Around Town: Misty Copeland to be featured guest at O.C. United Way breakfast in May

Registration is underway for in-person and virtual attendance at the annual Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast set for Thursday, May 19 at the Westin South Coast Plaza.

The breakfast, which runs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., will feature a special question-and-answer session with Misty Copeland, who was raised in San Pedro and in 2015 became the first American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.

“The Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast is something I look forward to each year. Orange County’s most prominent leaders, philanthropists and change makers gather to share their passion for empowering local families, inspire action and work to raise much needed funds for our most vulnerable families and children,” stated Susan B. Parks, president and chief executive of Orange County United Way and founder of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund.

“As these needs continue to grow, so too, does our responsibility to help them thrive,” Parks continued. “We invite community members to join us for what is sure to be an inspiring and rewarding morning.”

Interested parties can register for in-person or virtual attendance and submit a question for Copeland at WPFbreakfast.com. The in-person cost to attend is $250 per person. Virtual attendance is free. The Westin South Coast Plaza is located at 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa.

To learn more about the Women’s Philanthropy Fund and Orange County United Way, visit UnitedWayOC.org or contact Jessica Vanderwell at JessicaV@UnitedWayOC.org.

Orangewood Challenge coming to Newport Dunes

The Orangewood Foundation, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit that is one of the leading providers of foster youth services in Orange County, is hosting its Orangewood Challenge at the Newport Dunes on Saturday, March 26 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual event, which features teams of four navigating an intricate obstacle course, raises funds for Orangewood Foundation’s educational service programs, including the Samueli Academy Charter School.
The race is a challenge designed for competitive adults of all ages. Each challenger is required to donate $2,000 as an entry fee to cover race costs, and participants also set a goal to raise $8,000 from family, friends and colleagues.

Spectator tickets are also available online for $25 per person.

For more information, email info@orangewoodfoundation.org.

Huntington Beach Art Center taking submissions for the Judith Hendler Design Awards

The Huntington Beach Art Center is now accepting submissions for the Judith Hendler Design Awards, with the topic of “If the Shoe Fits.”

Fashion jewelry designer Hendler is inviting enrolled Southern California community college students and current HBAC members to submit media creations using the concept of footwear, no matter how it is distorted or reimagined. Inspiration may also be taken from the common references to shoes in everyday language.

Award winners will make the shoe motif or design central to the artwork in an unusual and interesting way.

Two $500 cash prize awards and honorable mentions will be presented at the exhibition opening at Huntington Beach Art Center on May 7.

Submissions are being accepted online through April 1, with a limit of one submission per artist.

Min, Carr to address Laguna Beach Democratic Club March 9

State Sen. Dave Min and Kim Carr, candidate for the state Senate in District 36, will be featured when the Laguna Beach Democratic Club hosts its first in-person club meeting in two years at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, at the Suzi Q, 380 Third St.

Carr, a member of Huntington Beach City Council since 2018 who served as mayor last year, will attend the club’s meeting in person while Min will join it via Zoom.

For more information about the Laguna Beach Democratic Club, visit thelbdems.com.

Ikebana show at Sherman Gardens this weekend

The Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar will be hosting an ikebana show this weekend from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ikebana is the Japanese art of floral arrangement, focusing on balance, harmony and form.

“Joyful Flowers: Ikebana Show,” is open to the public and free with garden admission. A demonstration and talk will be held at 11:30 a.m. both days.

Sherman Library and Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Highway. For more information, visit thesherman.org/event/joyful-flowers-ikebana-show.

Beyond Blindness raises more than $240,000 at recent gala

Beyond Blindness, a nonprofit organization serving children with visual impairments, hosted its 60th Anniversary Gala Feb. 26, raising more than $240,000 for children with visual impairments and their families.

More than 250 guests turned out for the event, held at Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin. Paralympic gold medalist and world champion, Becca Meyers, who is deaf and blind, was a featured guest.

“This year’s gala brilliantly celebrated the past, present and future of Beyond Blindness,” stated Angie Rowe, president and executive director of Beyond Blindness. “We are exceptionally grateful for our supportive sponsors, donors, and volunteers whose unwavering compassion and kindness was truly showcased at the event. Beyond Blindness is honored to celebrate 60 years of creating a world where all children, no matter their abilities, are equipped to live their full and rewarding lives.”

Dr. Ashish Mehta, chief of Ophthalmology at Southern California Permanente and Dr. Catherine Heyman, assistant dean at Marshall B. Ketchum University were awarded the Dr. Wilhelm de Nijs Vision Award, named for the organization’s founder and first executive director. The award honors outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to changing the lives of those living with visual impairments.

Girls Inc. of O.C. recipient of Boeing grant

Girls Inc. of Orange County, the Santa Ana-based affiliate of the national nonprofit, announced it has received a $50,000 grant from the Boeing Co. to fund a yearlong specialized instruction.

The grant will help Girls Inc. continue the SMART (science, math, and relevant technology) Girls program, an initiative that aims to increase as many as 300 middle-school girls’ interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), prepare them to graduate on time, and consider STEM careers.

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