Mentors, business leaders and community champions of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast (BGC Central OC) gathered at the 7th annual Women of Greatness Brunch & Bubbly presented by KPMG to honor the women who have impacted the lives of Orange County youth and their families. The event raised $80K, enabling BGC Central OC to enhance its programs and initiatives to support future female leaders at the Club.

BGC Central OC presented its prestigious 2024 Woman of Greatness and Community Partner Awards to those who support the Club’s work strengthening families, providing opportunities to female Club members and igniting inspiration for future generations.

This year’s Woman of Greatness Award was presented to Yvonne Herrell, a BGC Central OC supporter for 28 years. Since joining the board in 1995, she has left an undeniable mark on the Club. Yvonne’s dedication extends far beyond her boardroom presence. In addition to her financial contributions, she has been an engaged Boys & Girls Club community member by volunteering at events and showing her support on the Gala Committee for the last three years. Yvonne regularly sponsors youth donations, extends invitations to her network and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

The Community Partner Award was given to KPMG, an invaluable partner of the Club for the past nine years. Since 2013, KPMG has been a committed partner of the Boys & Girls Club, showcasing corporate social responsibility through support for key initiatives and events. As an annual supporter of the Women of Greatness initiative since 2018 and its inaugural corporate donor, KPMG plays a crucial role in inspiring change and empowering future female leaders. Its impactful legacy is further demonstrated by its leaders serving on the Club’s Board of Directors for the past six years, contributing their expertise to ensure Club youth have access to mentors and life champions.

During the event, keynote speaker Nada Lena Nasserdeen, founder and CEO of Rise Up for You, led a panel with the Club’s director of teen services and a College Bound member to discuss the importance of mentorship and opportunities for growth. She shared the impact the “power of one” has and how all it takes is one mentor, interaction, or person to impact someone’s life. As a bestselling author of her book “Closing the Gap Between You and Your Potential,” a TEDx motivational speaker, and an advocate for women’s empowerment, Nada Lena inspired attendees with her message of resilience and self-belief.

“The Women of Greatness event was formed as a women’s philanthropy group to connect strong women, raise awareness and funds for family strengthening programs, and honor those who have made a significant impact on BGC of Central OC’s youth,” said Kristle Duran, chief operations officer of BGC Central OC. “I look forward to this event every year as a celebration of the remarkable female leaders who support the Club’s mission and help ignite positive change for the next generation.”

BGC Central OC’s mission is to ensure every child has mentors and champions in life. The impact of this year’s Women of Greatness honorees and support of the Club community has allowed the Club to ensure continued mentorship, focusing on providing equitable access to mentors, resources and opportunities for young women. The Club’s Women of Greatness philanthropy group invests in future female leaders and helps give Club members the confidence to pursue their goals.

Held at the beautiful VEA Newport Beach, the Women of Greatness Brunch & Bubbly featured a silent auction, music, presentations and a delicious brunch. In attendance were BGC Central OC Board of Directors, including Anne MacPherson, Bobbi Woodson, Dave Stauffer, David B. Smith, Jaril Tudio, Jordin Eakin, Marcelo Brutti, Marla Noel, Tom Callister, Yvonne Herrell, Veronica Coffie. Also in attendance were some of Orange County’s top business and community leaders, including Banc of California, Brown-Forman, Dee Dee Owens, consulting leader for the Nation Market at KPMG, Joanne Williams, CEO of JWilliams Staffing, Inc., Joe MacPherson Foundation, Marcelo Brutti, CEO of Hyundai Capital America, and Nada Lena Nasserdeen.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, please visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com.

Since its founding, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast has been a cornerstone of the Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Orange, and Santa Ana communities. The organization has provided strategic programming, safe space, and quality mentoring to more than 100,000 youth since the first Club in Costa Mesa opened in 1941.

The Club works to build a foundation for members to live meaningful, productive lives by equipping them with the skills needed to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and join the workforce. It has been recognized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as one of the most innovative in the nation, particularly with its IMPACT Model.

The Clubs are proactive in fostering relationships with similarly-minded nonprofits to serve youth and their families best. All its activities, whether at the Club, a school, or out in the community, are designed to empower youth and build up the protective family and community factors that reduce risks and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. For more information, visit www.boysandgirlsclub.com.

Photo Credit: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast

The Mission Viejo-Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is proud to start the new year off by adding 20 new Members. These new Members reside in Mission Viejo, Dana Point, Foothill Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel and Ladera Ranch – all over the Saddleback Valley but coming together for one common goal.

Initiates were sworn in using a Ceremony that has been used since the inception of the Elks Lodge in 1858.  Although the Ceremony is old, the four pillars it is based on are still valued and much needed in today’s modern world.

The Elks Fraternal Order was founded to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members.  They strive to serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

The Mission Viejo-Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating over 50 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 152-year history of giving.  For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557

Photo Credit: Rick Moscoso

From left to right – Standing

Kelly Van Dyke-Lecturing Knight, Jennie Buford-Esquire, Dave Alfaro, Gilbert Galvan, Tim Schmaltz, Matt Bechler, Ed Merk, Gina Van Der Thee, Len Holt-Loyal Knight, Tenisha Campanile-Exalted Ruler, David Wiskus, Mike Byrne, Dave Avalos, Jim McCenty, Rich Encinas-Leading Knight.

Sitting:  Lynette Holmes – Tiler, Bonnie Cameron, Patricia Minnesang, Marika Guidotti, Lisa Larson, Cody Martin, Christine Byrne, Simon Smernoff, Michelle Haddad, Christy Smith, Ashely Bosman, Victoria Johnson-Stokes – Chaplain