Twenty Years of Miracles
Miracles for Kids hosted its 2024 Night of Miracles Gala on Oct. 12. The nonprofit raised more than $3.25 million net to help families with critically ill children, battle bankruptcy, homelessness, hunger and depression so they can focus on their child’s medical needs.
The event, which was held at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, celebrated two decades of “making miracles happen.” The sold-out event, attended by over 400 guests, was headlined by music producer and performer Babyface, who delivered a custom 60-minute set.
Key sponsors of the 2024 Night of Miracles included Xponential Fitness, As One Cru, Javier’s Tequila and Happy Jewelers.
The evening honored several key contributors to the Miracles for Kids mission. Anthony Geisler, founder, Xponential Fitness, and The Geisler Family were presented with the 2024 Miracle Maker Award for their longtime support.
“Miracles for Kids has been close to my heart for many years now, and it’s an honor to support an organization that does so much for families in their greatest time of need,” said Geisler.
Curtis Green, co-founder, Miracles for Kids and board member, Miracles for Kids, was named the 2024 Champion of Children Honoree.
The Hamlin family, whose son Joshua has been battling leukemia for seven years, was honored with a video tribute and standing ovation. Their journey of resilience and hope moved the audience, highlighting the real-life impact Miracles for Kids has on families in crisis.
“We are truly humbled to receive such generous support by our community of donors at this year’s gala, ensuring that miracles can continue to create stability for critically ill children and families in great need,” said Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO, Miracles for Kids.
Gateway to Giving
Multiple locations throughout Orange County, including Dana Point Harbor, Huntington Beach Pier and Costa Mesa, have installed Light the World Giving Machines, which look and function like typical vending machines, but the content inside represents options to support the needs of local and global nonprofit organizations.
The machines are currently installed in several public locations in Orange County throughout the holiday season, including the Dana Point Harbor and Winter Fest in Costa Mesa.
The iconic red Giving Machines come with a wide variety of options. From medicines for seals, therapy dogs and healing horses to school backpacks and infant care kits. This year proceeds from Orange County Giving Machines benefit The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, South County Outreach, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Farmhouse Rescue, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross.
“Last year, Orange County was able to raise half a million dollars for local and international charities with small $5-100 donations,” said Kristin Samuelian, director, communications, Giving Machines Southern California. “That’s what is powerful about the Giving Machine. It allows everyone an entry point to give.”
Some local OC businesses have taken the challenge of selecting every item in the machine, totaling just over $1500.
“The Giving Machine is an incredible way to help support people in need in our local community and beyond,” said Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder, Restaurant365. “The fact that 100% of the donation goes directly to the charity is very unique and wonderful to know every penny will be used to lift someone who needs it.”
The 2024 Giving Machines are in 106 locations across the country and in various parts of the world including Hong Kong, London, Nairobi, Kenya and Auckland, New Zealand.
The Light the World Giving Machine initiative started in 2017 in response to the question,
“Can serving others be instant, fun, and memorable?” Since then, donations have totaled more than $33 million, representing goods and services for those in need worldwide.
Creating Solutions
Solutions for Urban Agriculture hosted its 9th Annual Harvest Moon Celebration, themed Boots and Bling, on Sept. 20 at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. With more than 350 guests in attendance, the event raised $300,000, which exceeded its $250,000 fundraising goal.
These funds will be dedicated to offsetting costs for labor, seeds, equipment and educational outreach about the importance of fresh produce in efforts to address food insecurity.
The 9th Annual Harvest Moon Celebration brought together nine local chefs to showcase their expertise sourcing the finest locally grown fruits, vegetables, micro-greens and proteins, resulting in a healthy and delicious menu for the evening. At the event, guests also enjoyed live music and dancing to the tunes 3Count Music and Brian Yamamoto and Friends.
Solutions for Urban Agriculture addresses food insecurity by producing nutritious food through four farm-related projects: The Giving Farm at Westminster High School, Harvest Solutions Farm at the University of California South Coast Research & Extension Center, the Great Park Farmers Market and the Farm + Food Lab at the Irvine Great Park.
“Our collaboration with farmers, ranchers and food banks makes it possible for a more planned and consistent supply chain of healthy food being available directly from the farm for distribution to local communities, providing good nutrition that also helps boost success in school and at work while fostering a healthier lifestyle for everyone,” said A.G. Kawamura, founding chair, Solutions for Urban Agriculture and former Secretary of California, Department of Food and Agriculture.
The event was made possible by scores of sponsors, including Orange County Farm Bureau, OC Hunger Alliance, Saveway Supplies and Tanaka Farms. Additional sponsors included Project Food Bank; The Kawamura Family; The Herrmann Family; Helping Farms, Food, Families; Friends of SFUA; The Saikami Family Foundation; Helping Farms Feed Families; Orange County Produce; Pasolivo; Becky Bailey-Findley and Gary Findley; Cal Poly Pomona and Mahjong Queens.
Solutions for Urban Agriculture’s partners include Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s OC Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank, University of California South Coast Research & Extension Center, Westminster High School, the City of Irvine and the Orange County Farm Bureau.
