The Working Wardrobes 2024 Annual Gala, Infinite Horizons: The Power of Opportunity, had a galactic impact on our community. Supporters contributed over $415,000 to help people overcome barriers to gainful employment! Their combined generosity will sponsor more than 75 individuals’ journeys through our services from that brave first step of asking for help to the triumphant cry: “I got the job!”
Held at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, attendees enjoyed out-of-this-world culinary delights and libations while raising life-changing funds through games, raffles, silent and live auctions. The theme was brought to fruition by the dedicated gala committee as celestial sophistication transitioned from imagination into an exquisite environment and a beautifully diverse array of fashion statements.
Akin to the stars, moons, and planets, we’re all in this together. The community is dependent on the coalescence of elected officials and nonprofit agencies. Lending their support to Working Wardrobes, Senator Josh Newman was joined by Councilmembers Stephanie Oddo (Laguna Niguel), Letitia Clark (Tustin), Tanya Doby (Los Alamitos), Jonathan Ryan Hernandez (Santa Ana), and staff from County Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento and City Councilmember Mike Carroll (Irvine) offices.
Poignant and heartwarming, the crowd celebrated the past, present, and future of Working Wardrobes. Immediate past Board of Directors Chair, Cyndi Karapogosian, was honored for her conscientious leadership and ability to create a sustainable Board capable of furthering the mission. As District President for talent solutions giant Robert Half, Cyndi genuinely understands how helping people find meaningful work impacts the individual, their family, and their community for generations.
Edwards Lifesciences was celebrated as an Impact Honoree as they exemplify a corporate culture committed to making a difference. Edwards employees can regularly be found volunteering in our Donation Center, helping support clients, sharing skills-based programs/trainings, and participating on our Board of Directors while their Foundation furnishes critical financial support, employee engagement, and in-kind donations.
Former Working Wardrobes client Kathryn Morrison, Army Veteran and CEO of her own public affairs consulting firm, 38Alpha, shared her inspirational story. As the evening progressed, four outstanding military Veterans were honored: current client, David Stark (Army), former client turned Vetran Behavioral Health Peer Support Services Navigator, Chris Ramirez (Navy), esteemed career coach Terance Jones (Navy), and Edwards Lifesciences’ Senior VP, Jim Bourne (Army) were each presented with a Quilt of Valor® to say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
Working Wardrobes extends heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and underwriters U.S. Bank (Presenting Sponsor), H&H Lee Charitable Foundation, Optum, Bank of America, Boot Barn, Donna & Chris Matthews, Apriem, Edwards Lifesciences, Robert Half, Windsor, CommerceWest Bank, Ingram Micro, Precision Hermetic Technology, Sunwest Bank, Leaderology, KPMG, Stifel (Success with Purpose), Withum, AAA, and UBS. Because of their generosity, we can continue empowering individuals to overcome employment barriers, achieve financial stability, and thrive.
As the evening came to a close, CEO Bonni Pomush reminded everyone of the old adage “‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ Exchange the rod, reel, and fishing waders for soft skills training, support to address critical needs, and interview preparation including confidence in an interview outfit and Voila! Creating a sense of worth from the inside out and proving to our clients that they are ready and capable of creating sustainable success on their own. Together we share core values and a mission that supports and empowers our fellow humans creating an infinite horizon of possibility.”