PHILANTHROPIC

With an insatiable drive to help others, Norine has been a supporter of many charitable organizations throughout her life. Below are just a few examples of the generosity of her time and financial support.

16,000 GOODIE BAGS!!! In 2004, Norine learned of the Aleethia Foundation’s “Friday Night Dinners” for the injured service members recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. She decided to deliver “goodie bags” to the weekly dinners to show her gratitude and appreciation for their service. This wonderful gesture has continued for over twelve years. On most Friday nights, there are 30 or more gift bags waiting for our service members. A simple gesture of gratitude from a wonderful lady has touched thousands of hearts!

The Kennedy Center was incredibly fortunate to have Norine join the National Committee for the Performing Arts in 2005. Prior to her appointment as Chair of the NCPA for two years in 2012 and 2013, she served as the Chair of the Executive and Education Committees. As chair of the NCPA and Executive Director of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Norine had done an exceptional job of integrating the Committee, raising substantial support and attention to the Kennedy Center education programs and brought together members from all over the nation for outstanding meetings and advancement of the arts.

For the past four Presidential Inaugurations, there has been no shortage of pomp and circumstance at the hands of the California State Society’s tribute to the next occupant of the White House. Norine, as a Board Member of the society, was the creator and producer of the California State Society Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show. As Chair of the event, Norine produced and directed the bi-partisan attended gala event attended each inaugural year. Washington VIP’s, members of the House and Senate and Association Executives all clambered for one of the tickets made available to this sold out signature event. 700 guests strolled the red carpet and were treated to a patriotic tribute to the new President entertained by music, celebrities, food, fashion and iconic memorabilia. Over the years, many guests have applauded the show as “brilliant show, perfectly executed and an outstanding party” and “an event that captured the nations mood in clothing and pageantry”.