Outstanding Individuals, Businesses and Groups Will be Honored Nov. 13 in Anaheim; Samueli Foundation to Receive Special 40th Anniversary Legacy of Giving Award; Now Celebrated Worldwide, National Philanthropy Day Began in Orange County
IRVINE, CA, August 05, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Visionary Orange County philanthropists, businesses and groups in eight categories will be honored at the 40th Annual National Philanthropy Day, Orange County Awards Luncheon, taking place Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Grove of Anaheim. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 40 Years of Generosity and Impact.”
National Philanthropy Day, now celebrated worldwide, was conceived by Orange County businessman and philanthropist Douglas Freeman. Through Freeman’s tireless efforts, in 1986 President Ronald Reagan formally recognized the observance, proclaiming the third Thursday of November a day to honor giving. Today, more than 140 Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) chapters in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and China take part in the celebration.
“From the beginning, the vision was to honor those making a difference — and to encourage others to give back,” said Freeman, of Newport Beach, who turns 80 on Nov. 13 and remains deeply involved in local philanthropic efforts. “I’m proud of how the movement has grown, and even more so of the impact it continues to have in our communities.”
Presented by the AFP Orange County Chapter and organized by a volunteer committee, National Philanthropy Day is the region’s premier event honoring philanthropy, with more than 1,000 honorees recognized since its inception. This year, Orange County Business Journal is the event’s Presenting Sponsor, PBS SoCal is Broadcast Media Sponsor and the Orange County Register is Community Media Sponsor. The effort is Chaired by Kathy Ruvolo, retired UC Irvine Executive Fundraiser, of Aliso Viejo, and Co-Chaired by Matthew Wadlinger, Chief Brand Officer at CASA Orange County, of Long Beach. Longtime Orange County automotive industry executive and philanthropist Donnie Crevier, of Laguna Beach, serves as Honorary Chair, while PBS SoCal’s Maria Hall-Brown returns as host of the Nov. 13 event.
Selected from among more than 65 nominations, this year’s honorees reflect the spirit of generosity that has defined the National Philanthropy Day since its founding:
Special 40th Anniversary Legacy of Giving Award – Samueli Foundation
Nominated by UC Irvine, Pathways of Hope, South County Outreach, Families Forward
Founded by Henry and Susan Samueli in 1999, the Samueli Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to initiatives that improve quality of life and create a thriving community. Headquartered in Corona del Mar, the foundation supports a wide network of organizations, including the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, Irvine Ice Foundation, and OC Sports & Entertainment. In 2023, the Samueli family began OCVIBE, a 100-acre development near Honda Center in Anaheim, to further invest in Orange County’s future. Led by President Lindsey Spindle, of San Clemente, the foundation emphasizes well-being, education and civic transformation. The Samuelis, who live in Newport Beach, hope their philanthropy inspires others to give generously.
Outstanding Philanthropists – Benjamin and Carmela Du
Nominated by Hoag Hospital Foundation, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Boys Hope Girls Hope
Benjamin and Carmela Du have supported Orange County for more than 50 years, combining entrepreneurial success with a deep commitment to giving back. Their generosity toward Hoag Hospital includes funding the Benjamin & Carmela Du Endowed Chair in Urologic Oncology and the Du Emergency Pavilion. Recently, they pledged $25 million for the expansion of Hoag’s Sun Family Campus in Irvine, with the hospital pavilion named in their honor. Beyond healthcare, the Dus support education, arts and Cristo Rey High School in Santa Ana. Longtime Newport Beach residents, they continue to model philanthropy for their children, grandchildren and the broader community.
Outstanding Large Business – Automobile Club of Southern California
Nominated by Orange County United Way, Cal State Fullerton
Celebrating 125 years of service, the Automobile Club of Southern California is committed to improving mobility and safety while giving back to local communities. The Auto Club supports food banks, shelters, and education programs, with significant contributions to United Way of Orange County and Cal State Fullerton. It funds the Automobile Club of Southern California Endowed Student Fellowship in Global Risk Management and Insurance at CSUF, fostering future leaders. Through its MyClubCares program, employees receive paid time to volunteer, enhancing community engagement. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, the Auto Club blends exceptional member services with a legacy of corporate philanthropy.
Outstanding Small Business – Doing Good Works
Nominated by Doing Good Works
Irvine-based Doing Good Works is a social enterprise transforming business into a force for positive change. Since 2015, the company has reinvested nearly $4 million into supporting individuals with foster care experience. Through DGW Branded, a promotional marketing agency, and Foster Greatness, its nonprofit arm, Doing Good Works funds education, mentoring and workforce programs. CEO Scott Henderson, of Laguna Niguel, and the Doing Good Works team have earned national recognition, including INC 5000 and Real Leaders Impact Awards, for their innovative work helping foster care youth transition into adulthood.
Outstanding Nonprofit Leader – Dawn Reese, CFRE, CEO, The Wooden Floor
Nominated by The Wooden Floor, Human Options, MVS Inc., Carlson & Jayakumar LLP
Dawn Reese, CFRE, CEO of The Wooden Floor, has transformed the Santa Ana-based nonprofit into a leading creative youth development organization. Under her leadership since 2009, The Wooden Floor has served more than 100,000 young people through dance, education and mentoring. During that time, the organization’s budget has doubled, its endowment has grown to $8.6 million, and every graduate has pursued higher education. Reese, who lives in Huntington Beach, has been recognized among Orange County’s most influential leaders and serves on numerous boards, fostering collaborations that expand opportunities for youth. Her vision and strategic leadership continue to inspire change throughout Orange County.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Alisa Abecassis
Nominated by CASA of Orange County, Jewish Community Foundation Orange County
Alisa Abecassis embodies the true spirit of volunteer fundraising, devoting her time and energy to supporting youth in foster care as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) since 2018. She has personally raised over $57,000 for CASA by transforming her New Year’s Eve birthday celebrations into high-impact fundraisers. Known for her creativity, leadership, and compassion, Abecassis also serves on the Jewish Community Foundation’s Finance and Grants Committees and is Past President of FIDF Orange County. Living in Irvine, she leads by example, blending philanthropy with personal connection to create meaningful change for children and families across the region.
Outstanding Philanthropic Group – Women’s Circle of Wishes
Nominated by Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire
Women’s Circle of Wishes is a dynamic network of female leaders, mothers, professionals and community advocates, committed to granting life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses. Through its tireless fundraising, the Circle has raised more than $2.3 million for Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire, becoming its largest support group. The Circle’s innovate outreach and hands-on volunteerism have brought joy and comfort to countless children and families during their most challenging times. Spearheaded by its President Jillian Welch, of Corona del Mar, and fellow volunteers Mary Oronoz and Madison Bellan, both of Newport Beach, the Circle’s legacy is written in every smile, every wish granted, and every child who dares to dream because of their support.
Outstanding Youth or Youth Group – Rose Chhabria
Nominated by Girl Scouts of Orange County, Illumination Health, Sunrise Group, Vanguard University
Rose Chhabria, a 17-year-old Northwood High School senior in Irvine, is a Girl Scout, student leader and community advocate. The school’s ASB Executive Board Secretary, she developed a digital entrepreneurship program for underserved youth and promotes mental health awareness through Hope Squad. She has also organized service initiatives with the H4H and Aalambana Foundations, distributing thousands of meals and essential items. A two-time President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient, she is passionate about civic engagement and helping others. Her leadership and service set a powerful example for youth across Irvine and beyond.
The National Philanthropy Day, Orange County Awards Luncheon has sold out in recent years, reaching the 850-person capacity at the Grove of Anaheim. This year’s event will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with registration and a reception starting at 10:30 a.m. Sponsorships are available now to guarantee attendance; individual tickets go on sale Oct. 15. For details about the luncheon and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.npdoc.org.
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