3,000 Runners Raise $220,000 in ‘Heart’ Run

American Heart Assn. will receive more than $220,000, net proceeds from Union Bank Heart of the City 5K Run. The June 18 event attracted 3,000 runners and featured a Dine ‘n’ Dash Food Festival at the Westin Bonaventure with Engine Co. No. 18, Sonora Cafe, Cardini, Kachina Grill and California Pizza Kitchen participating.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California chapter, netted $210,000 from its annual “Dinner of Champions” gala June 21 at the Beverly Hilton. Proceeds will fund research and local services for people with MS and their families. The chapter serves people in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Inyo counties. Bruce C. Corwin and Charles S. Paul were co-chairmen. John V. Bock Jr. is chapter chairman.

St. Francis Medical Center held its annual Charity Ball June 27 at the Sheraton in Long Beach. The net proceeds--$142,000--will fund counseling, treatment and prevention programs at the hospital’s Children’s Center, which serves neglected and abused children in the Southeast area. Robert A. Solis was chairman. Executive committee members were Marilyn Jorgensen, Elaine Garrett, Joan Rullo and Bruce Pansky.

American Diabetes Assn., California Affiliate Inc., netted $196,000 at its benefit preview of Terrance McNally’s “It’s Only a Play.” In addition to the play and a gala attended by 600 guests, the evening included pre-show cocktails at five Beverly Hills homes. Joyce Black and Marsha Caden co-chaired. Annette Shapiro was pre-show chairwoman. Proceeds will fund research.

Westside Food Bank’s “Spring Thanks Giving Dinner” May 31 at the Miramar Sheraton netted $24,000. The event honored Westwood Presbyterian Church and First Federal Bank chairman William S. Mortensen. Proceeds will provide food for elderly and disabled people and low-income families.

Alaska Native Health Board in Anchorage will receive $70,000 from American Foundation for AIDS Research to sponsor a Youth Leadership Symposium to train 40 Alaska youths as peer educators. A gift to AMFAR from from the American Honda Foundation made the grant possible.

Ventura County Symphony Orchestra announced gifts of $73,000, presented at the Ventura County Symphony League dinner June 17 at Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura. Of that total, $59,000 was raised at the league’s Design House fund-raiser and $14,000 was donated by the Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard/Port Huenema and Ventura chapters.