2003 Honorees

Outstanding Philanthropist

The Leatherby Family
Nominated by Alzheimer's Association of Orange County, Canyon Acres, Chapman University, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and KOCE-TV

Over the years, the Leatherby Family has supported a wide range of organizations and causes, including higher education, the arts, public television, diabetes research, patient and caregiver support, abused children and most recently, independent living for severely learning-disabled young adults. Their patriarch, Ralph, an Iowa farm boy raised with strong values and a sense of obligation to give back, began the family's philanthropic giving. His success in the insurance industry along with his personal motto that "others come first" enabled him and his family to impact the lives of countless children and adults throughout Orange County and the nation. Ralph's widow, Eleanor, and children, Russ and Joann, along with their families, continue the substantial financial support and hands-on participation to these many charities. The family's legacy will continue for years to come because of their generosity.

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Outstanding Volunteer

Luis Enrique Armendariz
Nominated by Vineyard Christian Fellowship and Elizabeth Armendariz

Luis Enrique Armendariz is a compassionate man who, in 1995, turned his grief over losing his young wife to cancer into a commitment to raise his two young children and serve others. He established the Jesus Truck Ministry which offers groceries, clothing and personal hygiene supplies to families living in motels. Using his own money, Luis also purchased several large vehicles to allow him to pick up larger donations and deliver them to the people he serves. During the weekdays, he can be found running the Vineyard Christian Fellowship's Storehouse Ministry which provides food and clothing to anyone in need. Luis never turns away anyone in need. If an organization can't provide a service or need, he will find one that can. Through his compassion and leadership, Luis Enrique Armendariz has contributed more to his community in the last eight years than many do in a lifetime.

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Outstanding Youth

Members of the "Speak Out!" Program
Nominated by Camp Fire USA

This group of seven teenagers (Fabiola Pascual, Chanroutha Kao, Flor Valente, Rotana Chey, Chhely Vy, Maricela Sandoval, and Yadira Cruz) has been working together for 3 years to make a difference in their city. After learning in 2000 that Santa Ana had a teen birth rate of nearly 1 in 10 - more than twice that of the state - they joined Camp Fire's Speak Out! program and began researching the issue of teen pregnancy. Their research led them to focus on the need for better health curriculum in their high schools. The group organized a grassroots community effort and met with elected officials, school personnel, parents and community-based organizations to advocate for better curriculum. They also presented their needs to the Santa Ana School Board on several occasions. In addition to requesting that their schools provide students with medically accurate information, they have consistently supported abstinence as a healthy choice for teens. But, because of the sensitivity of the issue, they have frequently had to counter misinformation about themselves and their agenda. Although these young people are now in college, they continue to devote up to 20 hours each month to their advocacy work for the benefit of teens in Santa Ana. Their commitment and tenacity in pursuing what they believe is needed in their community sets an impressive example for us all.

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Outstanding Volunteer Group

Junior League of Orange County, California
Nominated by Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove

The Junior League of Orange County is a dynamic group of women with a long history of commitment to Orange County. Guided by their focus on preventing child abuse and teen pregnancy, the Junior League has supported over 20 local agencies. Members are actively involved in a variety of projects including: serving as mentors, holding career days at schools, coordinating fun outings for children in the juvenile dependency system, donating in-kind items, and providing college scholarships. League members are positive adult role models who take the time to listen and offer caring hearts. The Junior League brings energy, creativity, talent and resources to every project they support. In turn, they have established a legacy of positively impacting the lives of countless families and children and improving the quality of life in our community as a whole.

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Outstanding Corporation or Business

The Disneyland Resort
Nominated by the American Red Cross

The Disneyland Resort, comprised of Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three local Disney hotels, has been an active philanthropist in Orange County for decades. Its Community Service Awards, initiated 46 years ago, has recognized almost 2,000 nonprofit organizations for their outstanding contributions with awards totaling $7.8 million. In 1997 the Resort started the Cast Community Fund which raises money from cast members and once a year accepts their nominations for worthy nonprofit organizations to receive grants from $1,000 to $5,000. In 2002, 54 organizations received grants from the Fund. Disneyland Resort reaches out to the community through more than just monetary donations. Cast members provide thousands of volunteer hours through the resort's Volunteer program. The Disneyland Resort is the single largest Orange County contributor to the American Red Cross Blood Services Program. Cast Members have contributed 25,453 pints of life-saving blood since 1975 and continue to work to increase the participation levels at annual blood drives. The Resort also supports a wide variety of Orange County organizations through in-kind donations and visits from the Disney characters.

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Outstanding Founder

Donald and Lois Verleur
Nominated by Olive Crest

Donald and Lois Verleur founded Olive Crest out of their home 30 years ago with a vision of serving children and youth who have been traumatized by the ravages of abuse, abandonment and neglect. What started with helping four troubled teenage girls in their home is now an organization that has served over 30,000 children, youth and families in three states. Under the leadership of the Verleurs, Olive Crest's full continuum of care has grown steadily over the past 30 years, paralleling the increasing needs of at-risk children and their families across the United States. Donald and Lois continue to work full-time at the agency. Their heart, commitment and vision have changed not only the victims and families but the staff who have worked alongside of them through the years.