Go Big Orange!
Orangewood Foundation, in partnership with the Anaheim Ducks, hosted its fifth annual Go Orange for Orangewood (GOFO) Night on Feb. 27 at the Honda Center, marking 20 years of collaboration to support vulnerable youth across Orange County. The special game night brought together community leaders, supporters and hockey fans to raise awareness and critical funding for young people facing barriers to housing, education, employment and basic needs.
The arena glowed orange in solidarity, while highlights included a pregame reception at ARTIC, a ceremonial puck drop by Chris Simonsen, CEO, Orangewood Foundation, Susan Samueli, co-owner, Anaheim Ducks, chair, Samueli Foundation and an Orangewood young adult, sales of branded mini sticks and a post-game meet-and-greet with Ducks players.
Through more than 180 ticket sales, in-game activations and community contributions, the event generated $114,000 for Orangewood’s programs, which serve more than 2,000 youth annually.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Anaheim Ducks organization and their fans for continuing to show up for our youth in such a meaningful way,” said Simonsen. “Events like Go Orange for Orangewood Night not only raise critical funds but also shine a spotlight on the challenges many young people face — and the power our community has to help them succeed.”
Orangewood provides housing assistance, scholarships, workforce development, life skills training and mental health services to help youth build stable, independent futures. The partnership is further strengthened by the 44 Women Auxiliary, founded by Samueli.
“The community support helps us open doors for so many former foster youth — giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential, pursue higher education, and achieve their dreams,” said Samueli. “When our community comes together, as it does for Go Orange for Orangewood, we send a powerful message to these young people: you are seen, you are supported, and your future matters.”
Partners in Progress
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley honored Angels Baseball with its Corporate Partnership Award at the organization’s Annual Meeting on Jan. 27. The award recognizes the team’s exceptional generosity, longstanding support and meaningful impact on local youth.
Each year, the Club presents the award to a company whose partnership significantly advances opportunities for young people. This year’s honoree was celebrated for its strong commitment to the Club’s mission.
A longstanding supporter, Angels Baseball has contributed to major fundraising efforts, including the annual benefit golf tournament and the Great Futures Start Here Ed Arnold Gala, while also creating memorable, hands-on experiences for Club members.
In 2025, the organization focused on providing children with unique opportunities many had never experienced before. Through a generous ticket donation, 200 Club members attended an Angels game, which was, for many, their first visit to a Major League Baseball stadium.
The team also hosted an on-field back-to-school event, where children toured the stadium, stepped onto the field, and received school supplies, new shoes, and team merchandise.
During the holiday season, Angels Baseball welcomed families for a festive celebration on the field featuring dinner, games, activities, appearances by team figures and gifts for every child.
“Angels Baseball goes above and beyond, not just supporting our fundraising efforts but creating special experiences that our kids will remember forever,” said Art Groeneveld, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve.”
Eye of the Beholder
Laguna Art Museum (LAM) marked 44 years of bringing together artists, collectors and the community at its annual California Cool Art Auction on March 7, raising a $471,000, the highest total in recent years for the museum’s signature fundraiser.
Proceeds support LAM’s exhibitions, educational programs and year-round initiatives dedicated to California art.
Sponsors included Presenting Sponsor John Moran Auctioneers and Appraisers, Signature Cocktail Sponsor Harvard Eye Associates and Patron Sponsor Daniel and Francine Scinto Foundation, whose support helped make the evening possible.
The evening featured lively live and silent auctions showcasing more than 100 works by prominent California artists. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails by Nolet Spirits USA and curated hors d’oeuvres from acclaimed chefs Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix and Nick Weber of Populaire Modern Bistro. Bidding took place both in person and online through Bidsquare, enabling collectors beyond Orange County to participate.
“This evening reflects the extraordinary commitment our community has to California art and to the future of this museum,” said Julie Perlin Lee, executive director, Laguna Art Museum.
“The enthusiasm in the room, the generosity of our collectors and trustees, and the remarkable artists who donated their work all speak to a shared belief in what Laguna Art Museum represents. The funds raised through California Cool Art Auction directly fuel the exhibitions, education programs and public experiences that define our mission.”
Bits & Pieces
Tiyya received a $100,000 grant from the PIMCO Foundation to expand its Economic Advancement programs for refugees and displaced communities, which will support workforce placement, financial education, and career pathway development, equipping participants with the tools to build sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic security …
Wells of Life marked the inaugural Walk4Water event on March 21 at Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, under the theme Step into Their Story, which brought together community members of all ages and abilities to participate in a 3K walk to support clean water access in Uganda and help transform he lives of thousands of people through restoring wells …
In the year since Families Forward opened its Community Market, a client-choice model centered around dignity where families can access groceries and essential items that best match their family’s needs, more than 12,400 children, adults and seniors had access to fresh food, diapers and basic necessities, an equivalent of 500,000 meals over the last year …
