Still time for charity during busy holidays

Christmas Eve should offer a moment for reflection. When the shopping is done, take a deep breath and listen to the quiet.

As the day progresses into night, I have always been awed by the silence of the night. Somehow there aren’t as many planes in the sky, cars on the road. The hum of life gives way to a soft Christmas Eve silence, a quiet time for families, for friends, for all.

This year, Christmas and Hanukkah share the same special time of year. Perhaps both celebrations will bring light into a mad world. As religious and nonreligious people of good will think about ways to create peace on earth, 2006 may hold promise of change.

In the Newport-Mesa community the model of good will and peace on earth abounds throughout the year. Despite the materialistic image of Newport-Mesa, this is a community with a great and giving heart. We all know that there is so much to be done, so much help that is needed. With the spirit of giving in mind, we share coverage this Christmas weekend on some who make a special difference.

Taller San Jose, a Santa Ana based education and job training center founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph and dedicated to helping young people find a path in life to personal success, held a fundraising dinner earlier in the winter social season. Raising an impressive $385,000, the funds will support some 500 students finish high school or attain vocational training in fields including computer technology, construction, nursing and more.

Organizers called the dinner event, held at Mission San Juan Capistrano, Light Up a Life. It was the 10th anniversary of Taller San Jose in Orange County, and 500 patrons offered support.

Actor Tony Plana served as master of ceremonies with Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, Assemblyman Tom Umberg and county Supervisors Lou Correa and Bill Campbell in attendance. Chaired by Mimi Cora and Jannette Ingardia, the event honored Taller San Jose student Brian Luengas with the Hope Award and a $500 scholarship. For more information on helping a young person change his or her life in 2006, call (714) 543-5105.

Costa Mesa-based Share Our Selves gathered patrons for its 11th annual Sharing Chefs Christmas Dinner. The Bluewater Grill at South Coast Plaza Village was the setting for the celebration that brought together members of the SOS A-Team sharing a meal created by Chef Brian Hirsty.

Founded in 1993, the A-Team is an official auxiliary of Share Our Selves. Led by Corona del Mar’s Kathy Thompson, the A-Team raises significant funds in support of the work of S.O.S. including meals for those in need, housing and medical assistance, and even financial aid.

Enjoying the hospitality provided by Bluewater Grill general manager Chris Rock, and sharing a dinner of Romano-crusted salmon, were local stars including Minnie and David Ballard; Nancy and Frank Donahue; Anne and Ed Hirschmann; Elaine and Hunter Keck; Christen and Ken Saunders; Carol and Ludwig Uri; Maryann and George Wentworth; and Harriett Wieder.

To find out more about the work of SOS, call Karen Harrington at (949) 642-3451.

Wishing Daily Pilot readers a joyous Christmas, a wonderful Hanukkah, and a New Year of good health and unlimited promise.

* THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.

20051224irz66anc(LA)Paul and Sara Heeschen help raise funds for vocational and educational advancement for Orange County young people. 20051224irz659nc(LA)Kathy and Carter Chappell at embrace at a Mission San Juan Capistrano fundraiser for Taller San Jose. 20051224gzf7uqke(LA)20051224irz63dnc(LA)Anne and Bob Gilroy support Taller San Jose at its 10th anniversary gala.20051224irz68onc(LA)Hunter and Elaine Keck attend the Sharing Our Selves A-Team Christmas dinner held at the Bluewater Grill at South Coast Plaza. 20051224irz69gnc(LA)Kathy Thompson, Share Our Selves A-Team president and founder, smiles with chef Brian Hirsty at a holiday dinner for supporters. 20051224irz69xnc(LA)Maryann Wentworth, a member of the Share Our Selves A-Team, smiles with Harriett Wieder, a supporter.