Orangewood Foundation raises $160,000+ for scholarships at fundraising luncheon

The 44 Women for Orangewood group recently hosted its 17th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on June 11, raising a total of $160,200 for college scholarships, benefiting foster youth who are pursuing their dream of higher education.

Founded by Susan Samueli in 1999, the 44 Women for Orangewood group has raised more than $4 million for the foundation through annual fundraising events to support Orangewood Foundation’s college scholarship and peer mentor programs. 

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Orangewood Foundation CEO Chris Simonsen and supporter Angie Stoecker at Newport Beach Country Club

This year’s event was offered in three different formats – virtually/via Zoom (from home) individually, virtually/at home with a group, or, for those who chose to sponsor a table, various restaurants in the Newport Beach/Orange County area hosted private rooms with A/V set-ups where people could “attend” from the restaurants with their group.

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(L-R) Robert Procop, jewelry sponsor; 44 Women Founder Susan Samueli and Samueli Academy Board Chair Sandi Jackson

Among the restaurant partners that provided a fun new way to attend the event after a year of being strictly virtual were Newport Beach Country Club, The Village Inn and 501 Park Avenue Bistro.

The luncheon included an online auction, a fun opportunity drawing, special commentary from Orangewood CEO Chris Simonsen, a youth testimonial, featured guest speaker Leigh Anne Tuohy – author and inspirational subject of The Blind Side – and moderator Michaela Pereia of Fox 11’s Good Day LA.