Morgan Drexen CEO Walter Ledda Joins the Development Committee at Make-A-Wish® of Orange County and the Inland Empire
Morgan Drexen CEO and Founder Walter Ledda (2nd From Left) Accepts Plaque at 2012 Walk for Wishes
1983 had a special significance for both Make-A-Wish® and Ledda. It was that year 14-year old Tamara was granted the first wish – to see the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.
That year was significant for Ledda as well as it was the year he lost his mother. Traveling to the Caribbean had been her dream, one she sadly was unable to fulfill.
Ledda decided that working with Make-A-Wish® of Orange County was the right fit for Morgan Drexen and himself on a personal level. “It’s strange the connections that inspire you to become involved,” says Ledda.
In recent week Morgan Drexen signed up a 90 strong team for the Make-A-Wish’s® Walk For Wishes event at the Great Park in Irvine. The 2-mile walk raised more than $190,000 for the Make-A-Wish®. This year Morgan Drexen raised more than $5,350 to grant a special child their wish. In total, Morgan Drexen has granted the wishes of three special children in the area to date.
“Ever since the first wish child Zach was able to attend the MLB All-Star game, everyone at Morgan Drexen looks forward to this walk and supporting this wonderful foundation. We still receive photos and letters from Zach about how he is doing and what great fun he had on that day,” Ledda adds.
As a growing company coming through economically challenging times, it’s so rewarding when the employees at Morgan Drexen get behind philanthropic efforts so whole-heartedly.
Ledda will work with Director of Development Sarah Pizzaruso as part of the Development Committee. With a background in finance and automation he hopes to bring those skills to the table for the benefit of Make-A-Wish®.
The Make-A-Wish® has 69 chapters nationally and 28 chapters internationally. The foundation has granted 148,000 wishes across America alone. The Orange County chapter has been responsible for more than 3,000 of those wishes and continues to work hard under the direction of Stephanie McCormick.
Morgan Drexen Supports the 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes in Orange County
Morgan Drexen raised $5,385 for the Make-A-Wish®of Orange County.
Morgan Drexen was excited to support the Make-A-Wish® of Orange County and their 2nd Annual Walk for Wishes fundraising event benefitting children and their wishes at the Great Park Orange County in Irvine.
A wonderful 90 Morgan Drexen employees and family members put on their sunscreen and took on the morning heat ready to walk for a great cause.
“I wanted to do my part in helping make kids’ dreams come true and giving them a little bit of hope,” said Ramon German.
“My son actually encouraged me to do the walk after I told him we were donating money,” said Sherlin Alfaro. “He wanted to walk and see if the wish kids were going to be there and what wishes they wanted granted; he enjoys helping others.”
Over 1,500 people including wish children and their families walked a spirited 2-mile walk to raise funds to grant children their wishes.
The event raised an estimated $195,000, which was about $80,000 more than last year’s inaugural walk. Some event sponsors included Grainger®, Pacific Contours, Disney and Morgan Drexen.
“It was a bigger turn out than last year,” said Steve Schebesch. “I really enjoyed the entertainment this time too, the kid band was great!”
“It felt good helping people out, so it was definitely enjoyable hanging out with coworkers outside of the office,” said Ryan Shean. “I even brought my son with me, so it was a nice family day and I would definitely do it again.”
Morgan Drexen employees raised $5,385 for the Make-A-Wish® and were thrilled to be a hope sponsor this year. Matthew K. a six-year-old from Moreno Valley, California has a wish to go on a Disney Cruise and thanks to all the giving hearts at Morgan Drexen we can grant his wish this year!
“The support Morgan Drexen had and their presence at the walk shows that they care about the community and are willing to do whatever they can to lend a helping hand, so I love working here and look forward to the next event,” said Ramon German.
“I just love giving back because the results are rewarding either way and I will definitely try to raise more money next year,” said Kellie Tran.
With great success and continued growth the Make-A-Wish® of Orange County expects to grant 325 wishes to local children from ages 2 ½ to 18. They also plan to grant 400 additional wishes for children outside the area that want to come to Orange County.
MLB All-Star Game
In 2010, Morgan Drexen, a Costa Mesa based company, sponsored the wish of a local boy who wanted to see the All-Stars Game. Zach, a baseball fanatic, was elated to know that finally his wish had come true and that he would see his heroes play the game he grew up loving.
Orange County, California
The Make-A-Wish Chapter of Orange County and the Inland Empire fulfils wishes to children who confront life-threatening medical conditions.
These wishes help to transforms the lives of those children needing some cheer in their lives. The Orange County chapter was formed in 1983 and to date has fulfilled more than 3,500 wishes.
To learn more, visit www.wishocie.org.