Vision to Change Lives
Blind Children’s Learning Center (BCLC), together with Johnson & Johnson Vision, hosted an interactive, employee-organized virtual event in support of the children and families BCLC serves on Oct. 26. The event took part in at-home activities designed by an Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Teacher of the Visually Impaired at BCLC. Attendees had the opportunity to blindfold themselves before attempting tasks that may prove difficult for people with limited or no vision, including placing a fitted sheet, pouring a drink and navigating a staircase.
Johnson & Johnson Vision also supports BCLC financially, awarding the organization with a substantial grant earlier this year that will be put towards BCLC’s early intervention services, specifically the Global Infant Development program and vision services.
“At Johnson & Johnson Vision, we come to work every day to help people see better, connect better and live better. An important way we live out that commitment is through partnerships in our local communities to improve eye health, eye care and resources for those who need them most,” said Warren Foust, worldwide president, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Surgical. “The children and families served by the BCLC are a constant inspiration to our employees, and being able to contribute through our time, our talents and our financial resources is both an honor and a privilege.”
Through its work with BCLC in 2020, Johnson & Johnson Vision employees provided over 400 hours of service to more than 140 infants and toddlers, along with 551 vision screenings to Orange County students.
Double the Donations
To support communities amid the ongoing pandemic, Bank of America awarded more than $2 million to 53 local nonprofits across Orange County last year, with a focus on alleviating the unprecedented impacts to health, food insecurity, housing, education, jobs and the arts. In addition to this philanthropic capital, which is nearly double from its giving in 2019, the bank donated more than 324,000 face masks and 200 gallons of hand sanitizer to help protect the most vulnerable populations hardest hit by COVID-19.
Last year’s philanthropic investments included grants to Latino Health Access, Taller San Jose Hope Builders, Second Harvest Food Bank and Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
“While all of us have been impacted by the ongoing pandemic, the nonprofit sector continues to experience unprecedented demand for critical services to support vulnerable populations such as seniors and communities of color who are disproportionately impacted,” said Allen Staff, Orange County market president, Bank of America. “By directing philanthropic capital locally, we can address the most immediate needs while helping our most vulnerable communities become more resilient and positioned for success moving forward.”
Beyond grants and donations, local bank employees gave back through virtual volunteerism last year, dedicating nearly 11,000 hours to local causes and projects of their choice with the support of the company’s longstanding policy to grant each employee two hours of paid time off per week.
A Great Fit
Xponential Fitness LLC served as the presenting sponsor for Miracles for Kids’ annual Night of Miracles. The event, themed Reflections of a Miracle, took place in a hybrid virtual and live format that included an online silent auction held the week of Oct. 7-14 and private, socially distanced small groups at satellite gatherings on Oct. 10.
The event raised a record-breaking $1.8 million. Anthony Geisler, founder and CEO of Xponential Fitness, offered to match up to $500,000 donated before the end of the night on Oct. 10, doubling the impact of the amount donated that evening. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the auction will help Miracles for Kids’ families battling bankruptcy, homelessness, hunger and depression.
Miracles for Kids co-founder and CEO Autumn Strier addressed a socially distanced gathering of 90 guests at the Montage Laguna Beach Resort and 160 satellite audience members who were gathered at Miracles for Kids board members’ homes. The event, which was broadcast from a stage at the Montage, was highlighted by pre-recorded programming consisting of videos, special appearances, photos and family stories.
In addition to title sponsor Xponential Fitness, sponsors included Duke Spirits, La Adelita Tequila, Citizens Business Bank, Spiegel Partners, Hundred Acre Winery, Latham & Watkins LLP and Perry Viscounty, The Leeson Group, Montage Laguna Beach, Nvidia, Signature Party Rentals, Smith Group Real Estate, Sunwest Bank and Pacific Premier Bank.
For more on Xponential Fitness, see the front page.
Building Morale, Reducing Stress Through Art
San Clemente-based Zumasys, which develops software products, was among the first Orange County corporations to take advantage of Painted Colors, a website featuring online workplace art programs devoted to wellness. Painted Colors was developed by Art & Creativity for Healing, which utilizes the power of art to diminish stress, grief and other traumatic life experiences.
“It surprised me how interactive and innovative the process was—anyone can do it without a background in art,” said Paul Giobbi, founder and CEO, Zumasys. “I learned some new things about my staff through this process and was so impressed with the first workshop that I sent our operations team over as well. They too had a powerful, engaging team-building experience.”
Painted Colors online team building workshops are interactive, creativity focused sessions which emphasize team building and corporate vision to improve company morale and help reduce stress. All proceeds will support the organization’s free workshops and art supplies for underprivileged children and seniors.
Bits & Pieces
Augie Nieto, chairman, Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, received the Pamela Gann Leadership Award, which is given to acknowledge the significant leadership of the Claremont McKenna College Alumni Association who have been notable trailblazers in the advancement of community-building, volunteerism, or social entrepreneurship. … The Orange County Emergency Childcare Task Force, formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is collaborating with First Five OC, Early Childhood OC, Children’s Home Society of California and Pretend City Children’s Museum to bring essential supplies such as no-touch thermometers, gloves, hand-sanitizer, wipes, masks, gloves, diapers and cleaning supplies to the childcare providers delivering childcare services to essential workers. … Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire donated 350 backpacks filled with school supplies to underserved children this holiday season, in partnership with several businesses including Karina’s Backpack Project, Galardi Group, Edwards Lifesciences, Wayne Perry Inc., Invibe Lab and Manufacturers Bank, as well as eight Orange County-based Old Navy stores and the Walnut Creek and Orange County locations of The Koll Co.
