Tilly’s Life Center raised over $500K to support youth programs, at their annual O.C. gala

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Tilly’s Life Center’s (TLC) recently raised over half a million dollars to support their youth empowerment programs at their 10th Annual “I Am Giving” Gala.

It was a sold-out event at the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach and a night of inspiration, community, and celebration.

This event highlighted TLC’s mission to transform teen lives through social emotional learning (SEL) and mental health support.

Lola Kristine and Rafferty at the Tillys Life Center Gala

Guests experienced TLC’s impact firsthand through a preview of the curriculum, celebrated honorees Sammy and Kari Hagar of The Hagar Family Foundation, and Adriana Flores of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), enjoyed live music, gourmet dining, and exciting auctions—all culminating in a moving tribute to the resilience of TLC’s teens with an original song by Lola Kristine and Rafferty.

Students highlighted at the gala

Several students were also highlighted at the event including Julie from Westminster High School, Daniel from OCDE Mission Viejo ACCESS, Clarissa from Samueli Academy, Kenny from Choc Children’s Hospital, and Matthew from La Habra High School.

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Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions.

When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.