Camp Fire USA Orange County Council "Inspiring Imagination"Charity Gala set for June 9th at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Camp Fire USA Orange County Council's fundraiser honors two outstanding Orange County leaders—Disneyland Resort as Corporate Citizen of the Year, and former California State Senator Marian Bergeson with the Spirit of Camp Fire USA Award.
SANTA ANA, CA, May 17, 2011
"Inspiring Imagination,"Camp Fire USA Orange County Council's charity gala theme honors two outstanding Orange County leaders—Disneyland Resort as Corporate Citizen of the Year, and former California State Senator, and Camp Fire USA alum, Marian Bergeson of Newport Beach with the Spirit of Camp Fire USA Award."We are delighted to be honoring such great members of the community," said Council Executive Director Michelle Pelliccino. "Their commitment to youth development and community leadership is the perfect fit for Camp Fire USA Orange County Council," she explained.
Receiving the Corporate Citizen of the Year award on behalf of the Disneyland Resort is Jon Storbeck, Vice President of Disneyland Park. Since beginning his career at Disneyland in 1983, the Tustin resident has held leadership roles in operations, attractions, and the development of the opening of Disney's California Adventure Park.
Known for her distinguished career in education, leadership, and politics in both Orange County and the state of California, Senator Marian Bergeson will be receiving the Spirit of Camp Fire USA Award. Bergeson is the first woman to be elected to both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. Past gala honorees include Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, and former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin.
The gala fundraiser benefits programs in over 25 cities in Orange County. They include After School Connection which serves more than 1,300 at-risk elementary and middle school students; A Gift of Giving which empowers youth to plan and initiate service projects within their community; and Special Sitters, a program that trains and certifies teens to care for children with special needs and provide families with valuable respite care. With demand for specially trained sitters increasing, the Council is developing a certification program which trains teens to care for children of special needs, autism, and Down syndrome.
Honorary chairman for "Inspiring Imagination" is Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait. Co-Chair is former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Al Frink of Newport Beach. Alum and collegiates from Gamma Phi Beta sorority chapters at Chapman University; California State University, Fullerton; UCI, and USC will be on hand volunteering their time; Camp Fire USA is Gamma Phi Beta's national philanthropy.
Individual tickets and tables can be purchased online. Disney's Grand Californian is located at 1600 S. Disneyland Drive in the city of Anaheim. The event begins with a reception at 5:30pm. Dinner, presentation, and auction to follow.
About Camp Fire USA Orange County Council
For 100 years, Camp Fire USA has been one of the nation's leading youth development organizations. Camp Fire USA Orange County Council has been serving the community since 1956. In 2009-2010, the Council provided 1.7 million hours of program services to over 6,200 children, youth, and parents. Programs are offered in collaboration with over 80 schools, churches, community centers and other youth serving agencies. The Council provides after-school programs, day camps and camping, teen programs and other programs that support families.
Contact: Michelle Pellicinno, Executive Director
Camp Fire USA Orange County Council
michelle@campfireusaoc.org
714-547-5252 ext. 39
Video
"Special Sitters"—teens trained to care for children with special needs, autism, Downs syndrome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRzxwErggLA