• Ribbon cutting ceremony held on January 10
• New space ensures accessibility and is technology-rich to support collaboration

Irvine, CA. (January 11, 2024) – Orange County United Way celebrated the grand opening of the Varanasi Equity Workspace with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 10.

This new resource will provide opportunities for organizations to meet, advance their purpose and capacity, and work together to affect equitable change in the community. This year, Orange County United Way celebrates its 100 Year Anniversary, and the opening of this new space kicks off the organization’s meaningful and impactful efforts for the next 100 years.

“Thanks to an extremely generous donation from the Lalitha Varanasi Foundation, we are excited to have a technology advanced, flexible space for local nonprofits and other organizations to convene with stakeholders and move closer towards building a better Orange County,” said Susan Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way.

Additional sponsors and supporters of the Varanasi Equity Workspace and our lobby renovation include Ware Malcomb for providing architectural design, ViewSonic for digital displays, Tangram Interiors for functional and flexible furniture, and Ingram Micro for its donation towards additional technology integration and upgrades.

Some features of the space include:

• Convertible space planning, which allows for groups from five to 50 people
• Hybrid meeting technology for both in-person and virtual options
• ADA-compliant upgrades throughout the space

“The Varanasi Equity Workspace was conceptualized with one major goal in mind – to serve as a conduit for change,” said Rani and Rao Varanasi. “It brings us so much joy to know this technology-rich and convenient workspace will be the site where life-changing decisions and positive changes are made that will benefit our Orange County community. We’re grateful to Orange County United Way for helping to bring this idea to life.”

For more information about Orange County United Way, visit: UnitedWayOC.org.

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY

Orange County United Way is committed to breaking barriers and improving lives for everyone who lives here. Through our key initiatives – United for Student Success^SM, United for Financial Security^SM, and United to End Homelessness^SM, we are working to ensure local students succeed, struggling OC families gain financial security, and our neighbors experiencing homelessness find a place to call home. We also offer vital support via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), a key service that connects thousands of our most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources. We are committed to caring for one another. That’s #TheOCWay.

This year, Orange County United Way celebrates 100 years of purpose and impact in Orange County.

To learn more or discover how you can help, visit UnitedWayOC.org.

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Media Contact: Annie Noebel,  anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 449-2527