Augie Nieto has lasted five years with Lou Gehrig’s Disease—three years beyond the norm, he notes in an e-mail message typed with his toes. “I am doing well physically and mentally … I am planning on being around for a very long time.” The 52-year-old muscleman and fitness-machine pioneer, who put the Life Cycle into health clubs, is almost totally paralyzed. But that hasn’t stopped him from joining a board, authoring a book (yes, with his toes) or continuing the quest for a cure. “I am very fortunate to be able to afford first-class care,” writes the Corona del Mar resident who has found opportunity in a terminal illness. Nieto and wife Lynne have raised a record $23 million for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, research. He is “excited” about Molecule 00846, which has slowed the disease in lab mice and soon could be ready for human trials: “It is the biggest thing that has ever happened in ALS.” About a year ago, Nieto joined the board of Pittsburgh-based DynaVox, which makes a device that enables ALS patients, stroke victims and others with speech impairments to talk. And he’s out with his second book in three years, “Reciprocity Incorporated,” a self-help manual featuring an introduction by cyclist Lance Armstrong and interviews with business luminaries such as Starbucks’ Howard Schultz, Qualcomm’s Paul Jacobs, Scott Olivet of Oakley, jewelry designer Cookie Lee, Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco and San Diego Padres lead owner Jeff Moorad …
Kingston Technology cofounder John Tu brought his 28-member band, played the drums, and with wife Mary kicked in $250,000 to light up the KOCE-TV gala at the Island Hotel. Paul and Marybelle Musco matched the Tus’ donation. Diane Schindler, wife of VCer Walt (Sail Venture Partners) won a drawing for Tiffany diamond earrings valued at $21,500. The event, honoring Bette and Wylie Aitken and the OC High School of the Arts, netted $660,000 for the public television station …
Also attending the KOCE event: OC Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, escorted by Beltway lawyer John “Jack” Einwechter …
James Irvine Swinden of the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, Lt. Gen. Gene Tattini of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and aerospace execs will gather at the Discovery Science Center July 2 for the opening of the $2.5 million Boeing Rocket Lab. Exhibits include a Delta IV RS-68 rocket engine suspended inside the center’s iconic cube …
Steve West, prez of Irvine-based software management company Project Insight, set a record in the 50-meter breaststroke for 35- to 39-year-olds at the U.S. Masters National Swim Competition in Atlanta …
For the umpteenth time, Vizio’s William Wang accepted an award and left the audience in stitches. “How many of you own a Vizio screen?” he asked a crowd of 380 at the Association for Corporate Growth dinner at the Island Hotel. “Thank you. How many of you don’t? See me outside afterward.”
