IRVINE, Calif., May 27, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today announced it raised more than $225,000 net at its annual Blue Ribbon Gala. Entitled "A Garden Serenade...Creating Harmony for Children," the event took place at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Sunday, May 4, 2008.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Canyon Acres' core programs, such as Creating Family Connections, which reunites children with family members, and Wraparound Services, which provides resources to families to ensure the maintenance of loving, healthy homes for children.
"This year's gala was a tremendous success, and we are very grateful to everyone who donated so generously," said Clete Menke, executive director of Canyon Acres. "Funds raised will help ensure Canyon Acres can consistently deliver top-notch help and support to the children we serve. Along with our sincere gratitude to event co-chairs John and Ruth Ann Evans, we also extend a special thanks to our sponsors, whose support is central to achieving Canyon Acres' mission."
Canyon Acres' Blue Ribbon Galas annually honor individuals, corporations and organizations that exemplify former board member and staunch supporter Jim Murray's spirit and dedication to the organization. This year, Canyon Acres honored Ingram Micro Philanthropic Committee in the corporate category, Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco in the individual/family category, and the community service organization award went to A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation for its long-time commitment to Canyon Acres.
"This year's gala was a great success, and participation from individual donors and sponsors created the kind of inspiration the agency is known for," said John Evans, event co-chair and Canyon Acres board member. "Canyon Acres' children deserve every bit of the sustained support and services events like this ensure for them."
This year's major event sponsors included Pat and Mary Dirk and Troy Group, Inc., S. Paul and Marybelle Musco and Gemini Industries, A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation, Wells Fargo and Yard House.
The event featured dinner, a martini bar and live and silent auctions. More than 300 guests danced to Tino's Orchestra, who performed an eclectic mix of big-band, salsa and swing. Live auction items included a private Platinum Suite at Angel Stadium directly behind home plate, a Del Mar Sunset Balloon Ride for four with champagne, sixteen seats in the City Suite at Angel Stadium for an upcoming Angels game, golf for three at Shady Canyon Country Club with former Angel pitcher Mark Langston, a trip for four to Napa Valley and a Fighter-Pilot-for-a-Day program in a Phase I Mission with Air Combat USA.
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services has been serving children throughout Orange County since 1980 providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or canyonacres@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services web site at www.canyonacres.org.