Beckman Foundation Receives All Guilds’ Foundation Honoree Award at Annual Fundraiser for Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Shari Esayian and Gerrie Goodreau Named Legacy and Inspiration Awardee Recipients, Respectively
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (May 29, 2025) – The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation was recognized by The Guilds of Segerstrom Center for the Arts as Foundation Honoree during the Grand Voyage All Guilds Fundraiser. The event was organized to support the education and community engagement programs for The Center. Shari Esayian, Center Founder and a dedicated supporter of The Guilds and arts communities since 1978, was presented with the 2025 Guilds Legacy Award, and Gerrie Goodreau, a passionate volunteer since 1983, was given the 2025 Guilds Inspiration Award.
The evening kicked off with a reception and silent auction at Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom, followed by dinner. The Guilds of the Center Co-Chair, Vanessa Moore, delivered welcome remarks to start the program.
“Lisa Petersen, VP of Education, presented the first award to the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, stating, “I’d like to call up Anne Hultgren, who is their Executive Director. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation have allowed us to create one of the most impactful experiences for the community at Segerstrom Center with their support of the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival through arts and science activations. This free experience has become one of the most attended on the Plaza, introducing so many people to the Center through the intersection of arts and sciences. While the entry is free, the experience is enriching. Thank you so much for all you do for the Center.”
Beckman Foundation Executive Director Dr. Anne Hultgren accepted the award and shared, “Thank you so much and we’re really honored to be recognized with this award. Science and art are not that different – both require lots of creativity, willingness to take risks and seeing what is possible in the world. Dr. and Mrs. Beckman also loved the arts, with a young Arnold Beckman playing piano in a dance band in high school and then supporting his cross-country adventures in the 1920s and 30s playing for the silent movies. He continued playing his whole life, even at his 100th birthday party! When the Segerstrom Center reached out to us a few years ago to discuss potential partnerships, we were excited to explore ideas and find a way to bring the arts and science together in a fun way to engage young minds to the excitement of both. Looking forward to another successful festival this Saturday…Thank you so much to the Segerstrom Education Team who produce such an amazing event with community partners!”
Later, guests danced to live music by band Yachty by Nature and enjoyed Balboa Bars for dessert. Opportunity drawing prizes provided by Lugano Diamonds and South Coast Plaza had winners drawn and the silent auction closed out for the evening as nautical-themed captain’s caps were passed out to guests to add to the fun and photos. An invitation was extended to guests to attend the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival on the Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 31 from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
About the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1977 by 20th century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit beckman-foundation.org.
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Press Contact:
Kaerie Ray, Communications Director
(949) 560-4232, [email protected]
