Visionary Gifts
Beyond Blindness announced in February that it received more than $760,000 in grants to support inclusive programs for children with visual impairments and other disabilities, along with their families.
“As the only nonprofit provider of our kind in Orange County, Beyond Blindness is delivering an innovative Journey of Care service model that builds upon the inherent strengths of each child,” said Angie Rowe, president and chief executive of Beyond Blindness. “Thanks to our generous funding partners, we will be able to deepen our commitment to helping children overcome early obstacles and meet key developmental milestones, so they are empowered to achieve their fullest potential.”
Between December and January, the nonprofit secured eight major grants from public and private agencies and foundations. The Pacific Life Foundation contributed $100,000 to support Beyond Blindness’s partnership with Orange County Head Start and fund essential facility upgrades, including a renovated preschool playground at its Santa Ana campus. The Dhont Family Foundation awarded $120,000, with a portion dedicated to campus playground improvements and the remainder supporting the Journey of Care program. The Del E. Webb Foundation provided a $100,000 capital grant to renovate two playgrounds, incorporating specialized equipment with tactile surfaces.
Additional funding included a $15,000 grant from the HealthCare Foundation for Orange County to enhance Beyond Blindness’s individualized care coordination and referral services. The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) awarded $150,000 over two years as part of its historic $25 million investment in children’s mental health. The Dean Family and Enterprise Bank contributed $25,000 and $5,000, respectively, to support facility upgrades. Additionally, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) awarded a $250,000 grant to Beyond Blindness, recognizing it as the lead organization for The Advocacy for People with Disabilities (AFPWD) project.
Driving Futures
The Wooden Floor raised over $140,000 for merit-based college scholarships at its newest event, Driving Futures, held Feb. 27. Hosted at Singleton Classics—home to one of Orange County’s rarest classic car collections—the event took place in a setting filled with automobiles spanning from 1900 to the present day. Singleton Classics is owned by longtime Wooden Floor supporters Cary and Will Singleton, co-founders of The Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, who also served as the event’s honorary chairs.
More than 100 guests enjoyed a viewing of exclusive cars on display, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres by Jay’s Catering, as well as a creative performance by the students of The Wooden Floor. The evening also included student and alumna speakers and opportunity drawings. Guests had the opportunity to talk with and get to know some of the students they aim to impact by participating in this event.
“The Wooden Floor provides 80% of our graduates with college scholarships totaling $4,000-$10,000 each,” said Dawn Reese, chief executive of the Santa Ana-based nonprofit. “We just hit another milestone last year by granting over $2.1 million in Merit-Based Scholarships, and we have raised $2 million in endowed scholarship funds, which we are looking to grow by an additional $2 million to increase scholarship award amounts.”
Events sponsors included The Beall Family Foundation, Cary and Will Singleton, Carlson & Jayakumar LLP, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, MacKenzie Corporation and The Swartzon Family Foundation.
New Center, New Branding
Scouting America, Orange County Council celebrated the grand opening of its new Council Service Center on Feb. 7, marking a major milestone in its mission to serve youth and families in Orange County. More than 150 community members, local leaders and supporters gathered to commemorate the occasion, which also recognized the organization’s official rebranding to Scouting America, a change that reflects its commitment to inclusivity, growth and the values of Scouting.
“This new facility is more than just a building—it’s a testament to our commitment to empowering the youth of Orange County and strengthening our community,” said Russell Etzenhouser, president and scout executive of Scouting America. “Here, we will train leaders, inspire Scouts, and create life-changing experiences that prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives.”
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where scouts joined Etzenhouser and William Baker, senior partner at Baker & Baker and Scouting America chairman, to officially open the new facility. Attendees included Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez, Mission Viejo Mayor Bob Ruesch, Fountain Valley Mayor Ted Bui, Santa Ana Councilmember Phil Bacerra and Irvine councilmembers Melinda Liu and William Go.
In recognition of this milestone, Orange County Council received Certificates of Recognition from Congressman Lou Correa, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, as well as the cities of Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and the County of Orange.
The grand opening was made possible by OC Flowers and Events, The Home Depot, OC Wholesale Flowers and Code Four.
Bits & Pieces
Since Jan. 20, Food 4 Less/Foods Co. has supported the community in collaboration with Bracken’s Kitchen to serve 12,000 warm, fresh meals to the heavily affected Altadena community in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, a joint effort addressing the immediate need for nourishment, while also providing crucial support to individuals and families as they work to rebuild their lives and recover …The TGR Foundation, in partnership with Providence, hosted a career-connected learning competition held at the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim where Orange County high school students collaborated with Providence professionals to create a community health assessment, with winners—selected by a Providence-judged panel—hailing from Magnolia, Savanna, Kennedy and Western high schools … Ocean Institutec (OI) has partnered with Irvine-based Rivian to launch Little Currents: Powered by OI + Rivian, a free interactive program beginning April 2 that fosters early development and parent-child bonding by introducing toddlers (ages 0-2) to ocean-inspired themes through sensory play, sing-along circles, themed crafts and interactive story time, held on the first Wednesday of each month.
