Feeding Fashion
The Harvesters held its 33rd annual Fashion Show & Luncheon on Oct. 8, raising a net $2 million for Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The funds raised will support equitable, dignified access to nutritious food for Orange County families.
Approximately 350 guests attended the event, which was held at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This year’s theme was Fashion and Flourishing Futures in Orange County. The event, held midday, featured a champagne reception hosted by Mikimoto, complete with a six-foot champagne tower. Guests enjoyed appetizers provided by Patina Restaurant Group while participating in a mobile silent auction featuring luxury items and travel experiences.
The morning continued with the South Coast Plaza runway show in the Samueli Theater. As the event’s premier partner and underwriter for more than 30 years, South Coast Plaza presented more than 40 looks from Eleventy, Thom Browne, Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta, Balmain, Lanvin and Max Mara.
“For more than three decades, South Coast Plaza has been honored as a premier partner with Harvesters in support of Second Harvest Food Bank,” said Debra Gunn Downing, executive director, marketing, South Coast Plaza. “Sponsoring this magnificent runway show has been a highlight of my career, and it is deeply rewarding to see how this event continues to combine style with purpose, helping to feed families in need across Orange County.”
A gourmet luncheon followed, featuring a Giving Moment benefiting Second Harvest’s Mobile School Pantries, which bring fresh food directly to school campuses. The day concluded with an exclusive after-party at the Park Club, where guests enjoyed Veuve Clicquot champagne donated by Moët Hennessy Private Client.
The event was made possible in part by corporate sponsor City National Bank, along with numerous other donors and sponsors.
Strength and Connection
On Nov. 1, Orange County United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society hosted its annual gala at The Pendry Newport Beach, drawing 500 guests and raising more than $900,000. The funds raised by the sold-out event support the nonprofit’s key programs that help local students succeed, strengthen family financial stability, expand housing access for unhoused neighbors and connect vulnerable residents with critical resources through 2-1-1- Orange County (211OC).
“It was inspiring to see so many esteemed leaders and philanthropists come together, share experiences, and celebrate the stories that unite us as a community,” said Susan B. Parks, president and CEO, Orange County United Way. “Together, we can continue to be the change that uplifts residents of Orange County today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Several honorees were recognized for their contributions, including Michael Hunn, CEO, CalOptima Health; Cinda Churm and Steve Churm, founder and principal, Churm|360; and Dawn Antis, co-chair, Alexis de Tocqueville Society Gala, and Charles Antis, founder & CEO, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, member, board of directors, Orange County United Way, co-chair, Alexis de Tocqueville Society Gala.
Nanda Kumar, board chair, Orange County United Way, president, aerospace group, Eaton, and Mrudula Cheruvatath were the Champion sponsors. Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Ducommun, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, Pacific Life Foundation and the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation were the Visionary sponsors. Disneyland Resort, Edison International, UCI Health and American Career College were among the Leader sponsors.
The Visionary sponsors included Automobile Club of Southern California, Farmers and Merchants Bank, KPMG LLP and Cinda and Steve Churm. Banc of California, Ingram Micro, Jamboree Housing, MemorialCare, Reveille Inc. and U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management were also among the sponsors.
Reason to Celebrate
More than 400 civic leaders, housing partners and philanthropists gathered on Oct. 18 at AV Irvine to celebrate Jamboree Housing Corporation’s 35th Anniversary Gala,
commemorating more than three decades of expanding access to quality affordable housing and comprehensive resident services. The black-tie event, themed Kaleidoscope, raised more than $700,000 to support Jamboree’s Community Impact programs, which provide workforce development, after-school education, health and wellness services and other resources to more than 24,000 residents across California.
“Thirty-five years ago, Jamboree started with a simple vision that every person deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Laura Archuleta, president and CEO of the Irvine-based nonprofit. “Tonight was a celebration of the people and partnerships that have turned that vision into a statewide movement.”
During her remarks, Archuleta reflected on Jamboree’s growth and impact since 2020, including 25 new communities, 2,110 homes, $1.3 billion in leveraged local investment and more than 71,000 hours of resident services delivered in 2025 alone. The evening also highlighted Jamboree’s growing focus on health and housing partnerships through programs like CalAIM, which link housing stability to improved health outcomes.
During the event, Irvine Mayor Larry Agran received the organization’s inaugural Legacy Award for his decades of advocacy and leadership in expanding equitable, mixed-income housing across the city.
The evening’s sponsors included U.S. Bank, OneRoot Foundation, RESI Architecture, Rutan & Tucker LLP, Bank of America, Quality Management Group and ORIX Corporation USA.
