IRVINE, CA – High school marching and drumline bands, cheerleaders and a hip hop dance troupe will serve as just a few of the exciting sights and sounds in store at the 2015 Walk United event at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 19.
Rancho Alamitos High School’s Band and Cheer will be on hand, as will the drumline band from Garden Grove Unified School District. Dance groups from Pacifica High School of Garden Grove and Westminster High School will also entertain attendees of Walk United.
Meanwhile, hundreds of students in area Destination Graduation programs, powered by United Way, will volunteer for various roles ranging from social media reporters to working in the education expo to add to the youthful enthusiasm of this signature event.
Participation by these talented high school students at the April 19 event underscores the important role that the education of Orange County’s future leaders play in United Way’s community-wide action plan – FACE 2024.
“We can’t think of a better way to reinforce United Way’s mission at Walk United than to include those who are benefiting from our efforts,” explained Max Gardner, President and CEO of Orange County United Way.
Improving graduation rates among Orange County students is one of the four pillars of FACE 2024.
“We want to cut the high school dropout rate in half between now and 2024,” Gardner continued, “…and everyone who joins us at Walk United is moving us one step closer toward that goal.”
Participants in Walk United include many of the foot soldiers supporting United Way’s mission.
“We’re excited to participate in this fun, yet meaningful event that supports the education of children in our community in such a significant way,” explained Walk United Co-Chair Paula Campbell, Director, Strategic Planning at Edison International. “Funds raised by United Way help support early grade reading, middle school success, and a college-bound culture geared toward keeping kids in school and on track toward graduation and beyond.” Edison International is both a lead supporter of Walk United and Destination Graduation.
Along with entertainment offered by the high school students, participants can enjoy a thrilling BMX Freestyle stunt show, live rock bands, healthy food offerings from local food trucks, as well as an inspiring community village. Families with young children are encouraged to participate in the 5K Walk and enjoy the interactive Kids’ Zone.
“While the walk in and around Angel Stadium is exciting in and of itself, it’s the bands, the entertainment, the food options and impactful experiences along the route that together promise to create a palpable level of excitement and unforgettable event,” added Gardner.
The 5K Walk course features interactive exhibits that illustrate how participants are supporting United Way’s mission to build a stronger Orange County by advancing the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing.
Orange County United Way thanks the following companies for supporting Walk United 2015:
Presenting Sponsor:
Wells Fargo
Grand Slam Sponsor:
The Orange County Register
Home Run Sponsor:
Edison International
Third Base Sponsors:
Automobile Club of Southern California
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Media Sponsors:
ESPN LA
Go Country 105FM
Second Base Sponsors:
Advanced Sterilization Products
AT&T
Chevron
Fluor
KPMG LLP
First Base Sponsors:
Alcon
Chapman University – Argyros School of Business & Economics
Crowell & Moring
First Bank
FirstService Residential
NuVision Federal Credit Union
SES Insurance Brokerage Services
USOC Medical
Western National Group
Minimum donation to participate in Walk United 2015 is $25 ($15 for children and seniors). For more information or to register, please visit www.walkunited.com.
NEWS CONTACTS:
Michael Suydam
21Strat 949.981.5008, mike@21strat.com
Katherine Ransom, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Orange County United Way 949.263.6176, katheriner@unitedwayoc.org
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY:
Since 1924, Orange County United Way has been working to improve lives and strengthen our community by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County and focusing on the building blocks for a good quality of life: Education, Income, Health and Housing. By investing in Orange County children, families and individuals, we help them create pathways to self-sufficient lives. In short, we help people help themselves. Through our 10-year community-wide action plan, “FACE 2024” (an acronym forFund, Advocate, Collaborate, Educate), we collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, governmental agencies and individuals to make a long- term measurable difference in the lives of local individuals and families. To learn more or to join our movement, visitwww.unitedwayoc.org.
