OC Tech Collective to Host Third Annual H.E.A.R.T. Gala Dec. 9 at Ford Premier Automotive Group; Fundraiser to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Digital Bridge Project

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 2004--The OC Tech Collective, a coalition of leading Orange County not-for-profit technology associations, together with the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, has announced its third Holiday Event and Annual Roundup of Technologists (H.E.A.R.T.) Gala on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Ford Premier Automotive Group facility at 7905 Gateway Ave. adjacent to the Irvine Spectrum. This year's Title Sponsor is The Ardell Group, a public relations firm for high technology. The event will raise funds for the Habitat for Humanity of Orange County (HfHOC) technology initiative called the Digital Bridge Project, while providing a unique networking opportunity for the area's technology and business leaders.

The goal of the Digital Bridge is to help close the digital divide by putting computers, software and training into the hands of Orange County's hard-working Habitat for Humanity families. It provides Habitat home residents increased access to basic technology tools and instruction as well as technology-based work experience and online employment services. Working with the area's technology-based companies and organizations, the Digital Bridge program strives to help families become active members of the digital world by supplying up-to-date technology, delivering consistent training, and providing reliable ongoing technological support through a national Help Desk.

“My son is going to use the computer a lot for his school projects”

The HfHOC Digital Bridge Project most recently benefited six Habitat families living in Costa Mesa, Calif. Workstations were installed in their homes on Oct. 9, 2004. The families were provided with new computers with flat panel displays, printers and desks, plus 3 years of technical support.

"My son is going to use the computer a lot for his school projects," said Anita O'Brien, a resident of one of the Costa Mesa homes with the newly installed workstations.

"I am passionate about H.E.A.R.T. not only because it's Orange County's largest and most enjoyable business networking holiday party, but much more because it supports a very tangible charity. H.E.A.R.T. funds Habitat for Humanity in Orange County specifically for their Digital Bridge project," said Bob Newkirk, chairman of OC Tech Collective and director of TechBiz Connection. "H.E.A.R.T. does not have the usual overhead associated with many charity activities. It's 100% organized by volunteers, supported by corporate and in-kind sponsor donations, and the proceeds are earmarked for a specific endeavor that literally changes lives right here in Orange County. I highly encourage associations, corporations and individuals to get involved with H.E.A.R.T. It is rewarding in so many ways!"

Highlights of this year's H.E.A.R.T. Gala include live entertainment by Orange County High School of the Arts Choral Group (Grove Set) and a jazz ensemble directed by Bijon Watson. Other entertainment includes a raffle and a silent auction.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.heartparty.com. Online tickets are $45 by Dec. 7 and $50 at the door.

Businesses who are interested in being a Corporate Sponsor or who would like to make a Silent Auction Donation can send inquiries to [e-mail].

For more information about H.E.A.R.T. and the OC Tech Collective visit www.heartparty.com or call Bob Newkirk at 949-673-1777.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is dedicated to ending substandard housing and building strong communities. Habitat uses non-government donations of funding, materials, professional services and volunteer labor to build simple, decent homes which are sold to qualified, very-low-income families for a 1 percent down payment and a zero-interest mortgage. Mortgage payments are recycled to build more Habitat homes. Habitat families contribute 500 hours of "sweat equity" to the program by building their own home, helping another Habitat family build a home, or working in some other area of the Habitat organization.

Habitat for Humanity families and volunteers have built 107 homes in Orange County since 1988, and are currently building four homes in Westminster and one home in Santa Ana. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, please call 714-434-6200 or visit our Web site at http://habitatoc.org.

ABOUT OC TECH COLLECTIVE

The OC Tech Collective is a council of leading not-for-profit technology associations leveraging the power of its members to spearhead charitable programs that accelerate broader access to technology across all social and economic groups. 2004 OC Tech Collective associations include: American Electronics Association (AeA), Association for Women in Technology (AWT), Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Irvine Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Orange County Technology Action Network (OCTANe), OC American Marketing Association (OC-AMA), Society for Internet Advancement - Orange County (SIA-OC), TechBiz Connection (TBC), Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN).