- Sold-out gala becomes largest fundraising event in nonprofit’s 102-year history.
- Ocean-themed “Seas the Moment” highlighted the collective power of supporters and the moments of impact they make possible for Orange County.
Irvine, CA (November 9, 2026) – Orange County United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society presented its annual Gala on Saturday, November 7 at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel with 500 supporters in attendance. The sold-out event raised $1 million, a record amount in the gala’s history, celebrating the collective power of philanthropy and the many moments of impact made possible through the generosity of its supporters. This milestone also marks the largest single fundraising event in the history of Orange County United Way.
The gala 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 unhoused neighbors have a place to call home, and connect vulnerable residents with vital health and human service resources such as food and housing assistance via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC).
“We are incredibly grateful for the steadfast support of the many local leaders and philanthropists who helped to make this year’s Gala a record-breaking celebration in support of our mission,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “Together with our generous sponsors and donors, we are lifting up our community and united in improving lives throughout Orange County today and for generations to come.”
Three couples were honored for their steadfast support in serving the Orange County community. The honorees included:
- Taking Action Medal – Stephen G. and Regina Oswald, dedicated supporters of Orange County United Way, have generously invested in its work to strengthen the community. They are passionate about expanding access to education, improving health and well-being, and creating greater opportunities for individuals and families.
- Inspiration Medal – The Gochnauer Foundation, who have been integral partners in advancing The OC Way Campaign through their generosity and leadership. As Campaign Chair, Dick Gochnauer is leading the charge to transform 211OC from a helpline into a lifeline while building the relationships and support needed to bring this vision to life.
- Legacy Medal – Nanda Kumar and Mrudula Cheruvatath, whose involvement with Orange County United Way began after moving to Orange County in 2015. Especially passionate about helping local students succeed and inspired by the role education played in their own lives, they are committed to creating opportunities for young people to pursue their own American Dream.
“Orange County United Way holds a special place in our philanthropic hearts, and it is an honor for us to serve as co-chairs of the Gala for the second year in a row. We are inspired by each one of this year’s honorees, their stories of compassion and service, and the way they all embody how one act can make a lasting impact in our community,” Charles and Dawn Antis stated.
During the event, special recognition was given to Charles and his company, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, and IB Roof Systems, Roofing Alliance, and QXO, for their generous in-kind donation of labor and materials to replace the roof at Orange County United Way’s Irvine office.
“Charles and Dawn truly lead by example, and they quite literally ‘raised the roof’ at both the Gala and our headquarters in Irvine,” added Parks. “We are so grateful to everyone at Antis Roofing & Waterproofing and their partners who gave their time, resources and talents to ensure our team can focus on serving our community in the months and years ahead.”
Gala Committee members included Charles and Dawn Antis, Shirin Behzadi, Cinda Churm, Lourdes De Quillien, Regina Oswald, Kimberly Roush, April Savoy, Christine Scheuneman, and Cori Vernam.
Attendees enjoyed a dynamic evening of inspirational storytelling and powerful testimonials from both donors and community members, alongside entertainment that included a DJ, a live band and dancing. The record-breaking fundraising was a result of several elements including a live auction with several one-of-a-kind group experiences with the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Chargers, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, plus custom dining and professional development opportunities with Orange County United Way executives and Board members, as well as numerous silent auction and raffle prizes.
One of the most compelling and emotional moments of the evening was hearing the story of a young woman who entered the foster system with her two younger sisters at age eight. After turning 18 and moving out on her own, she selflessly chose to foster a new baby sister who needed shelter from the same difficult home life she had escaped years earlier. Crediting the support of social workers, a Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher, and Orange County United Way’s WelcomeHomeOC team, she received assistance locating and furnishing a local apartment where she could safely care for her sister and continue to work and attend school. With the stability of a home and the ability to pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher, she is grateful to be able to prioritize her family and give her baby sister the loving and safe childhood she hoped for in her youth. She is one of many community members directly impacted by the work the Gala helps to fund.
Several prominent Orange County companies and philanthropists sponsored the Gala, including:
- Title Sponsor: Ducommun
- Visionary Sponsors: Los Angeles Chargers, and Nanda Kumar and Mrudula Cheruvatath
- Champion Sponsors: Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Automobile Club of Southern California, Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation, and Pacific Life Foundation
- Investor Sponsors: Disneyland Resort, Edison International, and Niagara Cares
- Leader Sponsors: Shirin Behzadi, BMO, Steve and Cinda Churm, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Gochnauer Family Foundation, Grome Family Foundation, KPMG LLP, John Simonis and Reed Smith, South Coast Plaza, Troutman Pepper Locke, UCI Health, and Winston-Levin Foster Youth Fund
- Impact Sponsors: California Bank & Trust, California State University Fullerton, CEO Leadership Alliance OC, Fluor, Ingram Micro, JPMorgan Chase, Lincoln Property Company, Mason Family Foundation, Goran Matijasevic, Orange County Business Journal, Pacific Design Directions, Inc., Michael Parks, Julie Miller-Phipps and Michael Phipps, PNC Bank, Rady Children’s Health Orange County, Reveille, Inc., Steve and Kimberly Roush, April Savoy, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, Nisha Verma and Adam Klugman, Ware Malcomb, and Doug and Karen Wilson
For more information about Orange County United Way, 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
