Legacy group gives funding to center

Tony Ciabattoni, founder of Laguna Legacy, a new nonprofit fund that gears its donations to nonprofit and needy causes in Laguna Beach, donated a $50,000 check to Laguna Beach Seniors Inc. on Jan. 8, with a pledge of another $50,000 to be donated in January 2008 to help with Laguna Beach Seniors’ capital campaign.

“After visiting the current facility, it became obvious that this was an organization in need,” Ciabattoni said. “I met most of the staff and a good number of seniors. It was uplifting to see their enthusiasm and excitement. They deserve a first-class facility, and it gives me a warm feeling that we can help them achieve their dreams and improve the quality of their lives.”

Ciabattoni was also instrumental in helping Laguna’s Joey Masella and his family with some of Joey’s medical expenses prior to his passing in September.

“I am committed to encouraging Laguna’s residents to give where they live,” said City Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider, who has worked with the seniors to raise the funds for a new building for the last six years.

“Thanks to the giving of people like Tony’s group, Carl and Cheryl Post, Bobbi Cox, John Mansour, Kent Russell, Joe Hanauer, the Kling family, the members of ‘The Hearts of the Montage’, the Quilter family and others for the new senior center — as well as the Mellor’s and others for the new Playhouse — we are realizing more local giving. I will be doing all I can to foster this trend with others in my second term as a councilwoman.”

Ciabattoni created the Laguna Legacy Fund in late 2005 after learning about many of the needs in the city.

Four of his friends — Frank Darras, Richie Sambora, Steve Mihaylo and Bill Lobel — joined him in funding the organization and are all Laguna residents.

“The mission of Laguna Legacy, which receives its nonprofit status as a fund of the Orange County Community Foundation, is to improve the quality of life in Laguna Beach, now and in the future, by raising, managing and distributing charitable funds to worthy individuals and nonprofit organizations in need,” Ciabattoni said

Laguna Beach Seniors has raised approximately $2.25 million toward their $2.5 million goal for the building.

They will then be raising additional funds for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new facility.

For information about giving to the new senior center, which is expected to break ground this spring, call (949) 497-2441.