OCCF’s “Stand & Salute” Giving Day raises $188,008

On June 17, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, hosted the fourth annual “Stand & Salute” – a collaborative Giving Day for six nonprofits serving veterans and their families living in Orange County. During the 24-hour online effort, 490 donors helped raise $188,008 for these organizations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly challenging for the 107,000 veterans in Orange County to receive the services and resources they and their families need, including accessing pay and benefits earned through military service, securing stable health care, and finding treatment for PTSD and/or combat stress.

The $188,008 raised during “Stand & Salute” will allow the six participating nonprofits to provide a range of services, including assessment and referrals, mental health programs, employment assistance, family support and financial counseling to help those who have served our nation. The organizations involved include 2-1-1 Orange County, Child Guidance Center’s Strong Families, Strong Children Program, Goodwill of Orange County, Strength in Support (SIS), Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) and Working Wardrobes.

“We are proud of how our community stepped up to make this year’s ‘Stand & Salute’ Collaborative Giving Day a success,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “OCCF has long supported local veterans and their families through the Orange County Veterans Initiative because we believe every veteran and military family deserves a warm welcome by our community. We thank each and every donor for their contributions to this important cause.”

“Stand & Salute” is part of OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates 10 cause-specific giving days focused on critical community issues. The online giving model matches OC nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting local veterans – to create shared momentum in one 24-hour period and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success. In 2020, the 10 days secured support from 6,476 donors and raised a record $3.2 million for 98 nonprofits. Since its start in 2015, OCCF’s Collaborative Giving Days have raised nearly $13 million for Orange County nonprofits. 

For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, visit www.oc-cf.org/givingdays.