IPSF Announces 2011 Gala Honorees

The Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) today announced the four honorees of IUSD school alumni that will be honored for outstanding career achievements at the second annual IPSF Spirit of Excellence Gala, October 22, 2011, at Kia Motors Headquarters in Irvine.  The announcement of the honorees was made at the conclusion of the Inaugural IPSF Golf Tournament at Strawberry Farms May 12, which was a huge success.

According to IPSF president Neda Zaengle, the four honorees for 2011 include: 

Excellence in Arts: Oren Jacob- University High School class of 1989- Lead Animator, Pixar Films  

Excellence in Music: Eric Anderson- Irvine High School class of 1990, Chameleon Actor/Musician 

Excellence in Science: Allen Adham-University High School class of 1984, Co-founder Blizzard Entertainment 

Excellence in Athletics: Jason Lezak-Irvine High Class of 1994, Swimmer-Olympic Gold Medalist.

Each year IPSF hosts 400 guests for a formal high ticket fundraising Gala event where Irvine alumni are honored in their area of excellence.  The 2011 Gala has been set for Saturday, October 22

“We’re delighted to announce our four honorees for 2011 on the heels of a highly successful and well attended golf tournament,” said Zaengle.  “Irvine and IUSD have much to celebrate in honoring the achievements of these worthy and talented alumni.  With so much uncertainty ahead for Irvine’s schools and students, IPSF is committed to continuing the work needed to provide the financial support and enrichment programs  our students need to maintain the quality education Irvine schools are known for providing.  The support we get from our gala helps us continue our mission

Golf Tournament Recap

Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) held its first annual golf tournament, Tee It Up for Irvine Schools, at Strawberry Farms Golf Club on Thursday, May 12.  The tournament was in recognition of its generous Legacy Partners who support Irvine schools at a significant level, leaving a legacy of leadership and financial support.   More than 140 golfers and 60 additional guests attended the event and stayed for dinner and a silent auction. 

Each golfer received a new pair of Oakley glasses before teeing off.  Golfers had a chance of winning a brand new BMW provided by the title sponsor, Irvine BMW if they made a hole-in-one (none were made).  Other sponsors that made the day so successful included Strawberry Farms, Supreme Fitness, Bacchus Secret Cellar, Posch Restaurant, HoneyBaked Inc., and Pimco.

Honored guests at the event included Assemblyman Don Wagner who presented Neda Zaengle, CEO of IPSF with an award of recognition for all the service IPSF provides to the 28,000 students of the Irvine Unified School District.  IPSF Legacy Partners Mary Brown and Janet Rome were named the 2011 Spirit of Excellence Gala Co-Chairs. 

This year’s gala coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the City of Irvine and will pay special tribute to the City’s commitment to education.  

Last year’s gala was a sold out celebration that raised over $225,000 for our public schools and featured Saturday Night Live cast member and IUSD alum Nasim Pedrad.  

Ticket and sponsorship information for the 2011 Gala is available on the IPSF website at www.ipsf.net.