Mobility Means so Much
Tim Smith, the Smith Group, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; his wife, Amber, and their son
More than 700 supporters gathered on July 13 at the Free Wheelchair Mission’s annual Miracle of Mobility gala. The evening netted more than $1.5 million.
The fundraiser, which took place at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, celebrated the milestone of delivering a million wheelchairs to people in need in developing nations since the organization was founded 16 years ago. Advisors Mortgage Group, loanDepot, NuWest Insurance Services, Brookfield Residential, PAAMCO, Down’s Energy, The SoCo Group, In-N-Out Burger, F&M Bank and Voit were among the event sponsors.
The evening included a silent auction of items ranging from luxury trips and jewels to electric guitars and a child-sized Tesla. The silent auction alone raised $56,000.
The live auction featured an opportunity for guests to buy a wheelchair to be produced this year and delivered to those in need, using established international humanitarian, government, and faith-based partners around the world.
Proceeds from the event will provide nearly 19,000 more wheelchairs.
Helping in 3-D
Rick Heise, president, Swift Engineering Inc.
Saddleback College students are gaining real-world experience in the development of artificial limbs through a collaboration with Swift Engineering Inc. The partnership, announced Aug. 7, benefits e-NABLE, a foundation outreach program at Swift Engineering.
E-NABLE distributes prosthetic limbs to recipients around the world at no charge. Its engineers, who volunteer their time, use 3-D printers to create prosthetic muscle-actuated arms and hands that enable users to take part in activities, such as riding bikes, throwing a ball, swimming and other activities.
Working side by side with the engineers, Saddleback advanced-manufacturing students have joined in creating working hands and arms for the program.
“Swift and Saddleback bring expertise in complementary disciplines that will help produce more accessible medical prosthetics,” says Andrew Streett, Swift Engineering chief scientist and director of research and development. “I think the energy and passion that both teams have added to the project will be the driving force behind making it successful and long term for everyone.”
E-NABLE estimates it has delivered about 1,800 hands to children since 2012, and says the devices are holding up quite well to the activities of a typical child.
Banking on a Great Sponsor
Russell Goldsmith, City National Bank chairman, CEO
Irvine Barclay Theatre welcomed City National Bank as the Barclay’s 2017-2018 season sponsor, the theater’s first.
“We’re thrilled to formalize The Barclay’s dynamic relationship with City National Bank and its fabulous team,” said Barclay President Jerry Mandel. “This significant new partnership will act as a catalyst and allow us to expand our programming, bring in higher profile artists, extend our reach into the community, and take our
ArtsReach program to the next level. We couldn’t be
happier or more grateful.”
The Big Score
Warren Moon, co-founder, president, Sports1 Marketing, founder, Crescent Moon Foundation, Hall of Fame quarterback; Neda Eaton, president, CEO, Irvine Public Schools Foundation
During an evening of poker, dinner and cocktails that featured current and former professional athletes, Irvine Public Schools Foundation and Angels Baseball Foundation hit the jackpot as the fifth annual Aces and Athletes Poker Tournament and Charity Casino Night raised over $50,000 to help fund programs for students in need. Presented by sponsors Dr. James P. Lin and Grace Lin on July 16, the event was held at the Don Julio Club at Angel Stadium.
This year, more than 20 companies and community organizations sponsored the tournament, including Angels Baseball Foundation, Reproductive Fertility Center, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Rutan & Tucker LLP, The Fox Group, Neiman Marcus, Habana, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar, LA Galaxy, Diptyque, The Catch, South Coast Plaza, Kendra Scott, EATS Kitchen & Bar, Manhattan Stitching Co. and USC Athletics.
Bits & Pieces
Urban Decay recently donated makeup to Laura’s House, filling 150 bags, accompanied with a personal inspirational note to be given to Laura’s House clients. … The Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center distributed more than 300 backpacks on Aug. 4 at its annual Summer Celebration event, which was held at the Santa Ana Zoo and sponsored in part by Wells Fargo. … Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County recently received a $20,000 grant from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Listerine to enhance its dental outreach programs for underserved youth.
