in the 1990s . Funds go toward a number of programs , such as book clubs , creative writing contests and more . “ The foundation funds valuable programs like the Witte Lecture series , Library Live , Medicine in Our Backyard and Financial Literacy Workshops , and directly supports the library ’ s special projects and needs like the Media Lab , Sound Lab and Tech Toys to provide the opportunity for library patrons to use advanced technology to foster their creativity ,” says board member Ann Doyle Stephens . “ Your support is what makes the Newport Beach Library an outstanding cultural center for our community .” Donations are also used to buy books , ebooks and audiobooks ; create the library ’ s magazine ; record podcasts and videos from speaker events ; library renovations ; and laptops for on-site use . ( nbplf . foundation )
CureDuchenne Duchenne muscular dystrophy occurs in roughly one of every 5,000 males , eventually rendering them unable to walk , breathe on their own or feed themselves . This devastating illness impacts the muscles and often leads to heart failure long-term , so CureDuchenne was created to spread awareness , help impacted families , offer access to treatment and fund research to hopefully find a cure for the disease . The nonprofit is connected with a number of events throughout the year , taking place all over the country . Locally , the Getzlaf Golf Shootout , hosted by retired Anaheim Ducks hockey Capt . Ryan Getzlaf and his wife , Paige , always benefits CureDuchenne , with the couple having raised more than $ 5.3 million over the years . Napa in Newport , often held in nearby Dana Point , also supports the nonprofit . “ With more clinical trials in progress than ever before ,” says co-founder Debra Miller , “ hope for a cure is on the horizon and we are so grateful for the community ’ s support .” ( cureduchenne . org )
TOP : COURTESY OF NEWPORT BEACH ARTS FOUNDATION ; BOTTOM : COURTESY OF ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER
Top : A painting demonstration at a show presented by Newport Beach Arts Foundation ; bottom : the Environmental Nature Center
Literacy , a program developed to help locals find greater success in their work and home lives . Small group classes and one-on-one tutoring has been offered to those living or working in town since 1986 . While support comes from the city of Newport Beach and the state of California , the majority of funding is through private donations . ( The Literacy Project : literacyproj . org ) ( Project Adult Literacy : newportbeachlibrary . org )
Newport Beach Arts Foundation As the fundraising arm for the Newport Beach Arts Commission , the Newport Beach Arts Foundation partners with artists , businesses and volunteers to elevate the arts in the local community . The group is responsible for many of the art events you ’ ll see across town , including the annual Art Exhibition in June , the Art In The Park artisan fair in the fall and the summertime Concerts on the Green . The nonprofit is also responsible for helping raise funds for the rotating , open-air Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park , which is now in its seventh phase . Donations will be used to support the arts commission as it plans and organizes these special events , especially the sculpture exhibit . Other ways to make a difference include in-kind donations of artwork by local artists , corporate sponsorships and art advocacy . ( newportbeachartsfoundation . org )
Newport Beach Public Library Foundation As one might expect , the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation provides wonderful support for the local library , contributing a whopping $ 7 million since its establishment in 1989 , even helping to build the new Central Library
Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center Since 1979 , the Newport Theatre Arts Center has been showcasing live community theater productions in its Cliff Drive space , which is owned by the city . With full support from the government , the organization has grown to become one of the most prominent theater groups in the region , having earned awards from both the city and the media . With four to five shows taking place each season , Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center is supported through roughly 800 season ticket holders , who make up about half of the theater ’ s capacity . Attendees can view dramas , mysteries , comedies and musicals , and open calls are often held for the performances , giving locals a chance to star in the shows . As 2022 draws to a close , the nonprofit is hosting its annual end-ofthe-year fundraising campaign , so consider offering a tax-deductible donation this season to help the group make improvements to the newly dedicated Rae A . Cohen Theatre , named for a past president of the center who tirelessly supported the organization for nearly four decades . ( ntactickets . com )
Environmental Nature Center Connecting with nature isn ’ t always easy in Southern California , but the Environmental Nature Center is committed to providing as much outdoor exploration as possible for children and adults alike . Founded in 1972 , the center showcases 15 different native plant communities , with terrain from all over the state at its Newport campus . The center may be best known for its programming , from naturalist-led experiences to fireside events , school field trips , early childhood education and spring and summer nature camps . The ENC also opened a nature preschool just before the pandemic , giving young learners a chance to immerse themselves in the natural world on a regular basis . “ We already provide our impactful programs to a population that mirrors that of diverse Orange County ,” says Bo Glover , executive director of the ENC . “… The ENC is working hard to increase access to nature and environmental education for at-risk populations . Funding is needed to subsidize discounted or free programs for students from Title I schools .” ( encenter . org )
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 45