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StandUp for Kids – Orange County had its 4th Annual Denim and Diamonds Gala at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. Their biggest fundraiser of the year was a huge success with a grand total of $160,000 raised and going towards youth between the ages of 12-24 who are experiencing some type of housing insecurity. A total of 160 paid guests were in attendance on the Lodge patio to support their gala.
Key event sponsorships in addition to the Elks included Evisions, Walmart, Kaiser Permanente, Alliance Funding Group, and Advanced Litho as their printing sponsor. Sax Major Soloist provided a variety of music styles during the cocktail hour and throughout the event and Brian’s BBQ provided delicious food throughout the night.
Dr. Wright, a National Board member, emceed the gala and with the support of StandUp for Kids – Orange County’s communications team, they highlighted a video that showed the progress that’s been made coming out of a worldwide pandemic.
A testimonial by Alabama, a graduated youth of StandUp for Kids – Orange County, shared the impactful story of her rough and difficult journey. Alabama stood tall with her mentor Denise by her side and told the guests of the reality of what it’s like to be a youth experiencing homelessness.
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating over 50 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 152-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”. For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557.
By Sandy Gruzdis
Rick Moscoso – Leading Knight, Tenisha Campanile – Loyal Knight, Justine Palmore – Executive Director, Carlia Perez – Director of Program & Business Operations
Photo by Rick Moscoso
