Events Will Benefit Mara Steves Memorial Fund

In the aftermath of the accident that took the life of Laguna Niguel resident Mara Steves on Feb. 13, locals are holding events to raise money for the Mara Steves Memorial Fund. Proceeds will be used to refurbish the children's theater stage at , where Steves volunteered much of her free time.

Steves, 48, the mother of two, was at the intersection of Moulton Parkway and Nueva Vista Road.  The O.C. Sheriff's Department said the incident was still under investigation. Steves was kneeling at the curb of the intersection with a dog she had rescued from traffic when two sport utility vehicles collided, the Sheriff's Department said.

On Friday night, friends held a fundraiser at Aliso Niguel High School by selling baked goods from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sara Hosseini posted this on Facebook: "Hey all, we are having a bake sale to benefit the family of Mara Steves at the boys varsity basketball game at Aliso Niguel High School this Friday night. All donations will go directly to the family to help with anything they may need."

 supermarket at 28231 Crown Valley Pkwy. is hosting a fundraiser Saturday, Sunday and Monday for Mara Steves Memorial Fund. The event organizer, the PTA, will be selling hot dog meals, with proceeds going to the fund. Bergeson moms are signing up to staff the event. All food is donated by Ralphs.

"Ralphs has always been a great supporter of Bergeson Elementary School and our many PTA events, often donating items to help us out. We are so grateful for their generosity and friendship not only for the Steves family, but also our community," said PTA President Evelyn Riyhani.

"Mara Steves was my PTA president when my children were in kindergarten through second grade at Bergeson Elementary, and it is my honor and privilege to now serve as PTA president, the direct result of her encouragement, friendship and endless support of me.  She was my champion and my inspiration, and will remain so forever. Mara's love for humanity and all creatures had no boundaries, and she was always there to help without hesitation."

Bergeson Elementary Principal Barbara Scholl said, "The arts have been important at our school. Several of our teachers have specialized training in theater and dance. We also have four music teachers who serve our school. Our Bergeson Foundation funds additional music lessons in grades kindergarten through third grade. We also have an after-school theater program at Bergeson called Drama Bugs. Mara's kids participated in all of these programs, which is one of the reasons why the family selected Bergeson school's arts program as the beneficiary of these special gifts."