Celebrating 15 years of Foundation for Success

Thanks to the generosity of our longtime friends and sponsors, KidWorks raised $425,000 during our 15th annual Foundation for Success, “No Lunch, Luncheon.”

It was also a time for longtime friends and colleagues from CBRE and the TeaHouse Gang to reconnect at a reception held in their honor. Many of whom have been friends for over forty years.

As part of the reception, KidWorks honored the TeaHouse Gang, CBRE and Sharon Kline with the Dan Donahue Leadership Award for their longtime contributions to KidWorks.

A video highlighting their legacy was premiered at the reception

“Great CBRE employees like Sharon Kline and Melissa Ley, along with others who’ve supported KidWorks, really exemplify our commitment to citizenship in the communities where CBRE operates,” Kurt Strassman says, Executive Managing Director at CBRE. “It’s so amazing to see the impact this partnership has had over the years. I’m honored to accept the 2021 KidWorks Dan Donahue Leadership Award on behalf of everyone at CBRE’s Newport Beach office. “

“This ‘gang’ has a lot to be proud of; over the years they have raised over $8 million for KidWorks After School programs.” shared David Benavides, KidWorks Executive Director/CEO.

Adds Bob Howard, one of the original TeaHouse Gang members, “When one thinks that the Teahouse Gang started out by giving Thanksgiving and Christmas gift baskets to needy families in Santa Ana just over 20 years ago, and that now KidWorks’ annual budget is in excess of $3 million and impacts the lives of thousands of kids and their families, it literally gives me goosebumps.”

Bart Brown, another TeaHouse Gang member agrees. “I don’t want our legacy to end with the luncheon. My wife Lauri and I have included KidWorks in our estate plans to ensure that the next generation of KidWorks students are equipped with the tools needed to pursue their dreams of college success. I invite my friends and members of the community to join us.”