Dad's Programs Recognized at MOMS Gala at Strawberry Farms Golf Club

MOMS, the county’s largest nonprofit dedicated solely to newborn and pregnancy health, raised approximately $140K at its annual Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures fundraising gala on June 8 at Strawberry Farms Golf Club. Held just prior to Father’s Day, 150 guests enjoyed “An Evening of Rustic Elegance” with a focus of MOMS work with dads.

An evening highlight was recognition of 25-year board member Mark C. Marten. A father and new grandfather, Marten joined the board in 1999 and was instrumental in expanding MOMS services to include fathers. The Foothill Ranch resident was joined at the gala by his entire family and made a generous donation in honor of his son-in-law and new grandson during the program.

MOMS CEO Dave Lugo commended Marten for his longevity on the board and invaluable input to MOMS programs over the years. During the evening, Lugo also shared background on MOMS recent rebrand, new programs including fathers and grandparents’ classes, and that the number of clients has reached their highest since the pandemic.

The gala began with a robust silent auction, wine and whiskey ring toss, live music and cocktail hour in and around Strawberry Farm’s scenic barn and landscape. Actress, mother and former Disney Ambassador Jessica Bernard served as emcee and auctioneer while MOMS board chair, Allyson Brooks, MD, FACOG welcomed guests and shared the nonprofit’s accomplishments over the past year. The evening also included videos of client stories geared around fathers and a paddle raise.

All event proceeds will benefit MOMS vision of delivering bright futures to vulnerable mothers, fathers, and their families through the coordination of health, education, and access to critical community services and support.

Major sponsors included The O’Donnell Family Foundation, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Providence St. Jude Medical Center, PNC, and StrikeWorks Solutions. Committee members were Lauren Doyle, Karen Levy, Heidi Plummer, Dr. Maritza Salazar Campo, Natalie Summerfield and Sarah Tracy.

For more information about MOMS, visit their website.

About MOMS

MOMS (formerly MOMS Orange County) was formed 30 years ago in response to a crisis in access to prenatal healthcare for low-income, at-risk women. Today, MOMS serves more than 2,500 low-income families annually, directly influencing improvements in birth outcomes, maternal health, and developmental indicators among infants within a highly disadvantaged population.

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