The organization provides money to augment educational programs in the district and gives grants to teachers.
“Education is so important because it is the only way a young person is going to recognize their full potential — it makes you a complete person,” Loats said.
Loats was surrounded by family and friends at the gala Thursday. Longtime friend Susan Norman flew in from Richmond, Va., to surprise him at the dinner.
Loats grew up with Norman’s father in Buffalo Center, Iowa and Loats has become a “adopted godfather” to her over the years, she said.
“He’s just one of those small-town boys who grew up to have a wonderful life, but never forgot where he came from,” Norman said.
Loats was honored this year in part for his tireless fundraising and community service efforts spanning several decades, said Richard Luehrs, president of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Loats, a Chamber of Commerce Commodore since 1962, helped begin the chamber’s scholarship programs. He also helped found the 552 Club, a charitable program that supports Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
“If you talk to him for more than five minutes, you can’t say no to him,” Luehrs said. “He’s the type of guy you want on your committee.”
Loats persuaded the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board to approve Newport’s Environmental Nature Center, which was once a gully next to Newport Harbor High School. The center celebrated its 30th year in 2005.
