Bishop Kevin Vann Announces Marie Gray and Rand Sperry as 2015 Honorees for Conference on Business and Ethics
Garden Grove, Calif. (February 25, 2016) – The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, will honor two Orange County business leaders at the 14th annual Conference on Business and Ethics, sponsored by the Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF).
The annual event is dedicated to supporting Catholic education, promoting ethical business practices, and recognizing local business leaders for their exemplary dedication.
Event Details
- What: 14th Annual Conference on Business and Ethics
- When: March 4, 2016, from 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Anaheim Hilton
- Honorees: Marie Gray and Rand Sperry, receiving the Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity.
“We are blessed to have so many business people that lead their companies according to resolute and compassionate ethical codes… I am again inspired by two such leaders that have excelled in their respective professions without sacrificing their commitment to leading their lives as Christ has shown us. Marie and Rand are truly applying their faith in all aspects of their lives and I am blessed to recognize their efforts and commitment at this year’s conference,” said Bishop Vann.
Keynote Speakers
- The Most Reverend Robert Barron: Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, prolific Catholic theologian, writer, and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. Bishop Barron is the host of the award-winning documentary CATHOLICISM and a #1 Amazon bestselling author who has appeared on NBC, PBS, FOX News, CNN, and EWTN.
- Wing Lam: Celebrated entrepreneur, speaker, professor, and founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Lam will offer a keynote address regarding building a business and brand while maintaining a firm commitment to ethical practices. The company he co-founded 25 years ago now boasts dozens of locations across seven states and internationally.
A Mission to Support Catholic Education
The conference is a key part of the Orange Catholic Foundation’s mission and serves as an important fundraiser for Catholic schools in the diocese.
“It is an honor to bring the values of faith, integrity and service above self together with powerful keynote presentations and to raise money for our Catholic schools at the same time. The half-day event is an important fundraiser to allow the Catholic schools in the diocese to be available, accessible, and affordable to all students… by providing scholarships to students in grades K-8 who require financial assistance,” said Cynthia Bobruk, executive director of OCF.
About the Honorees
Rand Sperry
Rand Sperry is a well-known real estate and business leader with more than thirty-five years of experience. In 1987, Mr. Sperry cofounded Sperry Van Ness with a mission to create unprecedented value for clients while maintaining ethical business practices and a commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church. He currently serves as CEO of Sperry Equities and Sperry Commercial and is active in both church and community, serving on numerous boards including the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, Order of Malta, Orange Catholic Foundation, and Chairman of the Christ Catholic Cathedral Facilities Corp.
Marie Gray
Internationally renowned for her classic knit designs, Marie Gray was the creative force behind St. John Knits, Inc., the company she co-founded with her husband in 1962. Together they created one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world. For 44 years, her unwavering commitment to quality and timeless elegance created legions of devoted customers. After leaving the company in 2005, she joined her daughter in a new venture, GRAYSE, and continues to serve on the Boards of GRAYSE, St. John Knits, Inc., and the Chapman University President’s Cabinet.
About the Orange Catholic Foundation
Established in November 2000, the Orange Catholic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation that exists to serve the Diocese of Orange, including its parishes, schools and overall diocesan mission. The OCF plans and conducts major diocesan fundraising programs and manages endowments and various charitable funds according to the donor’s intent.
For more information, visit www.OrangeCatholicFoundation.org or call 714-282-3021.