Congratulations to Lori Hickey, recently selected to participate in the “Fleurs de Villers: Femmes” fresh floral exhibit and competition on display in the Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza through Sunday.
Hickey, who graduated from Esperanza High School and UC Santa Barbara with a degree in sociology, honed her creative artistry while working as a floral designer for local florists throughout college. A flair for creating uniquely beautiful floral arrangements inspired her to open a floral business, Golden Sol Floral Co, two years ago.
For the South Coast Plaza event, she was asked to create a fresh floral couture on a mannequin representing the iconic and ever evolving model, actress and singer Grace Jones; her innovative design is a tribute to Jones’ famous gender-fluid style and her dramatic fashion appeal.
This unique exhibit, which is part of the Southern California Spring Garden Show, showcases what organizers refer to as “culturally, politically and historically significant women throughout the ages known as pioneers of change, rule-breakers and trailblazers.” Sixteen exceptionally talented florists from Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties were invited to take part in the exhibit; each one tasked with creating a fresh flower ensemble for one of the 16 mannequins that celebrates these legendary women.
For exhibit hours and additional information, visit southcoastplaza.com. Visit goldensolfloralco.com for more information about the florist.
Helping organizations
The Ebell Club of Canyon Hills presented checks to representatives from its major philanthropic recipients during its April general meeting.
Club members who nominated each of the major recipients assisted first Vice President, Philanthropy, Susan Harker with the presentation. Mary Hovland introduced Jim Martin, CEO of Donate Life California. He provided an overview about the state-authorized nonprofit that manages California’s organ, eye and tissue donor registry, the number of people who have received a life saving transplant and the importance of becoming an organ donor. Donate Life California was selected as one of this year’s major philanthropies in memory of long time Ebell member and past president, Judi Sepulveda, who was a double lung transplant recipient. Family members Dennis Sepulveda and Megan Burgess, husband and daughter of Judi, were in attendance.
Mai Hinwood introduced Tammy Peng, the senior director of community engagement for Meals on Wheels/Orange County who explained how the funds would help the nonprofit with meals for low-income or immobile senior citizens. She provided information about the program itself, the number of seniors served in Anaheim and Orange communities as well as the organization’s hot lunch program available at various senior citizen community centers.
In addition to the check presentations, Ways and Means co-chair Nancy Bertocchini presented the board recommendation for a donation to the World Vision organization designated for assisting the refugees in Ukraine; voted on by members, the donation was matched by those in attendance.
Members also supported Operation Blankets of Love Animal Rescue by bringing pet food, treats, leashes, collars, toys, and towels and blankets to help supplement the needs of the nonprofit animal rescue organization.
Membership in the Ebell Club is open to women interested in fun, friendship and the community. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month (except July) at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church. For additional information about the Ebell Club or membership, contact club President Patti Faiman at 714-402-2522 or visit ebellclubcanyonhills.com.
Business recognition
Representatives from California State Assemblyman Phillip Chen’s office recently surprised Judy Khieng and Peter Ros, owners of Sierra Donuts in Anaheim Hills, with a framed Certificate of Recognition for exemplary customer service. The business has been at the same location since 2015.
Certificates of Recognition from the assemblyman’s office are the result of suggestions from community leaders and members and are awarded periodically to businesses that consistently provide quality products and exceptional customer service.
Congratulations on this special recognition.
A relay for life
Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church once again has a team, “CHPC Cares,” participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of North Orange County scheduled for May 21 at El Rancho Charter School.
This event, one of the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraisers, offers an opportunity for communities to come together in the fight against cancer to support and celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers. The daylong event includes taking turns walking around El Rancho’s track to raise money, entertainment and various activities as well as special survivor and caregiver laps. A luminaria ceremony is held to honor the memory of those lost to cancer.
There are several ways in which to participate in this fundraising effort. Either lead or join a team or make a monetary donation. Remember every donation counts and helps make a difference in the fight against cancer. Money raised through the Relay for Life events help fund research, education, advocacy and family services.
For information about the CHPC Cares team visit canyonhillspc.org/events. Additional information about the event is available at Relayforlife.org.
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail ([email protected]).