OCCF’s “Igniting Potential” Giving Day raises $454,218

On September 22, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, hosted “Igniting Potential,” a collaborative giving day to support Orange County’s youth. During the 24-hour online effort, 895 donors contributed $454,218.

In a national study conducted by The Jed Foundation and Fluent Research from September through October 2020, six in 10 parents reported their children had experienced mental or emotional health challenges. These challenges were most commonly due to social isolation, anxiety and trouble concentrating. Many of Orange County’s 689,000 youth ages 17 and under, continue to suffer the long-term effects of isolation and lack of academic and social engagement created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with these findings, according to the 2020-2021 Orange County Community Indicators Report, the Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center at Children’s Hospital of Orange County indicated an increase in youth suicide attempts, severe depression, and acute mental health hospitalization during the first six months of 2020.

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OCCF’s giving days support Orange County’s youth

“Igniting Potential” supports programs that help Orange County youth remain engaged and committed to achieving their full potential. Giving Day participants included Assistance League of Irvine, Child Creativity Lab, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Early Childhood OC, Giving Children Hope, Helping Others Prepare for Eternity, Irvine Public Schools Foundation, Kid Healthy, Kidworks Community Development Corporation, MOMS Orange County, Parentis Foundation, Pretend City - The Children’s Museum of Orange County, Scholar’s Hope Foundation, The Literacy Project, The Prentice School, The Youth Center and YMCA of Orange County.

“We are thrilled with the support Orange County youth received during our final Giving Day of 2021, and thank all the contributors who demonstrated their commitment to the promise and potential of Orange County’s next generation,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation.

This event is part of OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates 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 momentum on one shared day and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success.

This year, OCCF Giving Days raised more than $4 million from 8,485 donors in support of 112 local nonprofits. Since its start in 2015, OCCF Giving Days have raised nearly $15 million for Orange County nonprofits.

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