By Lynn Selich | Society Editor
Friends and family of Eric Pepys (of Newport Beach) gathered last week for the 2nd annual memorial golf tournament and dinner in his honor.
Sixty golfers headed out to the links and 120 gathered afterwards for a reception and dinner under the stars at the Santa Ana Country Club. More than $65,000 was netted for Orangewood Children’s Foundation, bringing the two-year total to $116,000.
The proceeds will fund Orangewood’s new Advanced Studies Scholarship Program, which provides former foster youth who have already earned a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to continue their education in masters programs or other advanced studies.
Shirley and Eric Pepys have been long-time supporters of the Foundation. While Shirley served on the board of directors and various board or event committees, Eric was always helping others in the background. After he died in January 2009, the annual golf tournament was established to celebrate his life and his great love of foster children and golf.
Pepys family members in attendance included Shirley Pepys, children Renee (Pepys) Lowe, Tiffany Pepys Hoey, Max Pepys and Noel Pepys, and several grandchildren. The event was co-chaired by Shirley Pepys and Frank Robitaille. Golf winners included Brian Thomas (Closest to the pin), Noel Pepys (Longest drive – mens), Susan Samueli (Longest drive – womens); and the foursome of George Galanos, Henry Mayhew, Mike McClure and Chris Simonsen.
During the dinner program, former foster youth Kim Snodgrass shared her story of being placed into foster care at the age of 11 due to her mother’s drug abuse. With the Foundation’s help, she attended UCI and graduated in May 2009. With the help of the Advanced Studies Scholarship Program she just completed a one-year Masters program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. She noted, “I now realize that it is not about just having financial support. It is about a family connection. To me, family is what you make of it, and Orangewood is definitely a part of my family.”
Learn how you can help at www.orangewoodfoundation.org.
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