KidWorks honors Newport Coast philanthropist, developer

KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit that provides academic, spiritual and leadership programs for underserved children and teens, will present its prestigious 2018 Dan Donahue Leadership Award to Steven L. Craig at the KidWorks’ 12th annual Foundation for Success Luncheon. The much-anticipated event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Santa Ana/Orange County Airport, 201 E. MacArthur Blvd., in Santa Ana.

“We are honored to present this very special award to Steve in recognition of his longtime support of KidWorks’ youth and families,” said David Benavides. KidWorks’ Executive Director. “His service to KidWorks as a Board member, chairman of the Advisory Council, and past chairman of the annual luncheon is exemplary. His vision and leadership have elevated the annual luncheon to a whole new level, which has been so important as it raises the majority of KidWorks’ annual after school program budget.”

Submitted photo

KidWorks honoree Steven L. Craig

Craig is the president and CEO of Craig Realty Group, a factory outlet shopping center development firm founded in 1995 in Newport Beach. Craig Realty Group owns and operates 14 outlet centers in nine states, including the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles, Outlets at Barstow and Outlets at San Clemente, which is the first and only ocean-facing outdoor shopping and dining destination in Orange County.

“Dollar for dollar, it’s clear that KidWorks makes the biggest impact on the lives of Santa Ana youth,” Craig said. “Our future is tied to their future – these young people will grow up to be our fellow neighbors, friends and leaders. With KidWorks the results speak for themselves.”

Keynote speaker Cory Hahn is a highly touted Mater Dei High School baseball player who was paralyzed from the chest down sliding into second base as a freshman at Arizona State University in 2011.

In recognition of his unwavering spirit despite his grave injury that ended his dream of playing Major League Baseball, the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted Hahn in the 34th round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft and two years later the team named their annual 34th-round draft selection the “Cory Hahn 34th Pick.” After graduating from ASU in 2014, the D-backs hired Hahn in the organization’s scouting department where he serves as Coordinator of Professional Scouting.

This event sells out every year. A variety of Foundation for Success sponsorship levels is offered, ranging from $3,000 to $50,000. To reserve your sponsorship, contact Lisa Gels, KidWorks’ Manager of Partnerships Donor Relations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 714.834.9400, ext. 126.