The sold out event, themed “Every Frame Holds a Story,” celebrated the people and stories shaping Orange County and their shared commitment to uplifting the local community
Irvine, CA (November 5, 2025) – Orange County United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society presented its annual Gala on Saturday, November 1 at The Pendry Newport Beach, with 500 supporters in attendance. The sold out event raised over $900,000.
The funds raised will advance the organization’s key programs and services, which provide local students with the support they need to succeed, empower families to build financial stability, ensure unhoused neighbors have a place to call home, and connect vulnerable residents with vital health and human service resources such as food and housing assistance via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC).
“This Gala was one of our most successful events yet! It was inspiring to see so many esteemed leaders and philanthropists come together, share experiences, and celebrate the stories that unite us as a community,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors for continuing to believe in our work and championing a brighter future for all. Together, we can continue to be the change that uplifts residents of Orange County today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Several individuals were honored during the evening for their dedication to serving the Orange County community. The honorees included:
- Legacy Medal – Tom Rogers and Sally Anderson, who have been pillars of the Orange County community for years and represent the heart of what it means to leave a legacy. Their decades of service and generosity have helped shape a stronger, more connected Orange County for generations to come.
- Taking Action Medal – Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health, for demonstrating unwavering dedication and an innate drive to enact change, especially in the Orange County community.
- Inspiration Medal – Cinda and Steve Churm, longtime supporters of Orange County United Way, who personify the essence of what it means to be a game changer. Their dedication to closing gaps and uplifting the community is unmatched.
Charles and Dawn Antis acted as Co-Chairs of the Gala. Charles shared the story that sparked his involvement with the organization and leadership on the United to End Homelessness committee, while attendees were invited to post their own reflections on the story digital wall.
“We were honored to welcome everyone to a night where each story shared became part of the ongoing narrative of hope and progress in Orange County. Serving as co-chairs was a true privilege, and we’re proud to help advance Orange County United Way’s mission of creating lasting change in our community,” said Charles and Dawn Antis.
Gala Committee members included Charles and Dawn Antis, Cinda Churm, Lourdes De Quillien, Jackie Kelley, Sherry Mendenhall, Agnes Michels, Regina Oswald, Sue Parks, Christine Scheuneman, and Cori Vernam.
The Champion Sponsors of the event were Nanda Kumar and Mrudula Cheruvatath.
Visionary Sponsors of the event included Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Ducommun, Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, Pacific Life Foundation, and Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation.
Leader Sponsors of the event included Disneyland Resort, Edison International, Tom Rodgers and Sally Anderson, UCI Health, and American Career College.
Innovator Sponsors of the event included Automobile Club of Southern California, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Frome Family Foundations, John Simonis and Reed Smith LLP, KPMG LLP, Related, Shirin Behzadi LLC, Steve and Cinda Churm, and Troutman Pepper Locke.
Impact Sponsors of the event included American Hondoa Motor Co., Inc, Banc of California, Brian and Ashlee Davis, First Bank, Fluor, Gochnauer Family Foundation, Ingram Micro, Jamboree Housing, Julie Miller-Phipps and Michael Phipps, Karen L. Grundhofer, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, MemorialCare, Niagara Cares, Nisha Verma and Adam Klugman, Pacific Design Directions, Inc., Reveille, Inc., Steve and Jackie Kelley, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, Ware Malcomb, and Warren Felson and Lucy Sun.
For more information about Orange County United Way, visit: https://www.unitedwayoc.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) 449-2527
