Get Involved

Our Story
For 30 years, KidWorks is bringing hope into Orange County’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.
Our Mission
Inspiring youth, fueling their growth, and catalyzing their impact in the community and in the world.
Our Locations
KidWorks currently operates from one main center and three spoke centers.
Our Team
Get to know the friendly faces who serve our students and their families.
Our Donors
We are grateful for those who walk alongside our students.
Our Partners
Partners support KidWorks in a variety of impactful ways.
Financials
Achieving results requires excellence and accountability.
Careers
Join our talented staff in making a difference in the lives of our students.

Contact Us

Want to get in touch? We’re here to answer any question you might have.

Contact Us

Program Success Strategies
Personal development & spiritual growth, college & career readiness, leadership training and academics are key to whole person development.
Preschool
Dedicated to building skills that are promoted through intentional teaching.
After School
Our after-school programs focus on whole-person development.
Youth
Placing youth on a direct path towards college, and hope for their future.
College & Career
We make an 18-year commitment to each student, from Pre-K through B.A.
Families
Teaching parents how to help their children effectively through education.

Program Registration

It's not too late to register for KidWorks programs and summer camps. Click here to sign-up and learn more!

Register Today

Pickleball for a Purpose
April 2027
Festival of Chefs
July 23, 2026 @ 5:00pm - 10:00 pm
Rosé on the Bay
September 16, 2026 @ 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Cars & Cocktails
November 12, 2026 @ 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Meet the Preschool Alum: Jesse Cadena

July 13, 2026

Jesse Cadena is used to doing life on his own. He’s a go-getter with a tendency to stay one-step ahead of the crowd, but asking for help wasn’t always part… Continue Reading

Give to KidWorks General Fund
Invest in tomorrow's leaders!
Give In-Kind
Throughout the year, KidWorks needs donations of school supplies, program materials, toys, and more.
Legacy Giving
Gift plans and bequests can create opportunities for you as well as for the children and youth of KidWorks.
Give Crypto
Donating cryptocurrency directly to KidWorks is more tax efficient and can save you money.

Your support matters.

We’ve outlined multiple ways to give—please choose the one that works best for you!

Ways to Give

Rosé on the Bay

September 16, 2026

2025 Event Photos

Enjoy an evening filled with food, wine and inspiration overlooking the scenic Newport Harbor. Wine, appetizers, live music and opportunity prizes
are all part of the experience.

Date: September 16, 2026
Location: Newport Beach, at the beautiful bay front Lido Isle home of
Dali Despotovic and Bob Olson
Time: 5:00-7:00pm

All funds raised will directly benefit hundreds of KidWorks students as they continue on their journey toward college and career success.

Contact lisa.gels@kidworksoc.org with any questions.

Rosé on the Bay Committee:
Sue Willett – Chair

Anne Clemens
Michelle Dillon
Mari Frome
Dawn Hewitt
Jennifer J. Martin

Christy Mason
Heidi Mendoza
Cathy Newton
Susan Sanders
Pam Shean

Kyle Team
Pam Terry
Ellen Wheeler
Annie Willett

Thank you to our Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR
The Willett Family

PLATINUM SPONSOR
Heidi Mendoza

DIAMOND SPONSORS
Cathy Newton
Susan Sanders
Arlene Silvers
Kyle Team
Whittier Trust

GOLD SPONSORS
Leonie Lumpkin
Patsy Marshall
Monica Mendoza
Julie and Justin Wilson

SILVER SPONSORS
Sandra Ayres
Kennedy Contemporary
Inspired Living by Nancy Eaton
Joanne Vuylsteke

BRONZE SPONSORS
Tammi Cluck
Sue & Gary Grant
Maxine Larson, Re/Max Fine Homes, Corona Del Mar
Susan Morehead

ROSÉ SPONSOR

*Sponsors received as of 7/14/2026

Thank you for your sponsorship! The last day for in-person event recognition is August 31. All sponsorships received after this date will be recognized online and in email communications.