RUFF fundraiser was successful as usual

BARBARA DIAMOND

There is a lot of giving in this season designed around that concept.

The 14th annual Rescuing Our furry Friends fundraising

Thanksgiving dinner at Tivoli Terrace was a sell-out.

“We had to turn down reservations,” said RUFF Treasurer Alexander

Wentzel. “We have people who come every year. It always amazes me

that people will drive 20 or 30 miles to attend.”

RUFF was founded in 1989. The group funds the treatment of injured

or ailing domestic animals.

“Somebody driving along sees an animal lying in the road, writhing

in pain, stops and takes it to the nearest vet, then finds out the

bill could run $600 or $800 for a pet that they don’t even know --

who do they turn to?” Wetzel asked. “There is no one else but us.”

RUFF also helps out families whose incomes might force them to

give up their pets if the vet bills get too high.

Funds are raised at the Thanksgiving dinner and at the Easter

Brunch and Auction held at Tivoli Too.

“June Neptune and Bobby Fader have been very loyal supporters,”

Wetzel said. “About 20 volunteers give up their Thanksgiving to make

the dinner a success.”

Ruff Vice President Jill Ashton served as liaison with Tivoli

Terrace. Board member Lynn Capoyua headed the volunteer committee,

which included Wetzel’s partner, Dick Anderson.

CHALLENGED

D. Diane Anderson-Poiry has issued a challenge. She and investor

and philanthropist John Delfino will match dollar for dollar gifts up

to a total of $50,000 donated to the Laguna College of Art and Design

between now and June 30.

“Dee Dee has inspired many imaginative projects in Laguna Beach,

including the unique exhibition and event center, [seven-degrees],”

college President Alan Barkley said. “This challenge grant is

testament to her love of the arts and her commitment to our

students.”

The $50,000 challenge grant applies to all new and upgraded

renewed gifts to support educational and student scholarship programs

at the college.

“It always amazing to me when you can spend a dollar and somebody

else adds another dollar,” said college Trustee Terry Smith.

“Matching money has already started to come in. We are getting some

nice pledges, but we need more people to step up to the plate. I am

confident that we will meet the challenge.”

More than 300 students attend the college at college at 2222

Laguna Canyon Road. The private, nonprofit institution offers

bachelor of fine arts degrees in drawing and painting, graphic

design, illustration and feature animation.

“We all benefit from the investment to ensure that emerging

artists get the support they need to develop their inherent talent,”

said Anderson-Poiry, trustee emeritus of the college and a principal

of DeeMark Partners. “These students are dedicating their lives to

the advancement of creativity and expression. They are the art

world’s future.”

Sixteen of the college’s seniors had the opportunity to glimpse

their futures at the First Thursday Art Walk. Their work was for sale

at participating galleries.

“It gives the students the chance to see the business side of art

before they get out of school,” Smith said. “Artists are not always

prepared for that because most schools do not have unique programs

like this.

“Last year, we had 12 students participating,” Smith said. “They

came back with so much enthusiasm this year, we had 16.”

The mentoring program was launched in 2003, a collaboration

between the college and First Thursday Art Walk member galleries.

For more information on the challenge grant or how to participate,

e-mail Julie Bondi at [email protected] or call her at (949)

376-6000.

OUTSTANDING

A Laguna Beach woman and a Laguna Beach organization were honored

with Clara Barton Spectrum Awards.

The Orange County Red Cross presented the 2003 Volunteer Group

Award to the Assistance League of Laguna Beach. The local chapter

entirely funds and members personally support the Early Intervention

Program for babies -- up to 12 months old -- with Down syndrome and

other neurological syndromes, prematurity and drug addiction. The

earlier the intervention the greater the likelihood infants will

reach their full potential.

“It is a unique program that does not duplicate any other

service,” said Marge Adams, a member of the chapter for three years.

The Assistance League’s hands-on program guides parents in

nurturing their child’s development. The program focuses on sensory

motor, gross motor, fine motor and cognitive skills; social and

emotional development; feeding and communication. Parents are the

teachers that nurture their child’s development.

Occupational and physical therapists and behavioral specialists

are enlisted to make specific recommendations for each child to

ensure optimal development.

“We bring in professionals with great credentials,” Adams said.

“The league members participate by bringing food or by sitting in

rocking chairs with the babies while the parents are meeting.”

Downstairs at the Chapter House has been converted for the

program. A parent support group meets after each therapy session.

The Red Cross honored Laguna Beach resident Cynthia Harriss with

the Elizabeth Dole Glass Ceiling Award, which recognizes women who

have overcome obstacles in the corporate environment, breaking

through barriers and improving the quality of life in the county.

Harriss joined the Disneyland Resort in 1997 as vice president.

She broke the glass ceiling in December 1999 when she was named

president, a position she held until 2003.

As president, Harriss was responsible for the overall management

and long-term growth of the resort, including the operation of

Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure, the Disneyland hotels

and the Downtown Disney District.

Before joining Disney, Harriss spent 19 years with the Paul Harris

stores, in positions ranging from store manager to senior vice

president.

Harriss has been recognized in the Who’s Who of American Women and

Community Leaders of America. She has received the International

Distinguished Leadership Award and the 2000 Tree of Life Award from

the Jewish National Fund for outstanding community service.

* OUR LAGUNA is a regular feature of the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. Contributions are welcomed. Write to Barbara Diamond, P.O. Box

248, Laguna Beach, 92652, hand-deliver to 384 Forest Ave., Suite 22;

call (949) 494-4321 or fax (949) 494-8979.