A grand slam donation

Andrew Wainer

It must have been one of the most surreal moments in philanthropic

history.

On Saturday morning, Newport Beach resident Donna Crean gave the Balboa

Performing Arts Theatre Foundation a $1-million donation during a power

breakfast at ... Denny’s.

Although most people don’t associate a “Grand Slam Breakfast” with

big-time finance, that’s exactly what Crean ordered at the restaurant on

Bristol Street in Costa Mesa -- after handing the seven-digit check over

to foundation public relations official Sue Cannon.

The massive donation had board members in a state of ecstatic shock.

Cannon said she cried and “was at a loss for words” after Crean signed

over the money.

“I was numb with happiness,” Pettit said.

The donation will put the theater “over the top,” according to board

member Steve Bromberg, who added that he expects the Balboa now has

enough funds to open on schedule in the fall of next year.

The foundation, made up of 11 board members, has spent almost five years

raising money to rebuild the community landmark.

The theater’s entire interior and exterior will be redesigned.

Early estimates had placed rebuilding costs at $1 million. But this

summer, after taking a closer look, architects and construction consults

upped costs to about $3 million.

The donation by John and Donna Crean gives the foundation a total of

about $2 million.

Although the Creans were not available for comment on Sunday, they did

issue a short media statement.

“Saving the Balboa Theatre is a wonderful community project,” the couple

said in the statement. “We have fond memories of our children visiting

the theater. This theater will give many children to come the same

enjoyment we had.”

After Cannon received the Creans’ check, she called foundation president

Dayna Pettit and other board members to gather in front of the

72-year-old theater Sunday afternoon, where the surprise was announced.

“I am ecstatic. This is a dream come true,” said foundation secretary Jo

King after hearing the news. “They are really kind and generous people to

make such a large donation.”

“This will help us realize our dreams,” added foundation treasurer Yaron

Telem. “I am excited to deposit this check. It’s the most I have ever put

in the bank at one time.”

The board members gathered at the foundation headquarters above the

theater. One was so happy she said she was ready to “stand on her head

and do cartwheels.”

Foundation board member and owner of Britta’s Cafe, Britta Pulliam added

to the festive ambience when she brought over a bottle of the cafe’s best

champagne to help celebrate.

Board members filled their glasses and offered a toast to the Crean

family.

“We feel like kids in a candy store,” board member Steve Bomberg said.