Meteorologists might have predicted stormy weather, but the clouds cleared just in time for the Orangewood Foundation’s third annual Holiday Tea.
On Dec. 11, 280 donors gathered to bring awareness and much-needed funds to the new Samueli Academy, a Santa Ana public charter high school that provides education to foster teens. According to the Orangewood Foundation, nearly half of youth in foster care do not graduate from high school.
Three generations of Orangewood supporters gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, Champagne, and a variety of teas and scones. Lupe Erwin and Sandi Jackson, the event’s co-chairs, greeted familiar faces in the crowd, which included the Olson family, Robert Procop, members of the Samueli Foundation and representatives from Saks Fifth Avenue.
The annual fundraiser netted more than $90,000, which will benefit the academy’s operations department. “The school wasn’t paid for with pixie dust,” said Anthony Saba, Samueli Academy’s head of school. “We have been able to do this because of the generosity of people like you.”
