Turning Passion into Purpose
Alec Glasser, entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of the iconic Drake restaurant in Laguna Beach and The Drake Gives foundation, has dedicated his life to ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to the transformative power of music. His journey with music began at the age of 12, when he learned to play the saxophone in a public school program, an experience that shaped his life in ways and the later journey he never could have imagined.
Before his ventures in hospitality and philanthropy, Alec Glasser built a successful career in law and real estate, serving as a USC Law School faculty member before transitioning into development. His lifelong passion for music inspired him to open The Drake in Laguna restaurant in 2019, with a mission to give back through music. In 2021, he launched The Drake Gives, a nonprofit providing music education to underserved youth. In partnership with Save The Music, it has raised over $750,000 and impacted more than 17,000 students in Orange County. In 2023, Alec made a transformational gift to launch the Glasser Center for the Power of Music at UC Irvine, advancing music’s role in education, research, and community. He also established the Glasser Scholarship, a $100,000 annual fund for students integrating music into diverse career paths. Alec’s journey is defined by his passion for music, his vision for social change and his dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to music’s transformative power.