Status Update: $5,000 restaurant, caterer grants available for small business owners

Applications are open for $5,000 grants being awarded to independent restaurant owners and commercial caterers in California.

The grants — from the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund created by California Restaurant Foundation — are funded partly by SoCalGas.

At least 90 grants will go to independent restaurant owners and commercial caterers in the SoCalGas coverage area. The money is for technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention or unforeseen hardships.

The fund debuted during the pandemic in 2021, and so far has helped 1,325 independent restaurants in California, with 471 funded by SoCalGas.

Applications are open until June 30. Full eligibility requirements are at restaurantscare.org/resilience.

OC United Way’s free tax program prepared 13,629 returns

The tally is in for Orange County United Way’s annual (and free) tax preparation program.

OC Free Tax Prep prepared 13,629 tax returns in the county in 2024.

“The success of OC Free Tax Prep would not be possible without our amazing and dedicated volunteers, staff, elected officials and city and county staff who support our efforts to help more residents keep their hard-earned money, and we are truly grateful,” said Theresa Jackson, senior program manager.

Here are some highlights from OC United Way:

—Almost $12.3 million in federal and state refunds issued

—$2.8 million in federal Earned Income Tax Credits

—$2.8 million in other tax credits

—$3.4 million saved in tax preparation fees

OC United Way, along with 35 local organizations, provides free tax filing assistance to eligible taxpayers (those earning less than $64,000 in 2023) and helped assess eligibility for EITCs. A total of 473 volunteers and 17,509 hours went toward helping low- to moderate-income people and their families file tax returns.

Nonprofits

Beyond Blindness is the recipient of $158,000 after a month-long campaign from Moustaches for Kids, also known as M4K. Every year, M4K recruits participants to grow “moustaches,” raising awareness for a children’s charity. This year, the group chose Beyond Blindness.

MOMS, a nonprofit dedicated to newborn and pregnancy health, raised $140,000 at its annual Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures gala on June 8 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club. The event also recognized 25-year board member Mark C. Marten, who joined the board in 1999 and was “instrumental” in expanding MOMS services to include fathers.

The nonprofit multimedia organization OC World launched OC World Media Club last week. The week is aimed at promoting excellence in journalism and media within Orange County. The venture provides professional development, networking, advocacy, and community engagement opportunitiesto a wide range of media professionals. For more information about OC World Media Club, go to OCWorldMediaClub.org.

Waymakers raised $195,000 on May 16 at its annual Swing For Kids Charity Golf Tournament held at Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine. Proceeds will help the nonprofit shelter children ages 11-17 who are homeless, runaway, abused or those struggling with mental illness.

Scholarships and more for college-found girls

Girls Inc. of Orange County recently hosted its annual College Shower, where the nonprofit helps prepare 150 college-bound girls with essentials and scholarships to help with higher education.

Girls received tote bags filled with essentials such as blankets, safety keychains and hygiene products donated by supporters and local companies.

Five scholarships were awarded to 20 different girls totaling $222,000.

New ventures

Assisted Living Locators opened recently in Irvine. The franchise serves the cities of Irvine, Tustin, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Garden Grove, Midway City and Santa Ana. The company provides no cost help for families looking for assisted living and in-home care options. The franchise is owned by Negar Lencioni, an Aliso Viejo resident. For more information, call Lencioni at 949-480-1137 or go to assistedlivinglocators.com/irvine-santa-ana.

On the move

Corry Marshall recently was named head of federal affairs and policy at Mitsubishi Electric US in Cypress. He has 20 years of leadership in public policy and governmental affairs industries. Marshall’s focus will be to support corporate initiatives surrounding clean energy and electrification, automation and manufacturing and public infrastructure growth. Previously, he was a senior director of government relations with the American Public Power Association.

On board

Suzy Elliott of Elliott Leadership Coaching recently was appointed to Waymakers’ board of directors. The nonprofit provides counseling, education, shelter, conflict resolution and support services to Orange County children and families who are struggling. Elliott coaches clients who seek to make personal or professional goals through a personalized roadmap.

Milestones

Jerry Mandel, president emeritus at Irvine Barclay Theater, was recognized by the city of Irvine on June 11. His name was added to the city’s Wall of Recognition at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. Mandel was honored for his service at the Barclay and UC Irvine, where he served as vice chancellor. Mandel also was president of Segerstrom Center for the Arts. He helmed Irvine Barclay Theatre for eight years, beginning in 2015.

Appointments

Fullerton resident Faisal Qazi, president and co-founder of Medical Network Devoted to Service since 2011, recently was reappointed to the California Commission on Aging, where he has served since 2020. Qazi also is an associate professor at the UC Riverside and an assistant professor at Western University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation.

Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.