- NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR (LARGE) FINALISTS
For over 75 years, Doheny Eye Institute has been globally recognized as a leader in vision research. Every day, the scientists at Doheny continue fulfilling the important mission of founder Carrie Estelle Doheny: to further the conservation, improvement, and restoration of human eyesight.
The vision research programs at Doheny Eye Institute help advance eye care in our local Los Angeles community and around the world for those affected by eye disease. Doheny scientists are at the forefront of vision science searching for effective therapies for a range of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, optic neuropathies, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, Doheny scientists are building cutting-edge tools in retinal imaging and artificial intelligence for improved diagnosis of ocular diseases. Through the generous contributions, Doheny scientists are able to secure the resources and critical funding to continue advancing their understanding of eye diseases.
Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) provides essential services and ground support to more than 19,000 people each year – from early childhood programs for the critical first five years to autism therapy services, daily and independent living services for adults, and employment programs. The organization strives to provide people with a sense of belonging. Our vision is that by 2030, Southern California will be the most inclusive place for people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play.
Easterseals’ services break down barriers in employment, community access, housing, transportation, technology, and more. As people overcome these barriers, they can work, live independently, and become full members of their community. ESSC’s offerings include Adult Day Services; Autism Services; Living Options; Employment Services; Easterseals Camp in Big Bear serving children and adults; and more. Through these programs and services, Easterseals is making a profound and positive difference in people’s lives every day.
Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the LuskinOIC Foundation, it advances pediatric orthopedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education, and research. Locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopedic disorders and injuries.
No child is ever turned away for lack of insurance. LuskinOIC is a mission-driven, value-based organization that provides high-quality care for children with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders and advances patient-centered care worldwide. It also actively promotes medical education and scientific research in orthopedics. LuskinOIC receives more than 70,000 patient visits each year, and offers pro-bono treatment to patients in Calexico and Mexicali, among other cities worldwide.
Since its inception in 1963, The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) has been at the forefront of advocating for the socio-economic advancement of the Latino community in California. MAOF seamlessly integrates the rich Mexican-American cultural heritage into its broad spectrum of services, which includes child care and early education, family support programs, job training, and senior lifestyle enhancement. Operating across eight countries with a $200 million budget, MAOF is a social services organization that values education, excellence, innovation, advocacy, culture, integrity, and inclusive partnerships.
In 2023 alone, MAOF’s impact was profound and comprehensive. More than 91,000 individuals received critical and essential services with dignity and respect. Over 13,000 children received childcare services, including educational resources and referrals; more than 3,500 individuals accessed crucial immigration services; and the organization’s community foodbank distributed over 18,000 meals. Additionally, over 13,500 seniors benefited from essential services.
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR (MID-SIZE) FINALISTS
Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit provider of work readiness training and career placement services for one of the most underemployed groups of all disabled adults: people with autism. Exceptional Minds helps people with autism pursue career tracks in digital arts through a sequential program that develops job skills followed by high-touch career services that connect participants to meaningful career opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Exceptional Minds has experienced a 60% increase in demand for services, and actual enrollment has increased by 30%. Additionally, we have launched two new program components: a virtual, full-time training program and a part-time pre-academic program that includes assessment and career track evaluations. To meet this increasing demand for services and continue growing the number of students served, strategic areas of capacity-building investment include: expanding scholarships, adding personnel (faculty and behavioral health staff), diversifying recruitment, and developing a curriculum focused on future job market needs.
The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) provides best-in-class workforce development, registered apprenticeships, and training programs to train low-income, marginalized individuals for jobs in the hospitality, food service, leisure, and tourism workforce. HTA is a labor-management partnership/Taft-Hartley Fund with 170+ employer-partners and is the training arm of UNITE HERE Local 11 labor union.
HTA is focused on building the pipeline of the in-demand hospitality workforce from homeless, justice-involved, foster youth, trans, veterans, and low-income youth
and adults from marginalized communities – and this career pathway is often life-changing for students/graduates in getting a fresh start and often second chance. The HTA’s work is modeled as an instrument to prevent poverty and homelessness. HTA students receive this training free, thanks to local, state, and federal workforce development funding that invests in the academy’s best-in-class training programs, which also places HTA students in good-paying union jobs with benefits.
The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) has demonstrated outstanding service to the Los Angeles community, exemplified through various impactful initiatives and sound management practices. A prime example of its work is its leadership in the California Jobs First initiative, where the LAEDC plays a crucial role in mobilizing close to 500 community organizations and stakeholders across Los Angeles to secure significant funding for the region to provide well-paying jobs for our region. This effort showcases LAEDC’s capacity to foster collaboration and consensus among a diverse range of entities, from Antelope Valley to South LA to Long Beach, for the betterment of the entire Los Angeles region.
The LAEDC’s Business Assistance Team has also been pivotal as we continue moving out of the COVID-19 pandemic through the Together for LA program, partnering with local chambers, the County of Los Angeles, and private entities to support underserved businesses.
Rainbow Services has offered shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence (DV) in the San Pedro/Harbor area of Los Angeles County for more than four decades. In the 1970s, a group of women at the Harbor YWCA organized a grassroots network of safe homes, offering spare bedrooms in the homes of concerned women who wanted to offer space to neighbors who were experiencing violence at home. In 1983, the group incorporated to become a nonprofit organization, and its first official shelter was a three-bed-room house owned by a local donor and leased to Rainbow for one dollar a year. Its operations have steadily grown since.
Today, Rainbow owns four sites, a Community Resource Center, a Community Education Center, a transitional housing complex, and an emergency shelter, plus it operates two satellite offices offering legal services and housing advocacy to DV survivors and their children.
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR (EMERGING) FINALISTS
The mission of C5LA is to change the odds for high-potential teens from under-resourced communities by inspiring them to pursue personal success while preparing them for leadership roles in school, college, work, and their communities.
C5LA supports youth in LA County who are all first-generation college students. Demographically they are Latino, Black, Asian, and white, and economically all attend Title 1 schools. They come from families who are living at or below the poverty line in the most under-resourced communities in the county. C5LA’s leaders are motivated and resilient, committed to engaging in our multiyear, year-over-year program with the goal of graduating high school and pursuing a post-secondary opportunity. The staff demographic aligns with the youth leaders and our extended community includes our families, schools, board, and funding partners. The goal is to support young leaders as they navigate their education and pursue their careers.
Give – Mentor – Love (GML) is a foundation of volunteers serving Los Angeles County youths and young adults who wise in-crisis, at risk, homeless, or in foster care. The mission is to help rescued youth and young adults heal from exploitation in the sex trade, from abuse, and/or from neglect.
GML’s primary objectives are: to provide transitional housing for those who age out of the foster care system and for others who have no family and/or no financial support; and to provide support programs and mentorships that teach living and social skills that are not learned on the street, in foster care, or an abusive and/ or neglectful family setting. GML works with over 40 committed and professional volunteers, social work masters and PhD candidates from area universities, and a small professional staff to provide support programs and mentoring for rescued youth.
A symbol of Los Angeles and a leader in public observation, Griffith Observatory is a free-admission, public facility owned and operated as a public service by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks.
For over 40 years, the Griffith Observatory Foundation has served as the exclusive non-profit partner of Griffith Observatory. Through the decades, with the support of the volunteer board and thousands of members and donors, we have accomplished monumental feats and the fulfillment of any request to update, upgrade, and preserve this inspiring institution. The Foundation continues to support and promote the Observatory as a home for science literacy, education, and public astronomy through resource development and partnership with the community.
To ensure that the young women in MOSTe’s programs acquire college degrees, the organization has developed a comprehensive model of support that provides the resources necessary for college completion. Seventh and eighth-grade girls at partner middle schools in LA County can apply to become a MOSTe Scholar. Scholars participate in the middle school program for two years. Once they become freshmen, Scholars enter the high school program until graduation and enrollment into college. In college, Scholars participate in a retention and success program, apply for competitive summer internships with MOSTe’s corporate partners, and attend networking opportunities for potential job placements.
Workshops in middle school help lay the foundation for students to thrive. In these after-school convenings students develop soft skills and a sense of community that serves them on their journeys to college. They learn to advocate for themselves, and how to identify needs and find required resources.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
In 2024, Chrysalis reached 40 years of changing lives through jobs in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.
Since being founded in a small, Skid Row storefront near the corner of Wall and 5th Streets, Chrysalis has served more than 85,000 individuals at six centers and locations. The organization started with a goal of aiding individuals experiencing homelessness on Skid Row, but quickly recognized the desire for meaningful employment as a key element in breaking the cycle of poverty. This became the cornerstone of Chrysalis’ workforce development, job-prep services, and employment social enterprise.
Chrysalis’ primary goal is to empower individuals impacted by poverty and housing insecurity by providing resources to help them get on the pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. Its anticipated outcomes for 2024 include assisting at least 2,500 clients to obtain quality employment.
Urban Alchemy is a nonprofit employment social enterprise focused on providing employment to formerly incarcerated returning citizens, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and addressing the chaos homelessness causes in surrounding neighborhoods.
Urban Alchemy operates on contracts that pay for its services and ensures that employees will be able to maintain well-paid jobs as long as the contract is in place and the service is needed. Its successes have been remarkable. Approximately 96% of its employees are returning citizens, and their recidivism rate is less than 2%. In sharp contrast, the national average hovers between 40% and 60%. Returning citizens are also ten times more likely to be homeless, and the homelessness rate on Urban Alchemy’s staff is 0%, largely because the organization provides meaningful, well-paid jobs. Every job at Urban Alchemy pays significantly more than the minimum wage and allows the employee to make a meaningful difference improving the community.
NONPROFIT TEAM OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Oceanographer and Surfrider supporter Olivia Munoz has been pivotal in driving impactful initiatives within Surfrider Foundation’s Los Angeles Chapter’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF). Through her dedicated involvement, the BWTF achieved significant milestones in 2023, including adding a new sampling site at Driftwood Venice and expanding the total sites to 11. Munoz’s contributions and team leadership were instrumental in the organization’s success, evident in the impressive 898 total volunteer hours and the sampling and testing of 436 beaches.
Notably, 19 BWTF veterans underwent laboratory technique refreshers, and 12 individuals were engaged in processing, while seven participated in Data Result Reading, analyzing and publishing. Angus’ leadership extended to organizing nine BWTF trainings, encompassing General Public Training, Educational BWTF Ocean Science Experience Trainings for institutions like Surfrider UCLA Club, East LA College and Santa Monica College, and lab processing training for school projects.
Think Together is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization and California’s largest provider of afterschool education and expanded learning programs serving over 600 schools and 200,000 students from across the state. From early learning and afterschool education to student support services and school improvement, Think Together’s team is committed to changing the odds for kids by providing research-based education and enrichment programs needed for students – primarily low-income and at-risk youth – to succeed in their journey to college and career readiness.
Think Together partners with 16 school districts and 22 charter schools across Los Angeles County to provide 39,701 students with meaningful academic experiences, including STEM education, social-emotional learning, homework help and innovative programs such as robotics and coding. Think Together’s team has built the largest infrastructure in the state supporting expanded learning over the past 15 years. In fiscal year 2023, Think Together grew by more than 70%.
Focused on providing employment to formerly incarcerated returning citizens, Urban Alchemy’s team assists individuals experiencing homelessness.
The organization also operates a clean team and climate stations in Skid Row. The clean team has removed nearly 300 tons of trash, making the neighborhood more livable for the unhoused people sheltering there. The climate stations provide a safe place for people to go when the weather is inclement – or if they just need a calm place to seek temporary refuge. At the climate stations, guests are served water and coffee, and the Urban Alchemy team distributes supplies like food, clothing and hygiene products. Urban Alchemy and
its team have made a substantial impact on both Los Angeles and the lives of its employees. Every day, it helps people find shelter and permanent housing; improves city neighborhoods like Hollywood, Venice, Westlake and Skid Row; and gives returning citizens meaningful jobs that help prevent recidivism.
For over a century, now spanning five generations of Angelenos, Woodcraft Rangers has been at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities (educational enrichment services) in the greater Los Angeles area and now serves more than 20,000 youth annually.
Woodcraft’s team continues the organization’s legacy of continually evolving to address the growing challenges our youth face. In the past three years, Woodcraft has expanded its menu of services beyond traditional afterschool programs and summer camps to include early learning, environmental and social justice, college access, and bilingual theater programs.
Over the past 18 months, the roster of schools served has grown from 90 to 118, and the agency now employs approximately 1,000 staff serving 20,000 youth ages 4-18 in afterschool programs. Notably, 40% of staff are alumni of the program and all team members are recruited intentionally from the communities they serve and are reflective of students in the programs.
BUSINESS ANGEL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
Since 2004, Allen Lund Company (ALC) has been a steadfast supporter of Navidad en el Barrio, an organization dedicated to helping communities around the Los Angeles area. This organization was started with a mission to provide a robust Christmas dinner to families in Southern California. Navidad en el Barrio has been able to succeed, thanks in large part to the dedication of donors and volunteers like the Allen Lund Company. ALC’s unique platform serves as a bridge, connecting shippers who have goods to transport with carriers across the country. For Navidad en el Barrio, ALC leveraged its extensive network of shippers and carriers to donate produce and ensure timely delivery to families in need.
This past year, ALC offices, departments and employees volunteered by securing dry goods, produce and perishables and also assisted with transportation of the goods to California for distribution via Navidad en el Barrio.
Chick-fil-A really stepped up for LA Mission as a Business Angel in 2023-2024. In August 2023, within two weeks’ time-frame, Chick-fil-A sponsored LA Mission’s ‘Back to School’ event in El Monte with 700 $12 gift cards, volunteers, and even the Chick-fil-A cow mascot. The whole Chick-fil-A team came out to serve and spread good cheer to kids in the community. The impact on more than 500 youth and families was tangible.
Chick-fil-A supported LA Mission’s program at $50,000 to support recovery and food for those in need. Chick-fil-A comes out monthly to Skid Row to provide the Mission with regular food truck presence, serving chicken sandwiches to more than 400 needy people per month. Lastly, Chick-fil-A has joined LA Mission’s board to assure the organization can support its fundraising efforts. Chick-fil-A will also be a part of LA Mission’s Gala this fall to assure the program continues building momentum.
OUTSTANDING COLLABORATION BETWEEN A BUSINESS
AND A NONPROFIT FINALISTS
Among the founding principles of The Agency is its commitment and dedication to serving the communities we call home. The Agency’s global team of real estate professionals come together in each market to make a difference and support a wide range of charitable organizations and initiatives. The heart of The Agency is reflected in its philanthropic efforts on a local and international scale.
A strong example of this is The Agency’s partnership with Giveback Homes to support the organization’s mission of creating social change by helping to build homes for families. The Agency was the first real estate brokerage to join Giveback Homes on its mission to change lives and build stronger communities. The two organizations work together to organize fundraising events, mobilize teams of volunteer homebuilders, and take action to make a difference. The goal is to turn every transaction into an opportunity for social good.
Curacao, the largest big-box department store dedicated to serving Hispanic customers in the Southwest, forged a groundbreaking partnership with the non-profit organization Fundación Jalisco USA to launch the “Reuniendo Familias.” This joint initiative focuses on bringing together Mexican elders who had tried to obtain visas in vain for years to visit with their children and relatives in the Greater Los Angeles Area, some of whom they have not seen for at least ten years and in some cases, over 20 years.
One of the most significant advantages and benefits to the Los Angeles community is the shared values and complementary strengths resulting from the synergy between Curacao and Fundación Jalisco USA. Curacao leverages its significant presence and customer reach to amplify the cause while Fundación Jalisco USA extends crucial support by offering health insurance for medical needs and personalized navigational assistance with the often- daunting visa and immigration processes.
Project Angel Food has served over 17 million meals to the most vulnerable and sick living with cancer, diabetes, HIV, congestive heart failure, renal and neurological disease, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular, liver, and muscular-skeletal disease. Project Angel Food’s Emmy-nominated LEAD WITH LOVE television special presented by City National Bank aired on KTLA 5 in Los Angeles last summer. The exciting live TV event featured Carol Burnett, Cindy Crawford, Niecy Nash Betts, Kris Jenner, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Steven Weber, Chelsea Handler, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Paula Abdul, Martin Sheen and Sarah Paulson among many others, an All-Star phone bank, and an inside look at Project Angel Food with impactful client stories.
Production was fully underwritten so 100% of revenue raised (over $800,000) went directly toward preparation and delivery of free, medically tailored meals to 4,000 people living with life-threatening illnesses throughout 4,752 square miles of LA County.
Developers The Richman Group, America’s 7th largest rental property portfolio, have embarked on an innovative partnership with The Whole Child, a regional leader in supporting children and families experiencing homelessness, and with Habitat for Humanity, a landmark institution in building and providing affordable permanent housing.
The Homeless to Homeowner Campus now being constructed in Santa Fe Springs provides a continuum of care unlike any other housing solution in the United States: families in crisis will be housed and will receive supportive services in The Whole Child’s Interim Housing and Support Services Center; when the time is right, they will have the opportunity to rent one of 100 affordable housing units built by The Richman Group; and ultimately, many will be the first owners of units built by Habitat from Humanity. The forward-thinking vision of this campus is a triumph of corporate and nonprofit collaboration.
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FINALISTS
Services to the nonprofit industry is one of the original pillars of Armanino. And over 50 years since its founding, the firm has grown to the sixth largest firm in Los Angeles County and services to the nonprofit industry remain as one of the largest areas served.
In 2017, Armanino launched The Armanino Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization that allows the firm to support charitable organizations across the country, and around the world. Through the Foundation, Armanino supports several impactful programs like Volunteer Vacations and Grantmaking. Emphasizing an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, Armanino disbursed a noteworthy sum of $729,423 in total cash contributions to charitable organizations companywide throughout the course of 2023. Since 2009, once a year, partners and employees at the firm unite in service by closing the offices for a day; this day of service is dedicated to working on substantial projects for local nonprofit organizations.
California Bank & Trust (CB&T) has been a vital part of California’s growth and prosperity for more than seven decades. With over 20 branch locations in Los Angeles, CB&T is more than a financial institution; it embodies corporate social responsibility that empowers individuals and businesses to shape a brighter future.
Each year, the organization’s team in Los Angeles engages in several activities that have positively impacted the community. Volunteerism and community involvement are at the core of CB&T’s mission. Associations have a total of 16 hours each annually to volunteer with groups and organizations they are passionate about through the bank’s Volunteer Time Off program. This results in associates donating several hours of volunteer time to a number of non-profit organizations. Additionally, CB&T’s associates and leadership sit on several boards, such as Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Los Angeles, which forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America.
Giving back to the communities they are honored to serve has been part of the F&M Bank business model since the beginning. In 2023, F&M Bank provided over $3.7 million in community support to more than 900 organizations across Southern California. From financial support and in-kind donations to access to grant funding, F&M Bank aims to provide meaningful support where it is needed.
The mission of the F&M Bank Foundation is to support and enhance the communities it serves by providing philanthropic support to qualifying organizations who provide impactful community benefits in the areas of faith-based initiatives, education, healthcare, human services and the arts. In 2023, the F&M Bank Foundation distributed $361,700 to 60 deserving recipients in the impact area of healthcare. In 2023, F&M distributed $100,000 in Community Reinvestment Act grants to 58 organizations.
Arthur Greenberg has always said that the Greenberg Glusker should “do well by doing good.” This statement has become a core value, forming the basis of everything that the firm does. One area in which this value is evident is in the firm’s corporate social responsibility efforts. For one, through-out the year, Greenberg Glusker hosts a number of fundraisers. One of the biggest annual fundraisers it participates in, is Food From The Bar. This is a competition amongst law firms to raise money for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Each year, through activities like its “Pie a Partner” challenge and Greenberg Glusker lip sync battles, the firm has raised around $10,000 for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Last year, as part of Food From The Bar, our firm hosted a Casino Night for team members as well as clients, and the firm successfully raised over $10,000.
MOST IMPACTFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s “A Million Reasons” event not only showcased creativity but also demonstrated a plant-based food and a vibrant after-party brought hundreds of animal lovers to Presented by City National Bank, aired suffering and euthanasia in Los Angeles and remarkable ability to energize the community in support of a crucial cause.
The event’s success can be attributed to the participation of key individuals and organizations, including Platinum sponsors like CoreGiving and Cheryl and Haim Saban. Their generous contributions, coupled with the tireless efforts of Food Bank board member Keith Addis and his wife, Keri Selig, underscored the power of collaboration
in driving meaningful change. From an exclusive performance by Gladys Knight to
a culinary experience curated by superstar chefs and celebrity sous chefs (including Jeff Goldblum, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Dylan McDermott and Sam Waterston), every aspect of the event was designed to engage guests while reinforcing the cause’s importance. The event’s proceeds exceeded the goal to provide over 1,000,000 meals
for individuals facing food insecurity in Los Angeles County.
Mercy For Animals held its 23rd anniversary gala at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The evening featured a compelling program, flavorful plant-based food and a vibrant after-party under the stars. The organization’s community raised over $1.4 million to support Mercy For Animals’ work.
This was Mercy For Animals’ first hybrid gala, welcoming guests both in person and virtually. For guests attending virtually, the event started with an exclusive music set from DJ Coyu. In Los Angeles, it began with a grand red-carpet reception. Outside under the clear sky, guests savored hors d’oeuvres from LA-based company The Gray Zebra and organization-themed specialty drinks, such as the Transfarmtini, Babe Breeze, and Mercyrita. After the reception, guests made their way to the grand ballroom for a four- course meal featuring delicious vegan cheese from California-based brand Miyoko’s Creamery. Hosted by actor Hayley Marie Norman, the program recognized dedicated animal advocates with awards.
Project Angel Food’s Emmy-nominated LEAD WITH LOVE. Television Special Presented by City National Bank, aired on KTLA 5 in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 24, 2024, from 7-9 pm. The exciting live TV event featured Carol Burnett, Cindy Craw- ford, Niecy Nash Betts, Kris Jenner, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Steven Weber, Chelsea Handler, Pentatonix, Rachel Platten, Paula Abdul, Martin Sheen and Sarah Paulson among many others, an All-Star phone bank, and an inside look at Project Angel Food with impactful client stories.
Production was fully underwritten so 100% of revenue raised (over $800,000) went directly toward preparation & delivery of free, medically tailored meals to 4,000 people living with life-threatening illnesses throughout 4,752 square miles of LA County. With a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator, and over 17 million meals delivered in 34 years, the impact is significant.
For its 18th annual event, Race For The Rescues’ unique, no-kill non-profit, brought hundreds of animal loers to the Rose Bowl to help eliminate animal suffering and euthanasia in Los Angeles and celebrate the bond between humans and animals.
A total of $345,000 was raised in 2023 by 22 local non-profit animal welfare groups for vital programs including rescuing and rehoming dogs, cats, horses and farm animals, providing critical resources to senior, veteran, low-income and pet owners experiencing homelessness to keep their pets during times of crisis, community pet pantries, free spay/neuter, free trap/neuter returns for community cats, and education for at-risk youth by training shelter dogs. Race for the Rescues helps the participating organizations keep their doors open to animals in need while helping Los Angeles’ most vulnerable pet owners by raising much-needed funds.
MOST INNOVATIVE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FINALISTS
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s “A Million Reasons” event not only show- cased creativity but also demonstrated a remarkable ability to energize the communi- ty in support of a crucial cause.
The event’s success can be attributed to the participation of key individuals and organizations, including Platinum sponsors like CoreGiving and Cheryl and Haim Saban. Their generous contributions, coupled with the tireless efforts of Food Bank board member Keith Addis and his wife, Keri Selig, underscored the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. From an exclusive performance by Gladys Knight to a culinary experience curated by superstar chefs and celebrity sous chefs (including Jeff Goldblum, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Dylan McDermott and Sam Waterston), every aspect of the event was designed to engage guests while reinforcing the cause’s importance. The event’s proceeds exceeded the goal to provide over 1,000,000 meals for individuals facing food insecurity in Los Angeles County.
The Play Equity Fund works to create opportunities and remove barriers for youth of all backgrounds to participate in sport, play and movement, for their lifelong well-being and future success. Among its pillars of work are supporting equity, health, education and advocacy. Among its efforts in 2023, the Play Equity Fund leads The Alliance, a unique collaboration with 12 pro sports teams in the region. It includes the Alliance Leadership Initiative, a program in local high schools with a curriculum that focuses on social impact and workforce development.
Last summer, the LA Sparks, the Rams and Anaheim Ducks hosted 10 students between them for internships that included 600 paid hours, working in everything from training camp operations game day staffing to human resources. The Play Equity Fund also scheduled 10 career labs, which are immersive visits and interactions with over 50 professionals in the sports industry.
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR (LARGE) FINALISTS
JULEE BROOKS
Woodcraft Rangers
FINALIST
Julee Brooks, CEO of Woodcraft Rangers, is a visionary nonprofit leader with nearly two decades of experience delivering excellence in programming, guiding youth-focused organizations through periods of dynamic growth, and building coalitions for maximized social impact.
Brooks actively engages with civic officials and community leaders, establishing authentic connections based on mutual interests and shared values. She is a steering committee member of the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) and an advisory board member of Expand LA, contributing to efforts to enhance expanded learning programs and address complex societal challenges facing today’s youth. Through collaboration with diverse partners, Brooks expands resources, broadens outreach and maximizes social impact. In recent years, she has taken proactive steps to ensure the organization remains responsive to the increasing demand for student supports, particularly in light of lingering challenges post-pandemic.
TIA DWYER
Think Together
FINALIST
Tia Dwyer is an innovative leader with 17-plus years of organizational leadership resulting in significant growth of revenue, providing fiscal and strategic leadership. From her roots as a teacher in the Los Angeles area, Dwyer’s journey reflects a commit- ment to educational equity.
When California started to fund after- school and summer programs with the historic passage of Prop 49 in 2002, Dwyer applied to become the administrator of that program in her district. Under Tia’s leadership, the program became a state model. In 2009, Dwyer was introduced to Think Together, one of the area’s leading afterschool program providers. She soon after joined the organi- zation as Director of Summer Learning. Over the years, Dwyer progressed in leadership roles, and by 2017, she was appointed to the role of COO. Today, Dwyer leads talent acquisition, HR, organization development, program design & implementation, data & evaluation and business development for Think Together.
MARCELLE HOPE EPLEY
Long Beach Community Foundation
FINALIST
As president & CEO of the Long Beach Community Foundation, Marcelle Hope Epley manages over 200 philanthropic funds totaling $70 million in charitable assets. In her role, she fosters philanthropy in Long Beach and assist the nonprofit sector through endowments.
Epley is certificated as a specialist in planned giving from the American Insti-
tute of Philanthropic Studies, and is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Long Beach. Her experience spans from providing daily leadership and executive direction to as many
as 700 employees, directing budgets of over $100 million, and leading regional marketing programs. Epley has garnered several honors and recognitions throughout her career for efforts to improve the Long Beach community, including The Outstanding Community Leader of the Year Award by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotarian of the Year and the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Impact Award.
FATIMA DJELMANE RODRIGUEZ
Ronald McDonald Charities of Southern California FINALIST
Fatima Djelmane Rodriguez, the first Latina CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC), embodies the essence of a servant leader. Leading the largest RMHC chapter in the nation, overseeing seven Ronald McDonald Houses, three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Rodriguez brings over 16 years of nonprofit leadership experience.
In her two years at the helm of RMHCSC, Rodriguez has dedicated efforts to better understanding the community’s needs and charting a visionary course. Her vision aims to establish the foundations that will propel RMHCSC into the next 50 years. Under her guidance, RMHCSC has experienced remarkable growth, reflected in the organization’s increased budget, from $15M to $20M, demonstrating Rodriguez’s commitment to uplifting staff with competitive salaries and ensuring the expansion of crucial life-changing services for children.
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR (MID-SIZE) FINALISTS
SONYA KAY BLAKE
The Valley Economic Alliance
FINALIST
For Sonya Kay Blake, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses survive and succeed has been a lifelong passion. As president and CEO of the Valley Economic Alliance, Blake’s daily mission is to serve the business, workforce and community development needs of the greater San Fernando Valley. Founded in 1995 to help Valley communities recover from the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Alliance today engages and energizes private-public collaborations and resources to raise the standards of living and economic vitality across the Five City (Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles, and San Fernando) region. For Blake, who became president and CEO of the Alliance in 2020, the organization is a perfect place to leverage her experience by empowering the creative impulse in entrepreneurs and small businesses and helping to make positive changes in livelihoods and communities.
SARAH ORTH
Blind Children’s Center
FINALIST
Sarah Orth is a visionary leader who as chief executive officer of the Blind Children’s Center (BCC), has created significant new opportunities for the 86-year-old organization. During the past year specifically, Orth has led a $7 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the organization’s historically significant facility designed in 1950 by native Angeleno and African American architectural icon Paul R. Williams. When construction is completed this May, BCC will have the ability to double its enrollment to 95 students annually as it continues to be the only preschool in Los Angeles serving children who are blind or visually impaired in an inclusive environ- ment (with sighted children in each class, a practice BCC has employed since 1988).
All of BCC’s services continue to be provided for free thanks to the Center’s fund- raising and a key partnership Orth secured two years ago with the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
SAMUEL PRATER
Los Angeles Room & Board
FINALIST
With nearly 13 years of experience in higher education as a student affairs practitioner, most of Sam Prater’s career has been built in housing and resi- dential education. The idea for Los Angeles Room & Board was born out of his frus- tration seeing college students drop out of school because they were struggling with hunger and housing.
Prater started Los Angeles Room & Board in 2019. In March 2020, he opened his first transitional housing site. Prater galvanized the community and raised awareness of the number of students, particularly at the com- munity college level, that were experiencing homelessness and hunger. He has not stopped since, leading a number of projects to provide housing to young people. He is a voice for homeless youth for the entire county seeking to ensure that their needs are heard and poli- cies are created to support their needs.
CHRISTINA SIMOS
Friendly House
FINALIST
Christina Simos is a leader, connector and disruptor to the status quo. As a student in the 90s Simos founded Students Against Discrimination. In 2005, she entered the Friendly House as a resident. There she was mentored by Friendly House’s former executive director Peggy Albrecht and quickly immersed herself in the recovery world. Over the last 17 years, Simos has been alumni coordinator, alumni president, secretary of the women’s meeting, helped produce fundraisers and has remained a fixture in the recovery community. In 2022, she became executive director.
Over the last ten years Simos has dedicated herself to learning every aspect of the treat- ment industry from HR/compliance, manage- ment, admissions, marketing/business develop- ment to operations. As director of operations she has helping a well-functioning recovery environment become a first-class treatment center through the creation of policies, acquir- ing licensures and ASAM certification, and ensuring that the staff was as inclusive and diverse as the population served.
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR (EMERGING) FINALISTS
KELLI DILLON
Back to the Basics
FINALIST
Kelli Dillon’s every waking action secures the safety and uplifts the prospects of women. Through the organization she founded, Back to the Basics, Dillon inter- venes in active conflicts between intimate partners and in the community. She advo- cates for reproductive justice and educates against gender based violence. Dillon also perpetually uplifts the field of intervention, taking particular care to train, encourage and unify women in intervention.
Within the field of community inter- vention work, Dillon is well respected for her insights into the intersections between gender-based, gang and state violence. Prior to founding Back to the Basics, she trained other community violence interventionists on these connections, elevating their skills and confidence in addressing community conflicts that start with family relationships.
TERA HILLIARD
Forgotten Children, Inc.
FINALIST
Tera Hilliard has been faithful to the fight against human trafficking, protecting young boys and girls from being lured into human trafficking, provide a safe place for victims of human trafficking, working with our local law enforcement community in educating others about the dangers of human trafficking, and also training schools, churches, businesses and other organizations on what to look for when it comes to the dangers of human trafficking. She has done all of this through her nonprofit organization, Forgotten Children, Inc. for many years. Hilliard has been instrumental in inviting people to protest on the streets where young girls are being victimized through human trafficking. She believes the more we band together as one community, for one purpose, we will see more victims rescued.
GARY L. POLK
Polk Institute Foundation
FINALIST
In 2016, Gary Polk became the founder and first executive director of the Innovation Incubator at Cal State University Dominquez Hills. He created a business incubator that not only helped the students, but also entrepreneurs throughout the Los Angeles region.
In 2017, Polk created a new course at CSUDH called Entrepreneurship for Everyone. For the next three years, he taught almost 200 students. In 2019, after a successful three and one-half years as ED, Polk resigned and returned to his true passion, teaching full-time at CSUDH. Then, in March 2020, everything seemed to change for the worse with the pandemic. In July 2020, Polk decided to finish the job that was started with the Innovation Incubator at CSUDH, by creating the Polk Institute Foundation. At the Polk Institute, social entrepreneurship companies are endeavors that are purpose-driven.
ERIN ROSS
Girls Inc of LA
FINALIST
Like many organizations, Girls Inc. of Los Angeles struggled during the pandemic. CEO Erin Ross was hired in September 2021, charged by a largely new board to bring their once thriving programs back to life, reig- nite the organization’s fundraising efforts and set a new course for the future. A non-profit veteran with more than 20 year’s experience, Ross brought her strategic mind, fundraising prowess and deep understanding of the LA community and school landscape to help turn the organization around.
Ross’ layed out a new program strategy, intended to enable the organization to have deep, consistent impact with girls in key neigh- borhoods, rather than serving disparate com- munities throughout the city. Just two years later, school partners now use their limited discretionary budgets to pay for Girls Inc. LA’s services.
PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
ALLAN CUTROW
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
FINALIST
By day Allan Cutrow is a partner at the law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp (MSK), specializing in estate and gift planning, estate and trust administration, estate and trust litigation and dispute resolution, and charitable gift planning.
A recent accomplishment of Cutrow’s is the establishment of the Leaving a Legacy Estate Planning Program, aimed at making estate planning accessible to everyone, in conjunction with UCLA Law School and Bet Tzedek. Cutrow worked with Terrence Franklin of Sacks Glazier to play a crucial role in launching this program in November 2023, which is funded by Los Angeles County’s Department of Consumer & Business Affairs and The American Rescue Plan. Leaving a Legacy connects LA County residents, the majority of whom are women and racial minorities, with free, trustworthy legal and estate planning services, with the underlying goal of helping traditionally underserved families preserve and grow inter- generational wealth.
ROB DEUTSCHMAN
B Riley Securities
FINALIST
For over 30 years, Rob Deutschman has been a loyal and dedicated support-
er of We Benefit Children (WBC). Deutschman donates generously, volunteers regularly and serves as a board member for the organization. He has been the organiza- tion’s most impactful and consistent donor over its 35 year history.
Deutschman mentors leaders of smaller nonprofits and works tirelessly for the benefit of our community by working with a variety of nonprofits in various ways. He is a true example of what a modern day philanthropist looks like in 2024. Deutschman generously gives of his time and talents. At WBC, Deutschman is able to motivate other donors and supporters. WBC believes that having Deutschman as part of the organization has helped it to continue to have the positive impact upon youth in need across greater Los Angeles.
BOB FISHER
Pasadena Ice House
FINALIST
The esteemed former owner at Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena, Bob Fisher’s generous spirit reaches deep into the non-profit sector.
Fisher has donated countless time and money to many causes and organizations across the nonprofit sector over the years. The many nonprofits who work with Fisher collectively believe that it is time for him to be applauded publicly for all he has done to make the world brighter.
ALAN SIEROTY
Sieroty Company
FINALIST
Alan Sieroty has served the Los Angeles community as a philanthropist for several decades. His passion and generosity have helped dozens of organizations in California and nationally. As an elected official he championed legislation for the environment, disabled and children among many, many causes.
As a philanthropist he works to curb gun violence, to support housing for the home- less, has been a benefactor for the arts and supports charities promoting civil liberties and social justice.
BUSINESS ANGEL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
BERTHA AGUIRRE, MBA
Empire Transportation, Inc.
FINALIST
Bertha Aguirre is the president and chief operating officer of Empire Transportation, Inc. She started her journey at Empire as an accounting coordinator in 1996 and has played a significant role in the company’s consistent and strategic growth, leading to its success. It is through her business that Bertha became introduced to AltaMed Health Services. AltaMed is a Fed- erally Qualified Health Care Center with the mission to eliminate disparities in health care access and outcomes by providing superior quality health and human services through an integrated world-class delivery system for Latino, multi-ethnic and underserved com- munities in Southern California.
While Aguirre’s company was providing transportation services for AltaMed patients, she observed firsthand the array of unique services and resources AltaMed offered for patients of all ages. As a socially responsible business leader, looking for ways to give back to her community, Aguirre joined AltaMed to help further is mission.
DANISH F. KHAN
InvestCloud
FINALIST
Danish F. Khan’s journey from a bank teller to a pivotal figure in the Los Angeles community and beyond exemplifies his unparalleled dedication to leveraging his professional success for societal benefit. His extensive involvement across various non-profit initiatives highlights his commitment to fostering positive change.
For example, Khan’s role as board president of the Griffith Observatory Foundation has been transformative, bringing modernization and professionalization to the foundation. His strategic leadership in overhauling brand and digital properties, alongside spearheading special events, has significantly expanded the foundation’s reach. Khan’s efforts in securing high-dollar grants have set a new fundraising standard, directly enabling the foundation to provide experiential STEAM education to over 25 million Southern Californians, including a special focus on 30,000+ Title I students annually. He also serves as a strategic data advisor for CASA of Los Angeles.
SCOTT PANSKY
Allison Worldwide
FINALIST
For more than 23 years and counting, Allison Worldwide co-founder Scott Pansky has served the City of Los Angeles as a leading business angel who nonprofits trust to help turn inspiration into action, while corporations rely on him to identify social impact partners and lay the foundations for long-term cause-related campaigns that ignite their employees, clients and customer to donate or support volunteerism efforts.
Balancing big ideas with pragmatism, Pansky leads the California-based marketing and communications for the agency’s non- profit services group. Pansky also recently joined the board of the SIE Society, a leading global alliance in social impact and enter- tainment, after he and the Allison team helped launch the group’s Impact+Profit Conference at the Skirball Cultural Center in December. The event brought together corporate diversity and inclusion, ESG and CSR executives, nonprofit leaders and Holly- wood industry players.
FARRAH SMITH
The Maria Group
FINALIST
Farrah Smith spent over a decade working for one of the top ocean conservation non-profits globally as the director of major gifts and VIP relations. She managed a portfolio of more than 500 individual donors, top-tier foundations, celebrities and scientists raising millions of dollars to protect the ocean and marine wildlife.
Smith is currently the Director of Development for The Maria Group. She provides advisory and fundraising support for charities working on various issues, including animal welfare, environmental protection, education and youth enrichment. Smith is also a certified life coach, speaker, and best-selling author. She is a proud member of former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps, a TEDx speaker and a UCLA Bruin Professionals Network member. Her innovative approach to achieving peak wellness and success has garnered national recognition.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
DONNA DUTCHER
Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles
FINALIST
Donna Dutcher has selflessly dedicated her time, effort and passion to further the mission of Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC). Dutcher is a public servant working for the US District Court for Central District of California and has provided critical leader- ship and expertise to help MMCC achieve its mission to inspire ocean conservation through marine animal rehabilitation, education and research.
During Dutcher’s six-year tenure on MMCC’s board and efforts as chairperson for the last three years, have included leading the organization through a series of crises – the 2019/2020 financial crisis requiring transfor- mation of its leadership team; 2020 COVID pandemic causing operational modifications; and 2023 domoic acid event requiring around the clock response to marine mammal strand- ings in Los Angeles County coastline.
GARY HANSEL
Hudson Pacific Properties
FINALIST
Gary Hansel is the executive vice president of Southern California Office Operations at Hudson Pacific Properties. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Hansel has spearheaded efforts to donate fresh produce grown on Hudson Pacific’s office properties to local community organizations.
In August 2022, in partnership with LA Urban Farms, Hudson Pacific installed
30 aeroponic vertical tower gardens on the second story roof of our Los Angeles head- quarters. When Hansel saw the success of our first harvest, he set out to expand the program to multiple buildings across Los Angeles. The organization now has 100 vertical tower gardens and is growing 40,000 seedlings every year. The produce harvested each week is donated to community partners. Hansel takes time every Wednesday to transport and hand out fresh produce to veterans in need.
LISA KOLIEB
Akerman LLP
FINALIST
Lisa Kolieb, a partner at Akerman LLP, focuses her practice on land use and real estate development matters, guiding clients through the land use entitlement pro- cess. She represents clients in the commer- cial, residential, hospitality, industrial and nonprofit sectors.
Despite maintaining a busy practice, Kolieb exemplifies a deep commitment to volunteering. She firmly believes in harness- ing her compassion for others and her legal expertise to make a positive impact on the communities she serves. As an example of her dedication, she was top-ranked in the firm’s Los Angeles office for the number of pro bono hours in 2023. Her service to oth- ers has impacted various sectors within the Los Angeles community and beyond.
BILL MCGREGOR
McGregor Company
FINALIST
Over the past eight years, Bill McGregor has been overseeing the overall design, development, and construction of the Veterans Gardens project at the Palisades Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades. Veterans Gardens was a dirt field at Palisades Recreation Center eight years ago. Thanks to McGregor’s expertise and volunteer efforts, an unused and dilapidated area of a City Park has become a place of community, recreation, and respite.
Since its opening, over 925 Angelenos have participated in town bocce leagues. This experience has been accompanied by countless others who simply have enjoyed family gath- erings, picnicking or simply enjoying a break amongst the splendor of this leafy venue. None of this would have been possible with- out the volunteer efforts of McGregor, a highly accomplished architect and developer.
