Irvine, CA (May 27, 2026) – Orange County United Way hosted its 23rd Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, raising $510,000 with nearly 700 philanthropists, community leaders, and changemakers in attendance.
“The atmosphere at this year’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast was truly uplifting and filled with so much passion and purpose. Every year, I’m struck by the remarkable kindness and commitment shown by our community,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way and founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. “Because of our dedicated guests and sponsors, we’re able to make a real difference in the lives of women across Orange County.”
This year’s event featured a keynote from Stephanie Land, bestselling author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive,” a New York Times bestseller and true story that inspired the hit Netflix series. She spoke about her experiences living below the poverty line and how she spent years relying on public assistance — experiences that later inspired her writing on poverty and public policy.
Attendees also took part in an interactive Paycheck to Paycheck experience, placing them face-to-face with the challenges many Orange County families below the poverty line navigate every day through guided activities that mirrored real-world financial decisions.
The funds raised at the Breakfast will support the SparkPoint OC financial empowerment program, along with early-grade literacy initiatives, food pantries, and after-school youth development programs.
Women United is a group of over 300 local women who lead, plan, and organize the Breakfast each year. In addition to supporting Orange County United Way’s programs, they help young children build reading competencies and age-appropriate financial literacy skills, advocate for better childcare, and provide support to families to increase financial stability.
This year’s Co-Chairs included Dawn Behnke, Executive Vice President of Consumer Markets for Pacific Life, and Nikki Clinton, Internal Communications and Engagement Manager for Ware Malcomb.
“Our involvement in this year’s Breakfast has deepened our understanding of the daily obstacles many women in Orange County encounter, and it’s shown us how thoughtful programs and support can create real opportunities for women and their families,” stated Behnke and Clinton. “It was an honor to serve as Co-Chairs and help bring our community together in support of this important mission.”
BMO served as the Breakfast’s Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year.
“This year’s Breakfast showcased how meaningful action and progress can be achieved when businesses and organizations come together around a shared purpose. At BMO, we’re proud to stand alongside Orange County United Way and support the Women’s Philanthropy Fund to help provide critical support for our neighbors. We look forward to working together to build stronger communities across Southern California,” said Tara Balfour, Head, U.S. Commercial Credit, BMO Commercial Bank.
The Champion Sponsor was U.S. Bank. Investor Sponsors included Automobile Club of Southern California, The Masson Family Foundation, and Pacific Life Foundation. Leader Sponsors included Ducommun, Edison International, EY, Farmers & Merchants Bank, MyHealthID, Niagara Cares, PNC Bank, and Samueli Foundation.
For more information about the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast, visit WPFBreakfast.org.
To donate, visit: https://unitedwayoc.ejoinme.org/2026WPF-Donate
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, dial 2-1-1 or visit: https://211oc.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: Annie Noebel, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 525-7024
