Extraordinary Lives Foundation Fundraising Success!

Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) - the children’s mental health and emotional wellness nonprofit – held their popular Comedy Night fundraiser on October 23 raising approximately $200K. Over 200 guests enjoyed the lively evening at the scenic Marconi Automotive Museum featuring comedians The Sklar Brothers, Angela Hoover, and comedic host Jennifer Arundale.

ELF Founder and CEO Mara James said, “I was blown away by all the love and support in the room. From our amazing donors, comedians, volunteers and community leaders in attendance, this year’s fundraiser truly exceeded all my expectations!”

The evening began with a cocktail hour, silent auction and live musical entertainment among Marconi’s vast luxury, rare and historic car and memorabilia collection. The dinner program was followed by an entertaining comedy show with host Jennifer Arundale, comedian Angela Hoover and featuring The Sklar Brothers, identical twins, comedians and actors best known for hosting the show Cheap Seats, which aired for four seasons on ESPN.

Gala proceeds will support ELF’s two major programs including Piggie BEAR (Building

Emotional Awareness & Resilience) Toolkits donated to children’s related nonprofits throughout the region and the Children’s Emotional Wellness Week (CHEWW) program provided to low-income schools throughout Orange County. CHEWW is a comprehensive week-long program featuring daily lessons and activities with take-home materials utilizing ELF's mascot Piggie Bear and toolkit.

Major Comedy Night Gala underwriters included Reproductive Fertility Center, Calif. State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the Samueli Foundation and Hoag.

For more information about ELF, visit www.elfempowers.org.

About Extraordinary Lives Foundation

Founded in 2015, ELF's mission is to improve children’s mental health and emotional wellness by providing educational tools, resources, and outreach events. ELF believes that through awareness, prevention, and early intervention, many of the major problems facing today’s youth can be transformed within a generation. The Piggie Bear character was created by organization founder Mara James to help increase a child’s emotional intelligence and is used in the organization's two major programs: Piggie BEAR (Building Emotional Awareness & Resilience) tools kits which they donate to vulnerable children and the Children’s Emotional Wellness Week (CHEWW) program, a comprehensive curriculum provided to low-income schools throughout Orange County.

###