Lake Mission Viejo Fundraiser for Healing Art Programs

Art & Creativity for Healing’s annual Palette of Colors fundraiser on May 14 at the Lake Mission Viejo Clubhouse generated approximately $70K in gross proceeds. The ‘Hats Off to Giving’ themed event supports the nonprofit’s emotional healing programs through art and creative expression for those living in pain, grief, fear or stress.

Over 150 attendees donned creative hats during the lively evening chaired by Thanh Cambaliza, CPA and Founding Partner of Cambaliza McGee LLP. The late philanthropist and Art & Creativity for Healing supporter Ruth K. Reed was honored for her ongoing support through the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation. Other awards included event chair Thanh Cambaliza, Appreciation Award; Vern Burton, Assistant Superintendent of Orange County Department of Education, Ambassador Award; Randi Winters, Teacher of the Year; and Joe Sorrentino, Volunteer of the Year.

“The chance to gather in-person to ‘Party with a Purpose’ in celebration of our donors and new friends while raising critical funds for our Art4Healing® programs, was simply incredible,” said Art & Creativity for Healing Founder/Director Laurie Zagon.

The evening included an expansive silent auction with many original art pieces, opportunity drawing, dinner, dancing and a hat contest. Among the winners was Julie Ochoa, an educator with the Orange County Department of Education alternative schools, winner of the Most Creative Hat.

Major event sponsors included Dr. Edward Aston, Cambaliza McGee LLP, Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts, and Sterling Carpet & Flooring. The cuisine was provided by Chef James Birmingham of the Mirage Event Center while DJ Tempoe coordinated the music throughout the evening.

About Art & Creativity for Healing:

Art & Creativity for Healing’s mission is to support emotional healing through art and creative expression for those living with pain, grief, fear or stress. Founded by Laurie Zagon in 2000, the Art4Healing® curriculum contains strictly guided exercises, rather than loosely formatted art sessions. Since its inception, more than 90,000 children, teens, adults and families served by over 40 partner agencies have participated in exercises specially designed to encourage emotional responses leaving participants encouraged with enhanced clarity and insight.

For more information, visit www.art4healing.org.

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