Sold out event featured an inspirational Q&A with Misty Copeland on diversity and representation in the arts, and the power of giving back
Irvine, CA (June 8, 2022) – Orange County United Way hosted the 19th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast on May 19, raising nearly $500,000 to support initiatives targeting poverty and housing instability in underserved neighborhoods in Orange County.
More than 650 community leaders attended and tuned in for the event, making it one of the most successful breakfast fundraisers in the county. Since its inception in 2004, the Women’s Philanthropy Fund has raised millions of dollars to benefit local programs and services that empower at-risk Orange County families.
Bank of America and UPS served as Champion Sponsors of this year’s event. The companies are longtime supporters of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund and Orange County United Way initiatives.
“This year’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast inspired action to change lives and support the advancement of children and families in Orange County,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “The annual event gives us the opportunity to truly care for each other The OC Way, to celebrate the power of philanthropy, and acknowledge the amazing network of caring women who are leading the charge to help our community’s struggling families transition from surviving to thriving.”
Celebrity guest, Misty Copeland moved attendees and at-home viewers during a special Q&A centered on the importance of on diversity and representation in the arts, as well as the power of giving back to uplift one’s community. Copeland was promoted to principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater in 2015, making her the first African American woman to ever be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history.
“It was an honor to co-chair the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast in-person this year,” said Dilanthi De Alwis and Melinda Masson, Breakfast Co-Chairs. “With the support of such an influential and passionate group of community leaders, we raised critical funds to help ensure Orange County’s at-risk families thrive. Thanks to the Women’s Philanthropy Fund, we have witnessed the positive and long-lasting change that has occurred in our community.”
Sixth grade students at Paul Revere Elementary and R.H. Dana Elementary delivered ‘The OC Way’ special report, expanding on the ways their schools and classmates have benefited from the programs funded by the Women’s Philanthropy Fund. Over the last year, support from the Women’s Philanthropy Fund enabled the school to refer parents to Sparkpoint OC, one-stop financial empowerment centers at both schools. Additional funds helped provide computer devices so that students could remain connected, a monthly food pantry, book rewards for students achieving reading goals, and weekly videos for physical activity, to name a few.
Additional sponsors of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast included:
Visionary Sponsors
- Edison International
- Edwards Lifesciences Foundation
- Masson-Shaffer Family Foundation
Investor Sponsors
- Avanir Pharmaceuticals
- Artyn & Max Gardner
- City of Hope
- Dubchansky Family Foundation
- Ernst & Young
- MicroVention
- NextHome
- Pacific Life
To watch a recap of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast: https://bit.ly/3PSFOyr.
To learn more about the Women’s Philanthropy Fund, visit https://www.unitedwayoc.org/ or contact Jessica Vanderwell at JessicaV@UnitedWayOC.org.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way is committed to leading the fight for equity by breaking barriers, closing gaps, and leveling the playing field for everyone who lives here. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering 50+ programs countywide to improve lives in our community. Every day, we are working to advance the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of people in Orange County. We are working to ensure our students succeed, our struggling families gain financial security, and our homeless neighbors find a place to call home. We step up to actively address the critical issues facing our community and we go the extra mile to make sure our residents have the support they need. We genuinely care for one another. That’s The OC Way.
To learn more or discover how you can help, visit UnitedWayOC.org.
Orange County United Way is a standalone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Heidi Pallares, hpallares@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 285-7278
