• Event recognizes companies and individuals inspiring change across Orange County and creating brighter futures for local children and families.
• #211OCLiftUpChallenge announced in advance of National 211 Day with plank and donation elements to support 2-1-1 Orange County.

Irvine, CA (September 10, 2026) – Orange County United Way hosted 300 local business and community leaders for its annual Rally for Change event on Tuesday, September 1 at Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, in celebration of those it named ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Champions of Orange County’. Fourteen honorees were recognized amongst dozens of nominees in distinct categories that highlight the many ways companies and individuals can uplift the community and encourage others to make a difference.

“I am always inspired by the honorees at our Rally for Change, who share a genuine compassion for helping others and a spirit of giving back,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “We value the opportunity to shine a light on the corporate social responsibility efforts of Orange County’s top executives, corporate partners, and advocates for social change who are making a meaningful impact in our community.”

Award categories, winners and nominees include:

Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award

• Pacific Life – Winner
• Burns & McDonnell
• Gibson Dunn
• KPMG

Champion of Volunteerism Award

• Jill Rawlinson-Baker – Automobile Club of Southern California – Winner
• Kevin Houcque – FirstService Residential
• Marryn Santucci – Fluor
• Kevin Mason – KPMG

Corporate Campaign Climber Award – Large companies (More than 500 employees in OC)

• Automobile Club of Southern California – Winner
• Bank of America
• Costco Wholesale
• Edwards Lifesciences
• PricewaterhouseCoopers

Corporate Campaign Climber Award – Medium companies (201-500 employees in OC)

• Ducommun – Winner
• Burns & McDonnell
• Fluor
• KPMG

Corporate Campaign Climber Award – Small companies (200 or fewer employees in OC)

• Ware Malcomb – Winner
• BMO
• California Bank & Trust
• Gibson Dunn
• PNC Bank
• Synchrony Financial

Corporate Philanthropy Award

• Disneyland Resort – Winner
• Edison International
• Niagara Cares
• Pacific Life
• U.S. Bank

Executive Leadership Award

• Greg Backley – Automobile Club of Southern California – Winner
• Kimberly Chips – Disneyland Resort
• Laureen Gonzalez – Ducommun
• Cody Tubbs – Edison International
• Amanda Fowler – Edwards Lifesciences
• Amy Mathieson – FirstService Residential
• Tere Segarra – Pacific Life Foundation
• Edward Mora – U.S. Bank

UNITED4OC Award – Large companies

• Automobile Club of Southern California – Winner
• Costco Wholesale
• Edwards Lifesciences
• Pacific Life
• U.S. Bank

UNITED4OC Award – Medium companies

• Niagara Cares– Winner
• Ducommun
• FirstService Residential
• Fluor
• The Word & Brown Company

UNITED4OC Award – Small companies

• BMO – Winner
• California Bank & Trust
• Garmin
• Gibson Dunn
• Little Diversified Architectural Consulting

Volunteering Excellence

• Pacific Life – Winner
• Edwards Lifesciences – Winner
• Disneyland Resort
• The Word & Brown Company

Top Corporate Campaign Ambassadors – All nominees were honored for their efforts

Corporate Campaign Ambassador of the Year – Large companies

• Jill Rawlinson-Baker – Automobile Club of Southern California
• Mayra Ochoa – Costco Wholesale
• Andrew Greene – Edwards Lifesciences
• Amberlee “AT” Taylor – Pacific Life
• Nicole Parker – U.S. Bank

Corporate Campaign Ambassador of the Year – Medium companies

• Laureen Gonzalez & Tara Molina – Ducommun
• Susan Compton & Kevin Houcque – FirstService Residential
• Marryn Santucci – Fluor
• Kevin Manson – KPMG
• Michelle Flores – The Word & Brown Company

Corporate Campaign Ambassador of the Year – Small companies

• Beth Sari – Garmin
• AnnaSophia Servin – John Wayne Airport
• Summer Marcotte – Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
• Denise Scott – PNC Bank
• Jessie Proctor – Ware Malcomb

Event sponsors include Edwards Lifesciences, Niagara Cares, Automobile Club of Southern California, California Bank & Trust, Disneyland Resort, Ducommun, Edison International, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Pacific Life Foundation, PNC Bank, The Word & Brown Companies, Burns & McDonnel, EY, FirstService Residential, KPMG, Gallagher, Lincoln Property Company, Orange County Business Journal, Fluor, Garmin, Levian Law, Riveron, Virgin Galactic and Ware Malcomb.

At the conclusion of the event, details for the #211OCLiftUpChallenge were announced in advance of National 211 Day on February 11, 2027. To bring the community together to literally lift themselves up off the ground and symbolically lift Orange County higher, the challenge entices community members to:

• Train leading up to 2/11/27 to hold a plank position for 2 minutes 11 seconds.
• Make a $21.10 donation to support 211OC to help connect residents with the resources and support they need.
• Or be a Powerlifter and do both.

To learn more about the #211OCLiftUpChallenge, please visit https://unitedwayoc.org/get-involved/211oc-liftup-challenge.

For more information about Orange County United Way’s corporate social responsibility programs, visit UnitedWayOC.org.    

ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY

Orange County United Way mobilizes our community to create brighter futures for all, today and for generations to come.

True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. Through advocacy, collaboration, and innovative programming, our work is comprehensive and action-oriented, effectively addressing our county’s unique challenges.

From strengthening local resilience to expanding youth opportunity, financial stability, and access to stable housing, we’re working toward an Orange County where everyone has the support they need to reach their full potential. To learn more, visit UnitedWayOC.org.

Orange County United Way is a stand-alone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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Media Contact: Heidi Pallares, [email protected], (949) 285-7278