Anti-Gala, Pro-Hope
Project Hope Alliance’s eighth Anti Gala event, Bottomless Hope, was held at The Grand Gimeno in Orange on April 24. More than 180 guests enjoyed one-of-a-kind food and drink stations for brunch. This year’s event raised in excess of $280,000 to help fund PHA’s mission of ending the cycle of youth homelessness by deploying a long-term, onsite intervention model for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Children receive one-on-one attention from PHA case managers who help provide for their basic needs such as food, clothing and transportation, as well as conduct regular check-ins to provide educational support and facilitate connections to needed resources.
The Anti Gala was sponsored by Argyros Family Foundation, Jabara Family Foundation, Insellerate, Warne Foundation, Ernst & Young, Murrow Development Consultants, Wells Fargo, Michelman & Robinson and Avision Young.
A Super Ball!
Jam-packed with lots of “whams” and “kapows,” the presence of both the Batman and the Riddler and much more, the comic book-themed Superhero Annual Ball, staged by Women’s Transitional Living Center Inc. (WTLC) on April 30 at The Clubhouse at Anaheim Hills Golf Course, raised more than $105,000. Top sponsors were Pacific Premier and Pacific Western Bank.
All the funds raised at the Superhero Ball will help support Hope House, which is currently under construction in Fullerton. Hope House will provide the survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking and their families with the time, space, and resources they need to establish and maintain long-term safety and stability. Residents will have up to 24 months of safe and comfortable housing in connection with recovery services such as counseling, legal advocacy, and case management.
Guests enjoyed an evening full of fun, food and entertainment, including guests solving riddles to thwart the Riddler’s plan “to take over nonprofit fundraisers and expose the supporters for the frauds he knows they are, and humiliate them on the public stage by live casting the results of the game he created.” Fortunately, he failed.
Several guests and staff appeared in superhero garb. Fifty-four silent auction items offered something for everyone.
Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Buena Park received the Superhero award. The dealership has been involved with WTLC for more than four years, providing support and funding through their foundation, Giving Hope.
WTLC has also launched a $50,000 matching campaign that goes through the end of June.
Future So Bright
More than 230 Laura’s House supporters united on May 20 for the seventh annual Brighter Futures luncheon, held at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. The event raised $110,000 to support the group’s mission to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to power individuals and families affected by abuse.
Brighter Futures highlighted the vital prevention work that is being done in the community to help educate youth and adults about healthy relationships. Tables were decorated and adorned by local sponsors, community leaders and businesses inspired by the Brighter Futures theme.
Among the luncheon’s sponsors were Laura Khouri, president, Western National Property Management; Michael Hayde, chairman, CEO, Western National Group Inc.; R.D. Olson Group, Hoag Memorial Hospital, Aviso Legal Group LLP, Lilly Pulitzer, Nolet Spirits and Balboa Bay Resort.
“As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen a sharp uptick in domestic violence cases in Orange County and beyond, making it critical to support our community with the resources needed to live free of all forms of abuse,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and executive director, Laura’s House. “For seven years, our Brighter Futures event has provided a platform to celebrate our loyal supporters, empower guests with knowledge and insights to become advocates for healthy relationships and raise the funds needed to fulfill our mission of changing social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence.”
The 2022 Brighter Futures Award was presented to keynote speaker Annette Oltmans, founder and CEO, The M3ND Project, a nonprofit organization created to educate victims and responders regarding Original Abuse and Double Abuse.
Other event highlights included music from DJ Kai, a silent auction, an opportunity drawing, lunch and wine and spirits from Nolet Spirits.
Home Essentials
Howard’s is celebrating nine years of supporting the critical work of Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM). The retailer has assisted the organization’s efforts to make an impact in the community by providing more than 250 appliances for several of the OCRM’s 12 campuses located throughout Orange County, including Veterans Outpost, Hope Harbor, Hope Family Housing and the House of Hope.
The appliances, including washing machines, dryers, TVs and in some cases, complete kitchen suites, equip the housing for formerly homeless men, women, families, and veterans. The value of the appliances exceeds $200,000.
In addition to the company providing appliances, Howard’s home delivery and home installation crews provide delivery and installation for all the units at no cost.
“Investing in and serving the local community has always been central to Howard’s commitment to our neighbors and customers,” said John Riddle, president and CEO, Howard’s. “The men and women who are served by OCRM have worked and are working so hard to change their lives and to improve their situations. While it is our pleasure, we believe it is also our responsibility to give back to those in need and contribute to the betterment of our those around us.”
Bits & Pieces
Gregory Scott, president and CEO of CAP OC, has been named to the board of directors for the Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution, a community lender and a Benefit “B” Corporation that addresses unmet credit needs throughout the U.S. … Girls Inc. was recently awarded two donations, a $35,000 grant from Panera Bread Foundation, which will be used to provide 500 Orange County girls with a workforce readiness workshop series to help them establish safe and healthy relationships, grow social and emotional skills, develop their own voice to advocate for themselves and others, and build the courage to enter fields dominated by men; and a $65,000 donation from the 2022 Comerica Bank Women’s Business Symposium, which will help Girls Inc. empower young women and girls through its impactful programs such as Girls Meet the Workforce, College Bound: Grad Lab, STEM activities, and more. … Families Forward has been awarded $65,000 from Capital Group, a combination of three grants: $30,000 for general operations, a one-time grant of $30,000 for special project support and a $5,000 COVID-relief grant.