Column: Gala raises funds for Jewish assisted living senior care community

Over the holidays, Fashion Island Hotel welcomed guests in support of Orange County’s Heritage Pointe, an independent Jewish assisted living and memory care senior community in Mission Viejo.

The 28th annual gala, raising much-needed funding to support residents of Heritage Pointe, inasmuch as many of its residents require financial aid, attracted an overflow crowd of some 500 donors.

Chaired by Newport philanthropist Barbara Shapiro, who was joined by co-chairs Roberta Feuerstein, Ann Miller and Elana Samson, the gala honored “8 Over 80” exemplary O.C. leaders noted for their philanthropy and community outreach.

The lauded list of special honorees included Leona Aronoff-Sadacca, Dr. Doris Chasin, Rose Lacher, Dr. Joe and Barbara Lebovitz, Marlene Mitnick, Dr. Herb Modelevsky, Blossom Siegel and Polly Sloan.

Video producer Josh Friedman created a special documentary on the “8 Over 80” shown to the crowd at the gala. The touching sentimental video on the lives and the civic involvement of the honorees, all of whom are thriving into their ninth and tenth decades, garnered major applause from the emotional crowd.

Beth Slavin, director of philanthropy for Heritage Pointe commented: “This event inspires us all to do the very best we can for our community.”

Slavin was joined by Scott Siegel and his wife Leslie presenting awards to the “8 Over 80.”

The Siegels are the founders/creators of the firm California Closets, and they have been generous donors not only to Heritage Pointe, but many worthwhile endeavors in the O.C.

Guests enjoyed a four-course dinner prepared and served by Fashion Island Hotel staff in the grand ballroom. A seven-piece dance band from Bonnie Foster Productions had the crowd on their feet.

VIP guests included Mike Silverman, Heritage Pointe CEO, John Forsyte, president of Pacific Symphony, Ygal Sonenshine, Henry Walker, Martin and Tamar Brower, Tom and Bernadette Corrigan, Fred and Aviva Forster, and Dr. Arthur and Sandi Selvan.

Also in the crowd were Mike Meyer and Carolyn Klein, Gary Sloan, Bennett Sloan and Steven Sloan.

It’s all about making a difference

The 32nd annual National Philanthropy Day Orange County awards brought out the “best and the brightest” for a luncheon confab held at holiday time at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

A huge turnout of about 800 O.C. citizens came together under the banner “Celebrating Passion for a Cause.”

It was all produced under the leadership of the Assn. of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), a national organization.

The O.C. chapter is one of 250 across the U.S. comprising more than 30,000 members nationally. Co-chaired by Julia Foster and Jane Hansen, the 2017 event presented awards to numerous citizens, assisting diverse needs in the community.

Honored donors included: Suzanne and James Mellor named “Outstanding Philanthropists,” Anne Shih as “Outstanding Volunteer,” Paul Leon and Paul Cho as “Outstanding Founders,” and Grace Cross as “Outstanding Youth.”

Among the corporate award winners were The Women’s Philanthropy Fund of Orange County, United Way, Mortgage Legal Group, Antis Roofing and Water Proofing and The Capital Group Companies.

Prominent O.C. citizens attending were Keegan Bell, Elizabeth and Tom Tierney, Doug Freeman, Janet Ray, John Christensen and local media including Henry Di Carlo and Maria Hall Brown.

Net proceeds from the lunch reportedly will exceed $30,000.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.