Contact:  Carolyn Baker - HomeAid Orange County
(949) 553-9510 – carolyn@homeaidoc.org

LimeLight Co-Chairs, Michael Schrock and Sonia Lister Photo Credit – John Warner

IRVINE, Calif., June 9, 2008 – The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano was the ideal setting for HomeAid Orange County to hold their annual LimeLight gala to honor the 2008 Rainbow of Hope Award recipients who played a significant role in the founding of HomeAid and the exceptional growth of the 19 year-old non-profit organization.

More than 300 building industry and community leaders were welcomed by LimeLight co-chairs Sonia Lister of Jackson, DeMarco, Tidus and Peckenpaugh and Michael Schrock of Urban Arena. Set in the Mission’s majestic ruins and enchanting gardens, guests were entertained by the Esencia Flamenco Dance Company and dined on an elegantly themed Spanish buffet catered by Annie Morgan of Backstage-A-Fare and Tastebuds restaurant in Costa Mesa.

The evening program began with a memorial tribute to one of HomeAid’s founding members, Ron Saienni. The 2008 Rainbow of Hope Special Recognition Award was presented to Saienni’s daughter Elizabeth Saienni. "I have wonderful childhood memories of joining my father at HomeAid events. My father was deeply committed to HomeAid and my desire is to carry on his legacy to help HomeAid Orange County continue to grow and to help homeless families restore their lives," said Saienni.

A unique situation occurred this year in the Volunteer, Builder, Specialty Contractor, Consultant and Service Provider categories. They all focused on one particular renovation project – Catholic Worker Isaiah House. The restoration of this turn of the century historic home was successfully accomplished by a team of specialized and dedicated craftsmen.

The 2008 Rainbow of Hope Volunteer Award recipient John Markel of Rancho Mission Viejo initiated HomeAid’s involvement with Isaiah House. For more than five years he has organized volunteers the third Sunday of every month to prepare and feed up to 200 homeless individuals and families at this emergency shelter.

The 2008 Rainbow of Hope Builder awards were presented to the California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC) and Pacific Design Estates Construction, Inc. Accepting the award for CALPASC were Beth Curran, CALPASC; Thom Steele, Hardwood Creations; Tom Rhodes, TWR Framing; and Mark Louiver, Trimco Finish. David Close and Sean McElhaney accepted the award for Pacific Design Estates.

William Hezmalhalch Architects and Land Concern both were honored with the 2008 Rainbow of Hope Consultants Awards accepted by Fernando Laullon and Jeff Briggs; and Mike Sweeny respectively. The 2008 Rainbow of Hope Service Provider Award was presented to Catholic Worker – Isaiah House and was accepted by Leia and Dwight Smith.

The final award of the evening, the 2008 Rainbow of Hope Corporate Award was presented to Bank of America for their excellence in corporate philanthropy and outstanding dedication to HomeAid and numerous non-profit organizations throughout Orange County. Bank of America has played a lead role in the growth of HomeAid Orange County. Its commitment to create meaningful change in the communities it serves through philanthropic efforts and the associate volunteer program Team Bank of America has provided opportunities for hundreds of homeless families to rebuild their lives. Bill Balfour, Senior Vice President, Home Builder Division accepted the award.

LimeLight was a great success due to the generosity of the major sponsors and underwriters: Empire Homes; Jackson, DeMarco, Tidus and Peckenpaugh, A Law Corporation; and Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC; Archer Johnson Foundation; Cal Pac Sheet Metal; Cox Communications; Orange County Association of REALTORS; Urban Arena and Valley Crest.

About HomeAid Orange County
HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between services providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date the organization has completed 41 developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and homeless families. www.homeaidoc.org