Briefly In The News

Fundraiser for Penguin Cafe owners raises $16,250

A fundraiser held Saturday at Riddle Field for the McMurray family, owners of the Penguin Cafe, raised $16,250 to go toward the medical costs they are facing after their son, William, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

More than 300 people attended the event throughout the day, organizer Kim Ressler wrote in an email.

“I was in awe of all of the people there that came to support and to volunteer,” she said.

The event had a dunk tank, run by Laguna Beach Indian Princess dads, a craft table by the Laguna Beach Parents Club, face painting, henna tattoos and a sunscreen booth by Smart Girls Who Surf, who donated 100% of proceeds to the family and some 100 baked goods for sale.

Ressler thanked Pepsi, zpizza, Popchips, Gourmet Hot Dogs and US Foodservice, all of which donated drinks and food for the fundraiser.

“Due to this, we were able to give 100% of sales to family,” she said in an email.

Other event participants — including Team Laguna, Balanced Strategies, Alicia Pet Care Center, Kruger Team Sports and Laguna Graphic Arts —covered various expenses, Ressler added.

Sabrina, Michael and Will McMurray also attended the event.

The next fundraiser is at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy.

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Lawn Bowling for a good cause

The Pet Rescue Center, a local nonprofit that rescues and cares for stray dogs and cats, held its first Lawn Bowling Tournament at the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club in Heisler Park on Sunday.

The event included tutorials and coaching by the club’s volunteer staff, three elimination rounds, a competition for best hat, food and drink, and a raffle to raise money for the nonprofit’s Rescue, Rehab, Rehome program, according to a news release.

Thirty-two couples from around Orange County competed in the tournament and medals were handed out to first, second and third place.

“We had such a great time at this event. It was a thrill to watch all the participants compete,” said Blythe Wheaton, executive director of the Pet Rescue Center, in a statement. “It’s always a pleasure to meet and have fun with people who mutually support the PRC’s programs and all that we do.”

“Funds raised for the PRC at events like this allow the PRC to continue providing rescued dogs and cats with spay and neuter services, veterinary care, temporary sanctuary homeless for dogs and cats, educational programs and more.”

For more information, please call (877) 277-7938 or visit https://www.thepetrescuecenter.org.

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Donations needed for back-to-school party

No Square Theatre is partnering with the Woman’s Club Resource Center and the Exchange Club for its annual back-to-school party from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Legion Hall, 384 Legion St., according to a press release.

The back-to-school party is for low-income children who attend Laguna Beach schools. It provides them with much-needed education supplies like new backpacks, highlighters, notebooks and binders.

Donations are needed and can be dropped off at No Square Theatre or Legion Hall.

The party will also have a barbecue for the children with hot dogs and hamburgers.

For more information, contact Sande St. John at (949) 633-9429.

—Alisha Gomez