Goodwill of Orange County Celebrates Centennial Gala, Raising More Than $520,000 for Mission
Santa Ana, Calif. – November 7, 2024 – Goodwill of Orange County celebrated its Centennial Gala on Saturday, October 5, marking 100 years of community impact. The sold-out event, held at Goodwill OC’s Corporate Headquarters in Santa Ana, raised more than $520,000 to support Goodwill OC’s mission of helping individuals achieve their goals through personal support, work experience, and career development.
More than 300 attendees gathered to honor Goodwill OC’s rich history and legacy in the community. The program featured a warm welcome down the blue carpet, a plated dinner under the tent in the transformed Marketplace, and a special message from the night’s presenting sponsor, Disneyland Resort. Guests were entertained by the talented Felix and Fingers with a dueling piano performance, followed by an exciting live auction that included an exclusive Disney Dream Experience Package.
The highlight of the evening was the celebration of Goodwill OC’s 100 Years of Working Wonders with heartfelt remarks from Nicole Suydam, President and CEO of Goodwill OC.
“This milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our community and the belief in what we do and how we serve our wonderful community,” said Suydam. “For 100 years, Goodwill of Orange County has been transforming lives and creating opportunities. We are inspired by our past and excited for the future as we continue to drive positive change, empower individuals to reach their full potential, and build a more inclusive Orange County for all.”
The program also included a live fund-a-need appeal, complete with a confetti-filled finale. The night concluded with an after-party celebration featuring dancing, sweets, and a live performance by Vinyl Jam.
Throughout the event, attendees reflected on the incredible journey of Goodwill OC, from its founding in 1924 by Rev. John Winterbourne to its current status as a leader in workforce development and sustainability. The gala showcased Goodwill OC’s commitment to and integral role in transforming lives and creating opportunities for individuals and families in Orange County.
As the organization looks to the future, Goodwill OC remains dedicated to breaking down barriers, building bridges and providing pathways to employment for more individuals in O.C. Goodwill OC plans to that through a bold, long-term vision to double its footprint and impact in Orange County over the next ten years.
Thank You to Our Sponsors – We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, Disneyland Resort. Your generous support made this event possible and will help us continue our mission work for the next century.
Thank you to our Signature Sponsors: Ferruzzo & Ferruzzo LLP, John Heffernan, Kaiser Permanente, Moss Adams, POMS & Associates Insurance Brokers, Related Bristol, Singlepoint Insurance Services; our Champion Sponsor: The Parker Family; and our Anniversary Sponsors: Crown Associates Realty Inc., Pat and Paula Donahue.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of our Centennial Gala. Together, we are shaping the future and ensuring that Goodwill OC’s mission thrives for the next 100 years.
About Goodwill of Orange County
Goodwill of Orange County helps people achieve their goals through a journey of personal support, work experience and career development. Celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2024, Goodwill has connected hundreds of thousands of individuals to opportunity through quality training and education programs, supportive employment services for people with developmental and physical disabilities, on-site job coaching, community integration programs, veteran employment services, and more. As a nonprofit employment social enterprise, Goodwill operates a collection of 24 retail venues throughout Orange County, including five OC Goodwill Boutiques and its e-commerce platform ShopGoodwill.com, to support these transformative programs and services. To learn more about Goodwill of Orange County, visit ocgoodwill.org.
