One of Orange County’s most celebrated charities is celebrating 100 years of building community – and there are plenty of ways to help.
“We focus on community outcomes,” Orange County United Way CEO Susan Parks says. “It’s all about impact – and improving lives.”
The charity first opened its doors in 1924 as Community Chest in Santa Ana. It later merged with other Community Chests to form OC United Way.
“Over the years, our mission to improve lives and strengthen community has remained the same,” Parks says.
The group’s main initiatives are to help students succeed, help families find financial security and reduce homelessness.
To do this, OC United Way relies on thousands of volunteers that include business leaders, faith leaders, civic leaders, philanthropists and other nonprofits.
Lisa A. Locklear, executive VP and chief financial officer of the Irvine biotech firm Longeveron, began donating years ago and now serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors.
“I appreciate that my donations are put to work right here in Orange County to improve lives where we live and work,” she says.
She’ll be one of about 900 people attending the May 16 Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast, an event that raises about $500,000 each year.
The breakfast includes accounts of families that the Orange County United Way helped get schooling, job training and housing.
“It’s really powerful to see the impact these programs have,” Locklear says. “It’s an inspiring event that I recommend to anyone who can attend.”
Other events planned this year range from family sewing circles to local walkathons to golf tournaments.
“There is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and be part of something bigger in their community,” Parks says.
Learn more at unitedwayoc.org.
