THE CROWD:

Pacific Life Insurance, headquartered in Newport Center, hosted its annual charitable reception this week recognizing the exemplary efforts of some 200 nonprofit groups serving a diverse spectrum of need in Orange County.

Pacific Life Foundation president Bob Haskell joined president and CEO Jim Morris distributing grants totaling $2.7 million. It is safe to say that the crowd was upbeat.

Converging on the Newport Center Drive Pacific Life architectural statement, the guests sampled hors d’oeuvres and toasted community involvement prior to remarks by Morris and Haskell, followed by the presentation of awards.

The grants ranged from $2,500 to $135,000 — all part of an overall commitment of $5.3 million to be dispersed in 2008 with the initial $2.7 million given in this first month of the new year.

“This is our 16th year — a special time for celebrating and honoring the commitment our honorees have made to this community,” offered Haskell.

The 2008 Walter B. Gerken Community Service Award, given annually to a nonprofit agency that represents the spirit of Gerken, the former CEO of Pacific Life, was given to Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County.

Jack Shaw, founding board chair, and Sandra Bolton, executive director, accepted the additional grant of $25,000. Pacific Life has provided start-up funds as well as working capital and site underwriting for Healthy Smiles.

Haskell added, “The Foundation is very proud of The Smile Mobile, a mobile dental clinic for children.” The unit was on display for all to view during the charitable reception.

In the area of education, a $120,000 grant was made to Junior Achievement of Orange County. Another $45,000 went to the Orange County Department of Education.

Pretend City, The Children’s Museum of OC received $50,000, SCR took home $20,000 for their Theatre for Young Audiences Program, and the YMCA was given $50,000 to be used toward construction of a new outdoor sport facility in Santa Ana.

The Boys and Girls Clubs were granted $25,000, Goodwill received $25,000, Hoag Hospital Foundation $100,000, and $75,000 went to Access OC a medical program for the uninsured.

In addition, Bolsa Chica Conservancy was awarded $25,000, and the Environmental Nature Center another $25,000.

These are just a few of the organizations benefiting from the generosity of the insurance grant.

Founded in 1984, The Pacific Life Foundation, along with the parent company, has contributed in excess of $46.3 million to hundreds of worthy recipients.

To find out more about the work of the foundation and the nonprofits it supports, contact the director of public affairs, Tennyson Oyler at (949) 219-3248 or go to TOyler@PacificLife.com.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.