Greer's OC

Please join me at the premiere gala of Orange County, the JDRF OC's annual Dream Gala – “Lighting the Way to a Cure”  on Saturday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. The black tie event is personal for me since one of my four sons was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 7 years ago, and I want the burden of this terrible disease to disappear for my son and for everyone affected as soon as possible.

I believe that JDRF is on the right track to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. Since its inception in 1970, JDRF has funded more than $1.7 billion for diabetes research and it’s the leading global organization focused on T1D research.

Even if you can’t make it to the gala, you can help by contributing a donation at any level to Fund a Cure. The total raised before March 23 will help start the bidding during Fund A Cure, and all donors to the fund will be recognized on screen at the gala.

The evening features a hosted cocktail reception, collectible wine and silent auction, dinner, live auction and Fund a Cure.

We’re thankful for all volunteers; The Dream Guild; JDRF board members, special guest and former Miss America, Nicole Johnson; honoree Wells Fargo; as well as all sponsors and attendees.

Tickets cost $500 per person and are available here.

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is at 1 Ritz Carlton Drive in Dana Point.
 

Veggie Grill Arrives in Laguna Niguel

 Veggie Grill will be opening its third OC location in Laguna Niguel today at 11 a.m. Be one of the first 50 customers and you'll be thanked with a $10 gift card.

Veggie Grill serves only plant-based foods, free of animal fat, dairy, cholesterol, trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup. The menu offers a range of soups, salads, burgers, hot sandwiches, home-style plates, desserts and organic teas, all made fresh to order.

Top selling menu items include the Santa Fe crispy chickin’ sandwich Fried chickin’, lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and spicy vegan mayo served on a wheat bun, whole wheat tortilla or kale style ($8.95);  All Hail Kale Salad A delicious blend of marinated kale and red cabbage, corn salsa, and agave-roasted walnuts, served with ginger papaya vinaigrette ($8.95); the award winning Crispy “crab” cake, spiced tartar sauce, pickles, tomato, lettuce and red onion served with a side of red cabbage ‘slaw or chili crab cake $8.95; Buffalo wings Crispy chickin’ strips tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with celery sticks and ranch dressing $6.95.

Veggie Grill also has two Irvine locations, at University Center and Irvine Spectrum Center.

27321 La Paz Road in the Plaza de la Paz shopping center in Laguna Niguel.