KidWorks Annual Cars & Cocktails Fundraiser Revs Up November 13

Nonprofit KidWorks is revving up for the Second Annual Cars & Cocktails Fundraiser, its reimagined Foundation for Success luncheon - https://kidworksoc.org/cars

Set for Thursday, November 13 from 4 PM until 7 PM in Irvine, the exclusive event will showcase a curated collection of rare and unique classic cars and provide exceptional networking opportunities with business and community leaders. Cocktails, delicious food, desserts, a live band, and a program will all be a part of the high-octane evening.

All funds raised will directly benefit hundreds of KidWorks students as they continue on their journey toward college and career success. As new organizations are getting onboard, a broad range of sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information about sponsoring the event, visit https://4agc.com/event/cars2025 or contact Abigail Moore, KidWorks Donor Relations & Outreach Manager, at (714) 834-940x129 or via email at abigail.moore@kidworksoc.org

KidWorks will also honor the tradition of presenting the Dan Donahue Leadership Award. This year’s recipient will be ECM Management, a land development and construction management services company, and its founder Emily Mandrup, who is KidWorks’ board chair and an active volunteer.

This award recognizes KidWorks’ most dedicated supporters who share the organization’s passion and commitment to equipping students growing up in Orange County’s most under-resourced neighborhoods to lead lives of influence and positively impact their community.

“We are delighted to honor Emily and her company with the Dan Donahue Leadership Award,” said KidWorks Executive Director/CEO David Benavides. “As champions of KidWorks for nearly two decades, she and her company truly embody the spirit of this award.”

Members of the Cars & Cocktails event committee include Adrian Montero, Andy Bratt, David Salisbury, Kate Seabaugh, Sean Chaffins, and Steven Miranda.

Here are the event’s sponsors as of September 24.

The event’s Presenting Sponsors are American Career College & West Coast University, and the Paula and Pat Donahue Family Foundation. The Platinum Sponsors are ADEP Precision Contracting , ECM Management, Oltmans Construction Co., and Saddleback Roofing.

Gold Sponsors include The Frome Family Foundation, Todd Goodman, Johnson Plumbing, Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, Schriber Family Fund, Kyle and David Team/Waypoint Property Group, and Wheeler Family Foundation. The Dessert Sponsor is JFK Transportation. The Lanyard Sponsor is U.S. Bank.

Silver Sponsors include Deloitte, Mary Kay and Mike Groff, PREMIER Design + Build Group, PTS Marketing, and Walker & Dunlop. Rideshare Sponsors are Trish and Guy Johnson and StrikeWorks. The Band Sponsor is Merrill Lynch.

Bronze sponsors are Carrazco Law & Mendiola Settlement Consultants, City National Bank, Collaborative Therapies, Farmers & Merchants Bank, First Citizens Bank, Gantry, PNC Bank, Rutan & Tucker LLP, Sharon Kline, Shea Properties and Shea Homes, Smith and Severson Builders, and Stuart Kane LLP.

From preschool to university, 30-year-old KidWorks provides students in under-resourced neighborhoods in central Santa Ana with holistic programs and experiences to become leaders both in and out of the classroom.

KidWorks goes the extra mile for the community, creating an environment for youth to unleash their potential with mentorship and leadership development resources for the entire family. Its diverse programs, coupled with intentional guidance, fuel internal growth and set KidWorks students up for a meaningful and fulfilling future and career. For over 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education.

“After many years of having successful luncheons, we’ve shifted gears,” said Benavides. “Whether you’re a car enthusiast, passionate about supporting KidWorks’ students, or just looking for a fun evening out, this event is for you!”