Hosted by the Orange County Community Foundation, funds raised during “Imagining Mental Wellness” raised awareness and funding for vital mental health services for those in need
IRVINE, Calif. (May 19, 2023) — On May 17, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) hosted its inaugural Imagining Mental Wellness – a 24-hour collaborative online giving day that aimed to raise $350,000 for 18 OC nonprofits working to combat the critical community issues surrounding mental health for Orange County residents. OCCF today announced that 768 donors contributed $368,000 to nonprofits providing resources, support, and treatment for the region.
Alarming statistics have experts calling for a transformation in mental health services. A recent survey commissioned by The California Endowment in September 2022 found that more than three-quarters of young adults experienced anxiety, and more than half reported depression. Meanwhile, 31% experienced suicidal thinking, and 16% self-harm. Imagining Mental Wellness is a vital fundraising effort that aims to help reimagine mental health in Orange County by helping ensure those most vulnerable in the community have access to the compassionate and effective mental health treatment they need.
Each of the 18 nonprofit organizations involved in the Imagining Mental Wellness Giving Day provides resources for positive mental health and well-being. Participating nonprofits included CarePossible, Inc., Child Guidance Center, CHOC Foundation, Extraordinary Lives Foundation, Fran’s Place – Center for Cancer Counseling, GameChanger Charity, Human Options, Inc., Just Gather, Mariposa Women and Family Center, NAMI Orange County (NAMI-OC), National Alliance of Mental Illness, New Directions for Women, Inc., Norooz Clinic Foundation, Peer Voices of Orange County, SEEDS Therapy, Teens4TeensHelp, The Purpose of Recovery, Wellness & Prevention Foundation and With Hope the Amber Craig Memorial Foundation.
“We are in awe of the support that our first Imagining Mental Wellness Giving Day has received as we seek to strengthen resources for mental health and well-being in Orange County,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “We’re delighted to see our community’s willingness to help nonprofits counteract the stigma that often surrounds the mental wellness of those who most need our support.”
Imagining Mental Wellness is new to OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates cause-specific giving days focused on critical community issues. The online giving model matches local nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting youth – to create momentum on one shared day and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success. Since its start in 2015, OCCF Giving Days have raised over $20 million for Orange County nonprofits.
OCCF is recognized as the center of gravity for Orange County philanthropy, acting as an unparalleled resource for local philanthropists and their families for over 30 years. In addition to the organization’s Giving Days, it offers unique insights, deep knowledge, and a diverse array of tools to support both lifetime and legacy giving – making OCCF home to more than 600 charitable funds benefiting a wide range of causes in Orange County and beyond.
For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, including key statistics and infographics, please visit https://www.oc-cf.org/giving-days/.
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 more than $900 million in grants and scholarships, ranking the organization as the 3rd most active grant maker among all U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call 949-553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2022 annual report here.
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