Hall of Fame Awards honor outstanding community leaders in Costa Mesa and South Coast Metro
The Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and South Coast Metro Alliance again honored outstanding community leaders during the Annual Hall of Fame Awards, held today at Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa. To be eligible, individuals must live and/or work in Costa Mesa or South Coast Metro and businesses must be located in one of the two areas. The Community Spirit Award went to Alan Greeley, founder of The Golden Truffle gourmet restaurant and a longtime community volunteer. Through the years, Greeley has participated in many charity chef events, including events for the Liver Foundation, the Kidney Foundation, Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, Natalie’s Wish, Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, Augie’s Quest, Families Forward, Taste of the Cure for diabetes treatment, and the Assessment and Treatment Services Center. He also routinely contributes to many other groups, including Habitat for Humanity, Laura’s House, Planned Parenthood, Pacific Symphony, Human Options, Chapman University, YMCA of Orange County, Short Stop (OC Bar Association fundraiser), Surfing Heritage Foundation, and Miocean Foundation.
The Individual Achievement Award went to Steve Mensinger, president of the Costa Mesa Pop Warner Youth Football League and Cheer. A recipient of the Mayor’s Award for his outstanding service to the youth of Costa Mesa, he has actively pursued and achieved his goal to transform the program into Orange County’s premier youth organization. Faced with monetary and membership losses, he significantly increased the league’s membership, revenue, and quality of operation in just one season. Deloitte received the Corporate Leadership Award, which was accepted by company executives Rob Lucenti and Steve Pizula. Inspired by a corporate philosophy that asserts giving back to the community goes “beyond the numbers,” Deloitte encourages employee volunteerism with and sponsorship of organizations such as American Heart Association, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Orange County’s United Way, Orangewood’s Children Foundation and Court Assisted Special Advocates. The company also encourages business support of the arts throughout Orange County in part by providing lease-free space for the Orange County Business Committee for the Arts for nearly 28 years that has allowed for greater focus on facilitating partnerships between business and local nonprofit arts organizations. “We are pleased to honor corporations, community organizations and individuals that have drawn unselfishly upon their expertise and success to help others,” said Diane Pritchett, executive director, South Coast Metro Alliance. “We are delighted that the Hall of Fame Awards has become a local tradition for bringing much deserved recognition to extraordinary individuals and organizations in Costa Mesa and South Coast Metro,” said Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Ed Fawcett. Last year’s recipients were Betty Moss, founding executive director of the Orange County Business Committee for the Arts; Becky Bailey-Findley, former CEO of the OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC); and South Coast Plaza. |
