The Crowd: Luncheon moves attendees to help with literacy

The Literacy Project Foundation called on the Newport-Mesa crowd this summer to learn "What Dreams Are Made of." This second annual luncheon supporting the goals of the Literacy Project Foundation unfolded in the dining room at Big Canyon Country Club, Newport Beach.

Chaired by Sue Tucker and Doug Freeman, the $100 per ticket luncheon sold out the dining room, attracting an audience of people who understand and care about the importance of educating our broad and diverse population. Most important, the luncheon featured an address by keynote speaker Chauncey Veatch, the 2002 National Teacher of the Year. By the end of the afternoon about 100 donors helped the foundation raise $20,000.

The event began with a late morning reception that featured a special introduction of students meeting with guests and sharing their personal goals and dreams for their future. The young students were paired with community role models each working in the specific field of interest expressed by the student.

Deputy Dee Dee Kurimay, from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who is also a part of the Mounted Division, represented 8-year-old Danielle, who would like to be in law enforcement when she grows up. William Manclark, a respected retired veterinarian, mentored 10-year-old Salice, whose love of animals propels her to seek knowledge in a career in veterinary medicine Jennifer, 11, is involved with serious music study and was mentored by Dana Freeman, a local music teacher and violinist with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

In the field of real estate, one of Southern California's most prominent executives, Lee Ann Canaday, owner of Re/Max Fine Homes, shared her 30 years of business experience with 9-year-old Jordan. Finally, 9-year-old Brandon was mentored by geochemist Deba Bhattacharyya, a paleontologist from Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana. The young students all displayed projects on easels in the lobby of the country club, joining their mentors greeting the donors.