Gala Breaks Record
The United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County Life Without Limits Gala netted more than $500,000 on May 10, the largest amount ever raised at the event. More than 400 guests attended the gala at the Balboa Bay Resort. Michael K. Hayde, chief executive of Western National Group, was recognized with the Impact Award for his philanthropic support and vision toward various efforts that support families and children, as well as his leadership in the community. The Argyros Family Foundation, Abbott Medical Optics and others sponsored the event.
In the Pink
The Susan G. Komen Orange County’s 7th annual Pink Tie Ball raised more than $385,000 for breast cancer awareness and research. The May 11 event attracted 400 guests to Lake Mission Viejo and beat 2010 and 2011 fundraising efforts.
Breast cancer survivor Estela Riela chaired this year’s event.
Seven local businessmen were introduced as Pink Tie Guys, a title given annually to men who work in the business community to further Komen’s mission.
They are Bruno Serato, chef/owner, Anaheim White House; Chris Lawrence, senior vice president, director of finance, Opus Bank; Hector Infante, public and government affairs manager for Chevron Corp.; Sam Riela, president, Salstar Enterprises Inc.; Scott D. Sherman, executive vice president, human resources, Allergan; Dennis Parks, COO, WalkStyles Inc.; and Dr. Melvin J. Silverstein, medical director, Hoag Breast Care Center.
Some of the sponsors were the Allergan Foundation, Lee Ann Canaday of The Canaday Group, and Harald Herrmann, chief executive of Yard House Restaurants.
Realtors, Builders Helping Others
Almost 400 attendees celebrated the real estate industry’s collective impact of its efforts through Orange County United Way at the 14th Annual Real Estate and Building Industry Mixer on May 9.
The event, held at the Balboa Bay Resort, raised nearly $255,000.
Top sponsors included Auction.com, Ernst & Young, Meritage Collection and the Business Journal.
Seeing Double
Saddleback Memorial Foundation raised $215,000 at its annual spring gala, A Celebration of Healing, on April 2. The amount is more than double the foundation’s original goal of $100,000.
The proceeds will benefit the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center enhancement project.
One of the highlights of the evening was the fund-a-need auction, which raised $68,000 for a Giraffe OmniBed for a full-featured incubator and radiant warmer for seriously ill infants.
Event sponsors included South Orange County Surgical Medical Group, Affiliated Pathologists Medical Group, Sea View Pediatrics and Bebe Shaddock.
Bright Futures Celebration
More than 350 business and community leaders helped raise $100,000 to prevent child abuse at the 15th Annual Bright Futures Celebration hosted by the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center. The May 11 event was held at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.
Sponsors included Howard Building Corp., First American Title Insurance Co., Capital Group Cos. and others.
A Taste of Success
The 5th annual Sunday in the Vineyard wine-tasting event hosted by the Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar raised $70,000 for the Marconi Foundation for Kids and Working Wardrobes of Orange County.
More than 250 guests gathered on April 28 at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin for the event. Guests chose from more than 80 rare and unique varietals.
The event has raised nearly $250,000 to benefit those in need since it began five years ago.
