(From left) Jerry Brown, Fullerton Interfaith board member, Scott Larson, HomeAid Orange County executive director, Captain Paul Gift, Alaska Airlines and Val Celestin, HomeAid Orange County board member tout the new Fullerton Interfaith New Vista Shelter playground equipment purchased through funds donated by Alaska Airlines.

IRVINE, CA (April 10, 2006) -- The Alaska Airlines Pilots Charitable Fund (AAPCF), a non-profit charitable organization that supports children's charities through donations directly from its pilots, recently donated $5,000 to HomeAid Orange County. The funds were designated for playground equipment ultimately installed at the Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service (FIES) New Vista Shelter, serving homeless families with children. The donation was the result of a coordinated effort led by HomeAid board member, Val Celestin, whose daughter-in-law an Alaskan Airlines employee recommended HomeAid Orange County to the foundation. New Vista is HomeAid's 38th shelter development to date. Fullerton Interfaith-the recipient of the Alaska Airlines donation-requires that each New Vista Shelter resident who is not employed must spend at least 30 hours a week in school, in a training program, or looking for work. During their typical stay of 90-120 days, families are expected to save 80% of their income to secure seed money for permanent housing once they reenter mainstream society. In 19 years, Fullerton's New Vista shelter program has served over 800 families! Without the support of companies like Alaska Airlines and the Building Industry Association-the founder of HomeAid Orange County- HomeAid Orange County would not be able to move forward in its mission to build homes and rebuild lives for the thousands of homeless residing in our community. For more information click on www.homeaidoc.org or call (949) 553-9510.