New Member Chris Butcher
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Chris, who has appeared at a guest at several meetings before his induction, has kept us guessing as to his true vocation by changing his guest label with different vocational references, such as “stuntman”. We are looking forward to having Chris as our newest member.
Irvine Rotary Raises Funds for City of Irvine Animal Care Center
Members of the City of Irvine Animal Care Center (“IACC”), Christine Franco and Ron Edwards received a $1,000 check from Irvine Rotary to support their excellent program. The animal shelter has a Third Chance Program in which animals from other shelters are brought to the shelter in the hopes of finding a final home. Over the years, the program has expanded to include rescuing animals from disaster situations and hoarders. Since its inception 10 years ago, the IACC has accepted more than 6,500 animals into the program. The City of Irvine provides basic care for animals for 45 days. After that time, it costs the Shelter $6.63 per animal per day for care. The Shelter relies on donations to save animals and help them find a loving home. Seniors can adopt a pet for free. Irvine Rotary is proud to support their efforts!
Anabella Bonfa Craft Talk
The second newest member of Irvine Rotary, attorney and litigator Anabella Bonfa, introducing herself both professionally and personally to the Club.
Anabella had an early start in the legal field. When she was 17 years old, she took on a summer job as an assistant at Wellman & Warren in Laguna Hills. At that time, her aunt was a legal secretary for the law firm. Through the next 14 years, beginning with high school, through college (U.C. Irvine), and eventually law school (Western State College of Law) Anabella worked her way up from legal assistant, legal administrator, bookkeeper, law clerk, and eventually, senior litigation attorney, obtaining her state bar license in 1994.
Anabella has always enjoyed the practice of law because she enjoys the service aspect of comforting, defending and making clients comfortable through what can often be a stressful time in their lives. Wellman & Warren handles primarily business litigation matters. Anabella handles trade secret cases involving protecting confidential client information from competitors and breach of contract matters.
In addition to practicing law, Anabella co-owns Waffle-icious, the only Orange County based gourmet food truck which serves liege waffles. Liege waffles are the most popular waffles in Belgium. Pearl sugar is baked into the waffle and carmelizes when the waffle is cooked, creating a wonderful flavor and crunch. The most popular sweet waffles is Nutella with Bananas. Of the savory waffle sandwiches, the Monte Cristo waffle, with black forest ham and Havarti cheese, is a crowd favorite. Waffle-icious serves waffles at The Great Park in Irvine every second Sunday, at Park Place and other local venues. Their schedule is posted at www.waffle-icious.com.
Anabella and Michael have a nine-year-old son, Anthony. In her spare time, Anabella likes to spend time in her garden caring for her collection of pink roses, decorating for the holidays, competing in table setting contests (go see her 1st place entry in Home Arts at the Orange County Fair!) and playing the piano.