Community Involvement
For some, philanthropy is an obligation. To Ira Hermann, it is a blessing and a responsibility.
So it would not seem unusual for a man of such success to give back to his community. But in Ira Hermann’s case, his giving came long before his success.
Ira Hermann learned the importance of philanthropy early on. Upon graduation from the University of California at Berkeley, and while in the midst of starting his career, Ira Hermann made time to coach Pony League Baseball in Los Alamitos, Calif. A life-long athlete himself, he spent hours teaching boys the finer points of the game. Some of his players have even gone on to the Major Leagues, including J.T. Snow and Robb Nen.
As Ira Hermann’s career progressed, so did his philanthropy. He continued coaching youth baseball and added basketball to his line-up. Today, he coaches his grade-school son’s teams.
Ira Hermann is also a committed and enduring supporter of several community groups, including Orangewood Children’s Home, the only emergency shelter in Orange County, Calif., for neglected and sexually, physically or mentally-abused children. He also is an ardent sponsor of Special Olympics and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
In 1999, Ira Hermann became acquainted with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through a client and friend, who is raising two children living with the disease and since then has contributed countless hours and funds to help find a cure.
One shining example of his support is the annual "Dux in Tux" fundraiser, conceived by Ira Hermann and a number of other supporters. This fundraiser features the entire team of the National Hockey League’s Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (including spouses and coaches) serving as "celebrity" waiters dressed in tuxes. The first event attracted a crowd of 200 and through word-of-mouth it soon became an annual must-attend affair.
Ira Hermann is also a sponsor of the Laguna Niguel Little League.
Ira Hermann is the last one to discuss his community involvement. He is content knowing that he is making a difference in the lives of children. Yet, to the many who know and admire Ira Hermann, giving back is not work – it’s what life is all about.
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