MILLENNIUM MOMENT

Newport Beach resident Charles W. Hester came to California from Illinois

in 1947 on the advice of doctors, who thought the warm climate would

improve his health. It did, and with his energy renewed from the move, he

set to work as a businessman and philanthropist.

Hester worked as a developer, building more than 20,000 Southern

California homes and apartments. He was also passionately committed to

the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, serving on its board. He was

also one of the founders of Hoag Hospital’s 552 Club.

Hester supported many arts organizations, including the Orange County

Performing Arts Center and the Newport Harbor Art Museum. He passed away

in 1996.

* MILLENNIUM MOMENT celebrates the people who have made a major

contribution to the Newport-Mesa community during this century.