IPSF parties!
Galas and gatherings help students excel
PRESENTED BY SPONSORS DR. JAMES P. LIN AND MRS. GRACE LIN (LEFT CENTER), THE 5TH ANNUAL ACES AND ATHLETES POKER TOURNAMENT FEATURED 12 PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES COMING TOGETHER TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOW-INCOME STUDENTS.
By Irvine City News staff
Over the summer an Irvine City News contributor was chatting with an Irvine Unified School District staffer about what makes Irvine schools exceptional. The usual superlatives were discussed: dedicated teachers, new and improving facilities, engaged parents and dedicated kids. But the real difference maker, according to this in-the-know individual, is the contribution of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation.
The nonprofit IPSF sponsors enrichment programs and provides financial support to ensure a world-class education in Irvine schools. Plus, IPSF excels at bringing local corporate and community partners, parents, and residents together to raise funds that are put to use in the classroom to nurture student potential.
One of those fundraisers was held recently at the exclusive Don Julio Club at Angel Stadium, and involved the profitable combination of professional athletes, poker, and perhaps a cocktail or two. The 5th annual Aces and Athletes Poker Tournament and Charity Casino Night raised over $50,000 to support both IPSF and Angels Baseball Foundation.
Presented by sponsors Dr. James and Grace Lin, as well as 20 corporate and community organizations, the evening featured Hall of Famers Rod Carew and Warren Moon; Olympic Gold Medal-winning swimmer Jason Lezak; current and former Angels players Cam Bedrosian, Bobby Grich, Matt Shoemaker and Clyde Wright; L.A. Galaxy’s Dave Romney; and football stars Aaron Stecker, Shaun Cody and John David Booty.
“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to bring together heavy hitters from the world of sports and philanthropy in support of educational enrichment,” said Neda Eaton, president and CEO, IPSF. “The biggest winners of the evening, however, are the students. The funds raised from this event will provide scholarships for low-income students.” The big IPSF event of the year is the Spirit of Excellence Gala, which will be held Oct. 14 at Kia Motors. The 8th annual event is presented by FivePoint and honors alums of Irvine Unified Public School District.
Last year’s gala netted more than $780,000 to benefit Irvine public school students. This year’s event will honor Emmy Award-winning production designer Steve Bass; White House reporter Eli Stokils; IUSD Assistant Superintendent Cassie Parham; and the band Island Apollo. To become a sponsor and for more information, go to:
ipsf.net/annual-events/spirit-of-excellence-gala
The nonprofit IPSF sponsors enrichment programs and provides financial support to ensure a world-class education in Irvine schools. Plus, IPSF excels at bringing local corporate and community partners, parents, and residents together to raise funds that are put to use in the classroom to nurture student potential.
One of those fundraisers was held recently at the exclusive Don Julio Club at Angel Stadium, and involved the profitable combination of professional athletes, poker, and perhaps a cocktail or two. The 5th annual Aces and Athletes Poker Tournament and Charity Casino Night raised over $50,000 to support both IPSF and Angels Baseball Foundation.
Presented by sponsors Dr. James and Grace Lin, as well as 20 corporate and community organizations, the evening featured Hall of Famers Rod Carew and Warren Moon; Olympic Gold Medal-winning swimmer Jason Lezak; current and former Angels players Cam Bedrosian, Bobby Grich, Matt Shoemaker and Clyde Wright; L.A. Galaxy’s Dave Romney; and football stars Aaron Stecker, Shaun Cody and John David Booty.
“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to bring together heavy hitters from the world of sports and philanthropy in support of educational enrichment,” said Neda Eaton, president and CEO, IPSF. “The biggest winners of the evening, however, are the students. The funds raised from this event will provide scholarships for low-income students.” The big IPSF event of the year is the Spirit of Excellence Gala, which will be held Oct. 14 at Kia Motors. The 8th annual event is presented by FivePoint and honors alums of Irvine Unified Public School District.
Last year’s gala netted more than $780,000 to benefit Irvine public school students. This year’s event will honor Emmy Award-winning production designer Steve Bass; White House reporter Eli Stokils; IUSD Assistant Superintendent Cassie Parham; and the band Island Apollo. To become a sponsor and for more information, go to:
ipsf.net/annual-events/spirit-of-excellence-gala