Virgen: Paul Salata Award is relevant

Matt Willig, the former NFL player and current movie actor, had the crowd at the Newport Beach Marriott laughing on Friday night with jokes that can’t be published here.

But then Willig took on a serious tone and reminded everyone what Irrelevant Week is all about. Sure, Irrelevant Week features Mr. Irrelevant, the final pick in the NFL Draft. This year, it’s Kalan Reed of the Tennessee Titans, and the speedy defensive back has a great story and all. But, Irrelevant Week, as Willig displayed, has always been about the founder, the legendary Paul Salata.

Salata, the 89-year-old Newport Beach resident, got the big man a bit choked up. Willig got emotional when he toasted Reed and wished him well in the NFL.

“I was thinking about not coming tonight,” Willig said with a shot of whiskey in his hand. “But I’m here because of Paul.”

Salata started Irrelevant Week 41 years ago with the central idea of doing something nice for someone for no reason at all.

Imagine that.

What if each one of us did that? Paul would love that. He would enjoy it even if it was just here in Newport Beach.

But you’ve heard this story before. This might just be a reminder, but for me it’s great to see notable people like Willig thoroughly love and appreciate Paul, who is basically a treasure for Newport Beach.

There’s also something new about Salata. There will be more to his legacy than the fun Irrelevant Week.

This year, the inaugural Paul Salata Award was presented to my friend and a legend in his own right, Corona del Mar High Coach Bill Sumner.

What a great night.

Sumner has coached many elite athletes and has won 15 CIF section titles combined from boys’ and girls’ cross country and track and field teams. Sumner’s charity is important, too. He is in charge of the Magic Shoe charity, which provides shoes for children in need to compete or even participate at school.

Neat concept.

Sumner is energetic coach with a great sense of humor, very personable. I must admit there are few times I’ve seen him so moved and grateful. You could tell the award was very meaningful for Coach.

The award is for the “Hero beyond the hashmarks,” for someone who does great work for others within the community, and even beyond. That’s Sumner.

I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Paul Salata Award. It was the perfect beginning.