Fuller House Hosts Goodwill Gala Event for All in Laguna Niguel

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — It was a “Full House” at Goodwill of Orange County’s third annual Goodwill Gala on Saturday, November 5 at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

The fundraising event grossed nearly $700,000 to further Goodwill’s mission to help people facing barriers find employment and secure purpose-filling jobs.

In addition to the nearly 500 guests who attended, the event was packed with special guests. John Stamos, Bob Saget and Dave Coulier, the “Full House” and “Fuller House” cast members, emceed the event with their signature comedic chemistry.

An all-star musical lineup followed for the entertainment portion of the evening with Tony Orlando, John Cafferty of The Beaver Brown Band, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri and Skip Martin of Kool & The Gang. Each chart topper sang a selection of their respective hit songs backed by the eight member Wes Quave Band, Southern California’s No. 1, high-energy top 40 dance band.

Funds raised at the gala will benefit three key Goodwill programs, Goodwill’s Tierney Center for Veteran Services, a global approach to serving veterans and their families that connects them with resources and services to meet their unique needs, including housing, education, job placement, wellness and more; Goodwill’s Rogers A. Severson Fitness & Technology Center, Orange County’s sole fully accessible fitness center designed specifically for people living with physical disabilities or chronic illness; and Goodwill’s Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC), a program that helps children and adults living with disabilities reach maximum potential via specialized services and equipment.

“We are so touched by the community’s support and generosity at our third annual Goodwill Gala,” said Frank Talarico, Jr., President and CEO, Goodwill of Orange County. “The event allowed us to share and amplify the Goodwill mission even further. Every dollar raised will be used to make a sustained difference in areas of critical importance in Orange County, including better serving our veterans and individuals with disabilities.”

The evening Gala, co-chaired by Alaina Stamos-Talarico, Dr. Jacqueline Dupont and Anthea Chade, featured a presentation highlighting success stories from two Goodwill Fitness Center members, a live and silent auction, presentation of the Face of Independence Award to local philanthropists Glen and Debbie Bickerstaff, and two hours of musical entertainment.

Courtesy Photos