UCI Sets New PaceÖ

ÝÝThere is much to celebrate at the University of California, Irvine recently with the record fundraising year of more than $13 million in private gifts and grants raised during the 2005-2006 year for a new hospital at UCI Medical Center! Not only did the amount exceed the fundraising goals for the hospital by $5 million, but UCI also raised more than $100 million for the 2005-06 fiscal year! The increase of 42-percent over last year sets an all-time fundraising record on the campus, according to Chancellor Michael V. Drake, M.D. (just beginning his second year on campus) and Vice Chancellor Tom Mitchell.

Ý Tom Tierney, a longtime UCI supporter and co-chair of the fundraising campaign for the New University Hospital with his wife Elizabeth Tierney, was sharing his enthusiasm at the recent announcement luncheon. Also in the crowd; the elegant Marian Bergeson, UCIís ìAdvocate of the Yearî recipient Steven Joe, Socorro Vasquez (without grandbaby in tow), Barbara and Roscoe Moore, and Margaret and Robert SpragueÝ(the crowd celebrated his 90th birthday at the end of the event).

20 and CountingÖ

Ý Across town on another campus in Orange County, the yearlong celebration of the 20th anniversary of Orange County High School of the Arts kicked off last month. Students from the nationally recognized school will look forward to performing at the new 2000-seat Renee and Henry SegerstromÝConcert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on January 28, 2007.

Letís SeeÖ

Ý The newly beautified Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel has nearly completed their $32 million renovation project after their purchase of the former Sutton Place Hotel last July. Expect new guests rooms, lobby, lounge and restaurant with the addition of a 9,000 sq. ft. outdoor Bamboo garden with a 5,000 sq. ft. Pavilion to debut in September 2006 and an 8,000 sq. ft. boutique spa with eight treatment rooms to debut in January 2007. The new Bamb™ Restaurant will serve fresh California Cuisine in the midst of a spectacular four-story atrium with lush gardens filled with palms, orchids and twenty-four foot Bamboo trees. The bamb™ Lounge will make a perfect spot for light dining and cocktails all day and live entertainment in the evening. If youíre wondering what the new guest rooms will be like, theyíre described as a natural palette of rye, chocolate, gold and cayenne, accented with tumbled granite, woven cane and rich British Colonial wood. If you havenít already, take a visit.

Those Sweet Fragile HeartsÖ

Ý There just seems to be a good cause out there supporting every aspect of our humanity to help those in need. In 2002, 12-year-old Ariel Storme and Joe Sweet founded The Aliah Sweet Fragile Hearts Foundation to grant wishes for siblings of severely disabled children. Ariel was an older sibling to her nine-year-old brother who lost his life to multiple disabilities. Granting wishes was a way to help the financial needs of families who are already suffering hardships and also enrich the lives of these sibling children since their dreams and desires get put on the back burner.

Ý After four short years, the charity has earned the attention of major celebrities like Gwen Stefani husband Gavin Rossdale, tennis mega star Lindsay Davenport & husband John Leach, David Pate, Scott Davis, Nels Van Patten, NFL greats Marv Fleming, Marlin Briscoe, Kermit Alexander & Grady Richardson, Grammy winner Wayne Jobson, and actors Ken Mitchell and David Conrad who recently attended the fourth annual Pro/Celeb Tennis Tournament Benefit Weekendís first night, "Sweet Jam" at the Newport Beach Tennis Club. "Sweet Jam," a silent and live auction, also attracted the participation of celebrity chair persons actress Rae Dawn Chong and producer Jolie Keyser. Master of Ceremonies was CBS news anchor Larry Carroll. Awards recipients are local dentist Richard P. Mungo & tennis great & sibling Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten.

On An Extravagant NoteÖ

ÝÝPacific Symphony Orchestraís 2006 ìNottingham Knights Galaî was everything we have comeÝ

to expect from one of Orange Countyís premiere gala events.Ý

Not one detail was left undone, from the talent of narration, to the cast of characters, and every decoration authentic to its12th century theme. Even King Richard (Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman) who was being honored for his 15-year alliance, madeÝ

a convincing performance with charm and wit in front of some 450 guests. The extravagant Sherwood Forest production was sponsored in part by lead underwriters Sandy and John Daniels, Sally Seger-strom and Roberta and Howard Ahmanson. Thanks to the direction and generosity of Kate Peters and Doug Simao who served as both co-chairs of the gala and major sponsors, the gala netted $800,000 in net proceeds for education and community programs. Letís not forget supporters Zee Allred, Jane and Jim Driscoll, Yvonne and Damien Jordan, and Pat and Bill Podlich.

Quite A SpinÖ

Ý ÝCongrats on Serving People In Needsí (SPIN) most successful ìAll Starî luncheon to date. For almost 20 years SPIN has provided programs and services that help guide Orange County's homeless to permanent housing, substance abuse recovery, and self-sufficiency. One of OCís favorite emcees, Paul Salata was on hand to introduce the guest speaker and legendary sports attorney, Leigh Steinberg and to promote his ever-popular ìIrrelevant Week.î They were joined by Newport Beach's ìCitizen of the Yearî Denny O'Neil, former mayor of Newport Beach John Heffernan, Ric Weber, Brad Morgan, RJ Mayer, Paul Irving, Linda Howit, Danni Gilchrist, Al De Grassi, and chairman of the board Dick Crawford. The buzz is on to learn who the guest speaker will be next year.

The Fast & Furious...

ÝÝQuite a crowd showed at the new Ferrari dealership on Mar-iners Mile in Newport Beach. Exotic martinis set the mood as men moved through the showroom at a fast pace to cover every inch of these magnificent machines, like Jeff Johnson on the search for one that fit his six foot-four inch frame. Proud landlord Leo Gugasian, his beautiful wife Shar, and their son Armen greeted guests as Ferrari and Maserati of Newport Beach made their grand opening truly a night to remember. Joining proud owners WilliamÝ

and Barbara Story was Ferrariís Maurizio Parlato along with James Selwa, President of Ma-serati North America.

Chit ChatÖ

Look Your BestÖIf youíre looking for Autumn-Winter clothing made of the finest fabrics and wools in the world, Ermenegildo Zegnaís luxurious, measured to perfection suits, trousers, jackets, shirts, and ties will make a fabulous addition to the most discerning wardrobe. To complement these fine clothes, customize a pair of made-to-measure superior leather shoes from the highest quality leathers. You might also want to know that Zegna can offer the ultra-exclusive award-winning Vellus Aureum (Golden Fleece) fabric, from which only 50 custom-tailored suits are produced annually worldwide. On September 8th and 9th, visit Ermenegildo Zegna and meet one of its made-to-measure specialist.

Walk to Cure DiabetesÖJoin co-chairs Peter Villegas and Cynthia Stamper Graff along with Leo Brennan, Michael Stephens, Dave Dora, Vic Doolan, Rob Myers and Rick McCoid and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Sunday, October 8 to raise funds to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. Call 800-533-CURE.