SoCal Wildflower Fest and Hike-A-Thon

OC Parks is sponsoring a SoCal Wildflower Fest and Hike-A-Thon (presented by OC Hiking Club) this Saturday, April 30 from 9 am – 2 pm at Irvine Regional and Santiago Oaks Parks. The celebration will feature wildflower exploration, various levels of hiking, an Expo Fest, outdoor skills clinics, live music, and activities designed to raise money for OC Hiking Club and connect people to the wonders of nature.

Multiple nature hikes will be offered at the event for hikers of all skill levels and ages. The Vista Hike at 9 am is an 8-mile advanced level hike with a 1,000-foot elevation gain. The Exploration Hike at 9:15 am is an intermediate 4-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain. The Wildflower Hike at 9:30 a.m. is a moderate level 3-mile route with no elevation gain.

Various skill clinics will be available at the Fest after the hikes including introductions to Southern California Wildflowers, ultra light backpacking 101, how to get your kids on the trail, lessons in high altitude backpacking, tips for out of town day hikes, cooking on the trail, returning to the trail after an injury, water purification on the trail for backpackers, orienteering map and compass education and much more. Bring your dog and learn tips for keeping your pooch safe on the trails. Photographers will have a unique opportunity to capture the blooming wildflower season and awards will be presented for the Third Annual Wildflower Photo Contest. Take a relaxing break and enjoy a yoga class or invigorating massage in the great outdoors. A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase.

Registration begins at 8 am at Irvine Regional Park. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 18. Registration includes a t-shirt, all activities, parking, and goodies. Each hike acts as a fundraiser for OC Hiking Club, a non-profit organization, and donating $1 commits you to raise $100 to the cause. Prizes will be awarded to the top hike fundraisers and announced along with the winner of the OC Register/OC Hiking Club Wildflower Photo Contest at 1 p.m. at the event.

Location: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Contact and Registration: http://socalwildflowerfest.org

Happy hiking!

-Blythe
listening to: NPR's first listen of Fleet Foxes' "Helplessness Blues"

Be a "Fearless Woman" ACTivist

Here is your chance to be a “Fearless Woman” ACTivist. This Mother’s Day, ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today) will be hosting its annual “Fearless Women, Mother’s & Daughters Moving Mountains” fundraising luncheon on Monday, May 2nd at 10:30am.

Located at the luxurious Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, Calif., the Mother’s Day event brings together the philanthropic community of Orange County with the goal of celebrating mothers and daughters while supporting children with autism.

This year’s keynote speaker is 21-year-old Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Maria Shriver and actor/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her new book titled, Rock What You’ve Got, Secrets to Loving your Inner and Outer Beauty from Someone Who Has Been There and Back describes the difficulties women have in developing a healthy body image and the importance of accepting oneself for our unique gifts.
"I want women to read this book and feel that it's ok to be themselves and to understand that every woman can be beautiful no matter what size and shape she is,” said Schwarzenegger. “You don't have to look like you're on a billboard to feel beautiful.”

The luncheon will open with a silent auction from 10:30am to noon, which will include a variety of health & beauty packages, trips, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Special guests will include actress/singer/author Gloria Loring, the Restless actress Kate Linder, Lisa Foxx (DJ from 104.3 MYfm radio), renowned Los Angeles photographer Mary Ann Halpin,  and special musical performance by country singer/songwriter, Stephanie Quayle. Additional guests include autism ACTivists: Doreen Granpeesheh (Founder of ACT-Today and CARD CEO) and Lisa Ackerman (Founder of Talk About Curing Autism – TACA).

During the event, ACT Today! will be honoring OC-resident Becky Estepp, a fearless mother and autism advocate. "It is important that women take time out of their busy lives to be refreshed and inspired,” said Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, ACT Today!’s executive director. “This luncheon provides the opportunity for women to celebrate their fearlessness as mothers and daughters while raising funds for families struggling to access and afford services for their children with autism."

Tickets are $150 for adults and $100 for guests 18 and under. For sponsorship opportunities and/or to register for the event, please contact Laura Marroquin at laura@act-today.org. For more information about ACT Today!, visit www.act-today.org

-Blythe
on my iTunes: Regina Spektor's "Us"

Paper Crane Folding Event to Support Japan

To help raise hope and spread awareness for the victims of the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County are hosting an origami paper folding event on Tuesday, April 19 from 5 – 9 p.m. in the lobby of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The community is invited to learn to fold and make paper cranes, with the ambitious goal of creating 1,000 cranes. In Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of hope, luck and prosperity and folklore says the act of folding 1,000 cranes grants a wish. The completed cranes, with our wish of health and recovery for the Japanese people, will be sent to cultural arts organizations in the affected areas of Japan.

The paper folding event coincides with a concert by the internationally acclaimed Tokyo String Quartet in Samueli Theater. Members of the Tokyo String Quartet and Japanese Consul General Junichi Ihara are expected to be on hand to participate in making cranes. The ensemble is performing as part of the Philharmonic Society’s JapanOC, a festival being held in partnership with Carnegie Hall to explore the fascinating diversity of Japanese and Japanese-American arts and culture. While by no means necessary, donations for Japanese relief efforts will also be accepted at the concert.

The public is invited, and origami paper will be provided.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x"

Japan Benefit at Kona Gallery in SC

It's been a month since the devastating 9.0 earthquake and deadly tsunami hit Japan. The fallout is still being felt worldwide. International Medical Corps, ZUMA Press, DOUBLEtruck Magazine, plus over two dozen merchants in San Clemente area have teamed up with the KONA Gallery and Photojournalism Workshop Center to throw a benefit for the victims. The benefit will auction and raffle off over $100,000 worth of goods and services.

This Saturday, April 16th, Kona Gallery in San Clemente is hosting a silent auction and raffle to raise money for the victims of the Sendai area earthquake and tsunami. The event will be from 6p.m. until 9p.m. All are welcome to participate in this cause and to be apart of a silent auction/raffle and general event to remember and benefit the victims.

Scott Mc Kiernan, owner of The KONA Gallery and Photojournalism Center, has generously donated all of the Limited Edition DOUBLEtruck Magazine prints in the current exhibition of 29 Seeing Double Exhibition, the 20x30 prints are framed in museum frames, valued at $1,500 each, to be auctioned off, totaling over $43,000.

Some awesome San Clemente companies have contributed to the silent auction: Del Mar Beauty Supply/Salon Bamboo, Chin’s Acupuncture, 5 Elements Spa, Sonny’s Pizza, The Cellar, Peligroso, Pizza Port, Bliss Boutique, San Clemente Wine Co, Beachfire, Skullcandy, Rainbow, Casa Tropicana, Nick’s, Hobie, Asana Fit, First Team Real Estate, Runmore, OltreMare, OC Tykes, Beach City Florist and St. Roy at Vine.

100% of the proceeds will go to Japan, through International Medical Corps and ZUMA Press's Tokyo Bureau.

For more information about the silent auction and The KONA Gallery, contact Rebekah Colby at (949) 481-3747 or email Rebekah@TheKONAGallery.com.

-Blythe

on my grooveshark: The Shivers' "Beauty"

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH PARTNERS WITH SHARE OUR STRENGTH TO HOST TASTE OF THE NATION®

[ The 2009 Event.]

Executive Chef Craig Strong Joins Forces with Other Area Celebrity Chefs in Effort to End Childhood Hunger

On May 22^nd, 2011, Montage Laguna Beach will host Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation^®, one of America’s leading culinary benefits, in hopes of eliminating childhood hunger across the nation.

Seven celebrity chefs will share their passion and skills in preparing fresh farm-to-table delicacies to further Share Our Strength’s dream of ending childhood hunger by 2015. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of delectable dishes, wine, signature cocktails, live music, and the picturesque panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at Montage Laguna Beach. “In our ongoing commitment to the culinary focus at Montage Laguna Beach, we will be pairing each chef with local farms and wineries that will allow our guests to experience hyper-local food and wine for the ultimate farm-to-table experience,” said Todd Orlich, General Manager of Montage Laguna Beach.

Executive Chef Craig Strong of Studio, Montage Laguna Beach’s Signature Restaurant, will be joined by:

• Chef Scott Conant –Scarpetta Beverly Hills & Food Network judge and host
• Chef Richard Ruskell – Executive Pastry Chef at Montage Beverly Hills, Food Network “Challenge” winner and star of upcoming Food Network “Last Cake Standing”
• Chef Mark Peel – Campanile, Los Angeles & Food Network “Top Chef Masters”
• Chef Joachim Splichal – Patina, Los Angeles
• Chef Alex Stratta – Alex, Las Vegas
• Chef Alan Wong – Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu 

“Montage is proud to support such a wonderful cause and be a part of an amazing organization,” said Todd Orlich. “We are committed to Share Our Strength and that is why we have asked some of our closest friends in the industry to come together to help raise awareness for childhood hunger.”

As contributors to the charity’s cause, guests can choose between two of the following event packages:

• Celebrity Chef Tasting 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $150 per person or at the door for $175 per person.

• VIP “Meet the Chefs” Reception 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Complete the night with VIP treatment and a sunset toast. Enjoy the Celebrity Chef Tasting followed by an after party to mingle with the chefs. Valet parking and post-event gifts are included. Tickets purchased in advance are $250 per person and $275 at the door.

The revenue from each ticket purchased for Taste of the Nation^® goes to Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” campaign that advocates ending childhood hunger in America by increasing access to nutrition programs and investing in effective community organizations to fight hunger.

For more details regarding Taste of the Nation at Montage Laguna Beach and to purchase tickets, visit www.tasteofthenation.org or call (877) 26TASTE (82783).

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry(tm) campaign-a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015-Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs, invests in community organizations fighting hunger, teaches families how to cook healthy meals on a budget, and builds public-private partnerships to end hunger, both nationally and at the state level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved in the No Kid Hungry campaign.

About Montage Laguna Beach

Montage, set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific in the heart of the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, offers 30 acres of oceanfront luxury.  The 250-room craftsman-style resort features beachfront accommodations; a 20,000-square-foot spa; destination dining at Studio; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including three pools, beach and water sports; a fine art collection; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. For information and reservations, please contact Montage, toll-free, at 1-888-715-6700; or visit the Web site at www.montagelagunabeach.com.

Chef Fabio Helps Olive Crest Raise Money for OC Children!

[Left to Right:  Casey Reinhardt of Casey’s Cupcakes, Darrel Anderson, Olive Crest Chairman of the Board and President, Retired, Knott Anderson Enterprises, Marsha Anderson, Darrel’s wife and Orange County philanthropist, and Chef Fabio Viviani]

OCG: You recently participated in a fundraiser here in Orange County with Olive Crest called “Harvesting Hope.” Did you have a good time?
CF: I did! I had a great time!  Raising money for a good cause and sharing my recipes is what I love to do.

OCG: What was your favorite part of the night?
CF: The auction was a lot of fun and I look forward to cooking for several of the generous donors to Olive Crest.  Casey’s Cupcakes were delicious too!

OCG: Why was this cause close to your heart?
CF:I love kids and any time I have the chance to give a child a better life, I will do anything to help. 

OCG: How did you like Orange County/Newport Beach?
CF:It’s beautiful! How can you go wrong with the ocean at your doorstep? I live in LA and it’s much more peaceful down here.

OCG: Apparently your cooking demonstration of the Mediterranean Style Pan Roasted Chicken was very entertaining and quite the crowd pleaser. Where does your sense of humor come from? 
CF: My grandma taught me to have fun in the kitchen and that is what I try to do.  To me, cooking is spending time with family and friends and enjoying the company, wherever you are.  

OCG: What’s your favorite dish to prepare?
CF:I love risotto.  It’s easy and delicious and you can make it a thousand ways.  I dream of new ways to make risotto. 

OCG: What’s next for you? Any events or projects in the works?
CF:This May, I’m coming out with an iPad application with Bertolli Olive Oil.  Download it and you’ll get 16 of my exclusive step-by-step videos of some of my all-time favorite recipes.  It’s going to be a lot of fun.

OCG: To help raise money, you auctioned off a four-course meal prepared by you for the winner at their house. Are you excited for that very private cooking gig? Have you already thought of the menu you’ll prepare?
CF: Definitely. It will probably be something light and delicious for the spring using fresh herbs and vegetables. I love grilling vegetables and even fruit.  

OCG: If you had to give our readers the number one secret to being a great chef, what would it be?

CF: I can’t tell you my secrets!

Olive Crest's Annual Harvesting Hope Event

I had the opportunity to attend Olive Crest's annual gala on March 19th- the Harvesting Hope for Kids event at Newport's Big Canyon Country Club. I went last year just before we printed a spotlight on Olive Crest. The Olive Crest Foundation has transformed the lives of over 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families in Orange County. Olive Crest is truly one of the most inspiring nonprofits in OC. 


At this year's Harvesting Hope For Kids event (which is an annual gala and fundraiser), we had the pleasure of watching Chef Fabio of Top Chef give a cooking demonstration. I got the chance to meet Chef Fabio personally (and have him sign a copy of his cookbook for me!), and he is so nice (and hilarious) in person. 

He was a great addition to the night's events, which also included a silent auction, a live auction, an opportunity drawing, more food and wine than you could imagine, and a cupcake bar!

Casey's Cupcakes provided the goods- from cupcakes to cake pops- that got us all salivating. Casey's Cupcakes just opened a location in Laguna Beach, by the way! Here I am with my friend Samira, enjoying a cupcake (or two) from Casey's Cupcakes:

Check out Olive Crest on their website (one simple way to help is by registering your Ralph's card- it's free!)
and read our article on Olive Crest here.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Bon Iver's "Brackett, WI"

Boot Camp for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

Need a little extra motivation to get fit? Maybe just a fun way to burn off those Girl Scout cookies of late (darn you, Thin Mints!)? Good news!! This Saturday, March 19th, Total Training by Tammy will be hosting a Boot Camp for Charity event with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF).

There will be a 60 Minute Boot Camp Class with a $15 minimum donation benefiting PCRF, followed by snacks and beverages at Road Runner Sports, a prize raffle for all participants (iPod, free shoes, and more), and 10% of Total Training by Tammy sales at event will be donated to PCRF. Also, all participants will get a $10 OFF Coupon to Road Runner Sports, an extra 10% Off Tammy’s Boot Camp on day of event, and up to a 20% discount for Road Runner Sports VIP members, a FREE 1 on 1 Shoe Dog foot analysis.

Now that's a good reason to get your rear in gear!

This great event will be held at 9am at Lions Park in Costa Mesa (570 West 18th St., Costa Mesa 92627)

For more info:
Total Training by Tammy
H: 949-340-6330
C: 949-244-0622
www.totaltrainingbytammy.com

-Blythe
on my iTunes: St. Vincent's "Paris is Burning"

iSanctuary Shop open this Saturday

This saturday, check out iSanctuary's shop in Irvine. You can also shop online (but then you don't get the free gift!).


International Sanctuary offers the world an opportunity to purchase with purpose- to buy unique, progressively-styled handcrafted products, and in so doing, help trafficked survivors earn an income with which they can sustain themselves. By creating and selling handmade items, survivors are able to earn a life-giving income. Furthermore, when survivors are equipped with the skills to make various products, they often develop a deep sense of pride in their creations and a satisfaction in knowing that the works of their hands are valued and admired. Every creation that iSanctuary sells, has significance and meaning, while it also affirms a survivors self-confidence.

The iSanctuary showroom is located at:
17777 Main St. C-2
Irvine, CA 92614

Call 949.752.7788 for more information.

-Blythe
on my iTunes: Beirut's "Mimizan"

Little Red Dress Cocktail Party

The only thing better than a great night out with girlfriends or your main squeeze is a great night out in honor of an incredible cause. Tomorrow, February 4th, The St. Regis Monarch Beach is celebrating with a Little Red Dress Cocktail Party at Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern featuring a selection of delicious and heart-healthy menu items and the newly unveiled, exclusive Rose Petal Martini. A portion of proceeds from the signature Go Red For Women items will benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). And the best part is that all attendees who wear any piece of red clothing in honor of National Wear Red Day will receive a complimentary Rose Petal Martini!

Guests and locals are invited to continue the celebration in the Lobby Lounge and to make a night of it with A Time for Pleasure, offering 20% off stays. Rate code: PLEASURE.

When:             Friday, February 4, 2011

                        6 – 10pm

                       

Where:            STONEHILL TAVERN

                        The St. Regis Monarch Beach

                        One Monarch Beach Resort

                        Dana Point, CA  92629

Admission to the Little Red Dress Cocktail Party is complimentary.  For dinner or resort reservations, please call 1.800.722.1543 or visit www.stregismb.com.

For more information about the Little Red Dress Cocktail Party, Jenn Myres, Amie Rubenstein or Courtney Geesey at Glodow Nead Communications, 415.394.6500 or jenn@glodownead.com

-Blythe

on my blip: Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins' "Happy"

13th Annual Fight Night at Marconi Museum

Al Unser, Sr. Named First Celebrity Guest at 13th Annual FIGHT NIGHT Fundraiser at Marconi Automotive Museum

Friday, March 4, 2011

(ORANGE COUNTY, CA – January 2011) – For the 13th consecutive year, the Marconi Automotive Museum will serve as the venue for an action-packed evening of world-class boxing and men’s and women’s world-title kickboxing as it hosts Fight Night XIII on Friday, March 4, 2011 (Marconi Automotive Museum is at 1302 Industrial Drive in Tustin).  This year’s fundraising event, which his sanctioned by the California Athletic Commission, will feature celebrity guests, including four-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser, Sr. and actor Tommy “Tiny” Lister (The Dark Knight, Jackie Brown, The Fifth Element). During the evening of professional boxing, guests will be able to enjoy Mardi Gras-themed festivities, including a sit-down dinner and French Quarter sipping bar. All proceeds will benefit the Marconi Foundation for Kids and the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

In addition to a live auction, the event will feature a never-before-used silent auction system with a wirelessly automated bidding process. Doors open 5:30 p.m. with dinner and boxing at 7 p.m. General seating is $600 per guest, with additional sponsorship packages listed below. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible and tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the Marconi Foundation for Kids at 714.258.3001 or visiting http://www.MarconiMuseum.org <http://www.MarconiMuseum.org/> .

“Fight Night has come to be known as more than a premiere sporting event, it is a fundraising initiative that has benefited so many valuable causes for more than a decade with the help of many sports figures and celebrities, including William Shatner, Sugar Ray Leonard and Arnold Schwarzenegger – and this year, automobile racing legend Al Unser, Sr.,” commented Priscilla “Bo” Marconi, who, with her husband, entrepreneur Dick Marconi, has been producing Fight Night for 13 years, and raises $1 million annually for at-risk children through the Marconi Foundation for Kids.  “This year, Dick and I, along with the other members of our Board of Directors, anticipate a tremendous event – our most successful to date.”

Limited media will be allowed into the event and all photographers or camera crews interested in attending must contact Mona Shah at Moxxe PR at mona@moxxepr.com <mailto:mona@moxxepr.com>  no later than Thursday, February 24, 2011 to obtain credentials.

The Marconi Foundation for Kids Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated members of the community, including Founder Dick Marconi, Priscilla “Bo” Marconi, Mark Bogh, Lulu Halfacre, Navin Narang, Torin Pavia, George Peterson, Ivo Tjan and Stuart Wallach.

Event Sponsorship
Platinum Sponsorship is $25,000, which includes prime platform seating for 12 guests, ringside banner, photo opportunity with celebrity guests and athletes, bottle of champagne and championship belt presentation. Gold Sponsorship is $15,000, which includes prime platform seating for 10 guests, ringside banner, photo opportunity with celebrity guests and athletes, and bottle of champagne. Silver Sponsor is $6,000, which includes prime platform seating for 12 guests, ringside banner.

About the Starkey Hearing Foundation
In 1984, the Starkey Hearing Foundation started with a simple premise: "Alone we can't do much. But, together we can change the world." With “So the World May Hear” as his goal, Starkey Hearing Foundation founder William F. Austin built an organization upon this vision Today the Foundation is sustained by the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors around the world. The Foundation delivers more than 50,000 hearing aids annually through more than 100 hearing missions a year in countries stretching from the U.S. to Vietnam. In addition to giving the gift of hearing, it promotes hearing health awareness while supporting research and education. For more information, visit http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/.

About The Marconi Foundation For Kids
The Marconi Foundation for Kids was started by Marconi Automotive Museum Founder Dick Marconi in 1994.  Marconi's philosophy, passed down from his father is simple yet defining: Learn, Earn and Return.  LEARN through a higher education, EARN through hard work and perseverance, RETURN to others in need. The Marconi Foundation for Kids is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization committed to giving a large percentage of the net proceeds, generated from special events and individual/group tours to local children's charities. Through the many corporate and individual client partnerships, the Marconi Foundation for Kids will continue to strive toward the goal of raising $1,000,000 a year for at-risk youth.  For more information on the Marconi Foundation for Kids, call 714.258.3001 or visit http://www.MarconiMuseum.org <http://www.MarconiMuseum.org/> . 

iSanctuary Training Meeting

Interested in social justice? Stopping human trafficking on both a local and global level? International Sanctuary is an Irvine-based nonprofit organization that goes to great lengths in the fight against human trafficking. For one, their online boutique offers an array of fabulous jewelry made by women rescued from the sex trade. Purchasing a product from iSanctuary provides a foundation for survivors futures; proceeds offer rescued girls vocational training, education, and monetary savings upon their transition from the aftercare home.

If you're interested in these issues, in learning more about iSanctuary, or in offering your time to volunteer, attend the free Interest & Advocacy Training Meeting tonight in Irvine.

Tuesday, 1/18, from 6:30-8pm at

17777 Main St. C-2
Irvine, CA 92416

For more info, call (949) 752-7788

By attending, you are not automatically offering your time in the future; however, if you are interested in volunteering, attending a training meeting is mandatory.

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Beirut's "Nantes"

Gifts That Keep Giving

What do you do when you want to help those less fortunate than you, but you don't have the spare time to volunteer or the extra cash to donate? At Christmas time, the need for help is as present as ever, but time is scarce and, after we check off all the names on our gift lists, so is money. Have you thought about buying gifts with purpose? These are gifts that are not only great gifts, but they help others.

This month's issue of The OC Gazette includes a gift guide filled with gifts that keep on giving. We found a host of local nonprofits who offer some really cool products- from t-shirts to beanies to bracelets- and listed a handful of them in this guide. When you buy from these organizations, all (or a large portion of) the proceeds go to help others.

One such organization that we included is International Sanctuary, an Irvine based nonprofit that offers beautiful and unique jewelry made by young women in India who were rescued from sex trafficking The girls are paid 100% above fair trade wage.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the jewelry iSanctuary offers:

Beautiful, no? All these items are $20 or less. !!

You can browse these items and more by visiting International Sanctuary's online shop or by visiting their store in Irvine at:

17777 Main St. C-2
Irvine, CA 92614


(Store open Thursdays 10am-8pm & Saturdays 11am-2pm
December 12/2, 12/4, 12/9, 12/11,12/16, Last Shopping Day 12/18)

For more info, call 949.752.7788 or email info@isanctuary.org

Be sure to check out the December issue and the full gift guide on page 18, which includes gifts from other great local organizations like Krochet Kids, Kauzbots, 31 Bits, OneHope Wine, and more!

Happy shopping!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Radiohead's "Nice Dream"

StandUp on the Vine was a hit!

 You might remember our post about the StandUp on the Vine event that was to be held at Bacchus Secret Cellar a couple weeks ago- well, the night came and was a smash hit! Cal State Fullerton students held a wine tasting night to raise money and awareness for the nonprofit organization StandUp For Kids; StandUp on the Vine brought in over $2,600 and more than 50 attendees! So far, StandUp For Kids has raised $36,00 of the $380,000 needed to build the center. Once built, the center will provide youth with supplies, counseling services, a drop-in center, transitional housing, and a central meeting location for StandUp For Kids.

All proceeds from the night will go toward building a transitional living center for the homeless youth of Orange County. Bacchus owners Jeff and Valerie Roos generously donated an additional 50% of ticket sales to StandUp For Kids. 

The night included a performance by the Ryan Rost Quartet, with pianist Kei Akagi (who has worked with the likes of Miles Davis)! The band donated their time and talent for the night's festivities:

A number of great items were raffled off, including spa packages, Duck tickets, restaurant gift certificates, and jewelry.

Some happy attendees:

The place was a-bustlin':

 Another group of attendees happily tasting away:

The menu included four choices of red and white wines, two beer choices, and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Appetizers and desserts were also served.

At 7:13, a candlelight vigil was held to honor the 13 children who die daily on the streets.


StandUp For Kids was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless and at-risk youth by providing them with access to health services, life skills training, and basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. To find out more or to make a donation, visit www.standupforkids.org

Bacchus Secret Cellar is always hosting cool events and even has a nightly happy hour! Be sure to check out their website so you'll be in the loop for the next great event!

-Blythe

on my iTunes: Aimee Mann's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

TACA's Ante Up For Autism Event

Autism is a National Emergency: 

Did you know that 1 in every 91 children is diagnosed with autism?
More than 2 million are living with autism in the United States.
Every 21 minutes a parent is being told their child has autism.

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to speed up the time from diagnosis to treatment for families who have just received an autism diagnosis. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families with the professionals who can help them, leading to a better quality of life for people affected by autism. 

I mentioned last week (here) that Amy and I would be attending Ante Up For Autism, a poker night fundraiser held by TACA at St. Regis Resort. Well, it was awesome! I took plenty of pictures to show you guys, so I'll let those do the talking:

 [Olympic Gold Medal Hurdle Winner Felix Sanchez & Red Carpet MC Renee Herlocker]

[Actor Jacob Vargas]

[Actor/Producer/Writer Sevier Crespo]

[Actress/Singer Kate Voegele] 

[Kate Voegele chatting with Amy]

"It's really inspiring to me to see an organization like TACA being determined to diagnose [autism] early, and really investigate what is making it such an increasing issue among children. It was amazing to me to read that something like one in 90 children are diagnosed with autism. So, it's pretty awesome to be here and be a part of it." -Kate Voegele, to Amy 

[Actor Johnathon Schaech]

[Amy gets a word in with Johnathon Schaech...we're hoping he liked our That Thing You Do allusions]

"I've been coming [to this event] for about four years now...being a creative artist, I'm artistic and I relate to the autistic. They need forms of expression; they need to be understood. They are misunderstood, and places like TACA provides parents with places to take their children to find hope to get through troubled times that they're going to face with an autistic child.
It's a silent epidemic. People are scared to admit that it's actually happening. TACA offers a responsible hope; they don't feed you falseness. They make sure you understand that it's a journey...Curing is one thing, but also just helping a child get through his day is another." -Johnathon Schaech, to Amy

[Event host- and retired NFL QB- Jim Everett]

[Amy makes friends with event host Jim Everett, his wife Rachel, and their two daughters. Turns out the Everetts live in OC!]

"We understand the mountains that each family has to climb with children, let alone family with autism. So, we believe that if we can help build awareness about where they can find help and assistance so we can make a difference. If we can make a difference in one child's life, great; but hopefully we can make a difference in 20,000 or more." -Jim Everett, to Amy

"I have a friend named Dylan, and he has autism. We were friends since we were very little, and he;s about my age- two months apart. I think TACA's really going to help him." -Alexandra Everett, Jim Everett's daughter

[Retired NFL player Mike Lansford, also an OC native]

[Mike Lansford takes a minute to chat with Amy]

"I don't have a personal connection [with autism]; I played with Jim Everett, so I had no choice. [laughs] He did not drag me here...to show up to this event, and to raise awareness for autism and for TACA is our pleasure." -Mike Lansford, to Amy

[BMX Rider Stephen Murray]

[Stephen Murray tells Amy about his interest in TACA]

"I know they'll find a cure for autism. The stuff these parents go through for their kids is amazing." -Stephen Murray, to Amy

[Amy gets some face time with world champion cyclist Brian Lopes, who happens to be an OC native!]

“I’m good friends with Pat and Stephanie and they’re heavily involved with TACA. Their kid has autism. So, basically from the first year that this event was put on, I came here to support them and to support TACA and help raise money. 
I never win. Not at poker. That’s not my game. I don’t really like gambling that much, but I like to do it here because it’s for a good cause.”  -Brian Lopes, to Amy

As you can see, the place was brimming with all kinds of talent- athletic, musical, and otherwise- and we got to chat with a great selection of these bigwigs! We had a blast! After the red carpet entry, we ventured to the courtyard for the cocktail hour and silent auction. There was some great loot up for auction.

[Two of the Thomas Kincade paintings up for auction. The proceeds from the silent auction went to TACA]

[Beautiful St. Regis! Amy made me take this]

Here's a shot looking back down at the courtyard auction. It's not the clearest shot, but it gives you an idea of the turnout- it was a hit!

To learn more,  visit TACA's website. You can join for free, find support and mentoring, find out about some cool upcoming events, and more- you can even shop for a cause on TACA's site!


-Blythe

on my iTunes: Sea Wolf's "You're a Wolf"

This Weekend in OC: 11/11-14

 

It's Wednesday, and you know what that means! Well....you may not know what it means, unless you've made a clever assumption based on the snazzy header of this post and noticed my one-week-streak of posting upcoming weekend events for you guys on Wednesdays. And that's exactly what today's post is concerning: giving you the scoop, the fill-in, the buzz, the 4-1-1, the happs - and so on- regarding some fun things for you to do in Orange County this weekend!

Ready? Pen and paper in hand? Good. Here goes: 

Tomorrow, Thursday, 11/11:

Hullabaloo Children's Concert! Take your tots to Grand Park in Aliso Viejo. Kids and parents will be clapping, stomping,  singing, and more at this FREE outdoor concert from 11-11:45am. Arrive early to meet other moms for morning cardio: Push your kids in their stroller and join Stroller Strides for one FREE hour of cardio from 9:30-10:30!

Night of Indulgence! From 6-9pm, visit Salon Sauvage for a special night of pampering! Complimentary services, including mini spa services and hair services, complimentary wine and cheese, complimentary skin care and hair care products from Prive, Epicuren, SudzzFx, Phytomer, and White Sands, a Gift Basket Raffle, and $30 Sauvage Bucks (good for future a Salon Sauvage visit) when you bring a friend! Call for details- Appointments are required: (949) 661-2055

Feathery Friends Toddler Program - Kiddos ages 3-4 can come learn about birds- even those that can't fly! Class is from 10-11am at the OC Zoo in Orange (1 Irvine Park Rd.) and includes hands-on learning and fun crafts. $5/child and $3 to park. Phone registration required: (714)973-6846


Friday, 11/12:

Charlotte's Web: The Musical - The refreshed take on E.B. White's classic story hits Laguna Playhouse's Moulton Theater Stage this weekend and runs through 12/21. Tickets are $18-20/person. Call (949)497-2787 for more info.

Discovery Hike: From 9am-12pm, explore beautiful Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as you discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate but steep, uneven, and rocky 5 mile hike. $2/person and $3 to park.  Meet at Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7. Reservations required: (949)923-2235.

Night Hike: From 5:30-7pm, come to the first of a series of three night hikes with the Irvine Park Rangers. A visit to the nature center for hot chocolate and cookies begins the night at 5:30, followed by a live animal demonstration, and finally, an easy 30 minute star lit hike. FREE with FREE parking in lot #19. Meet at the Nature Center with a warm jacket, a flashlight, and good walking shoes. Call (714)973-6833 for more info.

Saturday, 11/13:

Come hang out with me and Amy!

Gamble the night away with celebrities and sports stars at TACA's 4th Annual Ante Up for Autism Event!

One in every 91 children has autism. Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides support and education to over 18,500 families across the US who are touched by autism. On Saturday night, come try your luck for a good cause- and join celebrities, athletes, and professional poker players who plan to do the same. Clifton Collins Jr. of NBC's The Event, That Thing You Do actor Johnathon Schaech, One Tree Hill actress and singer Kate Voegele, actor Jonathon Silverman, actress Jennifer Finnigan, Deal or No Deal model Leyla Milani, musician and author Michael Ward, actor Jacob Vargas, retired Anaheim Ducks player Scott Niedermayer, former NFL quarterback Jim Everett, world champion cyclist (and OC native) Brian Lopes, Olympic track and field athlete Lolo Jones, Olympic gold medal hurdle winner Felix Sanchez, retired pro baseball player Jim Gott, Motocross racer Ernesto Fonseca, and many more. 

Event includes cocktails on the resort line, tournament poker, a live and silent auction, and tips from poker stars! 

Tickets are available at www.anteupforautism.org or email Violette Prentice at (949)640-4401. The event will be held at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, red carpet entry beginning at 5:30pm and general admission beginning at 7pm. 

Native Plant Hike: From 8-11am, enjoyed unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of OC on a strenuous, 3.5 mile hike. $2/person and $3 to park. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR 133, just North of the 73 Toll Road). Call for more info or directions: (949)923-2235

Sunday, 11/14: 

StandUp on the Vine Event at Bacchus Secret Cellar: You should remember reading about this one a couple days ago on the blog (scroll down or click here). This Sunday, Bacchus Secret Cellar in Irvine is hosting StandUp On The Vine, a wine tasting charity event benefiting StandUp For Kids. StandUp For Kids is a nonprofit organization that helps homeless youth in OC. The event goes from 5-8 pm. Tickets are $35 per person, and include wine tasting, appetizers, desserts, and entertainment. All profits  will go to StandUp For Kids, and all you have to do is SitDown and Sip! For more info, call: (949) 502-4600.

Family Survival: Camp Cooking - Hands-on survival and disaster preparedness at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. 1-5pm. RSVP required by calling (949)645-8489.

Geology Hike: From 8-11am, enjoyed unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of OC on a strenuous, 3.5 mile hike. $2/person and $3 to park. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just South of El Toro Rd. intersection). Call for more info or directions: (949)923-2235

Many of these events (and plenty others) are listed on the calendar page of The OC Gazette! Nab a copy to keep on top of all the fun local happenings!
So much to do, so little time! Happy weekend-ing folks! :)

-Blythe


on my iTunes: Tom Petty's "Square One"