Keys to $30,000 Bus

ERAS Center for Learning Disabled was the beneficiary of a July 7 benefit held at Universal Amphitheatre. The Water Buffalo Club, a Westside charitable organization that sponsored the event, presented the keys to a $30,000 bus to Barbara Cull, executive director of the center. Leon Owens, Craig Wald and Marty Nislick were event co-chairs.

* Almansor Center Auxiliary raised $30,000 at its June 10 benefit at the San Marino home of Davis and Patty Pillsbury. Proceeds will benefit the South Pasadena school and teaching facility for children, youth and young adults with learning disabilities. Kathy Antoci chaired the event.

* Rene Enriquez International Children’s Foundation, which helps various children’s causes, and Project Amor, a San Juan-based hospice that cares for children born with AIDS, are the beneficiaries of the $115,000 netted at the Rene Enriquez Memorial Celebrity Tennis Tournament held at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the weekend of July 19. Thirty Hollywood celebrities, including Justine Bateman, Jimmy Smits, Blair Underwood and Dustin Nguyen, attended the event in honor of the late Rene Enriquez, known for his role in “Hill Street Blues.” The Caribe Hilton and the San Juan Tourism Company hosted the tournament.

* Southern California Ecumenical Council Interfaith Taskforce on Central America received a $3,000 grant from the Peace Development Fund July 10. SCITCA plays an active role in building coalitions for peace and justice in Central America and the United States.

* The AIDS Special Care Unit at Century City Hospital, Los Angeles, received a $50,000 bequest July 27 from the estate of the late Dr. James Vacarro, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. Dr. Stephen J. Gabin announced the money will be used exclusively to fulfill a special need or wish for AIDS and ARC patients.

* Casa Colina Children’s Services Centers held an open house and fund-raiser benefit May 31 and netted $20,000. Centers are located in Pomona and Pasadena, and provide specialized outpatient rehabilitation services for infants and children who have physical disabilities and developmental disorders. Diann Ring was committee chair of the event.