Ninth Annual Project Access Keys to Success Gala Nets More Than $221,000

Philanthropists Glenn and Mindy Stearns honored; California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer was keynote speaker

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., October 15, 2014 – In recognition of the growth nonprofit Project Access has achieved this past year in the Western United States, its Annual Keys to Success Gala and fundraiser was aptly themed Serving New Destinations.

The event netted more than $221,000 to help support the nonprofit’s over 60 Resource Centers located in affordable housing communities in California, and recently expanded Resource Centers in communities in Colorado and Arizona.

To underscore the theme of the gala, which was held Saturday, September 20 at the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, highlights included flight attendant- costumed servers, and beverages served from an authentic airplane drink cart. Photos were taken of guests posing on the steps leading into an antique airplane, and a silk rope aerialist also contributed to the airplane-themed fun.

Project Access CEO Kristin Byrnes and former Keys to Success recipient Brian Murphy, a community advocate and president of Athletes First, delivered an emotional tribute to this year’s Keys to Success Award honorees Glenn and Mindy Stearns.

The Stearns are committed to the core values of Project Access’ mission and to making a difference in the lives of low-income families through giving back. They have previously been honored for their dedication to community service and philanthropy as Starkey Hearing Foundation's "American Couple of the Year," and have also received Orange County's "Giving Is Living Award” and the 2014 Orangewood Children's Foundation's "Golden Heart Award" for leadership and impact on youth.

Glenn Stearns, who has been successfully battling a form of tongue cancer, says his illness, now in remission, has reinforced his commitment to philanthropy. "Cancer has become the most unusual gift to me,“ says Stearns. "It has opened my eyes to feel and live with more compassion and understanding for others. I intend to use this clarity to continue to help others who are less fortunate.”

Keynote speaker California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer acknowledged the important work being done by Project Access and offered his full-fledged support to the organization’s mission. As the state’s banker, Lockyer processes trillions of dollars in transactions every year and oversees the management of California’s money.

Additionally, at the gala, Project Access awarded academic scholarships to five deserving residents.

Affordable Housing Access was the event’s platinum level sponsor, with KDF Communities LLC and an anonymous donor at the premier level. Related California and Stearns Lending, LLC sponsored at the gold level. The silver level sponsors included Banc of California, Bridge Investment Group Partners, Kristoffer and Jeanine Kaufmann, Preferred Hotel Group, Paul and Treena Salerno, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Vitus and U.S. Residential Group.

The dessert sponsor was Highland Property Development LLC. In addition, the organization received pledges from many additional philanthropic businesses and individuals.

“This has been a very important year for Project Access as we expand our service territory in the Western United States,” said CEO Kristin Byrnes. “Last year, we served nearly 11,000 low-income individuals, including families, children and seniors. We thank our sponsors and supporters for their generosity in helping us to keep our valuable programs thriving as we assist a growing population. We were particularly pleased to recognize the Stearns and see Glenn’s perseverance in the face of adversity as yet another example of his incredible strength and grit.”

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