The Side House Foundation was
established to address the multifaceted
challenges faced by individuals
and families during times  of medical
and life-altering crises.

Alex Murray has built a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, spanning over two decades as a manager, producer, and partner with Brillstein Entertainment. Alongside his professional achievements, Alex and his family are the proud managing owners of the iconic Mutt Lynch’s and Mutt’s restaurants in Newport Beach. In recognition of their entrepreneurial spirit and community impact, Alex and his wife, Meghan, were honored as the Small Business Entrepreneurs of the Year by The Orange County Business Journal in 2023. Beyond business, Alex is deeply engagedin supporting youth sports in the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa areas. Together, he and Meghan are passionately committed to philanthropic efforts that enrich Orange County, a commitment that led Alex to become a founding executive board member of The Side House Foundation.

Newport Beach native Meghan Murray comes from a family with deep roots in the local restaurant scene, known for founding Mutt Lynch’s on the Newport peninsula and Mutt’s in East Bluff. After spending many years in the entertainment industry, Meghan has become an active supporter of various causes in Newport Beach and Orange County. Alongside her husband, Alex, she was recognized as Orange County’s Best Small Business Owners by The Orange County Business Journal in 2023. Meghan also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Newport Beach libraries, where she contributes to cultural and educational initiatives. As a founding executive board member of The Side House Foundation, she is excited to further her support for those in critical need.

Lara O’Connell enjoyed a successful and extensive career in real estate and was also a CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocate] for children in the foster care system before transitioning to a role as a personal assistant, where she has spent over a decade working with high-profile sports figures and restaurateurs. Her expertise in managing demanding schedules and complex tasks is matched by her deep compassion for others. A passionate advocate for animals, Lara actively fosters pets, often caring for multiple animals at once. This same empathy drives her commitment to supporting people in life-altering situations. As a founding executive board member of The Side House Foundation, Lara is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Marc Friedman has dedicated the past 30 years to the healthcare and medical fields, building extensive expertise in clinical medicine and patient care, with a particular focus on neurological impairments such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and dementia disorder. As the founder and managing director of a prominent crisis medical and healthcare management group in Orange County, Marc has demonstrated a profound commitment to supporting individuals and families through healthcare crises. Driven by a passion for helping people in need, regardless of age or financial circumstances, he dedicates his time, energy, and resources to making a meaningful impact. Marc is honored to serve as one of the founding executive board members of The Side House Foundation, where he furthers his mission of providing vital assistance to those facing life-changing challenges.

Jana McFadden brings over 30 years of technology industry experience, where she achieved notable success in program and project management, client services, marketing, sales, consulting, and training. Recently, she made a purposeful shift to the medical field, joining a leading crisis medical and healthcare management group in Orange County. As Director of Patient Services, Jana now leverages her expertise to support and advocate for individuals facing significant life challenges and medical crises, striving to help them achieve the best possible outcomes. Jana is thrilled to serve as a founding executive board member of The Side House Foundation, viewing it as a meaningful opportunity to advance her mission of providing critical assistance to those in need.