THE CROWD:NFL stars turn out for fundraiser

More than 36 NFL stars rallied for the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, participating in a golf tournament and charity dinner that raised more than $225,000 for an auxiliary of Orangewood known as Orangewood PALS (Providing Assistance Love and Support).

It was called the Athletes First Classic, with a gala dinner event held at the St. Regis Hotel and Resort in Dana Point in mid-March, followed by the golf tournament the next day. The gala honored football quarterback Steve Young, along with Orange County business leader and philanthropist Peter Ueberroth.

The retired San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who won a Super Bowl during his career, founded a charitable organization that he named the Forever Young Foundation. He’s charity partners with children’s organizations nationwide, including Orangewood here in Southern California.

Ueberroth serves as managing director of Contrarian Group, an investment and management company. He was formerly the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, as well as president of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee for the 1984 games.

The gala was emceed by NFL network on-air talent Rich Eisen, who also handled auction duties, including the sale of a custom-designed Von Dutch motorcycle that was created for the Orangewood event and sold for $47,500.

The crowd went wild over the motorcycle, and if that wasn’t enough, a Ford Mustang Saleen custom convertible — featured in the upcoming Antonio Banderas and Meg Ryan film “Homeland Security” — sold for $65,000.

Orangewood chief executive Gene Howard was in the crowd and praised members of Orangewood PALS for their significant contribution helping the children in Orange County who need it most.

“Orangewood PALS members touch the lives of so many abused and neglected children in Orange County — from the toddlers and school-age children at the Orangewood Children’s Home to 18-year-olds struggling to make the transition to independent adulthood,” Howard said.

Also in attendance was the chief executive of Athletes First, David Dunn, who commented, “I applaud the NFL athletes for taking time out from their extremely busy schedule to help the kids of Orangewood and to help honor Steve and Peter.”

Spotted in the dinner crowd were NFL players Zach Miller, Kyle Young and Joe Newton. Newport’s Lula and Marion Halfacre of Traditional Jewelers were front and center for Orangewood, along with PALS board members Wendy Drake, Christina Hernandez and Leslie George Perez.

Event chair Paul Makarechian welcomed the Ueberroth and Young guests, as well as dignitaries from all over Orange County and athletes from around the country.