Charity drive raises almost $200,000

The yearly Angelitos Card program at South Coast Plaza raked in $195,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County in 2009.

“It was a smashing success,” said Elizabeth Korczykowski, general manager at Tory Burch, noting that both sales and foot traffic went up. “It’s great because it brings everyone together for a good cause.”

Tory Burch was among 130 stores and restaurants at the shopping mall that took part in the charity drive. Others included Bottega Veneta, Christofle, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, MaxMara, Ralph Lauren, and Salvatore Ferragamo, according to a news release.

For a week, customers bought cards at participating boutiques for $60. Every dollar went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County. As an incentive during that week, participating shops and restaurants offered 20% discounts savings to card holders, the release said.

— Rachel Terrazas