
Sponsors included Tilly’s, Sonance, Union Bank, Latham & Watkins, Frome Family Foundation, Goldman Sachs, BioLargo, Building Industry Association of Southern California, Salesforce, Mutual of America and Direct Edge.
No Limits to What’s Possible
Unlimited Possibilities held its 2022 Limitless Gala & Concert on Oct. 1 to commemorate the organization’s 70th anniversary.
The event raised more than $330,000 for its new pediatric therapy center in Santa Ana, which will offer innovative new programs and amenities, including a dynamic weight system, virtual reality therapy, and an adaptive playground.
Approximately 250 guests gathered at a private estate in Coto de Caza and enjoyed a hosted cocktail hour, dinner, and live and silent auctions featuring items including a deep-sea fishing experience, The Ranch golf course foursome and stay, Maui getaway, center ice Anaheim Ducks tickets and more. The night concluded with a concert by Live 61.
Sponsors included loanDepot, Ingram Micro, KPMG, Meier Law Firm, K&L Gates, Marsh & McLennan, Cary Hyden and Latham & Watkins, Westcliff University, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Kumo, First Team Real Estate, Rachel Mounce Real Estate & Vacation Rentals and Radiant Heart.
“Over the last 70 years, the need has grown, our community and offerings have expanded, and the push to be a reliable center of innovation, treatment, therapy and wraparound services has not once wavered,” said Dr. Ramin Baschshi, CEO and president, Unlimited Possibilities. “Together, we have become the trusted source of hope and joy for children and families with disabilities throughout Orange County, conquering stereotypes, social stigma, and barriers.”
Bits & Pieces
The TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods charity, welcomed more than 350 students, families, educators, volunteers, partners and supporters to attend CommunityFest on Oct. 15, a free and family-friendly event that showcased the programs and resources to engage students and families in skills training and career opportunities, all provided by TGR Foundation and its partners, which include the Find Your Grind Foundation, Providence, Experian, International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners, Gen.G, Hilton Anaheim, Monster Energy and Bank of America. … On Oct. 18, Girl Scouts of Orange County announced a $2.8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest contribution from a single individual in the national organization’s history. … WISEPlace and Jamboree Housing Corp., a nonprofit affordable housing developer, with support from the City of Santa Ana, OC Housing Finance Trust, Supervisor Katrina Foley, local business leaders, and the Santa Ana residents and community, announced on Oct. 20 plans to build new supportive permanent housing for up to 47 vulnerable residents, a $30 million building project which consists of a historical landmark renovation and expansion totaling 47,000 square feet when complete.
