Laura’s House Annual Gala “Island Breezes” Nets $150,000
Posted on October 10, 2011
Proceeds will be used to support the programs and services that Laura’s House provides to families impacted by domestic violence
Ladera Ranch, Calif., Oct. 10, 2011 – On Saturday, October 1, 2011, 300 attendees gathered at The Island Hotel Newport Beach for “Island Breezes,” which raised $150,000 to support the programs and services that Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe place in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, provides to the Orange County community and beyond.
“Island Breezes” began with a cocktail reception featuring passed hors d’ oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks and a “martini luge” housed within an island themed ice sculpture. Guests mingled amongst an expansive silent auction that included domestic and international vacations to France, Greece, Mexico, The Caribbean, Greece, San Francisco and Las Vegas; health and beauty packages from local Orange County spas, salons and fitness professionals; and, a “Wall of Wine” featuring more than 150-bottles of wine from around the world. Other items included jewelry, paintings, sports and entertainment packages, children’s toys and gifts. Prior to dinner, attendees also had the opportunity to enter a drawing for a Corum Heart Bracelet women’s watch valued at $6,395.
Guests at the event were welcomed to dinner by Linda Kearns, Gala Chair, and Margaret Bayston, CEO/Executive Director of Laura’s House. Board Chair Laura Khouri introduced the recipients of the 2011 Crystal Heart Awards.
Rick Lutzky and Don Vodra, Crystal Heart Award Honorees
This year, Laura’s House honored two very special supporters who have contributed countless volunteer hours, and have been instrumental in helping the organization to realize it’s long-time dream for the expansion and rebuild of its Emergency Shelter. Rick Lutzky, of Lutzky Associates Development, LP joined the Laura’s House team in 2009, and since has donated more than 1,450 hours as the manager of this project. Don Vodra, COO of Rancho Mission Viejo, has served on the Laura’s House Board of Directors for six years, including two years as Chairman, and has been instrumental in orchestrating the resources and experts necessary to achieve Laura’s House’ long held goal of expanding the essential programs and services it offers to the community.
Cyndi Greeley and Claudia Bremser, Verizon Wireless Corporate Crystal Heart Award Honorees
Verizon Wireless received the 2011 Corporate Crystal Heart Award for their spirit of philanthropy and dedication to assisting victims of domestic violence through their corporate initiatives and volunteer program. Earlier this year, Laura’s House received a $50,000 grant from Verizon to support technology upgrades for its Emergency Shelter and Counseling and Resource Center. Employees at Verizon Wireless also participated in several events throughout the year including a “Fill the Fridge, Pack the Pantry” drive in the Spring, which collected non-perishable food items for Laura’s House; collected supplies so that children residing at the shelter could create special Mother’s Day gifts for their moms; and, participated in a backpack and school supplies drive. At its headquarters in Irvine, Calif., Verizon Wireless also created a special wall honoring the company’s contributions to Laura’s House that features tiles hand-painted by children participating in Laura’s House programs.
Following the presentation of the Crystal Heart Awards, Wayne Pinnell, Chair of the Laura’s House Cornerstone Capital Campaign, presented an update on the shelter rebuild project, and announced a challenge grant from Bette & Wylie Aitken, honorary chairs of the Cornerstone Capital Campaign, and philanthropists, George and Julia Argyros, that they would each match donations toward the campaign, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. The Laura’s House Cornerstone Capital Campaign was officially launched in September 2010 to raise $4.5 million to fund the shelter re-build project and expansion of transitional housing for shelter graduates.
The live auction portion of the evening, led by auctioneer Kent French, began with an appeal to fund the “Rebuild a Life” sponsorships levels, benefiting various elements of the Counseling & Resource Center. All proceeds from “Island Breezes” will be used to support the programs and services that Laura’s House provides to families impacted by domestic violence, including its Emergency Shelter; Counseling & Resource Center; Legal Advocacy programs; and, prevention and education programs including the Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.).
Live auction items included a Maltese/Yorkshire, or “Morkie” puppy; four front row tickets to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center; Golf & Spa Experience at Pelican Hill, which includes a two-night stay in a bungalow with the choice of two Amber Gold Massages or a round of golf for two players, or one of each and, a suite at the Honda Center for the Andrea Bocelli concert on December 11; a wine pairing dinner, prepared by Chef Katherine Events for 30 people at Giracci Vineyard and Farms in Silverado Canyon, with an overnight stay for the host couple in the cottage on the property; a Corum Classical Skylight men’s timepiece valued at $33,000; and, a seven-night stay for two at Villa Lucia in Tuscany.
“We are grateful for the community’s support in fulfilling our mission to serve families who are impacted by domestic violence,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Despite the economic downturn, Laura’s House continues to benefit from the generosity of our donors who see the value in the programs and services we provide to help women, men and children build lives that are free of violence. I was excited to see some old friends, as well as new faces join us this year in raising the funds that we need to continue to serve those who need our help.”
Wine for the evening was sponsored by Barefoot Wines, Addington Confections provided the toffee for the favors, and mothers and daughters from the National Charity League served as volunteers for guest check-in and check-out, and the live and silent auctions. The evening’s festivities concluded with dancing and lively entertainment provided by Sensation Showband.
About Laura’s House Annually, Laura’s House provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, counseling to more than 300 clients, legal services to more than 300 clients and assists with more than 1,700 crisis hot-line calls. The mission of Laura’s House is changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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