Illumination Foundation raises $263,000 to support women who are unhoused at 4th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon
Geeta Grover, M.D., FAAP (Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon honoree); Mike Hunn, CEO of CalOptima Health; Kelly Bruno-Nelson, DSW, Executive Director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM at CalOptima Health (Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon honoree); Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Foundation (Photo Credit: Foto.Love)
Event Honored Industry Changemakers Geeta Grover, M.D., FAAP, and Kelly Bruno-Nelson, DSW
ANAHEIM, Calif., (November 14, 2024) – Illumination Foundation, an Orange County-based nonprofit whose mission is to disrupt the cycle of homelessness by providing housing and healthcare services to those in need, raised $263,000 in vital funds at its 4th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon. The event, hosted at the Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel located in Huntington Beach, on October 25, brought together philanthropic community members in support of an incredibly impactful cause. The funds raised will provide integrated housing and healthcare services to women in Illumination Foundation’s programs.
The Women’s Philanthropy Luncheon featured remarks from inspiring women, including Illumination Foundation CEO Dr. Pooja Bhalla and Associate Director of Family Programs Angelica Rios, in addition to community honorees Geeta Grover, M.D., FAAP, and Kelly Bruno-Nelson, DSW.
“Too often, we witness how a single event can result in homelessness, whether it’s a health issue, domestic violence or job loss. Many individuals struggle to afford rent, even while holding down two jobs,” said Dr. Bhalla. “At Illumination Foundation, we are dedicated to offering women and families the supportive services they need to recover from their hardships. By doing so, we create a stable community for them, providing essential support when they need it most. Our mission is to equip them with the tools and resources that will empower them on their path to self-sufficiency.”
Illumination Foundation served 6,947 clients last year and almost half of them were women. Among Illumination Foundation’s programs, the number of females served has increased by 67% in the last four years; the number of senior women has increased by 86% in the last four years; and the number of women fleeing domestic violence in its programs has increased by 49% in the last four years.
Rios shared her personal journey facing homelessness. She discussed how the experience helped to shape the passion she built for helping and supporting women experiencing similar circumstances and how it led her to her role at Illumination Foundation, allowing her to make an impact in the lives of many others every day.
A highlight of the event was recognizing Dr. Grover and Dr. Bruno-Nelson as this year’s community heroes.
Dr. Grover is a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine and a board-certified developmental and behavioral pediatrician practicing at the UCI Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. “I want to emphasize one word: opportunity. Circumstances that make it possible for us to flourish and thrive,” said Dr. Grover as she shared a touching story of an Illumination Foundation client who is a survivor of domestic violence and mother of two young boys – one of whom is a patient of Dr. Grover’s. “Illumination Foundation creates opportunities for individuals—children and adults—to thrive. I honor Illumination Foundation for increasing opportunities. I receive this award with humility and gratitude. I feel fortunate to do this work alongside fellow Board members and the staff of Illumination Foundation.”
As the executive director of Medi-Cal/CalAIM at CalOptima Health, Dr. Bruno-Nelson has been at the forefront of the organization’s partnership with Illumination Foundation. Dedicated to supporting transitional housing projects, CalOptima Health has awarded Illumination Foundation with two grants to support their housing and healthcare programs. Dr. Bruno-Nelson was recognized for her dedicated oversight of the agency’s main health plan and its further development through the statewide CalAIM initiative. “Illumination Foundation makes it easy to do good works because we have such a good partnership,” said Dr. Bruno-Nelson. “There is a strong trust and shared goal, which is vital to the impactful work we do and the numerous lives we touch.”
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed on the ocean-front patio – which was exquisitely decorated with flowers and shades of baby blue, representing calmness, serenity and innocence – to enjoy a champagne reception and “Rosé All Day” bar courtesy of Sojourn Cellars. While enjoying light hors d’oeuvres and mingling, the 155 guests participated in a silent auction with numerous intricately decorated holiday trees of varying themes including the Rosé All Day Tree and the Black and White Frosted Elegance Tree. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to win a wine cart.
Following the reception, the luncheon’s guests were invited to the Coastal Ballroom and Terrace for a three-course seated lunch, where they were greeted with tableside wine service and a seasonal baby romaine salad accompanied by freshly baked bread. The second course consisted of the choice of Chicken Florentine with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, cheese ravioli, grilled asparagus and a decadent sundried tomato sauce or an authentic Thai vegetable curry that brought the essence of fall to life. To end the meal, guests indulged in their choice of a lemon meringue tart or strawberry panna cotta.
Illumination Foundation extends its gratitude to its Platinum Sponsors, including West Coast University and The Haynes Fund; Gold Sponsors, including Bickerstaff Foundation and the Grover Family; and Silver Sponsors, including Farmers & Merchants Bank, Sea View Pediatrics, CHOC, Laurie and Jim Allen, Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson and Marc Carlson, The Wilkinson Family and The Helpful Fish Foundation.
Special thanks is also extended to the event’s Underwriting Sponsors, including Hollencrest Capital Management, allinantgroup, Gorjana, Worah Family Foundation, Karen Jordan, Jacqueline DuPont-Carlson, The Mirowitz Family, AllSkin Naturals, Linda and Burton Young, The Ferragamo Family, Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation, Illumination Foundation Gleam Team, Trestle Companies, Sojourn Cellars, The Chade Family and Teresa and Leo Razo from Villa Roma and Cambalache.
About Illumination Foundation
Illumination Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides targeted, interdisciplinary services for the most vulnerable homeless adults and children in order to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. The organization provides a full continuum of care from street to home, including case management, medical coordination, behavioral health and substance use counseling, and housing navigation to our vulnerable clients in shelters/navigation centers, family emergency shelters, recuperative care/medical respite facilities, and permanent supportive housing. https://www.ifhomeless.org
