News Summary
The Grand Slam Gala fundraiser, titled ‘Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures,’ was successfully held in Orange County to support maternal health initiatives. Hosted by the nonprofit MOMS, the event raised $191,404 to enhance support for new and expectant mothers, with a focus on maternal mental health. Attendees enjoyed performances, a silent auction, and inspiring presentations showcasing the impact of MOMS’ programs. The evening highlighted community commitment to improving health outcomes for families in need.
Orange County Hosts Grand Slam Gala Fundraiser for Maternal Health
Orange County, CA – MOMS, the leading nonprofit organization in the region focused on newborn and pregnancy health, successfully hosted its Grand Slam Gala fundraiser titled “Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures” on Saturday, May 31, at Strawberry Farms Golf Club. The event raised an impressive $191,404 to support initiatives aimed at benefiting new and expectant mothers, babies, and families, with a strong emphasis on maternal mental health.
The gala was made possible by the generous support of the O’Donnell Family Foundation, based in Newport Beach, which served as the title sponsor for the evening’s festivities. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 155 guests, all dressed in “glamorous gameday” attire, who participated in a lively pre-game cocktail reception before the main proceedings.
Guests enjoyed a variety of appetizers while engaging in sandlot games and accessing a silent auction showcasing numerous items. The mood was further elevated by a heartfelt performance of “Someone Like You,” followed by a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” by Pamela Gonzalez, a talented 12-year-old singer and former MOMS client.
Actress Jessica Bernard, known for her role as a former Disney Ambassador and as a mother, served as the evening’s emcee and auctioneer during the live auction segment of the night. The dinner program featured moving presentations and videos showcasing five recipients of MOMS’ MVP program, highlighting the impactful work being done to support families in need. The evening concluded with a paddle raise to encourage donations, followed by DJ entertainment that kept guests engaged and celebrating.
This year’s gala saw significant sponsorship support from organizations such as Providence St. Joseph Hospital, Providence St. Jude Medical Center, and PNC Bank, all contributing to the success of the event. The event was executed meticulously by a dedicated planning committee comprised of Ligia Albaine, Heidi Plummer, Sally Sefami, and Sarah Tracy.
MOMS has established itself as an essential resource in the Orange County community, originally founded over 30 years ago in response to a crisis in access to prenatal healthcare for low-income, at-risk women. Today, MOMS serves more than 2,500 low-income families annually, playing a critical role in improving birth outcomes, maternal health, and developmental indicators among infants from disadvantaged populations.
The funds raised at the Grand Slam Gala will directly support MOMS’ programs, including those aimed at enhancing maternal mental health, which is vital for the well-being of both mothers and their children. The event served as a testament to the community’s commitment to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants, ensuring that families receive the care and support they need during critical times.
For those interested in learning more about MOMS and its programs, additional information can be found on their official website, where resources and insights into their initiatives are available.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: MOMS Grand Slam Gala Raises Over $191K for Maternal Mental Health
- LA Times: Standup for a Cause Soiree Raises Funds for Spinal Cord Injury Survivors
- ABC7: Orange County Helps Los Angeles Wildfire Victims
- Patch: OC Star from MILF Manor Battles After Son’s Severe Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maternal Mental Health
