A Donation to Remember
The Argyros Family Foundation donated $2 million to Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) on Nov. 11 at the organization’s annual gala, as announced by Lisa Argyros.
“This extraordinary gift from Julia, George, Lisa and Stephanie will be instrumental in ensuring more people can get access to the services we provide,” said Jim McAleer, president and CEO of AlzOC.
“Until there’s a cure, we continue to provide hope through education, community-based support and resources, direct care, and hands-on assistance for every stage of the journey. The Argyros family’s longstanding support is a testament to their dedication to our cause, and we are incredibly grateful and honored for their continued commitment.”
Julia Argyros, president of the Argyros Family Foundation, and her husband, George Argyros, founder and CEO of Arnel & Affiliates, and their daughters, have supported AlzOC for more than 15 years, recognizing Orange County’s critical need for dementia care, community support, and outreach.
This gift marks a milestone in the organization’s mission to provide essential support and resources to individuals and families affected by memory loss and dementia.
“We are proud to support Alzheimer’s Orange County and their tireless efforts to provide vital resources and assistance to individuals and families dealing with memory loss,” said Lisa Argyros.
“Our family is committed to shaping a better future for Orange County including the thousands in our community facing Alzheimer’s and dementia and the families who love them.”
Wine and Time
CureDuchenne and Melka Estates hosted the ninth annual Napa in Newport gala on Nov. 4 at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. The sold-out event raised more than $1.3 million to find and fund a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The event’s theme, Time is of the Essence, focused on the urgent need to bring treatments to the thousands facing the disease, which currently has no cure.
Napa in Newport brought together 44 Napa Valley vintners to serve their finest wines to a crowd of 400.
The event featured a grand tasting, vintner-hosted dining tables, a dinner by Chef Ken Frank, curated wine pairings, and auction lots featuring collectible wines, getaways and experiences. Event sponsors included Porsche, The Caviar Company and JCB.
“We’re eternally grateful to our dedicated vintners, sponsors and attendees who continue to make Napa in Newport a huge success year after year, allowing us to come closer to a cure for this devastating disease than ever before,” said Debra Miller, co-founder and CEO of CureDuchenne.
“Funding is extremely critical as we continue to make progress in Duchenne research, and we could not do it without the steadfast support of our local community and partners.”
Poker for Pretend
Poker tables were packed during the 14th annual Pretend City Children’s Museum’s Poker Challenge on Oct. 19, held at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, with more than 120 of Orange County’s top philanthropists and business leaders participating in a five-hour poker fundraising challenge that raised nearly $250,000 for Pretend City Children’s Museum.
This year was the most financially successful Poker Challenge to date for Pretend City, a key hub for early childhood development and provides developmental assessments for children and support for children with delays and disabilities.
“We are tremendously grateful to everyone who participated in the Poker Challenge this year,” said Trevor Tait, event co-chair and managing partner of Tait & Associates. “Your generosity is truly inspiring.”
The event was sponsored by MSI, Cushman & Wakefield, Lyon Living, Amort Construction, Balboa Technologies, CorporateTech, Gibson Dunn, Innovative Construction Solutions, Kairos Investment Management, Lyon Air Museum, Murphy Financial Services, Scott & McCauley, Tait & Associates, and Wilmington Trust.
Bits & Pieces
Project Alive, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and supporting families affected by Hunter syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes abnormal accumulation of complex sugars in cells, affecting many systems in patients’ bodies, hosted its first-ever Hunter Syndrome Family Fair and Casino Night at the Hilton in Costa Mesa on Oct. 28, raising more than $68,000 to further its mission. …
Harvesters, which is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, presented its sixth annual Innovative Service Awards in partnership with City National Bank on Nov. 7, gifting $68,200 to six local organizations that distribute food to the community through the assistance of Second Harvest Food Bank, including Orangewood Foundation, Rose Drive Friends Church, Salvation Army, First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, Anaheim United Methodist Church and Community Outreach Alliance. …
Orange County Business Council announced new board members including Ryan Chamberlin, chief executive of Transportation Corridor Agencies; Teresa Conk, senior vice president and chief clinical institutes officer of Hoag; Cathi Killian, vice president of communications and public affairs of Disneyland Resort; and Dr. Ramon Miramontes, deputy superintendent of instructional programs at the Orange County Department of Education.
