More than 750 viewers tuned in for the virtual fundraising event with celebrity guest Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Irvine, CA (June 4, 2020) – Orange County United Way hosted the 17th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast virtually on May 20, raising nearly $440,000 to support initiatives targeting the education, health, housing and income challenges facing families and children in Orange County.
More than 750 people tuned in for the event, making it one of the most successful breakfast fundraisers in the county, even with its altered format.
“The Women’s Philanthropy Fund has become one of the most powerful voices of Orange County philanthropy,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way, and co-founder of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. “Although we had to do things a bit differently this year, I’m thrilled that we were still able to engage the community and its leaders to raise funds and awareness about the gaps that exist in many of our neighborhoods and the vulnerable families and children that need support and resources now more than ever.”
Celebrity guest, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, inspired viewers during a special Q&A with Orange County United Way board chair Steve Churm, and fielded questions from virtual viewers about his mentors, his NBA career, keys to success and the secrets to living a fulfilling life. Abdul-Jabbar, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – is an influential and respected black man in America who has a national platform as a regular contributing columnist for newspapers and magazines around the world. Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a six-time NBA champion and the league’s only six-time MVP. Currently, Abdul-Jabbar serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation and brings educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities through innovative outdoor environmental learning.
Bank of America served as Champion Sponsor of this year’s virtual breakfast. The company is a longtime supporter of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund and United Way’s local initiatives to create a brighter Orange County.
As the organization’s most important event of the year, the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast raises funds to allow Orange County United Way to implement programs with demonstrable impact for underserved populations.
“It was a privilege to co-chair the event this year. Orange County United Way assesses the community needs and is creating efficient programs that deliver immeasurable results,” said Anne Michaelsen-Yahn and Don Yahn, breakfast co-chairs. “With the current pandemic situation making peoples financial and living situations even more difficult, we’re honored to have been able to play a part in helping raise critically needed funds to ensure local families and children can continue to thrive.”
Other sponsors of the 17th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast include:
Visionary Sponsor
- Seaview Investors, LLC
Investor Sponsors
- Automobile Club of Southern California
- American Career College
- Crowell & Moring
- Edison International
- First American
- Havaplan Financial
- Nordstrom
- Owl Foundation
- Pacific Life Insurance Company
- Artyn & Max Gardner
- Masson-Shaffer Foundation
To watch a recap of the virtual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K56ViF_pi0&t=2s
For more information on how you can get involved, visit UnitedWayOC.org or contact Jessica Vanderwell at JessicaV@UnitedWayOC.org.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Today’s Orange County United Way is doing more for the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of every person in Orange County. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering more than 50 Community Impact programs countywide. We focus on long-term solutions to the most critical interconnected challenges facing local children and families. United Way is doing more to make long-term measurable difference in the lives of children and families right here in Orange County. To learn more or do more with us, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 525-7024
