United in Charitable Efforts
Ranney Draper of Laguna Beach had an idea: organize a community program for young, at-risk school kids that would “prepare them to be prepared” to attend college.
“My notion is that education is the answer to giving people an opportunity,” Draper said during a dinner Saturday for members of United Way of Orange County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society.
“Getting ready for college starts before high school,” he added. “If kids are falling behind when they get there, they never catch up.”
Draper and his wife, Priscilla, have pledged $1 million to United Way to create Keeping Kids on Track, an after-school tutorial program that helps young Orange County students reach academic potential.
“United Way is matching our donation and the combined funds are helping to prepare about 400 kids this year to eventually be able to attend college,” said Draper, a private investor. “There are thousands of students who could use the service.”
The Drapers joined about 70 other members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society--people who donate at least $10,000 annually to United Way--for “A Napa Experience” at the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Center in Costa Mesa.
The Orange County chapter of the national society--named after the French author of “Democracy in America”--was founded in 1984 to encourage philanthropy and service to the community.
Dinner guests were serenaded by a jazz trio before they sat down to a feast of beef tenderloin--served with warm baby artichoke and potato salad--and buttermilk almond shortcake with fresh berries.
Also among those enjoying the gourmet repast chaired by Paula and Steve Myers was Walter Gerken of Newport Beach, founding chairman of the local chapter of the De Tocqueville society. “When we started, we only had about 21 members,” said Gerken, who attended with his wife, Darlene. “Now, at well over 100 members, we’ve grown into the big time.
“I’m a great believer in United Way,” he added. “Somebody has to be out there working for the health and welfare agencies of our community.
“I’ve spent a lot of my life raising money, and I don’t think people should isolate their giving to one cause--which a lot of people do,” Gerken said. “They ought to distribute it to the different areas of their lives to help make the community a better place.”
Added Darlene Gerken: “United Way gives people the opportunity to help others. Since we have six kids and 12 grandchildren, I can’t get out there and do volunteer work. With United Way, we can give money and others can provide the services.”
This last year, United Way has raised $23.8 million for local programs and agencies that serve the community in the areas of helping children and youth, promoting good health and independent living, and building strong families.
Helping Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Members of Angelitos de Oro, a support group of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County, gathered at the Four Seasons hotel in Newport Beach on Saturday to attend “A Night to Remember”--a black-tie gala featuring singer Davis Gaines.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters seeks to enrich the lives of at-risk Orange County children and youth by matching them with mentors who can help enrich their lives. Proceeds from the gala were estimated at about $70,000.
“You came to the plate and you did it!” gala chairwoman Darleen Manclark said as she congratulated her committee.
David Newbro, a board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, told guests that the organization has matched 480 children with adults.
“We are so grateful for your years of supporting Big Brothers/Big Sisters,” he said.
Opera Luncheon
Members of Opera Pacific’s Guild Alliance received good news during a luncheon Tuesday at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
“Yesterday we got approval from the city of Santa Ana to move into our new building,” said John De Main, artistic director of the opera company.
Moving from Irvine to larger quarters in Santa Ana once it closes escrow would give the company room “to train young singers, hold experimental workshops to create new works, rehearse the orchestra and actually put up scenery,” De Main said. “This is the stuff dreams are made of!”
Opera Pacific will stage Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffmann” Tuesday through April 23 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.
“The ‘Hoffmann’ we are about to do is a wonderful production that has only been seen in America in Houston,” De Main said.
Information: (949) 474-4488.