Giving Hearts
Pacific Investment Management Co. founder Bill Gross, and his wife, Sue, president of the Gross Family Foundation, donated $1.5 million in May to the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s nursing school in Los Angeles. The gift establishes the Sue and Bill Gross Nursing Endowment. The gift will be paid over three years and is the largest individual contribution awarded to Drew University’s Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing since it opened in August 2010. Scholarship recipients, known as Sue and Bill Gross Nursing Scholars, will be enrolled into the nursing school. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need.
The Grosses also donated $240,000 to Saddleback College in May to establish the Sue and Bill Gross Scholars Program. The program helps students in the “forgotten middle,” those who have an unmet financial need and yet are ineligible for a full Pell Grant or other government assistance to pay for college.
Record-Breaking Hand
Casino-style game tables were packed during the fifth annual Pretend City Children’s Museum’s Poker Fundraising Night on May 29 at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach.
The Western-themed event was attended by more than 100 of Orange County’s notable philanthropists and top business leaders, who took to their poker chips and cards to participate in a five-hour poker fundraising tournament.
The event raised a record-breaking net total of $200,000. The proceeds support the museum’s educational mission for OC’s children and families, as well as help fund developmental screenings for children on the autism spectrum. Pretend City also provides scholarships to young, underserved Orange County children to attend field trips and other educational programs.
Sunstone Hotels, the Ressler Family, William Lyon Homes, RUHM, Sales and Service Inc., Innovative Construction Solutions Inc., Fidelity National Title, Biz Cash, KPMG and STA Jets sponsored the tournament.
“Fore” a Great Cause
Community Service Programs brought together 96 golf enthusiasts, business leaders, community members and supporters to tee off for at-risk OC children and their families at its 31st annual Swing For Kids Charity Golf Tournament.
The event was held May 22 at the Oak Creek Golf Course and raised more than $50,000.
The money will support the organization’s children’s shelters and family counseling programs, which serve abused, runaway and struggling children in Orange County.
CSP also honored Swinerton Builders with the Pillar Award during the event’s awards banquet for its ongoing support of CSP’s Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.
Taking the Lead
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Ana welcomed more than 150 donors, club supporters, business leaders, and notable community members for its inaugural Leadership Breakfast on June 5 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa.
Robert Santana, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Ana’s chief executive, shared club milestones made over the past year, including the news that it raised $2.4 million for construction and renovation of its main club. The organization expects to increase its capacity to serve 60% more teens each year, as well as 20% more youth and 50% more families with community outreach services starting in September.
The breakfast was made possible with the support of AT&T, SA Recycling, S&A Management and C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, among others.
Bits & Pieces
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raised $20,000 at the Fourth Annual Gala and Fashion Show Benefit headlined by La Perla Lingerie, Max Mara, HUGO by Hugo Boss and Baccarat Jewelry. … The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and St. Joseph Health teamed up to recognize Cancer Survivorship Day at the June 24 Angels game.
