Fundraiser

With help from an anonymous donor, a local nonprofit organization aims to bring in $200,000 in donations at an annual fundraiser, said an event official Wednesday. The Circle of Life Breakfast, the biggest fundraiser of the year for New Directions for Women — a Costa Mesa group that provides rehab and recovery services to women — is scheduled for March 28 at the Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach. Last year, the event netted about $80,000. This year, an anonymous donor has pledged to match contributions dollar-for-dollar, said Becky Flood, the organization's chief executive officer.

The Solomon Society, a men's fraternal organization associated with the Jewish Federation & Family Services of Orange County, held its annual event billed as "'Late Night' with the Solomon Society … Cocktails, Cuisine and Comedy for a Cause. " Hundreds of men joined together for the gathering Sept. 13, which starred comedian Paul Reiser . The actor, musician and writer is probably best known for his role in the NBC television series "Mad About You. " The Solomon Society is co-chaired by Michael and David Stoll . The evening was co-chaired by Kenny Beard , Gideon Bernstein , Peter MacDonald , David Weinberg and Sam Wyman . The event unfolded at the Grove of Anaheim with a 5 p.m. VIP reception featuring a Glenfiddich scotch tasting and a "meet and greet" with Reiser.

A Newport Beach family is offering local UCLA supporters a chance to learn more about late legendary basketball coach John Wooden this weekend at an intimate fundraiser with Wooden's daughter and some of his former athletes. Last year, Roger and Lynn Tomalas attended an event in Los Angeles County where Wooden's daughter, Nan, and two of his former athletes shared their memories of one of the most successful college basketball coaches in history. They decided to bring that personal touch to Newport on Sunday.

While Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney spoke at a private fundraiser Monday evening in Costa Mesa, a small group of mostly Planned Parenthood supporters protested outside. The former Massachusetts governor's appearance at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall was his fourth Orange County stop since March. Tickets to the event started at $1,000 and reached $50,000. Among the attendees were Costa Mesa councilmen Jim Righeimer and Steve Mensinger. Romney, who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday morning, is on a Southland tour.

Paloma Bautista wanted to go to college, but she didn't think it was possible until she started going to Save Our Youth her freshman year in high school. Now, the 2007 Costa Mesa High School graduate has a bachelor's degree from UC Irvine and begins her master's degree in social work at USC this summer. FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version incorrectly reported Bautista graduated in 1997. "I'm the only one in my immediate, and my entire family, to go to school," she said.

Last week’s fundraiser for local Marines at A Restaurant in Newport Beach was so successful that organizers have already planned another one for next year. In fact, they have decided to make it an annual event. When the restaurant closed late July 8, organizers collected about $6,000 for the 1st Battalion 1st Marines. Two local patrons — David Pyle and Joseph McGinty Nichol, better known as movie director McG — each agreed to match the bartenders’ tips for the night.

Mariners Elementary School Foundation will host its 11th annual fall fundraiser, A Night at Ciro’s, at 6 p.m. Saturday in Building 16 of the Orange County Fairgrounds. The theme celebrates the Golden Age of Hollywood, when Frank Sinatra was king and the Rat Pack hung out at the hippest night club in town, Ciro’s. Mariners Elementary hopes to raise money for technology upgrades, additional teaching staff, a dedicated science program, math and reading enrichment programs, music, facility improvements, and more.

Costa Mesa firefighters collected an estimated $1,000 in a fundraiser for their Widows and Orphans Fund Thursday night when they acted as waiters and busboys for a local restaurant, officials said. For about five hours, Costa Mesa firefighters served their community in a different way than usual — this time handing out burgers, fries and drinks at Ruby’s Diner on 17th Street — with 20% of the customers’ bills going to charity. The Widows and Orphans Fund is a safety net for the families of firefighters who have been lost in the line of duty, said Capt.

The Costa Mesa Senior Center will hold a fundraiser at Ruby’s Diner on 17th Street in Costa Mesa tonight, with 20% of all the evening’s proceeds from food and non-alcoholic drinks going toward the organization. Those interested in participating will need to pick up a free ticket between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from the Costa Mesa Senior Center, at 695 West 19th St. The fundraiser will be 5 to 9 p.m. at the Ruby’s Diner at 428 East 17th St. — Chris Caesar

If you see a bunch of police running around the South Coast Plaza Claim Jumper panicked and confused Thursday, don’t be alarmed. Chances are many of them are just getting their first experience as servers and they’re hustling to deliver meals. On Thursday every Claim Jumper restaurant is teaming up with local law enforcement agencies for the annual “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser benefiting the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign. The fundraiser will benefit statewide Special Olympics chapters.