More than the Big Game
The 15th annual Crisp Family Super Bowl Veterans Extravaganza brought together 300 active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton’s Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment and 200 military veterans for a day of appreciation, mentorship and celebration at American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach during Super Bowl weekend. Founded by Gary Crisp, founder, chairman and president/CEO, Crisp Imaging, the event honors service members while strengthening the connection between active-duty Marines, veterans, and the local community.
“This event has always been about making sure our Marines and veterans know they are appreciated,” said Crisp. “Fifteen years later, seeing the friendships and mentorships formed here is what makes it all worthwhile.”
Marines arrived by bus from Camp Pendleton and were welcomed by approximately 200 community volunteers and American Legion members. Throughout the day, participants enjoyed live entertainment, including performances by DJs and musicians, lucha libre wrestling, Las Vegas-style gaming and a Polynesian fire show finale.
Food and hospitality were provided all day, beginning with specialty coffee and breakfast treats, followed by lunch and a prime rib dinner.
The event also featured numerous giveaways and raffles, including sports memorabilia and other prizes, while large screens allowed the attendees to watch the Super Bowl together. A live painting created during the event was raffled to two Marines.
A highlight of the day was the distribution of about $50,000 in cash awards and gifts to Marines and veterans. The annual event aims to recognize military service, foster mentorship across generations and provide both financial and emotional support to those who have served the nation.
Happy Anniversary
One year after merging with Greater Anaheim-Cypress, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC of Central OC) is reporting expanded opportunities and resources for Anaheim youth and families.
Among the milestones: 590 students in the Anaheim Union High School District are now active in the Club’s College Bound program. Eighty students participated in a Mobile Makerspace STEM pilot that brought hands-on technology programming directly to school sites, while more than 100 youth explored engineering and automotive careers through partnerships with Campos EPC and Hyundai Motor America.
“Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to meaningful youth and workforce development opportunities,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility and external relations, Hyundai Motor North America. “Strong communities are built when we invest early, locally and with purpose.”
Last year’s merger broadened the organization’s footprint, giving local students greater access to college preparation, career exploration and family support programs that were not previously available in the community.
“In just one year, we’ve expanded access to critical programs and resources for Anaheim youth, including STEM workshops, food distribution efforts and wraparound support for families,” said Robert Santana, CEO, BGC of Central OC.
“Support from partners like Hyundai allows us to scale our impact and connect young people to mentors and real-world experiences that prepare them to be future-ready in school, their careers, and life.”
BGC of Central OC also strengthened family services, supporting more than 100 youth and adults through its Family Strengthening initiative at Paseo Village. Programs included a car-buying workshop and the organization’s first farmers market, which provided fresh produce and healthy foods from Mary’s Kitchen and Tree of New America. In addition, the Club served more than 24,850 hot meals to Anaheim families in the year since the merger.
Racing Toward Success
The Wooden Floor raised more than $76,000 to support college and career readiness programs and merit-based scholarships for students pursuing higher education at its second Driving Futures benefit, held in late February.
“The Wooden Floor provides 80% of our graduates with college scholarships of a total of $4,000 to $10,000,” said Dawn Reese, CEO, The Wooden Floor. “And we just hit another milestone last year by granting over $2.1 million in merit-based scholarships since 2002, and we have raised $2.2 million in endowed college scholarship funds.”
The event was held at the Lyon Air Museum and brought together 75 guests in a setting surrounded by historic aircraft and rare vehicles. Sponsored by the Beall Family Foundation and Cohn & Swartzon LLP, among others, the evening featured curated cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a live performance by students from The Wooden Floor. Attendees also heard remarks from current students and alumni who shared how the organization’s programs have shaped their academic and personal journeys.
Guests participated in opportunity drawings for prizes such as a Tory Burch tote bag, Louis XIII twin crystal glasses and a luxury driving experience.
Bits & Pieces
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC of Central OC) is partnering with Morinaga America Inc., whose U.S. headquarters are in Irvine, to launch Hop Into Giving with HI-CHEW, a community-focused initiative that will support more than 15,000 youth served annually by BGC of Central OC through a $25,000 donation, additional fundraising opportunities and in-kind contributions across Orange County, including 50% of all purchases on HI-CHEW.com being donated to BGC of Central OC through March 30 …
In February, WK Kellogg Co and Ralphs teamed up through the Mission Tiger program to make playtime count in North Tustin, where the iconic “Tony the Tiger” Frosted Flakes mascot joined a check presentation at The Prentice School celebrating a $25,000 donation that will fund new sports equipment and support the school’s new PE building and middle school sports program, helping hundreds of students in grades first through eighth from across Los Angeles and Orange counties, many with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD, build confidence, stay active and thrive academically and socially.
