KidWorks golf tournament raises $90K

Laird Hayes, the NFL referee and a Newport Beach resident, was among several “celebrities” who helped raise $90,000 at the inaugural KidWorks Classic Golf Tournament April 29 at Aliso Viejo Country Club, according to a KidWorks press release.

In addition to Hayes, former USC quarterback Paul McDonald, former UCLA quarterbacks Matt Stevens and Wayne Cook, former USC fullback Brandon Hancock and former USC linebacker and New England Patriots linebacker Thomas Williams were on hand for the golf tournament.

The day concluded with a helicopter golf-ball drop and a reception.

KidWorks CEO Ava Steaffens introduced two KidWorks graduates, Gilda Gallardo and Jesus Mejia of Santa Ana.

They shared their personal journey and thanked donors for their support.

Gallardo will be attending Georgetown University and Mejia is studying at Santa Ana College.

The event was co-chaired by Sharon Kline and Preston Fetrow, with major support from Steve Craig, of the Craig Reality Group and Citadel Outlets.

The committee also included support from Joe McGhie, Nicole Arend, Brad Campbell, Peter Cifelli, Sheri Fetrow, Wendy Fuld, Vanessa Oddo, Beth Kiley, Jessica Liu, Traci Markel and Gary Maxwell.

— From staff reports