KidWorks Blog
Join KidWorks on December 1st for Giving Tuesday, “a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”
Once again, KidWorks is raising funds for youth nights, a staple of our programming. Each year, students look forward to gathering at events including the Lock-In, Galentines, the Turkey Bowl and Friday night hangouts.
When you support KidWorks, you help develop the next generation of chief executive officers, doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, bankers and entrepreneurs, just to name a few.
That’s because KidWorks programs are designed not only to promote sustained academic success, but also to develop the employees and leaders of tomorrow. We partner with businesses who help us understand the skills and training they are looking for once our students are ready to enter the work world.
Happy New Year! 2017 was a banner year for KidWorks -- we recently completed construction on the KidWorks Dan Donahue Center, eliminated our student waiting list, and our Foundation for Success Luncheon was a record-breaking year for both revenue and visibility.
The future continues to shine bright for KidWorks. Over the next year, we are expanding our commitment to KidWorks students through our College Success Program, engaging new volunteers and corporate partners, and are busy planning our 2018 Golf Classic and Foundation for Success luncheon events.
2018 also marks the 25th anniversary of KidWorks. We have a lot to celebrate over the next year and there simply isn't space in this short message to update you with all of the latest and greatest happenings. We will provide updates on our blog, e-news, social media and website.
Thank you for partnering with KidWorks; we are truly blessed to serve alongside so many amazing individuals in our community
With Gratitude~
David Benavides
One has helped countless students earn credentials in order to fulfill their career dreams. Another has risked his life to keep our country safe and preserve freedom. A third was inspired by KidWorks to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle—and then share his passion with others.
You’ll have a chance to be uplifted as you hear from each of these three at KidWorks’ 11th annual Foundation for Success Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Santa Ana.
David A. Pyle, is a philanthropist, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of American Career College and shareholder of West Coast University. At the luncheon, he will be honored with our prestigious 2017 Dan Donahue Leadership Award.
“This very special award recognizes David’s fervent support for KidWorks’ youth and families,” said David Benavides, KidWorks’ Executive Director. “For decades, David has been a leader and innovator in the private, postsecondary education community, and he is as passionate about the community as he is about supporting health care and educational programs that aid underserved children and families.”
“I have been a supporter of KidWorks because these young men and woman are being developed as our future leaders and will be making a difference in our communities,” David Pyle said. “Seeing firsthand the interaction of the kids, family members, staff and volunteers as they grow is inspiring and something I am proud to be a part of.”
Chad Williams is our keynote speaker. He is author of the bestselling book, “SEAL of God.” He shares his journey through the grueling Naval Ops training, illustrating the SEAL mindset and ethos that revolve around leadership, teamwork, integrity, safety, mental toughness, discipline, overcoming adversity and grit.
Chad entered the military's most difficult and grueling training known as BUD/S. As one of 13 out of a class of 173 trainees, Chad climbed the mountain and earned his Trident, which signifies he had become a Navy SEAL.
According to his website, “Serving his country proudly through multiple deployments on SEAL Teams One and Seven, Chad continued to hone the technical skill, tactical proficiency and attention to detail that our nation's best warriors adhere to. In an ironic final operation in Iraq, Chad's shares the story of how his SEAL Team was set up on a premeditated ambush similar to the location and scenario that took the life of his mentor Scott Helvenston. But on that occasion Chad and his Team were victorious, overcoming the enemy and odds set against them.”
Alfredo Padilla is one of KidWorks many amazing student success stories. He is a recent California State University, Northridge graduate, where he earned his degree in kinesiology.
Alfredo was part of KidWorks programs from age 11 through high school, and credits our team with helping him to learn healthy eating and exercise habits. Alfredo turned this passion towards helping others, including serving on the KidWorks’ staff during high school and college.
He organized KidWorks-sponsored fitness and Zumba classes for the moms in the community, managed our gym, led weight training classes for the youth, coached our baseball team and helped manage and train the KidWorks running club for youth and parents.
This event sells out every year so purchase your ticket early so you don't miss out!
Editor’s note: We are pleased to present the fourth story in our latest blog series, “Foundation for Success: 10 Year Anniversary Celebration.” In this installment, we describe how the dollars raised go such a long way to support the after-school programs at our Dan Donahue Center.
Each school week, hundreds of students stream into our Dan Donahue Center to grow academically, learn about the arts, develop spiritually and maybe even toss a basketball around for a few minutes.
Each of these experiences—and more—in some measure or another are funded by the Foundation for Success luncheon, our premier event of the year.
Over 10 years, $4.3 million (net) has been raised at our Foundation for Success luncheons. Each dollar has had a tremendous impact on the lives of each of our students.
For example, for the past two years 100% of KidWorks students graduated high school on time and continued on to colleges and universities (a much higher percentage than in Santa Ana schools overall).
The majority of the luncheon’s costs are underwritten or covered by sponsors, meaning that almost every dollar raised goes towards helping the over 800 children, youth and families we serve.
As the 2016 luncheon nears, we invite everyone to be part of one of Orange County’s most anticipated non-profit events—one that for the past three years, the Orange County Business Journal has listed as one of the top five fundraising luncheons.
Foundation for Success:
For more information about the Foundation for Success event, or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://kidworksoc.org/foundation-for-success
To purchase tickets, please click here.
Editor’s note: We are pleased to present the second story in our latest blog series, “Foundation for Success: 10 Year Anniversary Celebration.” In this installment, we share our excitement that Jackie Slater, former Los Angeles Rams star, will deliver the keynote address.
What could possibly be as exciting for a true football fan than the return of the Los Angeles Rams to California? That would have to be the opportunity to hear firsthand from a legendary former Rams offensive tackle.
KidWorks’ Foundation for Success luncheon will provide exactly that opportunity when we welcome Jackie Slater as our keynote speaker.
The event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Santa Ana/Orange County Airport, on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Jackie played his entire 20-year career with the Rams organization. He was considered the most consistent member of one of the most potent offensive lines in NFL history. Jackie was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls and broke a record for most seasons with one team. His jersey number was retired and he was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jackie was a recipient of the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award in 1995, which is given to the player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership on and off the football field. He lives up to this award even after retiring as he continues to positively shape the lives of others as the offensive line coach at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.
“KidWorks and I share a passion for helping young people reach their full potential,” Jackie says. “Football is one of the most competitive sports ever, but the playing field is nothing like the challenges within the neighborhoods KidWorks serves. I’m looking forward to meeting KidWorks’ supporters and sharing my story at the 10th anniversary of the Foundation for Success Luncheon.
For more information about the KidWorks Luncheon, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.
Editor’s note: We are pleased to present our latest blog series, “Foundation for Success: 10 Year Anniversary Celebration.” In our first installment, we express our deep gratitude to the President and CEO of Toyota Financial Services, Mike Groff, who is the 2016 Foundation for Success Luncheon honoree and recipient of the inaugural Dan Donahue Leadership Award.
The 10-year anniversary of the KidWorks’ Foundation for Success luncheon is the ideal time to recognize and give a heartfelt “thank you!” to a key supporter who has been with us since the very first luncheon in 2007.
We are excited to do this through the very first Dan Donahue Leadership Award, created to recognize KidWorks’ most fervent supporters and friends who have supported the luncheon since its inception.
“KidWorks has benefitted from Mike’s strategic thinking, wise counsel and generous heart,” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Executive Director. “We are also deeply grateful to Toyota Financial Services, as they return again this year as one of our three presenting sponsors, joining American Career College and West Coast University.”
“KidWorks understands that for our young people to truly thrive, and for a community to truly transform, we need parents, teachers, public officials, and corporate neighbors working together,” Mike says. “For the past 10 years, Toyota Financial Services has been proud to support the amazing life-skills programs and educational opportunities made possible by the dedicated volunteers, donors and staff at KidWorks. I am truly honored to be part of this year’s Foundation for Success Luncheon and part of the KidWorks family.”
Mike, on behalf of the more than 800 children, youth and parents we serve, KidWorks thanks you for your deep commitment and loyal support. We are so honored and proud to present you with the very first Dan Donahue Leadership Award.
For more information about our KidWorks Luncheon, or to purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.
Yesterday, at noon, the giving lines for the 2nd Annual iHeartOC Giving Day closed. We raised an amazing $70,750 (matching amount pending) and ranked 3rd place out of nearly 400 other Orange County based non-profits who participated in the 30 hour giving spree.
Because of the generous support we have received, we will be able to provide nearly 300 KidWorks students with a summer safe haven. Our students will have the opportunity to explore new interests and spread their wings in ways they might not be able to during the school year. This summer, our students will be encouraged and empowered to dream big!
Our supporters make it possible for us to focus all of our attention on pouring into the lives of kids that need it most, so for that we say thank you! Our deepest gratitude to each and every person that partners with us and calls KidWorks family!
