Speakers Betty Mahmoody (r) and her daughter Mahtob flank co-chairs Artyn Gardner and Beth Bidna

Human Options held its annual fall fundraiser on October 28 at the Balboa Bay Club featuring Betty Mahmoody, speaker and author to the New York Times best-selling book, “Not Without My Daughter.” Mahmoody and her daughter Mahtob shared their personal experience of escaping an abusive relationship and fleeing 500 miles to a foreign country.  The sold-out event was attended by more than 500 guests and netted approximately $150,000.

Co-chairs Beth Bidna and Artyn Gardner were absolutely thrilled with the turn out and fundraising results.  Proceeds from the event, “A Mother’s Courage – Making a Journey from Fear to Victory,” will support a variety of Human Options’ domestic violence programs in Orange County.  A former graduate of the Human Options program shared her personal story of abuse and subsequent positive outcome as a result of support from Human Option.

Guests brought gently used clothing and accessories for Human Options’ Classy Seconds shop and/or new shoes and socks for the children in the Human Options programs.  Peggy Greene won a $250 Fashion Island shopping spree as part of a drawing for attendees who donated items.  Premier underwriters included Steve Churm, Churm Media, Susan and Bruce Edwards and Jean and Tim Weiss.

Gold underwriters:  Karen and Jon Jaffe, Elaine Weinberg and Nancy Dahan, Yvonne and Damien Jordan

Silver underwriters: First Foundation Advisors, Victoria Collins, Ph.D., CFP, Artyn and Max Gardner, David Hendryx and David Stepanian, The Iacocca Family Foundation, Lia and Victor Assad, Resources Global Professionals, Kate Duchene, Barbara and William Roberts

Benefactor underwriters: Ginger and Tony Allen/Tracy and Steve Friedmann, Eve Barker and Ellen Shockro, Ph.D., Ali and Robert Bartholomew, Beth and Howard Bidna, Vivian Clecak and John Pricz, Jennifer Irrgang and LaShauna Johnson, Kaiser Permanente, Denise Giambalvo, KPMG, Celina Doka; Susanna and Eric Openshaw, Pamela Schmider, Squar, Milner & Peterson, Scharrell Talley Jackson, Jane and Richard Taylor