KidWorks Crosses the Finish Line with More Than $400,000 Raised

Nonprofit KidWorks recently crossed the finish line with more than $400,000 earned at its First Annual Cars & Cocktails Fundraiser, the reimagined Foundation for Success luncheon - https://kidworksoc.org/cars All funds raised will directly benefit hundreds of KidWorks students as they continue on their journey toward college and career success.

Held November 14 at Finish Line Auto Club, a premier luxury condo car storage and lifestyle facility in Costa Mesa, the high-octane event featured car-themed cocktails like a Cadillac Margarita and a spin on a Cosmopolitan called a Midnight Drive. The car theme continued with checkered flags atop tables and a gift bag that included a colorful car-shaped cookie, a car air freshener with the event logo, and a thank-you card adorned with a car hand drawn by a KidWorks student.

Guests also enjoyed dinner stations, desserts, a view of select rare cars, and watched inspiring program that included a moving testimonial featuring Melisa Castillo, a KidWorks graduate who went on to graduate from Duke University in 2020.

At the event, KidWorks Executive Director/CEO David Benavides presented the 2024 Dan Donahue Leadership Award to U. S. Bank for sharing KidWorks’ passion and commitment to equip students growing up in Orange County’s most overlooked neighborhoods to lead a life of influence and positively impact their community.

“KidWorks would not be what it is today without the commitment and support of all our generous partners like the late Dan Donahue,” he said. “He was truly a servant leader who visited KidWorks and our neighborhoods. He fell in love with our kids. The Dan Donahue Leadership Award was launched to carry on his legacy and recognize our most fervent supporters.”

Over the last 15 years, U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation have generously supported KidWorks with over $600,000 in contributions, plus leadership and many volunteer hours. The recent multi-year gift of $300,000 from the U.S. Bank Foundation has significantly funded KidWorks’ greatest needs. Adrian Montero and Wendy Chau accepted the award on behalf of U.S. Bank.

The event’s Presenting Sponsors were American Career College, West Coast University, and the Paula and Pat Donahue Family Foundation. The Change Maker Sponsor was ECM Management.

Gold Sponsors included Anonymous, Bank of America, Frome Family Foundation, Haynes Boone, Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, Nancy Lee Giving Fund, Camille and Tim Strader Jr., C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, who was also the Registration Sponsor, plus Kyle and David Team/Waypoint Property Group, the Schriber Family Fund, and U.S. Bank. The Dessert Station Sponsor was Sheppard Mullin. Silver Sponsors included Mary Kay and Mike Groff, PTS Marketing, Riemer & Braunstein LLP, Stephanie and Steve Rados, Todd Goodman, Walker & Dunlop, and Wells Fargo. The Photo Booth Sponsor was Oltmans Construction Company. Gift Bag Sponsors were Merrill Lynch and Johnson Plumbing.

Bronze Sponsors were Angel Carrazco & Ali Mendiola, Air Control Systems, Baker Tilly, Bixby Capital Management, Chicago Title, Collaborative Therapies, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Langan CA, Inc., Gantry, Panattoni Development Company, PNC Bank, PREMIER Design + Build Group, REDA, Rutan & Tucker, LLP, Scott S. Pollard Trustee/Winslow Maxwell Charitable Trust, Sharon Kline, Shea Properties and Shea Homes, and Smith and Severson Builders, and Stuart Kane LLP. The WiFi Sponsor was BCC Contracting. Supporting Sponsors were Antonyan Miranda, LLP and Orange County Hispanic Bar Association.

From preschool to university, 30-year-old KidWorks provides students in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana with holistic programs and experiences to become leaders both in and out of the classroom.

KidWorks goes the extra mile for the community, creating an environment for youth to unleash their potential with mentorship and leadership development resources for the entire family. Its diverse programs, coupled with intentional guidance, fuel internal growth and set KidWorks students up for a meaningful and fulfilling future and career. For over 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education.

Members of the Cars & Cocktails event committee included Co-Chairs Willie Du and Emily Mandrup, along with Andy Bratt, Hiep Diep, Ron Flint, Ben Maggard, Steven Miranda, Adrian Montero, Justin Moorad, Dan Pittman, and Gabe Potyondy.

A generous $25,000 match from the Wheeler Family accelerated giving during the evening. A silent auction attracted bidders to an array of items including bottles of bourbon and wine, along with a South Coast Plaza gift certificate, and tickets to a Vegas Golden Knights game, Rams vs. Seahawks, and Lakers vs. Trailblazers.

“We are particularly grateful for all our sponsors,” said Mandrup. “Your support is helping to inspire purpose in youth, fuel their growth and catalyze their impact in the community and the world.”

For more information about sponsoring next year’s event, contact Abigail Moore, KidWorks Donor Relations & Outreach Manager, at (714) 834-9400x129 or abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org | kidworksoc.org

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About KidWorks

Since 1993, KidWorks has helped children, youth and families living in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana, California. As a 501(C) (3) nonprofit, KidWorks makes an 18-year commitment to its students walking with students from “Pre-K through B.A.”

For over a decade, KidWorks celebrated that nearly 100% of our high school seniors graduated on-time and all pursued higher education. We are also proud

to report that 72% of our college students returned to school this fall. In addition

to our traditional after-school programs, we added supplemental support

to better serve the needs of our students and families.

To learn more about KidWorks and to read its success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.