Charley Awards
Every year the CHOC Foundation honors up to eight donors who have made a lasting impact on CHOC. These supporters are celebrated at our annual Charley Awards where they are bestowed with our highest honor, the Charley Award, named after our prominent donor Charles Hester. Charley began his service at CHOC as a Hospital Board Member in 1976 and chaired the Board from 1985-1986 and again from 1990-1994. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of CHOC Mission.
The Charley Awards honor individuals and organizations who exemplify Mr. Hester’s ideals of philanthropy and volunteerism in service to CHOC and CHOC Mission. Each recipient has set high standards for the generous contribution of time, talent and philanthropy that have nurtured CHOC since its founding in 1964.
2022 Honorees
Outstanding Philanthropist: Larry and Chris Laulhere
Larry and Chris Laulhere have made an indelible impact on CHOC’s scope of care since 2001. Through honoring the legacy of their daughter, Cherese, the Laulheres have embraced CHOC as extended family, sharing our mission to help children—primarily by establishing the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department, and by making a transformational gift to expand CHOC’s pediatric mental health care system. Through their kind, compassionate and driven support, Larry and Chris have fueled child life’s efforts to positively impact every child’s stay at CHOC, and enhanced our ability to reach Orange County’s young population in need of mental health treatment. And in doing so, the legacy of Cherese grows.
Outstanding Foundation: Sgt. Mark Antonowitsch Foundation
Jim and Kathy Antonowitsch, passionate longtime supporters of CHOC, established the Sgt. Mark Antonowitsch Foundation in memory of their beloved son who lost his life to a person who was driving under the influence. This inspired them to serve others who struggle with addiction and to support mental health programs for children and teens at CHOC, turning tragedy into powerful ways to honor Mark. Kathy also serves on the Mental Health Advocacy Committee, championing treatment for CHOC patients and help for young people throughout the community.
Kelly Lee Tarantello Outstanding Volunteer: Danielle Groen
Danielle Groen first visited CHOC as a patient in 1984, diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia; today, she marks nearly 40 years in remission, during which she has devoted decades of service and generous gifts to CHOC. Initially volunteering at the hospital during college, in 2002, she joined the CHOC Walk team, and every year since has welcomed participants with an eager smile, ensuring they have water and meals. Danielle is also a member of the Lamp Lighter Guild, one of CHOC’s founding guilds that supports research, education and outreach, to provide the same level of life-saving care that she received as a child.
Nick G. Anas, MD Outstanding Medical Staff Member: Maria Minon, MD
Dr. Maria Minon, a beacon of generosity and excellence in pediatrics, retired in 2020 as senior vice president, medical affairs and chief medical officer after decades of dedicated service to CHOC’s patients, families, physicians, and associates. Under her compassionate leadership, Dr. Minon managed medical staff activities, quality and patient safety, regulatory affairs, and research operations—and realized achievements such as the launch of a groundbreaking mental health initiative and the opening of the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center. As a trusted voice in the pediatric community, founding member of our Donor Experience Committee, and currently serving on CHOC’s Board of Directors, Dr. Minon continues to uplift child health through her generous support.
Outstanding Board Member: Dr. Marshall Rowen
Dr. Marshall Rowen has served CHOC professionally and philanthropically since our founding in 1964, after becoming the first pediatric radiologist in Orange County. Helping found CHOC all those years ago, Dr. Rowen has filled the roles of director of radiology and chief of medical staff and has sat on a CHOC board since 1972. His philanthropic impact has benefited CHOC’s patients for over three decades, giving generously to advance our radiology department, build the Bill Holmes Tower and sponsor numerous CHOC events. A longstanding pioneer of imaging innovation, Dr. Rowen has played a foundational, vital role in CHOC’s past, current and future care.
Outstanding Legacy: Dan and Vivien Hyman
Dan and Vivien Hyman demonstrate a genuine heart for and commitment to philanthropy and children while inspiring others to action. Since 2015, their leadership and generosity have impacted the Glass Slipper Guild Gala, CHOC Follies, All In For Kids charity tournament, and the CHOC Gala. Vivien currently sits on the Gala committee, while Dan previously served on the CHOC Foundation Board. Having made a significant blended gift to support CHOC both now and in the future, Dan and Vivien have been two of our top supporters and influencers throughout the years, sharing the mission of CHOC with friends and colleagues with amazing results that benefit the children of Orange County.
Outstanding Newcomer: Tsao Family Foundation
Founded by Victor and Janie Tsao, the Tsao Family Foundation’s contributions have already made an immense impact on CHOC over a short period of time. Driven to action by learning of CHOC’s mission and high standard of care, and by their own family’s experience with ADHD and learning disabilities, the Tsaos have committed to enhancing mental health services for children. Most recently, their philanthropic focus has expanded CHOC’s WellSpaces initiative, creating safe facilities within school campuses across the Irvine Unified School District—giving students calm environments to develop their social-emotional learning skills and resilience toward a mentally healthy future.
Outstanding Corporation: Marriott International
Marriott International models longstanding, intentional philanthropy by supporting CHOC since 2008; the company became Children’s Miracle Network’s first-ever corporate sponsor in 1983. With contributions from thousands of its associates across more than 50 properties, the cause of child health is part of Marriott’s culture—hosting its annual National Root Beer Float Day to support CHOC and CMN hospitals, forming 25 CHOC Walk teams, and aiding more than a dozen other unique events. As an innovator of generosity, Marriott advances charitable efforts among hotel managers through the Orange County Business Council, while the NextGen Council prepares Marriott’s future leaders to continue the corporation’s legacy by protecting future generations of CHOC patients.
