United Way Women Looking Forward kick off season

Contributed by Olivia Yoder

Orange County United Way’s Women Looking Forward donor circle kicked off the 2009/2010 campaign year Sept. 29 with over 50 guests at Michael Kors, South Coast Plaza. The reception featured an informal fashion show of hot fall fashion trends, Michael Kors giveaways and a drawing for a Michael Kors $500 gift card. The event raised $1,400.00for Orange County United Way (www.unitedwayoc.org) and celebrated the combined efforts of women philanthropists in Orange County through Women Looking Forward.

Women Looking Forward is a donor circle of committed women within Orange County United Way’s Leaders’ Society. Each member contributes a minimum of $1,000 annually with United Way. Women Looking Forward membership provides an opportunity to learn more about the needs in local Orange County communities and become involved in the solution. Over $200,000 was contributed by Women Looking Forward members in the 2008/2009 campaign year to help Orange County residents most in need build self-sufficient lives.

“By combining your resources with Women Looking Forward members and other philanthropic investors, your collective charitable contributions improve lives throughout Orange County,” said Jennifer Cagle, Women Looking Forward founding Chair. “Over the last three years, Women Looking Forward members helped to support over 137,000 families and individuals with essential needs and education and financial literacy programs,” added Cagle.

“Women Looking Forward members play a crucial role in the success of our community programs and over the last three years, Women Looking Forward members have helped build self-sufficient lives with Orange County United Way,” said Maria Chavez Wilcox, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “Orange County United Way is extremely grateful to have their support and dedication,” added Wilcox.

For more information on becoming a Women Looking Forward member, or about Orange County United Way, please visit www.unitedwayoc.org.