‘Tis the Season

Happy holidays from Komen Orange County! We wanted to thank you for supporting us this year and also urge you to find other ways to get give back to the community. This year, we participated in Share Our Selves’ Adopt-A-Family program. Everyone jumped on board to participate, including our volunteers.

We collectively gathered toys, clothing, toiletries and gift cards to help a family of six. A few of our regular volunteers made donations to provide food gift cards – in total we raised $200! We were also able to provide gently (or never) used clothes and warm blankets.

The holidays are a time of giving and we have always loved working with Share Our Selves to provide for others. How are you giving back this holiday season?

Fundraiser Spotlight: Paul Kim and the Costa Mesa Fire Department

Costa Mesa firefighter Paul Kim not only fights fire, but also helps in the fight to end breast cancer forever. His mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor, so with the issue close to his heart Paul decided to get involved with the cause.

During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Paul got the Costa Mesa Fire Department involved to wear and sell pink shirts, with proceeds benefitting Komen Orange County. He sold more than 300 shirts, raising $1,600 for our organization.

Paul and the Costa Mesa Fire Department were not alone – Redlands Fire Department, Bear Grass Fire Department (North Carolina), Elbert Fire Rescue (Colorado) and Care Ambulance (Anaheim) also sold shirts to help Komen Orange County.

Paul began selling the shirts in 2010, and hopes to get even more departments and organizations involved. The shirts are universal and Paul can easily plug in your company or organization’s name as a supporter of Komen OC. If you are interested in getting involved next year, let us know and we’ll put you in touch with Paul!

 

Grants Breakfast – Dec. 2, 2011

A big thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Community Grants Breakfast, held this morning at the Westin South Coast Plaza. We were able to award $1.5 million in grants to community organizations working to end breast cancer forever, using funds raised at events such as the Race for the Cure and Pink Tie Ball.

A highlight of the event was a special appearance by Susan G. Komen for the Cure president, Elizabeth Thompson, who shared the story of how her mentor inspired her to become involved in the cause. Ms. Thompson urged all breast cancer advocates and survivors to push for “less talk, more action” as we make strides in research, treatment and education.

Three murals from the “Art & Creativity for the Cure” workshop were unveiled at the breakfast, with inspirational introductions from a few of the artists, including a breast cancer survivor who asked for all women battling the disease to never give up hope.

Congratulations once again to all of the outstanding 2012 Komen Orange County grant recipient!