2007 Honorees
Spirit of Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement
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Janet and Walkie Ray
Nominated by
MIND Institute,
Great Park Conservancy,
Discovery Science Center
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Janet and Walkie Ray have been a tremendous force behind the success
of the Orange County Great Park, the MIND Institute, and the
Discovery Science Center. Serving on both the Great Park Corporation
board and the Great Park Conservancy board, Walkie brings a wealth of
expertise in project development to the process, expertise that is
critical to this largest civic project ever in Orange County.
As Co-Chair of the Jewel of Orange County, Janet exhibited an
exceptional ability to bring people together to support this major
fundraiser and friend raiser for the Great Park Conservancy.
Individually, Janet’s and Walkie’s commitment of time
to the Great Park project is significant. Added together, it is
unequaled. Walkie joined the board of the MIND Institute in 2002,
serving on the Executive Committee and the Board Development Committee.
In 2003, Janet co-chaired the first ever MIND Institute Awards Dinner,
establishing a vital source of fundraising and friend-raising for the
organization, that has raised more than $1-million. In addition, they
have hosted numerous events for the organization – from parties
on their boat to elegant donor parties in their home – and
always with genuine warmth and hospitality. Walkie and Janet have
been involved with the Discovery Science Center since 1993.
They were instrumental in the strategic planning, fund raising $20M,
and construction for the Discovery Science Center which opened in 1998.
They have been or are involved with Sage Hill School,
Orange County High School of the Arts, UCI Arts Council, Orange County
Performing Arts Center, and Ballet Pacifica to name a few. Walkie and
Janet are the “dream couple” for any organization they
choose to be involved with and embody the true
“Spirit of Philanthropy” in everything they do.