Incredible Impact
At its annual meeting, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) announced a record $125 million awarded in grants and scholarships in FY 2025, the largest yearly total in the organization’s 36-year history.
The milestone brings OCCF’s cumulative granting to $1.25 billion since its inception, fueled by local donors and $69 million in earnings on assets under OCCF’s stewardship this year.
The foundation currently supports more than 650 charitable funds.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, the event drew 650 attendees, bringing together the region’s major donors, business and civic leaders, community partners and nonprofits to celebrate a landmark year in giving.
“OCCF is passionate about bringing the charitable intentions of our donors to life, building stronger communities and leading the way with bold solutions to help create an Orange County where all have the opportunity to thrive,” said Shelley Hoss, CEO, OCCF.
Lindsey Spindle, president, Samueli Family Philanthropies, and Tam Nguyen, co-owner and chairman, Advance Beauty College, board member, OCCF, gave inspiring keynote speeches.
“Even the most intractable problems can be solved through a combination of creativity, capital, will and persistent patience,” Spindle said.
Event sponsors included A Little Help Foundation, Advance Beauty College, Broadcom Foundation, California State University, Fullerton, Deloitte, Edwards Lifesciences, Human Options, Joe MacPherson Foundation, Pacific Symphony, Peter and Ginny Ueberroth Family Foundation, RGP, Rimrock Capital Management, Samueli Foundation, Think Together, Thompson Family Foundation and Michelle and John M. Williams.
Investing in Futures
Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley (BGCHV) raised more than $1 million at its Great Futures Start Here Ed Arnold Gala on Oct. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. More than 600 community leaders attended to support the club’s free and low-cost youth programs in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and surrounding Orange County communities, including preschools, afterschool programs, sports leagues and performing arts.
Kingston Technology and the Mayer Foundation served as presenting sponsors.
The gala also served as a tribute to Ed Arnold, a founding board member and longtime television anchor at KTLA/5 and KABC/7 and the host of KOCE-TV’s Real Orange, who devoted 58 years to the organization before he died in April.
“Ed was a legend. But more than that, he was a mentor. A friend. A constant presence we came to depend on,” said Art Groeneveld, CEO, BGCHV. “We are committed to carrying on his legacy.”
The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner, auctions and moving testimonials from Club members and alumni.
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen received the Champion of Youth Award for helping BGCHV secure nearly $2 million for facility improvements, infrastructure and new school buses. The Ocean View School District was honored with the Blue Door Community Partnership Award for its collaboration through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program.
Groeneveld also announced that the club’s Chasing Dreams Capital Campaign for a dedicated performing arts space has reached nearly halfway to its $5.2 million goal. The night concluded with performances by ClubHouse Theatre members, showcasing the confidence and creativity the Club helps youth discover.
Groovy Gratitude
Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) welcomed supporters, community partners and local leaders to VEA Newport Beach for its annual gala on Nov. 15. The 1970s-themed event, dubbed The Memory Game: Lights, Camera, Action for Alzheimer’s, invited guests to embrace the disco era with their most dazzling retro attire.
The Gala raised $650,000, all of which will stay in Orange County to support essential services, including community education, a helpline, support groups, care consultations, an adult health center and programs for those living with dementia and those who care for them.
Guests enjoyed a festive cocktail hour before a performance by professional dancers showcasing iconic disco hits, followed by a gourmet dinner and program that included a live auction. A highlight of the evening was a playful twist on “The Dating Game.”
In an engaging and educational segment, Alzheimer experts Dr. Dung Trinh, Healthy Brain Clinic; Dr. Joshua Grill, UCI Mind; and Dr. Aaron R. Ritter, Hoag, appeared as the game’s contestants, answering questions about Alzheimer’s risk and brain health in a lively exchange with Jim McAleer, president and CEO, AlzOC.
Chaired by Rosemary and Rand Sperry, co-founder, Sperry Commercial Inc. and Sperry Equities LLC, the event honored Kaiser Permanente and Ashleigh Aitken, mayor, City of Anaheim and her husband Michael Penn, partner, Aitken Aitken Cohn, for their service and commitment to families affected by dementia.
Sponsors included AAA Auto Club Enterprises, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Angels Baseball, CareChoices, Caring Companions at Home, Cliq, Discount Tire & Service Center, Family Enterprise USA, Frome Family Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Orange Coast, Risk Strategies, Sperry Commercial Inc. and Sperry Equities.
