Group serving disabled raises $550,000

An Orange County organization serving children with disabilities netted more than half a million dollars at its annual fundraiser in Newport Beach this month.

United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County celebrated its 60th anniversary and the raising of $550,000 at its Life Without Limits gala at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort on May 10, according to a news release from the group.

Since 1953, the group has provided support services to families and children with disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and Down syndrome.

The organization says it strives to help the children reach their potential and be included in all levels of society.

The black-tie, red-carpet event included two UCP-OC teen ambassadors, Reo Kobayashi and Brianna Pievac, who communicated with guests through an iPad, according to the release.

A live auction and host of underwriters helped raise money that will support services like UCP-OC’s therapy center in Irvine.

More information about UCP-OC is available at https://www.ucp-oc.org.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck