The once-in-a-century event celebrated Orange County United Way’s impact and dedication to uplifting members of the local community
Irvine, CA (November 11, 2024) – Orange County United Way hosted its Centennial Gala on Saturday, November 2 at OCVIBE’s ARTIC, a unique transportation hub in Anaheim, with nearly 600 supporters in attendance helping to raise $850,000, and counting – making it the largest fundraising event in the organization’s 100-year history. The funds raised will advance the organization’s key programs and services, which provide local students with the support they need to succeed, empower families to build financial stability, ensure our unhoused neighbors have a place to call home, and connect vulnerable residents with vital health and human service resources via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC).
“The Centennial Gala marked a momentous occasion for Orange County United Way, honoring the tremendous local impact made over the last 100 years while strengthening our commitment to transforming lives for the better in the next century,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “We are deeply grateful to our attendees, sponsors, and donors for “answering the call” with their generous contributions that support our mission to address homelessness, financial insecurity, and educational inequities throughout the county. Together, we can continue to be the change that uplifts residents of Orange County —today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Regina and Stephen G. Oswald served as Co-Chairs of the Centennial Gala.
The elevated evening experience began with a cocktail reception celebrating the past accomplishments and history of the organization, continued with dinner focused on the present, including a live auction to help fund the future, and concluded with entertainment from the 14-piece Wayne Foster band and dancing.
Several individuals were honored during the evening for embodying ‘The OC Way’ through their dedication to serving the Orange County community. The honorees included:
- Legacy Medal – Rani and Rao Varanasi, for their longtime support of Orange County United Way and generous donation for the Varanasi Equity Workspace, which serves as a new resource for organizations to meet, collaborate, and build on their futures in service to the community.
- Taking Action Medal – Kristen and Adrian Griggs, who have exemplified the true spirit of community leadership and philanthropic impact by lending their time and expertise to bettering the community as members of our Tocqueville Society as well as serving on United Way’s Board and the United for Financial Security Leadership Council. As Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Life, Adrian has also brought his passion for United Way’s work to Pacific Life, resulting in a multi-year commitment to create a new financial empowerment program site in South County.
- Inspiration Medal – Lindsey Spindle on behalf of the Samueli Foundation, who personifies the essence of what it means to be a game changer. She coordinated investments from the Samueli Foundation to bolster United Way’s efforts to end homelessness in Orange County and to stabilize 211OC, a vital service that connects community members in crisis to crucial resources.
Gala Committee members included Cinda Churm, Jennifer Day Turner, Clicia Huang, Jackie Kelley, Nancy Lyons, Lori Massey, Nancy Meyer, Regina Oswald, Sue Parks, Brenda Springer, and Christina Zabat-Fran.
“Chairing such a historic celebration has been a privilege and reaffirmed our shared vision for the future. It fills us with joy to be among this remarkable group of leaders, all dedicated to ensuring Orange County residents receive the support they need to reach their full potential,” said Stephen G. and Regina Oswald, Centennial Gala Co-Chairs. “We are excited to continue building on this legacy of bettering the community together.”
The Centennial Sponsor of the event was the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation.
Anniversary Sponsors of the event included Ducommun and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Legacy Sponsors of the event included Cinda and Steve Churm, Disneyland Resort, Troutman Pepper, US Bank, and Wells Fargo.
Community Chest Sponsors of the event included John Simonis, Edison International, The Masson Family Foundation, Samueli Foundation, Susan Stoneburner, and UCI Health.
Impact Sponsors of the event included Banc of California, BMO, California State University Fullerton, FirstService Residential, Goran Matijasevic, Ingram Micro, Kaiser Permanente, Little, Related Bristol, Reveille, SoCalGas, Steve Roush, Susan Arita, Synoptek, Ware Malcomb, Winston & Strawn LLP.
The Media Sponsor of the event was The Orange County Register.
Journey to 100 year-long corporate partners include Eaton, Pacific Life Foundation, 84Vikings4Good, KPMG Foundation, Niagara Cares, and Orange County United Way Women United.
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℠, United for Financial Security℠, and United to End Homelessness℠—we are working to ensure local students succeed, families gain financial security, and our unhoused neighbors 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.
Orange County United Way is a standalone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, [email protected], (949) 449-2527
