Couple boosts gift to $5m

Less than a decade ago, Jane and Jim Driscoll of Corona del Mar attended their first dance performance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and in the past two years, they have helped to bring dozens more to the community as regular donors.

Today, that contribution increased significantly as the Driscolls joined the Segerstrom Family and several others as members of the Center’s Circle of Honor after increasing their gift to the Building on the Vision Campaign to $5 million.

“This kind of philanthropy makes it possible for us to create and sustain programs that are valued by and valuable for the community,” Center President Terrence Dwyer said. “By giving, people are helping us give back. It’s a virtuous circle.”

The Driscolls’ donation brings the campaign total to $164 million, money which is used to fund the construction and maintenance costs of the 2,000-seat Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the Samueli Theater and the education center at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the latter of which was particularly motivating for the couple.

The center’s arts education programs serve more than 500,000 children each year.

“The Driscolls are extremely passionate about the educational programs offered by the center and the positive impact they have on the community,” Dwyer said.

The Newport Beach pair are avid arts supporters, also contributing to the St. Joseph Ballet, the Orange County High School of the Arts and the Pacific Symphony.

Jim Driscoll is a member of the center’s board of directors, Campaign Leadership committee and Long-Range Planning committee, and volunteers as a track and field coach at Corona del Mar High School.

Jane Driscoll serves as the co-founder and managing director of a hedge fund investment firm in Irvine.

The center continues to seek funds for its Building on the Vision Campaign with a goal of $240 million.