Newport Pavilions Raises $5,000 for Disabled Community

Disabled members of the community will receive more resources to help them lead successful lives thanks to shoppers and employees of the Newport Coast Pavilions.

The Pavilions, located on Newport Coast Drive, was recently recognized as a top fundraising store by Easter Seals and Special Olympics for its month-long charity campaign in April which benefits people with disabilities. The store raised $5,664 during the campaign, which was the highest fundraising total in their district of 20 stores which stretches as far north as Anaheim, east as Orange, west to Huntington Beach and south to San Juan Capistrano.

Courtney Carranza, the store's manager, says she is thankful to the employees and customers who consistently make the fundraiser a success.

“We are a decades-long supporter of Easter Seals and Special Olympics and are very proud of their work to help people with disabilities gain independence,” she said.

Campaign officials say the Newport Coast Pavilions ranks as a top fundraising store every year, despite the challanges with the economy. Money raised during the People with Disabilities Campaign directly benefits children and adults with disabilities at Easter Seals Southern California and their families through pre-school and after-school services, job training and employment services, autism services, assistance for people to move out of institutions and into their own home, and services that help adults learn basic daily living and social skills.

Special Olympics Southern California will also receive financial support for its year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“This annual fundraiser is helping to open a whole new world of possibilities and participation for countless people with disabilities,” said Bill Shumard, president and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “As a company that employs thousands of people with disabilities, Vons knows the importance of allowing people to live, work, and compete on their own terms.”