Giving from the Heart
On Jan. 28, more than 150 attendees from 80 nonprofit organizations attended the Orange County Community Foundation’s (OCCF) annual iheartOC Giving Days Summit presented by F&M Bank at The Cove at University of California, Irvine. This year’s theme, “Empower and Engage: Mobilizing Your Team for Impact,” focused on collaboration and effective teamwork to enhance fundraising efforts.
The afternoon included opening remarks by OCCF COO Cathleen Otero followed by sessions on nonprofit storytelling, mission collaboration and community impact.
Nonprofit leaders attending the summit, which launched in 2023, learn how to enhance their fundraising efforts in preparation for OCCF’s annual iheartOC Giving Day, an initiative that matches local donors to Orange County nonprofits with shared missions, including homelessness, workforce development and mental wellness for at-risk youth, on a shared day of giving through an online platform
$200K Award for OC Rescue Mission
Chick-fil-A has awarded Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) a $200,000 grant through the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards. The funds will support programs such as the OCRM’s Double R Ranch, which will increase services to women and children in 2025, along with essential housing and basic needs to continuously ensure that homeless people have the resources necessary to rebuild their lives.
“This generous grant from the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards will have a profound impact on the lives of the individuals and families we serve,” said Bryan Crain, president, OCRM. “We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from Chick-fil-A’s Orange County restaurants, operators and the local community that voted, who helped make this possible.”
This recognition was made possible by the efforts of Orange County Chick-fil-A restaurant operators, including Craig Takata of the University Center, Irvine location, Adam Goodman of The District location, and Peter Brakke of the 17th and Tustin location.
“Through the spirit of compassion, comprehensive services and long-term support, Orange County Rescue Mission provides real solutions for lasting change, helping neighbors start new life towards health and self-sufficiency,” Takata said.
OCRM is one of 56 organizations receiving a share of $6 million in True Inspiration Awards grants in 2025. Awardees are selected based on their alignment with Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Our Communities and Caring for Our Planet.
Award-Winning Supporters
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley hosted its annual awards event on Jan. 28 at the Mile Square Golf Course in Fountain Valley celebrating individuals and partners who have shown exceptional dedication to local youth in the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley community.
Cheung’s Rattan & Imports received the corporate partnership award for its long-term support of the club, which includes event sponsorships, financial support and material donations. The Huntington Beach City School District received the inaugural community partnership award for their collaboration with the club, including the Twilight Education Project and the Expanded Learning Opportunities program. James Lee, founder of J & K Unicorn Corporation, was recognized for his dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts to keep the club a safe and welcoming place for kids. Art Groeneveld, CEO of the Huntington Valley club, received the prestigious Eagle Award for over 30 years of dedication, including four years as CEO. Under his leadership, the club has achieved financial stability and national recognition for program quality.
Bits & Pieces
Cox Enterprises, a longtime supporter of the Captain Planet Foundation, celebrated the installation of a Captain Planet Foundation Project Learning Garden at the Irvine Chinese Immersion Academy on Feb. 7 in Irvine, which includes easy-to-assemble raised garden beds, soil, seeds, tools, thematic activities and a library of garden guides and tips for growing, harvesting and composting … The American Heart Association and Edwards Lifesciences launched an interactive mobile kiosk on Feb. 4 at Edwards’ campus, which is designed to teach hands-only CPR training in about five minutes using a practice manikin and a touch screen with video program, followed by a practice session and feedback from the kiosk … The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the Dayle McIntosh Center are partnering to revive the Mobility Management Professionals Program (MMPP) this spring for people with disabilities and older adults to inform, educate and train the community on how to have equity accessing the transportation system for a better quality of life, as well as customized goal setting, planning and additional support for travel safety.
