Linda and Mike Mussallem are dedicated Orange County residents, philanthropists, and co-founders of the Linda and Mike Mussallem Foundation, which aims to harness the power of innovation and integrative health solutions to address complex health care challenges and create meaningful, long-lasting change for overlooked populations in need. In 2005, in honor of Linda and Mike’s older brothers with Down syndrome, they opened the George and Bob Fund with the OC Community Foundation to benefit children and adults with Down syndrome. The fund has given over $25 million and has made contributions to local organizations, including the Boys & Girls [...]

George Folk is the Founder of Action Alliance Foundation (AAF), a nonprofit that provides safe recovery residences for homeless alcoholics and addicts, including those struggling with mental health issues. Drinking since the age of 15, George received multiple DUIs. In 1995, a judge gave him a choice – prison or moving into a recovery residence. He chose the recovery and has been sober ever since. Over the years, George noticed that homeless alcoholics and addicts were unable to qualify for a bed and decided to establish AAF to address the problem. In just three years, AAF has grown to [...]

Mohannad Malas is the co-founder of IRA Capital, a US real estate investment firm with $2B assets under management. He and his wife, Rana have a long history of philanthropy with a focus on education, innovation, and filmmaking. Mr. Malas serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of California Irvine where he established the Mohannad and Rana Malas Chair in Islamic Legal Studies at the Law School and is a founding board member of the UCI Beall Applied Innovation. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Claremont Graduate University, where he established a chair [...]

Ronit Benjamin is a passionate fundraiser, volunteer and community leader. Since 2018, she has participated in the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge, an annual ride, run and walk to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and its pediatric cancer partner, CHOC. In 2022, she was recognized as the top individual fundraiser for the Challenge, and in 2023 she raised $92,883, making her one of the top fundraisers. She has also served as volunteer chair for the event. To date, the event has raised $4.7 million to fund dozens of promising cancer [...]

In 1987, breast cancer survivor Sandy Sewell founded Circle 1000 to support the Hoag Family Cancer Institute where she had received lifesaving cancer care. After her experience, Sandy gathered a group of her friends and asked them each to donate $1,000 in support of cancer programs at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. The premise was simple: friends asked friends to donate, and donors were thanked at an annual brunch. No gala, no auction, just a circle of friends with a pure, heartfelt desire to give. Over the past 37 years, Circle 1000 has raised over $25 million for the Hoag [...]

Connor Wong and Wilson Song founded Sandbox Synergy, a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of innovative leaders and connects them with resources of local enterprises. As young entrepreneurs who launched a stationery venture, they recognized the barriers that under resourced youth faced due to lack of support. They organized Youth Entrepreneur Fairs with a mission to offer a no-cost, inclusive platform for budding entrepreneurs. They have raised funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Pretend City Children’s Museum. They hope to pursue the fields of Business and Economics and fight for equality through philanthropy and public service. [...]

As CEO of MVS, Inc., a leading healthcare supply and distribution company serving more than 500 care facilities for developmentally disabled adults, children, and seniors, Eric’s mission is to provide the highest quality products and services available to his clients, so that they can provide the highest quality service to the residents they serve. Eric also fosters his core belief in building relationships within the community, serving on the board of directors for several prominent nonprofit organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Junior Achievement, the CSUF Center for Leadership, the Passkeys Foundation, and Team Kids. Nominated by: Grant Goodman, [...]

For nearly a century, Southland Credit Union has provided a banking experience focused on Member satisfaction. As a not-for-profit institution, Southland exists to enrich its members’ lives and promote financial well-being. Its philosophy of “people helping people” guides everything Southland does, from its financial services to the investment in the communities it serves. Giving back to the community is a guiding principle for Southland Credit Union through both financial support and volunteer hours. Annually, SCU donates approximately $250,000 to community organizations, including the Los Alamitos Education Foundation, Casa Youth Shelter and Los Alamitos Youth Center and Children’s Hospital of [...]

PNC, one of the largest financial services institutions in the United States, is organized around its customers and communities. As a philanthropic partner in Orange County, PNC Bank pursues opportunities to support community organizations through charitable sponsorship, employee volunteerism, and grants funded by PNC Foundation. PNC’s signature philanthropic initiative, Grow Up Great® supports families, educators and community partners in providing opportunities for young children, setting a path for success that lasts a lifetime. The initiative underscores PNC’s belief that investing in the education and development of young children not only benefits individuals but strengthens communities and society at large. [...]

Richard H. “Dick” Pickup passed away in April but left a legacy of impactful giving. In November 2023, his transformational $50 million gift established the Richard H. Pickup Center for Brain Health at Hoag. Pickup founded Eagle Four Partners, a private equity firm specializing in hospitality, golf, lifestyle and residential real estate developments and facilitated the firm’s acquisition of the Balboa Bay Resort & Club and the Newport Beach Country Club among other assets. Dick’s gift to Hoag will help create comprehensive services under one roof to provide an extensive treatment plan for patients and their families. His family [...]