For the 300 loyal supporters who attended the recent Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim/Cypress’ annual “Moving Forward” Gala and Auction, it was an evening of excitement and celebration that raised an impressive $265,000 for the safe, positive afterschool and summer programs for children and youth in Anaheim, Cypress and surrounding cities.
The fundraising event, held at the ARTIC center, was co-chaired by Chuck Emanuele, the organization’s board chair, and Dr. Terrisa Ha, a board member, who presented the Anaheim Ducks with the Champion of Youth Award for many years of support to the clubs’ free and low-cost programs. Anaheim Hills resident and Ducks club president Aaron Teats accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Another highlight included recognition of club members and Outstanding Youth Achievement honorees Gabriel C., Joseph S., Jamison R., Anthony H., and Michelle M. The Service to Youth Award was presented to Anne Hertz-Mallari, for 17 years of dedication and commitment to the club.
KTLA’s Morning News Meteorologist and Sportscaster Henry DiCarlo was the emcee for the fundraising event, which also included exciting silent and live auctions, entertainment from the Club Choir, dinner and dancing to the sounds of the multi-talented Angel Force Band. Live auction items included “sponsor-a-youth” opportunities for afterschool and recreational activities, transportation from school to the club, healthy snacks, summer programs, participation in STEM programs,scholarships for one week summer programs and mentorships with club staff members.
In 2019, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim and Cypress merged and since that time have continued to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls, instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence within the safe and nurturing environments at the 16 clubhouses and two Teen Centers. Future plans include expansion of programs and Clubhouse locations, including in Anaheim Hills.
Visit boysandgirlsclub.org for more information.
Community’s support of Miracles for Kids ‘is everything’
Miracles for Kids, a nonprofit charity, is celebrating 20 years of helping children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Continuous community partnerships and support has enabled the organization to maintain its mission.
The organization, which was launched in 2004, has helped more than 2,100 families in a variety of ways including long-term, affordable housing assistance during a child’s illness through its Miracle Manor — located near the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Families have also received financial and food assistance.
Some of the groups that continue to provide support include the Assistance League of Orange, providing dinners and family activities at Miracle Manor twice a month and Ashmore Construction providing property maintenance at Miracle Manor. Other groups are the National Charity Leagues from Orange/Villa Park, North Tustin, Capistrano Coast, Laguna Beach and Saddleback Valley, which have assisted with holiday decorating, family movie nights and birthday celebrations and provided food and home essential items. High school volunteers from the Lions Heart organization have also assisted with family game nights, outdoor sports activities and more.
Miracles for Kids has received support from more than 10,000 donors and 30 corporate partnerships for the past 20 years. “The ongoing support we get from the community is everything,” said Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids.
Visit MiraclesForKids.org for additional information.
Women’s Club supports inspirational students
The Women’s Club of Orange recently honored four high school seniors as “inspirational young women” with scholarships during the nonprofit’s March luncheon.
These outstanding young women were selected by Orange Unified School District counselors and teachers for their academic accomplishments in achieving their goals, while overcoming challenging experiences at the same time. The district service the Anaheim Hills area.
Congratulations to Grace Hernandez, Villa Park High; Victoria Cable, Edge Academy at Parkside Education Center; Daisy Villa Vasquez, El Modena High; and Angie Alvarado, El Modena High. Each one of the girls plan to attend college following high school graduation.
Scholarships were awarded to students from other high schools within the OUSD earlier this year.
Women’s Club has April plans
All women are invited to the Anaheim Hills Women’s Club “April Showers” luncheon on April 17.
Singer Kim Olson will provide the afternoon entertainment for the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. luncheon at the Anaheim Hills Golf Club.
Cost is $35 per person and reservation deadline is April 8. Call Karon Kelleher at 714-912-4907 for reservations.
Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail (smhlapcich@sbcglobal.net).
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