Fifteen years ago, superchefs Alan Greeley and Michael Kang joined forces with Executive Director Karen McGlinn and other supporters of Share Our Selves to cook up Wild and Crazy Taco Night, one of Orange County’s most popular culinary events. For this year’s feast, held on-site in Costa Mesa, 22 chefs delighted more than 700 foodies with tacos creatively stuffed with duck confit, pork belly, octopus, ahi, tongue, and, for dessert, s’mores. The $33,000 raised goes to SOS’ Orange Aid Project.
Share Our Selves With more than 750 volunteers, SOS provides free social services, medical and dental services, and a comprehensive CARE Center to people who need basic living essentials.
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Broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw was the featured guest speaker at Hoag Hospital Foundation’s 21st annual Circle 1000 Founders Brunch. Brokaw recounted for the 650 attendees the difficult time he had coping with the death of friend and ABC News anchor Peter Jennings. Circle 1000’s only annual event, under the chairmanship of Karen Linden, netted $1.17 million.
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Julie Ann Ulcickas, Harald Herrmann, and Aletha Anderson, co-chairs of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Orange County’s second annual gala, never doubted the success of their “Pink Tie Ball”—it sold out even before the invitations arrived in the mail. Taiko drums welcomed 530 guests to the Japanese-inspired Soka University campus in Aliso Viejo for the reception, followed by dinner in the gymnasium, which designer Michael Mora transformed into an elegant ballroom. After the three-course dinner featuring short ribs and langoustines, “American Idol” finalist Lisa Tucker sang “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and guests participated in a live auction and dancing. Net proceeds of $508,211 exceeded the goal.
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For the second year, Michael Cipolla and Chad Kearns chaired the Roosters Foundation’s sold-out epicurean extravaganza, “Culinary Masters.” Gregory Grohowski, chef of the Irvine Hyatt’s 6ix Park Grill, welcomed 37 other competitive chefs to the hotel’s ballroom, where each prepared a meal for a table of 12 guests. Emcee Chef Jamie Gwen introduced the evening’s honorees: Chef Azmin Ghahreman, owner of Sapphire Laguna in Laguna Beach, and John Cuevas, chef of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach. Chuck Dreyer auctioned wines, trips, and VIP tickets for the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” program, boosting the evening’s net proceeds to $200,000.
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