God blessed yet another IOCC Orange County Metropolitan Committee event on Sunday, September 9, at the beautiful Laguna Beach home of the Asaly Family, members of St. Mark’s Antiochian Church in Irvine, California. The event raised over $65,000 for those suffering and in need. It was much more than anticipated due to some major surprise contributions. May all our supporters be blessed four fold over.
The weather was perfect and a true sense of camaraderie was in the air as guests enjoyed an abundance of delicious food and specialty drinks while they bid generously for thirty-six silent auction items. The famous Bentley Bar, a restored front end of a real Bentley automobile, and the incredible ocean view were the focal points around which all activity was centered. Near the bar, two musicians, playing a variety of old favorites and current popular pieces, entertained throughout the evening. Young people from St. Mark's happily passed food trays among the guests. They were most professional and did a great job! Our future IOCC supporters! A great time was had by all!
We were privileged to have Laguna Niguel Mayor Gary Capata serve as master of ceremonies and three interesting and inspirational guest speakers. Charles Ajalat shared insights about the history of IOCC and related several examples of how the efforts of the organization have profoundly impacted the lives of those in need. Deacon Charley Lehman spoke about his trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank with IOCC in May of this year, and Nick Barson shared his experience building homes in Louisiana for the victims of hurricane Katrina with Habitat for Humanity in conjunction with IOCC. Those in attendance gained both more knowledge and much deeper feelings about the valuable work of IOCC.
Our Limited Opportunity Drawing went well – a sell out. The lucky winner, Gary Capata , garnered airfare, a rental car and seven nights at a first class resort in Hawaii in 2008.
Many, many thanks to all IOCC supporters. May God’s blessings be upon them all!
