Monday, October 20, 2008





Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope

On September 12, 13, 14, I had the privilege of working for Roberta and Howard Ahmanson photographing a series of events for the Orange County Rescue Mission and the opening of the Village of Hope in Tustin.

The Village of Hope is a 200-person residential facility for homeless families located at the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Base. The Ahmanson’s have been long-time supporters of the OC Rescue Mission and were a big part of helping to build the Village of Hope.

Friday night, September 12, the Ahmanson’s hosted a sit down dinner for the residents and staff of the Village of Hope at the facility in Tustin. After dinner, everyone was treated to a concert by The Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale that played for the first time a commissioned piece titled “From Greater Light” by composer Alva Henderson.

Saturday night, September 13, a benefit dinner and concert for the Village of Hope was held at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The dinner for 375 guests was held in the Samueli Theatre. The Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale headlined the concert in the Renee and Henry Concert Hall that was dubbed the “Concert for Hope.” After the intermission, it was time for the world premiere of “From Greater Light.” It proved to be a delightful musical event, not just a noble one.

Sunday afternoon, September 14, was the Grand Opening for the Village of Hope in Tustin. The afternoon was full of fun, food, drink, music and tours of the facility for the public. The Ahmanson’s commissioned art pieces by sculptor Albert Paley and artist Peter Brandes which were also dedicated that afternoon. Jim Palmer, the director of the OC Rescue Mission, hopes that these and additional paintings that are on loan from the Irvine Company will, with their beauty, help to inspire the residents.

The weekend was a lot of work and extremely fulfilling. It was great to be a part of all the events over the weekend and to see what was being done by the Ahmanson’s to support the homeless in Orange County.

No comments: