YMCA FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT FOSTER CHILDREN

Reach Out Gala Masquerade Ball Raises Money and Hope for At-Risk Children

Marc & Murphy Gerber and Kathy, Russ, and Grant VanCleve

On November 14th, 2009, the YMCA of Orange County hosted the 34th Annual Reach Out Awards.  This year, over 200 supporters came dressed for the masquerade ball in formal attire and masks for a “Night to Remember” at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, California.  The Wayne Foster Group provided the entertainment for this event which included dinner, dancing, awards, and a live auction featuring a shopping trip in New York City, a Hot Air Balloon ride, and a Yorkie puppy among others. 

Several notable community leaders attended this exquisite event in support of a great cause; $166,315 in proceeds going to benefit the most neglected and overlooked children in our community.  Children in the foster care system have experienced physical and emotional abuse and often lack the adult support and role models to grow into productive members of society.  The outlook is bleak for this population, and the YMCA Mentoring program provides these children with caring role models and opportunities they might not otherwise have.

The YMCA recognized the Crean family for their support of YMCA Community Service Programs and the legacy Donna Crean has left by planting the seeds for this successful annual fundraiser 34 years ago.  In addition to the Crean Foundation, major event sponsors also included PEMA, Kathy & Russ Van Cleve, and Dave & Pat Lamb, all in attendance. 

If you would like more information about this event or future Reach Out Events, please contact Charlie Myer at 714-549-9622 or cmyer@ymcaoc.net or visit http://www.ymcaoc.org/reachoutawards/index.php

Kelly Crean receives award from Jeff McBride, CEO YMCAOC

In attendance: 
City of Santa Ana (Claudia Alvarez, Mayor Pro Tem; Carlos Bustamente, City Councilman; Vincent Sarmiento, City Councilman; Dave Ream, City Manager)
City of Laguna Niguel (Robert Ming, Mayor; Linda Lindholm, Mayor Pro Tem)  
Society Kelly Crean (Pictured), Kathy & Russ Van Cleve (Pictured), Marc & Murphy Gerber (Pictured), Michael & Patricia Catton, Debbie & Gary Roney, Maureen Aitken, Kathy & Chris Taylor, Robert & Dede Hammond, John Gunther, Hugh & Nancy Helm.

Within 2 years of emancipation, 50% of foster care children are unemployed and have been homeless, 37% have not finished high school, 27% of males and 10% of females have been incarcerated, 33% are on public assistance, and 45% report out of wedlock births.  Information from the Orange County Grand Jury Report (2001) and the Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County (2008) by the Children and Families Commission.

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About YMCAOC: The YMCA of Orange County is a non-profit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise – To strive to keep programs open for all. The YMCA of Orange County serves 50,000 people annually through our four (4) Health & Wellness facilities and 100+ program locations throughout the county. Programs offered by the YMCA include Afterschool Care, Aquatics, Camp, Community Services, Health & Wellness, Sports, Y-Guides & Princesses Parent-Child Programs, and Youth Development. Whether you are looking to get fit, meet new friends, or have fun, the YMCA of Orange County has something for you! From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America's communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Find out more about your local YMCA today, www.ymcaoc.org