Through their work with HomeAid, Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs and Don Jacobs are directly responsible for helping thousands of homeless families and individuals in Orange County and across the nation. They have raised more than $600,000 for HomeAid, influenced others to make personal and professional contributions, donated the resources of their respective national landscaping and architectural firms, and provided strategic, hands-on leadership by serving on national and chapter boards of directors. In fact, Brinkerhoff-Jacobs was one of the founders of the organization in 1989. The Jacobs’ philanthropic giving extends far beyond HomeAid. Jacobs and his firm performed pro bono work in 2006 [...]

For over 4 years the Cookie Moms have been making a big difference in the lives of the children of Canyon Acres. Their consistent presence adds stability and a real touch of home for the 30 abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children who live at the Ranch residential treatment center. By providing twice a month “home-made” projects and activities, Cookie Moms are able to reinforce the behavioral therapeutic lessons being taught by the staff. Whether teaching the children how to make cookies or helping them with their homework, their projects and activities teach the children self confidence and even how [...]

In 2002, two sisters whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer realized a need for breast health education, awareness and support from the teen community. With their friends, they formed the first Pink Ribbon Club at University High School. Today, there are five Pink Ribbon Clubs in Orange County high schools with plans for more. Members participate in the Race for the Cure, and educational projects including 2006 Breast Health Symposium and Komen on the Go. They volunteer for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, decorate holiday trees for the Cancer Center of Irvine, help children who have a [...]

Jim and Susan Swenson have been making a tremendous impact with large, transformational gifts to Mission Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Ocean Institute of Dana Point, and the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Their gifts have helped build a Pediatric Operating Pavilion in collaboration with CHOC at Mission Hospital, have provided for the purchase of a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator for specialized cancer treatment at Mission Hospital, have funded projects for the Ocean Institute to help school children experience and learn about the ocean environment, and helped build the new Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Additionally, they give to [...]

For years, Don Schoendorfer and his wife, Laurie, have given selflessly of their time and resources. Among other things, they tutored and nurtured children at the Mariners Church, Lighthouse after-school-program in Santa Ana. Such dedication is indicative of Don’s loving heart for the poor and needy. Then a two-week vacation to Morocco and a sermon from his pastor 20 years later changed Don’s life. In his garage, he used all of his talents, skills, MIT education, and engineering experience to design simple, rugged, and inexpensive wheelchairs. Due to his passion, vision, and humility, thousands have joined Don in his goal [...]

Through the success of Eberhard Equipment, Ken and Sandra Eberhard founded the Eberhard Foundation in 1992 and over $360,000 has been distributed to local, national, and international charities. The Foundation’s purpose is to provide shelter for the homeless and to help people get an education who cannot afford one.

Goodwill of Orange County, Bowers Museum, Chapman University and the Pacific Chorale are among just a few of the organizations who have benefited from First American’s involvement and philanthropic giving. Financial donations made in 2005 and 2006 totaled more than $2,700,000 and the monetary cost of annual in-kind services are estimated at $1,413,650 through the use of campus rooms, audio visual equipment and food service for local non-profits. It is difficult to aggregate the involvement of all of its nearly 40,000 employees, but senior executives are holding key positions on numerous nonprofit boards throughout Orange County. For Goodwill of Orange [...]

Janet and Walkie Ray have been a tremendous force behind the success of the Orange County Great Park, the MIND Institute, and the Discovery Science Center. Serving on both the Great Park Corporation board and the Great Park Conservancy board, Walkie brings a wealth of expertise in project development to the process, expertise that is critical to this largest civic project ever in Orange County. As Co-Chair of the Jewel of Orange County, Janet exhibited an exceptional ability to bring people together to support this major fundraiser and friend raiser for the Great Park Conservancy. Individually, Janet’s and Walkie’s commitment [...]