Some call it the most important meal of the day. For Orange County United Way, the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast is arguably the most significant one of the year. This inspirational event is Orange County’s ultimate community-impact breakfast and has raised millions of dollars over the years to support local programs and services that empower at-risk OC families.
Families in Orange County face a unique set of interconnected issues that challenge student and family success. Low-wage jobs and our high cost of living can create housing instability that in turn negatively impacts academics and health.
Programs and services take a “two-generation” approach, tackling intergenerational poverty by aligning and coordinating programs to serve the needs of families together while producing sustainable outcomes for the neighborhood as a whole.
Among Orange County’s top breakfast fundraisers, this inspirational morning assembles philanthropists and community leaders each year to support the dynamic efforts of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. Join us in helping local women and their families build self-sufficiency, investing in the next generation, and transforming lives in our community.
Thursday, May 6, 2027
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Hyatt Regency Irvine
17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, CA 92612
Stay tuned for details!
Among Orange County’s top breakfast fundraisers, this inspirational morning assembles philanthropists and community leaders each year to support the dynamic efforts of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. Join us in helping local women and their families build self-sufficiency, investing in the next generation, and transforming lives in our community.
You made the 2026 Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast a huge success. Your support made it more than an event—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. Thanks to the generosity of so many of you, including our incredible sponsors, the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast has raised $510K and counting. These vital funds will help uplift women and families across Orange County.
You can still donate to empower local woman. Or share the link with your network to further your impact. And if you gave or plan to make a donation, make sure to check with your employer regarding gift matching to maximize your contribution.
This year’s program brought our mission to life in new and meaningful ways. Through the interactive Paycheck to Paycheck experience, we saw the difficult financial decisions many families face every day—where every choice carries weight and every unexpected expense can shift the balance. As shared, this reality is ongoing for thousands of households right here in our community.
We were also honored to hear from keynote speaker Stephanie Land, whose story reminded us of the resilience behind every statistic and the importance of building systems that truly support families.
Many thanks to our incredible community of supporters – our sponsors, volunteers, Women United members, Men of the Breakfast, and everyone who contributed their time, passion, and resources to make this event so impactful. Our heartfelt gratitude to our dynamic Women United Co-chairs, Dawn Behnke and Nikki Clinton! And shout out to our generous Champion Sponsor, BMO!
“The Women’s Philanthropy Fund sounded a wake-up call explicitly inviting women to step up and support the advancement of women and children in our community. We believe that when a network of caring women unite their passion, purses, and power to change lives, anything is possible.”
Susan B. Parks
President & CEO, Orange County United Way
This video highlights some of the challenges thousands of women and children in our community face each day and how the Women’s Philanthropy Fund is working to create lasting change.
Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast
“There were times when I felt hopeless as a single mom raising three kids. It was because of individuals who grabbed me by the hand and ushered me to the finish line that I can stand before you and let you know that your contributions matter. The work that we’re doing here with United Way is changing lives.”
High-Performance Leadership Coach,
Author & International Keynote Speaker
Last updated May 26, 2026
For more information, please contact:
Erika Lemus, Director of Special Events
Partner with Orange County United Way and align your business with a local nonprofit committed to creating a brighter future and transforming lives right here in our community. Together, we can bring corporate social responsibility to life.
33-0047994
Partner with Orange County United Way and align your business with a local nonprofit committed to creating a brighter future and transforming lives right here in our community. Together, we can bring corporate social responsibility to life.
Donations to Orange County United Way are processed by the GiveButter platform
