Pacific Life’s big week for charity

It is a cocktail reception that anyone associated with Orange

County philanthropy does not want to miss.

Pacific Life of Newport Beach, the largest insurance company in

the state of California handed out $2 million this week out of a

total of more than $3 million earmarked for charitable and civic

causes in 2003. The Pacific Life Foundation, a division of the giant

insurance corporation, recognized more than 150 organizations, giving

grants of $2,500 to $200,000 to assist them in their charitable

endeavors.

“The foundation is celebrating the 19th anniversary of its

endowment, which continues to generate charitable dollars every year

to nonprofit agencies supporting worthy programs and projects helping

our communities,” offered Pacific Life media rep John Soller

assisting in the organization of the reception this week.

On hand for the celebration were Tom Sutton, Pacific Life chairman

and CEO, and Bob Haskell, Pacific Life vice president and foundation

president. The pair of executives proudly bestowed a $200,000 grant

upon the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with funds designated

for the protection and restoration of the whale populations. The

whale is the symbol of Pacific Life and dominates their advertising

and marketing campaign.

In addition, a $75,000 multi-year grant was bestowed upon Taller

San Jose, an organization that works with young persons in the Orange

County community to divert them from the gang lifestyle.

“This is an exceptionally challenging year for nonprofit agencies

trying to sustain the resources they need during the economic

downturn,” Haskell said. “The Pacific Life Foundation is committed to

doing its share to help meet community needs.”

Haskell and Sutton greeted the arriving crush at Pacific Life

headquarters in Fashion Island, welcoming representatives from Arts

Orange County, Assistance League of Newport-Mesa, Balboa Performing

Arts Foundation, Bowers Museum, Boys and Girls Club, Corona del Mar

School Foundation, Discovery Science Center, Girls Inc., Hoag

Hospital, Laguna Playhouse, Newport Mesa Schools Foundation, Orange

County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory, The Wellness

Community, United Way, YMCA and YWCA and The Volunteer Center.

‘ESPANA’

The board of directors and the committees of the Philharmonic

Society of Orange County are very busy organizing the final touches

for the upcoming Feb. 1 gala black-tie event they are calling

“Espana.”

Chaired by the glamorous Carolyn Bell, the philharmonic evening is

being presented under the patronage of the Counsul General of Spain

and Mrs. Jose Luis Dicenta Ballester.

Ball chair Bell and her husband, Tom, are being joined by a

dedicated team of supporters that includes locals John Bernatz, Al

and Pat Billoti, Pat Bone, Elaine Alexiou, Charlene Bauer, Don and

Karen Evarts of Lido Isle, Jane Grier, Bobbitt Williams, Barbara

Kilponen, Judith Jelinek, Doug Traub, Scott Merrin and Mary Kay

Vander Molen.

The evening will take place at the new Hyatt Regency Resort in

Huntington Beach, and Wayne Foster’s Orchestra is slated to

entertain.

The Philharmonic Society, a not-for-profit organization, raises

funds to support youth programs in the field of music for Orange

County students from kindergarten through high school. More than 1500

presentations are conducted by professional musicians and trained

docents at no charge to the public each year.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.