Olive Crest Alumnus “Before 

Olive Crest Alumnus “After” 

Olive Crest’s
Third Annual Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids

 Orange County wine lovers and philanthropists will again have the chance to raise their glasses -- and critically needed funds -- on March 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, as high-spirited organizers welcome back the popular springtime fundraising event, “Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids.”

 This always-anticipated wine tasting tradition in the club’s grand ballroom will spotlight some of the finest vineyards in California. Dress business chic (no denim), but expect an enthusiastic crowd of about 350 of Orange County’s most prominent citizens. Guests will embark on a culinary adventure, plus enjoy a cooking demonstration by one of the talented chefs at Big Canyon.

 All proceeds benefit Olive Crest’s Project Independence, a comprehensive program that provides support and training necessary to become independent and successful adults for foster youth ages 15 through 24.

 Project Independence changes lives by providing a sense of family through counseling and mentors. Guidance is offered on decisions that affect the very future of these young adults, like basic needs, including safe and affordable housing, building a support network and tutoring in essential life skills.

 Last year’s “Harvesting Hope” event raised more than $300,000 for Olive Crest under first-time Chair Debbie Ferrée, vice chairman and chief merchandising officer of DSW Inc., who returns as event chair for 2010. Joining her this year as the evening’s Honorary Chair is Mike Donnelly, president of Ralph's Grocery Company.

 “My committee members and I love the challenge and the joy of bringing this event together,” Ferrée said. “Between my steering committee and Mike’s grocery industry committee, we are bound to create a truly delicious evening. There’s nothing we like better than an evening of marvelous food and drink, especially when it’s in service to a wonderful cause.”

 Tickets for “Harvesting Hope” are $195, and sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 are still available.

 Additionally, Ferrée said the evening will feature exciting silent and live auctions showcasing fine wine and wine-related packages, plus opportunity and second chance chance drawings.  

 Included in the sought-after auction items are a chef-prepared gourmet meal for guest and friends, a vacation getaway in a luxury condo, weekend in the wine country, country club golf package, harbor cruise on a private yacht, spa get-away, gift certificates to favorite stores, and a special surprise from a personal wine cellar.

 Just know, the level of gaiety is being churned up a few decibels this year as popular auctioneer Chuck Dreyer presents the impressive panoply of live auction items.

 “Olive Crest’s big-hearted supporters are legendary for their generosity—and their ability to turn a good cause into a truly great time!” Donald Verleur, CEO of Olive Crest said. “I know we’ll be seeing the ‘fruits’ of that spirit during Harvesting Hope 2010. We’ll also be hearing success stories from young people who have benefited from Project Independence, so that everyone enjoying Harvesting Hope can appreciate the direct, positive results of their participation.”

 Also, on April 19, Olive Crest Homes for Abused Children in partnership with Tommy Bahama will hold the second of its two largest yearly fundraisers with the 11th annual charity Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction to be held at the Pelican Hill Golf Course in Newport Beach.

 Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of more than 50,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. The organization works tirelessly to meet individual needs by providing safe homes, counseling, and education, even after the kids have graduated from the organization’s programs. Additionally, Olive Crest serves nearly 1,000 children and families each day throughout California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest.

 Donors who would like to contribute auction items toward “Harvesting Hope” or register for the April golf tournament can contact Olive Crest’s Tina Fuertes at 714-543-5437 ext. 1184, or e-mail: tina-fuertes@olivecrest.org or visit www.olivecrest.org/hhk.

Honorary Chair of the 2010 Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids and Ralph’s President Mike Donnelly and Justis Cook from WJ Deutsch 

Olive Crest Alumnae wait to go on stage

The Harvesting for Hope program showcases the success stories of Olive Crest kids, past and present.

Olive Crest CEO Donald Verleur, Debbie Ferrée, Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer of DSW Inc., and Mike Donnelly, President, Ralphs Grocery Company

Writer-director-producer David McKenna with is wife Marcy