Olson to speak on human rights

In these very difficult times, the relevancy of charitable causes is

debated among local social advocates.

For some, an overwhelming feeling of triviality creates an aura of

guilt when planning table settings in the face of news reports of

soldiers and civilians dying abroad. For others, there is a sense

that the fabric of local community life is essential. Peace will

eventually come from conflict, and it is therefore important to carry

on with the day to day duties, including charitable endeavors, that

make life in America unique and special.

With concern for differing points of view, one organization with

international roots will endeavor to focus local attention on very

serious worldwide issues.

Women of Vision will host Jane Olson at an annual luncheon on May

7 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Newport Beach. Women of Vision is an arm

of World Vision, a Christian outreach organization that helps

impoverished women and children in the United States and the rest of

the world.

Olson chairs the board of directors of the Landmine Capital

Survivors Network. In addition, Olson has served 10 years on the

national board of the Human Rights Watch, which has taken her to the

former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nicaragua, El

Salvador, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cuba, Jordan and West Africa.

Her mission has been to assist refugees, address human rights

issues and perhaps most significantly to work for the elimination of

landmines, which continue to kill or severely injure innocent people.

Olson is a witness to some of the great horrors of a very unjust

world.

The upcoming luncheon event is being sponsored by concerned local

citizens including activist Susan Champion, Judy and Dennis Sweeney,

Trish and John O’Donnell, Beverly Peters, Lynn Hirsch Booth, Marcia

and Warren Finley and the very generous Samueli Foundation,

underwritten by Corona del Mar philanthropists Henry and Susan

Samueli.

In addition, Strada Properties has stepped up to the plate to

support Olson and Women of Vision, with particular assistance coming

from John McMonigle, Susan Scanlan, Nancy Short, Nadine Bartholomew,

Evan Corkett, Steve High and Elizabeth Thamer. For more information

on the luncheon featuring Olson, please call Champion at (949)

644-5671.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.