Sweet memories for UCI Mind Gala
UCI MIND, the University of California, Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Orange County’s only state and federally designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, can now count on $370,000 more in funding to help its mission. That’s thanks to the community leaders who attended the institute’s annual black-tie gala on Dec. 1 at the Balboa Bay Resort.
Coast was the proud media sponsor of the event, which for nine years and counting has brought more than $1.59 million to fund critical research. Dr. Joshua Grill, UCI MIND director, noted, “We are forever grateful for the continued support that we have received throughout the years.”
Honorees included William Edwards, CEO of Edwards Global Services; Steve O’Leary, vice chairman of The Shipyard; and Keith Swayne, retired CEO of Case Swayne Co./International Food Solutions. Each of these individuals has personally been affected by the disease and were honored for their visionary leadership and their work toward preventing others from having Alzheimer’s impact other families.
Brower Group, The Smart Agency, was lauded as the 2018 Community Leadership Award Honoree. Led by chief strategist Judy Brower Fancher and President Jenn Quader, Brower Group has promoted UCI MIND’s research on a pro bono basis since 2016. But before the honors began, guests mingled in the holiday-themed lobby, enjoying bidding on silent auction items that included top-tier wines.
