Wells Fargo invited new Orange County customers to vote for nonprofit groups deserving of charitable donations — and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) benefited by receiving the highest grant of $25,000.

Other recipients include: the Orange County chapters of the Second Harvest Food Bank, $15,000; the American Red Cross, $10,000; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, $5,000; and the Orangewood Children’s Home,  $5,000.

Thirty-five nonprofit groups received grants in  California.

“We are a nonprofit, so we run a lean shift here,” said Winnie Tran, manager of corporate relations at CHOC Children’s Foundation. “Every donation is vital to provide care that every child deserves.”

The grant will benefit the KidsCARE Fund, an emergency reserve that supports such non-reimbursable programs as art and music therapy, rehabilitative services for children and teenagers, and school reintegration preparation for patients.

“It’s huge, especially in light of everything that’s happening in the economy today,” Tran said. “We are the last line of reserve, and we have to have the answers. Over half of our patients are in intensive care.”

Wells Fargo agrees that supporting community programs is especially important now.

“Contributing to CHOC has special significance for Wells Fargo Orange County team members,” said Diane Westerman, communications associate for Wells Fargo Orange County.

“Recently, a team member became very involved with the CHOC Walk when his son spent many months there after being born prematurely. The nurses and staff provided world-class care and the support his family needed to get through this trying time.”

– Jillian Freitas

More West Orange stories:

The Block at Orange gets greener.

A new program to enhance recycling efforts includes the recycling of all plastic, aluminum, paper and glass products at the outdoor mall.

The addition of four large yard containers at every loading dock will make the process easy for all tenants.

This is in addition to their cardboard recycling program already in place.

“What we’re doing now is stepping it up to the next level — any product that can be recycled will be,” said Warren Chaumont, director of marketing and business development for The Block at Orange.

“Orange is the new green,” he said.

For many companies going green is an advantage in the eyes of their customers, said Crystal Blair, manager of Action Recycling on North Olive Avenue.

“It costs more to go green, but to their customers it looks good,” said Blaire.

This new program has 100-percent tenant cooperation.

“I think it’s great that they’re doing that,” said Lisa Archer, a shopper at The Block at Orange. “Even though it’s popular right now.”

–  KerriAnne Rivas

More West Orange stories:

Abandoned since the early 1990s, a relic of The Block at Orange’s past might finally meet its maker.

What was a Bridgestone Tire store in the ’80s and ’90s, the building at The City Drive and Metropolitan Drive is a fenced-off eyesore in the far reaches of The Block’s parking lot.

“The building is a remnant of the past,” said Blake Windal, the outdoor mall’s general manager. “It predates The Block at Orange.”

Complete with broken windows, overgrown weeds and a “No Trespassing” sign, it is set to be demolished in 12 to 18 months. The space may be paved into valet parking or an extension of The Block’s general parking lot.

The Block must submit a plan to the city’s Design Review Committee for approval, said Paul Sitkoff, the city of Orange’s spokesman.

“As of yet, The Block’s plan has not been presented for approval,” Sitkoff said.

Hilary Sharer, a Block patron, said more parking spaces would be welcomed.

“Parking is non-existent on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and it’s really hectic even during the week,” she said.

– KerriAnne Rivas

More West Orange stories:

H & M will make a new home at The Block at Orange this June.

The global brand has collaborated with designers such as Madonna, Jimmy Choo and recently Sonia Rykiel in an effort to bring hot fashion trends to consumers at an affordable price point.

“We’re very excited,” said Warren Chaumont, director of marketing and business development at The Block. “It’s a value-driven retailer offering [clothes] for men, women, children and families.”

H & M sells apparel starting at $6.95.

The Block offers great stores but generally brings in an older crowd, said 22 year-old Hilary Sharer, an Orange resident.

“[H&M] brings in a new face to the Block,” she said.

H & M will move into the 20,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Hawaiian-based chain Hilo Hattie, which filed for bankruptcy in 2008. More about Hilo Hattie: http://bit.ly/cJ7QP0

“We’re always looking for great opportunities to add to our lineup of stores and services,” Chaumont said.

– KerriAnne Rivas

More West Orange stories:

Diehard movie lovers might just meet their match.

The Block will host a 24-hour Oscar Movie Marathon on Saturday, featuring all 10 films nominated for best picture.

“This is a valuable, really neat program that’s going on at AMC, yet another reason why The Block is edgy,” said Blake Windal, general manager for The Block.

The event kicks off at 12:01 a.m. Saturday with “Avatar” and ends with “The Hurt Locker,” which starts at 9:30 p.m.

This is the first time AMC has hosted a 24-hour-long movie marathon, but it is the fourth year for overall promotion of Oscar best-picture nominees, said Andy DiOrio, manager of AMC corporate communications.

“We wanted to keep the program fresh for guests,” DiOrio said. The addition of five more films to the Academy’s best picture list, extending it to 10 movies, prompted the change, he said.

The AMC at The Block is the only West Coast location hosting the back-to-back screenings. Shows have sold out at the New York and Chicago locations.

“Maybe I’d go, if it was free. I’ve already seen some of [the films] and I’d need a break,” said Kevin Susa, a frequent Block patron from Carson City.

Between each film will be a period of time for guests to get up and refresh themselves. Twenty-five percent of the tickets for the marathon have been sold but “two out of five venues sold out is a great omen,” DiOrio said.

“This event spans the spectrum [for viewers] from movie lovers to diehards,” he said.

The 250 available tickets are $45 and come with an unlimited refill on a complimentary large popcorn and a souvenir lanyard. Purchase tickets at the box office or at www.amcentertainment.com/BPS

For the full list of best picture nominees: http://bit.ly/a6OgjF.

– KerriAnne Rivas

More West Orange stories: