Haute 100 Los Angeles Update: Donald Bren

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Billionaire Donald Bren is recognized for his long history of generous giving.

Donald Bren

Category: Billionaires

Company: Irvine Co.

Industry: Real Estate

What Makes Him Haute: One of the wealthiest men in Orange County, Bren is chairman of the Irvine Co., one of the most respected and diversified privately held real estate companies in America. He was one of the first to develop the idea of “planned communities.” He is also a respected philanthropist, with a lifetime giving total of more than $1.3 billion.

What Makes Him Haute Now: Especially around this time of year, we are reminded that giving feels good, but getting something back is nice too. Veteran philanthropist Donald Bren was honored with the 25th Anniversary Legacy of Giving Award last week during a National Philanthropy Day Awards luncheon in Orange County. Bren, one of the state’s most generous givers, has donated more than $60 million to UC Irvine, both through private contribution and his Donald Bren Foundation. He has also supported organizations benefiting K-12 education and conservative groups. It’s fitting then that Bren is getting gifted with an award for the gift of giving.