Laguna Beach, CA, April 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Laguna Beach home donated last year to youth mentoring nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire has just closed escrow. The ocean-view estate, located at 1570 Fayette Place, was listed by Meital Taub of First Team | Christie’s International Real Estate. Taub, one of coastal Orange County’s most sought-after luxury real estate experts, is donating her commission on the sale of the home back to the nonprofit in support of its one-to-one mentoring program for children facing adversity.
The home was the largest gift in agency history, donated by the estate of late businessman William D. Ray. Before his death in 1991, Ray served as the chairman of International Bay Clubs Inc., the parent company of Balboa Bay Club. He was born in South Dakota and raised for a time in an orphanage after his mother was killed in a gun accident when he was 2 years old.
“What a wonderful thing it would have been for him to have had a Big Brother at some time in his lonely life,” said Ray’s widow, Beverly. “I honor William D. Ray through Big Brothers Big Sisters with something that meant so much to both of us: his first real home and my greatest treasure, the house of our dreams. I hope it will serve the highest purpose, one Bill would have been part of, making a young man’s life much better and more meaningful.”
A majestic property that emanates luxury and charm with abundant panoramic views of the ocean and coastline, the grand residence was designed to showcase all of the best architectural elements of Connecticut Farmhouse style—a convention not often seen in Southern California that creates a regal esthetic with East Coast elegance. And given that it’s situated on a prime bluffside lot nearly a full acre in size—complete with a private gated driveway and impeccably manicured grounds, which include terraced formal gardens inspired by Washington D.C.’s Dumbarton Oaks Museum—it feels incredibly secluded. Tastefully staged by renowned local expert Beth Ann Shepherd, the home promises to impress even the most discerning luxury property investor.
“William D. Ray’s story aptly illustrates the magnitude of the impact that mentorship can make,” Meital remarked. “It’s an incredible privilege for me to play a role in furthering his legacy by facilitating the sale of his remarkable Fayette Place home to the benefit of the children whose futures will be forever changed thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, which is why I’m honored to donate my sales commission directly to the organization.”
The grant deed with remainder interest was recorded in 2017 with First American Title; Big Brothers Big Sisters received possession of the home on Dec. 27, 2018. Proceeds from the sale of 1570 Fayette Place will help secure the financial future of Big Brothers Big Sisters as it continuously expands its program to support more youth in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
“The generosity bestowed upon our organization and the children in our community by Mr. Ray’s estate will never be forgotten,” said Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. “We are committed to preserving his legacy that will endure as the children in our program strive to achieve their full potential with a mentor by their side. Their successes, today and years in the future, are a reflection of the generational impact Mr. Ray has made through this incredible gift.”
About Meital Taub
Meital is one of the top-producing agents in coastal Orange County’s highly competitive luxury real estate marketplace. With the support of First Team Real Estate—Southern California’s #1 Independent Real Estate Brokerage, which enjoys an exclusive luxury partnership with Christie’s International—she offers the area’s discerning clientele an unparalleled level of service and results. And, having recently facilitated several additional high-profile transactions—representing the seller of 24 Lagunita Drive, the $15 million listing that was named a winner in HGTV’s 2018 Ultimate House Hunt, along with the buyer of 40 N. La Senda, the historic Laguna residence known as the Lighthouse Estate—she is now among the most recognizable names in luxury real estate nationwide. Meital’s proven ability to creatively drive organic exposure for her clientele is a major point of differentiation, setting her apart from the competition. TaubProperties.com
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire
Based in Santa Ana, CA, the Orange County agency was incorporated in 1958 to make professionally supported, one-to-one matches between mentors (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) facing adversity. Together with the Inland Empire agency, which opened its doors in 2013, the local organization annually serves more than 3,900 matches through programs that improve the odds of youth performing better in school and avoiding violence and illegal activities. For more information visit ocbigs.org; follow Big Brothers Big Sisters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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