Cirque du Radiance
Radiant Futures, formerly Women’s Transitional Living Center Inc., hosted its Cirque du Famille gala on April 27.
Held at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, the evening featured performances by circus artists from CirqueSanity, who donned stilts and paraded around the venue, performed acrobatic tricks with multiple participants, and entertained guests with juggling and magic acts.
The event raised more than $130,000 to help support the organization’s programs, which provide domestic violence survivors recovery services such as counseling, legal advocacy, and case management plus comprehensive services for all survivors, and education to help prevent domestic violence and trafficking.
“In this grand circus of life, we are not just strangers passing through, but a family united by the desire to build safer communities free from violence,” said Mark Lee, chief executive, Radiant Futures.
“In that spirit, we thank our generous sponsors and all who joined us to raise funds to create a safer and healthier world for all survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.”
During the event, the 2024 Radiant Partner Award was presented to Century 21 Discovery.
The award recognizes a company that has dedicated time, effort and financial support to building a safer workplace and community through the promotion of intervention and prevention methods. Since 2015, Radiant Futures has received a yearly grant from the Discovery Charity Foundation, an initiative of Century 21.
Above and Beyond
On May 3, Hoag announced a $15 million gift from philanthropists Julia and George Argyros that will be used to enhance Hoag’s nursing services further and support the Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence, which funds continuing education for nurses.
The gift brings the Argyros family’s cumulative giving to Hoag to over $32 million, which has provided thousands of scholarships to Hoag nurses.
“It is an honor to be able to support Hoag nurses, help them realize their dreams of higher education, and support their continual efforts to provide wonderful care to our community,” said Lisa Argyros, board member, Argyros Family Foundation, board member, Hoag Hospital Foundation.
“When we think of Hoag, we think of the many compassionate and talented nurses who make up its exceptional nursing program and how vital that is for the health and well-being of so many people,” added Stephanie Argyros, president and chief executive, Argyros Group.
The gift was announced at Hoag’s annual Nurses’ Day celebration in Newport Beach, recognizing Sarah Turecek, MSN, RN, PCCN, as 2024 Nurse of the Year.
Nominated for her patient-centered approach, clinical expertise and compassionate care, the 12-year Hoag nurse was selected for Nurse of the Year for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Hoag’s Nursing Program has received numerous awards, accolades and community support.
As part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program, Hoag has been recognized for its continued dedication to high-quality nursing practice. This voluntary credentialing program is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice.
Record-Breaking Breakfast
More than 650 community leaders came together on May 16 as the Orange County United Way celebrated its 21st anniversary of the annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast.
The event, which was held at Hyatt Regency Irvine, raised more than $600,000, a record-breaking total, making this year’s event the most successful yet. These funds will help support a wide range of initiatives that address critical issues in Orange County.
The breakfast also set a new community-impact Guinness World Records title, with 524 people assembling 6,136 hygiene kits with items to improve health and give a sense of well-being to local Orange County families and individuals in need.
“This was certainly a remarkable, fun and memorable year for the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast, and not just because we broke a world record!” said Susan B. Parks, president and chief executive, Orange County United Way.
“This community is spirited and generous, and Orange County is better because of all those who are eager to do good, help our most vulnerable residents and make a difference for generations to come.”
BMO served as the Breakfast’s Champion Sponsor. Orange County United Way also acknowledges its “Journey to 100” year-long corporate supporters, Eaton, Pacific Life Foundation and Niagara Cares.
Maggie O’Sullivan, executive director, JPMorgan Chase, and co-chair, Women United, and Haunani Nakabara, director, tax operations, PMO and co-chair, Women United, served as this year’s Breakfast co-chairs.
Scharrell Jackson, international speaker, high-performance leadership coach, philanthropist and longtime Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast attendee and supporter, spoke to the audience about the power of giving back, as well as how to be a catalyst for change in the community.
Other sponsors included Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, The Masson Family Foundation, Seaview Investors LLC, US Bank, Disneyland Resort, Eaton Aerospace, Edison International, EY, Orange County Department of Education, Pacific Life Foundation and UCI Health.
Bits & Pieces
In May, Cox Charities awarded a total of $60,000 in grants to 11 Orange County and Palos Verdes nonprofits with programs that support K-12 STEM education, digital equity, conservation, and sustainability, and military and veterans, including Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, Crystal Cove Conservancy, Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Inc., Bracken’s Kitchen and Orange County Coastkeepers.
On May 11, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire (BBBS), Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda University, Riverside County of Education and other partners, held their inaugural Mental Health Summit in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month to educate attendees about the importance of mentorship in supporting mental wellness, with a program that included key mental health insights from BBBS executives, and a panel led by mental health professionals from BBBS partners focused on recognizing and addressing mental health disorders in youth.
Christine M. Walker-Bowman, co-president, Farmers & Merchants Bank Foundation, and first vice president, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach, has joined the Mission Preservation Foundation Board, which raises funds for preservation work on the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.
