By: Allison Hata, Photos Courtesy of Lia Stude

Orangewood Foundation supporters are part of an innovative competition to raise funds for the nonprofit’s foster youth programs.

For youth in foster care, every day can be a challenge. From educational disruption to a lack of opportunities to learn essential life skills, they must work tirelessly to reach their greatest
potential — one obstacle at a time.

In recognition of the daily hardships experienced by the foster youth it serves, Orangewood Foundation launched the Orangewood Challenge in 2016 with the help of founding event chair
and board member Paul Tobin. This isn’t your average nonprofit fundraiser: Team members must work together to overcome a series of physical and mental challenges that test their
speed, strength, and stamina. Taking place this year on Saturday, April 29, the event is equal parts fun, philanthropy, and competitive spirit.

“We’re a community of innovators who care, and I think the Orangewood Challenge just reflects hat spirit,” says Kendra Puryear, Chief Development Officer at Orangewood Foundation. “It's a
one-of-a-kind event.”

Back for its third year at Newport Dunes in 2023 — it was previously held on Catalina Island — the annual event will feature a bracket format for up to 20 teams of four. Competitors will go
head-to-head in timed contests such as archery, army crawl obstacle courses, shipping container climbs, and even brain teasers. But even if you’ve attended in the past, you won’t have a leg up on the competition. The events each year are a surprise to keep it fair and to maximize the fun.

In the end, though, everyone’s a winner. The April 29th event concludes around noon with a finish line party featuring live bands, including the Tijuana Dogs, as well as food trucks and activities for kids and adults. It’s open to the public and free to attend, with coffee stations and breakfast food trucks available during the morning hours if spectators want to come and cheer on teams completing the challenge course. While there will be opportunities at the party, the nonprofit encourages attendees to support their favorite team’s campaign and help
them win the fundraising challenge.

“The most important competition is the fundraising because it means more money goes back to our youth,” says Kendra. “Last year, Team Cliq, which was led by board member Andy Phillips
and his wife Susan, was the first team in the history of the event ever to win the physical challenge and the fundraising challenge. So they are the team to beat this year!”

To join the Orangewood Challenge, participants contribute a $2,000 entry fee and are asked to raise an additional $8,000. With team fundraising, sponsorships and underwriting, Orangewood
Foundation has set an ambitious goal of raising $1 million at the 2023 event. Funds will go toward Orangewood Foundation’s many programs and services for the nearly 2,000 youth it serves annually, including life skills and employment development, housing, education, and health and wellness support. Among the recent initiatives is a new restorative justice pilot program, working in partnership with Dr. Beth Cauffman of UCI and Orange County Superior Court Judge Maria Hernandez. Orangewood Foundation is providing case management for first-time felony offenders between the ages of 18 and 25 who are participating in the Young Adult Court program, with a goal of having their felonies dismissed so they can go on to live productive lives.

Beyond the upcoming challenge, Orangewood Foundation’s greatest area of need is for more resource parents to sign up for one of its other newer initiatives, the Youth Connected Program.
A State-licensed resource family agency, YCP supports youth who are part of the collaborative foster care model at Samueli Academy, living part-time in an on-campus dorm and spending
weekends, holidays, and summer breaks with resource parents who provide emotional connection, guidance and care.

“We've really been known for innovating new and exciting projects and programs,” Kendra says.“The Orangewood Challenge event helps us to remain flexible and make sure that we can
continue to meet the needs of our youth that change year over year.”

To participate in the Orangewood Challenge, sign up at orangewoodchallenge.org. For further questions and sponsorship opportunities, contact Chief Development Officer Kendra Puryear at
714-619-0201.