(Lorraine and Lori were event co-chairs).
Country musician and author Jimmy Wayne performed a sold-out concert for 320 guests at Downtown Disney’s House of Blues in Anaheim on Saturday, May 7, 2016, to benefit Olive Crest’s Project Independence program.
Wayne’s performance included his hits, “Sara Smile,” “Do You Believe in Me Now?” and “I Love You This Much.”
He spoke about his mission as a former foster child to bring awareness to kids who age out of the system and become homeless, which included his 1,700-mile walk from Nashville to Phoenix to bring attention to it.
“I’ve been given this platform to help these kids,” he said of his homeless/foster care experience, and he lauded Olive Crest’s work with foster youth. His new book, “Walk to Beautiful,” is a tribute to mothers, and was a gift to all mothers attending. Wayne autographed copies of the book following his performance.
The evening included a festive cocktail reception, with tray-passed and stationary appetizers, as well as silent and live auction
items including tickets to the Country Music Awards, tickets to the award-winning Broadway show, “Hamilton,” and a Bristol Farms sushi party for 20, which sold twice for $3,500.
The evening’s estimated net proceeds of $118,500 benefited Olive Crest’s Project Independence, a unique and comprehensive program that provides foster youth, ages 14 to 24, the support necessary to become independent and successful adults.
The Founder’s Award was presented to Dave G. Hirz, CEO and President of Smart & Final Stores, Inc. The Champion for the Children Award recipient was Rutan & Tucker, LLC, with partners and Olive Crest trustees William Meehan and Lisa Neal of Newport Beach accepting. In presenting the award, Olive Crest CEO Donald A. Verleur said, “Rutan & Tucker has a huge heart for children.”
The event Co-Chairs were Olive Crest Trustees Lorraine Bader and Lori Feeney, both from Newport Beach.
About Olive Crest: Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of more than 70,000 abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. The nonprofit works tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling and education for both youth and parents. The many innovative programs offered reflect its conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. For more information, visit olivecrest.org.
