African school to be named for Youngs

Lagunans David and Mary Young will have a school in Africa named in their honor.

Funding for the school will be raised at the second annual Fields for Life ? Outreach to Africa event, hosted by Jordan Property Group April 27 at Montage Resort & Spa.

“Fields of Life is an Irish organization that has built 26 schools in Africa in 10 years,” company President Nick Jordan said.

The Youngs are being recognized for their decades of contributions to the arts, architecture and education in Laguna. They helped found the Laguna Beach College of Art & Design and were long-time supporters of the Festival of Arts, on which board David Young served for 50 years. The Youngs’ company built the Wells Fargo Bank, among other structures in town.

“I have admired David for years,” Jordan said. “When I first came to Laguna, I opened an office in the Village Faire and his office was next door. That’s how I got to know him.”

National television newscaster Jim Harrison will serve as master of ceremonies at the event in honor of the Youngs. Outreach to Africa founder Evelyn Komuntale also will attend.

“Last year’s event enabled us to build an entire primary school and nursery for AIDS-orphaned children in Uganda,” Komuntale said.

The event also will include a silent auction and wine tasting throughout the evening. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Irish piper Eric Rigler, whose film credits include “Titanic” and “Braveheart,” and a troop of local Irish dancers will entertain.

Jordan, who emigrated from Ireland to Laguna 20 years ago, said he first heard of Fields for Life from a former teaching colleague in his native land.

“He told me that money was being raised to build a school in Africa in memory of one of the student’s parent, who had died,” Jordan said. “I donated $100. But when I came home [to Laguna], I said to my business partner that we should sponsor a walk or something to raise money for such a good cause.”

The partners were advised by a professional fundraiser to have a really elegant affair at Montage for their clients instead of a walk. The inaugural event last year raised almost $70,000, according to Jordan.

“That built half a school,” Jordan said. “We committed this year to our own school project.”

Tickets are $150, available through Luanne Rogan at Jordan Property Group, (949) 494-9880. Check, cash or credit cards will be accepted.