For the second annual Goodwill of Orange County Gala, think Aruba. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort presented a perfect seaside backdrop for the island-themed affair on November 7. John Stamos and his longtime pals the Beach Boys returned to perform for a generous crowd.
More than 550 guests dined, clinked cocktails and shared bidding strategies for live auction items. Backstage, Stamos, his “Full House” costar Jodie Sweetin and the cast of his new show “Grandfathered” laughed between photo ops.
The evening benefited three Goodwill programs: the Tierney Center for Veterans Services, the Goodwill Fitness Center and the Assistive Technology Exchange Center. Tom and Elizabeth Tierney were honored for their dedication to the welfare of U.S. veterans. “It’s not about getting rid of used clothes; it’s about creating value for veterans,” Tom Tierney said in his acceptance speech.
Goodwill of Orange County president and CEO, Frank Talarico Jr., spotlighted program participants like Alec “Bunk” Wurth, whose challenges to work out as a quadriplegic
are met by the Goodwill Fitness Center in Santa Ana.
Within seconds of Glen Bickerstaff introducing the band, guests were on their feet, singing along to some of the Beach Boys’ iconic hits. Title sponsors the Bickerstaff Family Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank, along with other sponsors and donors, helped raise more than $450,000. “This means we will be able to provide more resources and serve more people,” Talarico said.
