Newport Beach resident and UCLA alum Barry Saywitz is known for being a successful real estate entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist who throws great parties for good causes.
Saywitz’s next “hosting” party will be tomorrow, June 2, at his Belcourt estate, to raise money for the UCLA Orange County Wooden Athletic Fund. Though I attended Pepperdine, I definitely plan to take in the fete again this year, having had a spectacular time at the last one.
When asked why he decided to host this particular event year after year at his private home, Saywitz says, “In the past, the event was held at hotels and other public venues, which is extremely cost prohibitive. The goal of this event is to raise awareness for UCLA, its incredible athletic department and their athletic programs at the university. Since hosting it at my home, the amount of funds that were raised have increased significantly and the awareness of the event has created a following here in Orange County.”
More than 400 alumni and supporters are expected at this year’s event, including an impressive lineup of UCLA sports greats including Rafer Johnson, Jamaal Wilkes, Cade McNown, DeShaun Foster, Toby Bailey, Jason Bell, Tyus Edney, Freddie Mitchell, Tasha Schwikert, Sinjin Smith, John Vallely, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Nick Pacelli, Nellie Spicer, Mike Roll, Danny Farmer, Matt Barnes, Marques Johnson, Keith Erickson, Andre McCarter, Lisa Longaker Hadfield, Kiki Vandeweghe and more.
Also on had will be men’s basketball Head Coach Ben Howland; women’s volleyball Head Coach Michael Sealy; women’s golf Head Coach Carrie Forsyth; women’s water polo Head Coach Brandon Brooks, and other UCLA sports officials.
The UCLA Athletics Department provides academic and athletic opportunities for more than 650 student-athletes. Gifts to the Wooden Athletic Fund play a pivotal role in fulfilling this commitment by offsetting the rapidly escalating costs of collegiate athletics.
The Wooden Athletic Fund generates financial support to assist in covering program expenses such as scholarships, academic services, life-skills development, team travel, operational costs, and recruiting efforts. Wooden Athletic Fund is an investment not only in the rich tradition of UCLA Athletics, but in the future of UCLA student-athletes.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit giving.ucla.edu/OCevent.
