Monday Morning Good News: February 4

Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego announced “The Campaign for Rady Children’s,” care for the sick and injured children of San Diego, had raised a grand total of $229,034,143 to care for the sick and injured children of San Diego. This total not only exceeded the original $220 million goal, it surpassed a second goal to raise $5 million more by December 31, 2012. A wide range of support from a huge cross section of San Diego made the Campaign’s incredible success possible. Tracy and Trevor Hoffman were the honorary co-chairs of the Campaign.

The International Bipolar Foundation hosted a luncheon on Jan. 24 at the Estancia La Jolla. Informant Mark Whitacre, the 1990’s whistleblower in the Archer Daniels Midland price-fixing conspiracy was the guest speaker. Whitacre was the FBI’s key informant in the case against the company. The movie, “The Informant” starring Matt Damon is based on the real-life story of Whitacre, has bipolar disorder. Muffy Walker, founder and president of IBPF, greeted the guests and thanked them for their support.

The Beat Goes On, a social media campaign to raise money for Scripps heart care program, is happening at noon today. The campaign that has been going on for the past month, will end with a swim in a dunk tank by future Hall of Fame Major League Baseball pitcher Trevor Hoffman and event organizer Susan Taylor. If the goal of $50,000 in donations is met (minimum $10 each), Hoffman will see if he can dunk Taylor, dressed for the occasion in a human heart costume. If $100,000 is raised, Taylor will get a shot a dunking Hoffman.  Padres ‘broadcaster Bob Scanlan is the emcee for the noon event which will also include Scripps employees who’ve donated to the cause, and a chance at dunking Scripps President and CEO Chris Van Gorder. Click here to make a donation »

The 28th Annual YMCA Living The Dream Award  Breakfast was held on Jan. 18 at the Town and Country Resort. The event honored the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was hosted by the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. The Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., pastor emeritus at Cleveland’s Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, was the Keynote Speaker. Moss is a member of the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He worked with both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Martin Luther King, Sr.

Words Alive is launching a Family Literacy Program in 2013 which will support parents in the crucial role of teaching their children about language and literacy development, as well as providing them with the tools – books and activities – that will help them engage their child in early reading activities … Hearts, Hats and Heels, a Valentine’s Luncheon benefiting Kids Korps USA is being held on Feb. 6 at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club.

American Heart Association’s 10^th Anniversary Go Red For Women Luncheon is being held on Feb. 8 at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. The Official National Wear Red Day Lighting Ceremony/Go Red For Women Campaign kick-off was held on Jan. 31 at UC San Diego Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the major sponsor of this year’s luncheon. Fashions by Zandra Rhodes will be presented.

A fundraiser benefiting ALS Research (Lou Gehrig’s disease) was held on Jan. 19 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine. “Flying for a Cure – Reach New Heights to Cure ALS” featured a concert honoring retired Captain John Constans and his personal battle with ALS. The theme was created based on Constans’ 30 year career as a Navy, PSA and US Airways pilot. The evening led off with the Paul Cannon Band and featuring an exclusive performance by internationally acclaimed musician and San Diego native Tristan Prettyman and raised $90,000 for ALS Research.

Rolling Readers has received funding to expand its programs to help low-income, at-risk children enjoy reading and will start at Felicita Elementary School. “We’re looking forward to our expansion into the North County and inspiring at-risk students to love reading, said Theresa Tolentino, Program Director for Rolling Readers … The Downtown San Diego Partnership received an $1,800 contribution from American West Community Bank to support the Movin’ Home Program. American West understands our need to seek opportunities to assist organizations who are doing important work in San Diego,” said Steve Espino, Senior Vice President/Market Manager for AmericanWest.

Voices for Children has received several gifts and grants totaling $210,000 to support foster child advocacy in San Diego. The grantors are the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Council, McCarthy Family Foundation, Samuel and Katherine French Fund, In-N-Out Burger Foundation, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and the Highland Street Foundation. Allof these funds support “Serve Every Child” vision to expand its CASA Program, through which it empowers volunteer advocates to help the Court determine and implement decisions that are in the best interest of the foster children they represent.

Please send items of interest to Joyce Glazer at [email protected].