Project Independence Joins Six Other Organizations with the Goal of Collectively Raising $70,000

to Support Community Members with Disabilities

 

Orange County, CA (July 2, 2020) On July 16 Orange County nonprofits will host the third annual Empowering Possibilities, a Giving Day for OC neighbors with disabilities. This 24-hour online effort aims to raise $70,000 in critical funds. Last year’s Empowering Possibilities Giving Day raised $77,387 with participation from more than 325 donors.

 

The seven participating organizations include Project Independence, Blind Children’s Learning Center of OC, Down Syndrome Association of OC, Family Support Network, Hope Center for the Arts, Special Olympics Southern California and Vocational Visions.

 

“We are so pleased to team again this year with our fellow nonprofits serving those who need us most as at Project Independence we are honored to serve adults with developmental disabilities,” said Debra Marsteller, CEO, Project Independence. “Our Empowering Possibilities Team represents the valuable community services to so many individuals and families throughout Orange County who need a helping had. As a result, our entire community grows stronger. We thank you for your compassionate support during this campaign. We could not do what we do without you!”

 

All seven of the supported nonprofits were forced to cancel all in-person fundraising events and meetings in March, due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. According to the latest information from the State of California, official health partners and local authorities, many closures will remain in effect through the summer. In response, nonprofits have had to launch creative ways to serve their clients and stay engaged virtually.

 

“In the midst of the pandemic’s impact on Orange County residents, we continue to be in awe of our community’s generosity towards the nonprofits serving our must vulnerable residents,” said Shelley Hoss, President and CEO, OCCF. “Especially now, with an increased need for services, we are proud to unite nonprofits with similar missions as they work to support of our community members with disabilities.”

 

This Empowering Possibilities Giving Day is the latest of a series that, to date, has raised more than $10 million for Orange County nonprofits. OCCF first challenged Orange County residents to “give where their heart lives” during the inaugural i©oc Giving Day in 2015, raising more than $1.8 million for 347 participating nonprofits in just 30 hours. In 2018, OCCF restructured i©oc as an expanded opportunity for nonprofits to connect with one another in support of their shared missions.

 

To give online, please visit https://empowering-possibilities-giving-day.ocnonprofitcentral.org/. Additional collaborative Giving Days will be announced over the coming year. For more information, please visit oc-cf.org/iheartoc.

 

About Orange County Community Foundation 
Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. Since its inception, OCCF has awarded nearly $690 million in grants and scholarships and ranks in the top one percent in grantmaking activity among more than 780 U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call 949-553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook  Twitter and Instagram. View