Around Town: Assistance League names Businessperson of Year
The Assistance League of Laguna Beach recognized Chris Keller with the 2015 Businessperson of the Year Award during its installation luncheon in June.
Keller is an active member of the Assistance League’s advisory council and serves as a spokesman for the group, according to a news release. The Assistance League identifies specific needs of a community and funds philanthropic programs that target those needs.
Particularly close to his heart is the league’s early intervention program for developmentally delayed infants. Keller participated in the program with his son, Rocco, and said he knows the powerful effect it has on the infants and their parents, according to the release.
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Senior group awards college scholarship
Laguna Beach Seniors has announced that its third annual college scholarship award was granted to Laguna Beach High School graduate Diana Shirley, who plans to study biology.
The $1,000 award was given to Shirley at the high school’s recent donor reception and honors convocation.
Laguna Beach Seniors, which operates out of the Susi Q Senior Center, at 380 Third St., said Shirley was chosen because she has a passion for improving the lives of seniors and believes integration of the community is important, especially intergenerational communication and friendship, according to a news release.
Having a grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, she knows that a caring community and social interaction can make a difference for isolated adults, the release said.
Money for the scholarship came from Table Top Treasures, which sells secondhand treasures Monday mornings at the Susi Q.
For more information, visit thesusiq.org or call (949) 497-2441.
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Laguna Beach Youth Shelter gets inside look at hospitality
Residents of Santa Ana-based Community Service Programs’ Laguna Beach Youth Shelter had the opportunity to learn about the hospitality industry during a tour June 25 of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Irvine.
Opportunities in the field were highlighted through tours of the kitchen, pool, guest rooms, front desk, gift shop and more, according to a news release. The day included a three-course lunch and meetings with the hotel’s front office manager, David Hutton, and executive chef Shannon Olvera.
“These tours bring strength to our youth,” Carol Carlson, director of the Laguna Beach Youth Shelter, said in the release. “For many of our residents, this is the first time they are exposed to hospitality professionals and a setting like DoubleTree Irvine. Spending time having a nice lunch, touring a beautiful hotel and being encouraged by hotel leadership is a special act of healing.”
Community Service Programs is a nonprofit organization providing counseling and support services for homeless, runaway and at-risk youths. The Laguna Beach shelter serves struggling Orange County youths ages 11 to 17 and their families.