IN BRIEF

-- Noaki Schwartz

The Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce recently gave $21,000 to

several local charities in a gesture of holiday goodwill.

This fall’s Taste of Newport was such a success that the chamber

presented checks to the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, the Orange Coast

College Foundation Nautical Library, the Environmental Nature Center, the

Balboa Theater Foundation, Share Our Selves, Leadership Tomorrow and the

Newport Harbor High School Culinary Arts Academy.

“We’re overjoyed! It demonstrates a remarkable endorsement of our

program,” said Michelle Roberge, executive director of the Balboa Theater

Foundation, which received $3,000.

Last year, the chamber also donated the same amount and established a

grant program for future contributions.

Richard Luehrs, the chamber’s president, said that he hopes the Taste of

Newport will have continued success so the chamber can continue to donate

to the community.

“This is our way of thanking the community for the tremendous support of

this terrific community event,” Luehrs said.

To request a grant application form, call (949) 729-4400.