G I V I N G  B A C K

While working towards my own passions and goals in photography at Orange Coast, I was offered the spectacular opportunity of giving back to my community. Being able to work with charities that are making immeasurable differences in the numerous lives of families is truly rewarding. Though my inspiration lies in fashion, it is important to give back to your community, and to help build-up the fellow dreamers around you.

Enjoy the galleries below featuring local non-profit events //
Which causes are you most inspired by?
 

cystic fibrosis foundation // pipeline to a cure
huntington beach, ca // 7.15.17

The life expectancy for a person living with CF has gone from 33 to 41. What would you do with eight more years?

For three years in a row, I have had the amazing opportunity to be apart of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's biggest event of the year, Pipeline to a Cure. Over the last ten years, this event alone has brought in a few million dollars in support of adding tomorrows and finding that cure. Being around so many generous people and hearing the personal stories of those who are fighting this battle is truly humbling.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been so impactful in my journey as a photographer and human being. I was lucky enough to have this organization as my advisors for my internship program during school. Of course I gained experience and new skills as an event photographer, but this organization really showed me how important it is to remember to stop, look around, educate yourself, and put your efforts towards helping others, even if their causes do not affect your life personally.

cystic fibrosis foundation // pipeline to a cure
huntington beach, ca // 7.16.16

I was honored when CFF reached out to me again to be apart of their most powerful fundraisers of the year. Pipeline to a Cure is one of CFF's largest annual events, bringing in large-sum donations for the charity through silent and live auction. Hundreds of guests, as well as a number of VIP donors (Tim Salmon and Billie Joe Armstrong to name a few), came out in support of their loved ones, community, and the fight to end Cystic Fibrosis.

united way // thanksgiving food drive
orange, ca // 11.21.15

United Way is all about bettering every aspect of the community. Whether it be promoting education, providing affordable housing, or encouraging a healthy diet, this organization really covers all of the bases when it comes to working with those in need. For Thanksgiving, UW teamed up with some generous donors and were able to provide over 700 turkey dinners to families in need. It was truly amazing to be around such positive vibes and thankful hearts.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

cystic fibrosis foundation // 65 roses tournament
buena park, ca // 11.1.15

I am always impress with CFF's fun ways to bring all types of people together to support their fight to end Cystic Fibrosis. This event featured a golf tournament, silent auction, and a live auction hosted by Mike Scioscia! There were so many generous donations and touching stories. Always a pleasure (and wet eyes) after working with CFF. Truly touching how many giving people we have in our community.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

leucemia and lymphoma society // light the night walk
riverside, ca // 10.17.15

LLS has one goal: a world without blood cancers. Light the Night Walks are always beautiful events; from the hundreds of glowing lanterns, to the positivity and compassion between all of the attendees and volunteers. What an inspiring and refreshing experience to be involved with such a passionate group of donors.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

cystic fibrosis foundation // beach, brews, & bbqs
newport beach, ca // 9.26.15

This was CF's first Beach, Brews, and BBQs event and it was a great turn out! But how could it not be? With so many amazing restaurants and local breweries doing free beer and wine tastings, coupled with delicious free food samplings, CFF really knows how to bring the community together to achieve their ultimate goal: a world without Cystic Fibrosis. Though guests had the opportunity to participate in a silent auction throughout the afternoon, the Bid for a Cure auction was the most spectacular; no fancy trip given away, no new toys, no return at all, just true honest giving for the sake of a cure.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

leukemia & lymphoma society // light the night walk
anaheim, ca // 9.19.15

LLS is a nation-wide organization driving research to treat and cure numerous blood diseases, like Leukemia and Lymphoma, as well as blood cancers. Light the Night brought together families from all over Southern California, all sharing one goal: find a cure. Participants were able to represent those lost and those still fighting through the energy of the colorful glowing lanterns. Between all of the charitable support, being field level in Angel's Stadium, and all of the twinkling lanterns, it truly was a beautiful night of giving.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

united way // tocqueville society
laguna beach, ca // 7.26.15

Orange County United Way is a community-based charity that believes in the advancement of education, income, personal health, and housing for the less fortunate. Their goal is to not only enrich the lives of those in need, but to also create a stronger community with more opportunities to thrive. Here, new members were welcomed, success stories shared, and appreciation was given to the year's biggest donors.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

cystic fibrosis foundation // pipeline to a cure
huntington beach, ca // 7.11.15

Pipeline to a Cure is one of CFF's largest annual events, bringing in major donations for the charity through silent and live auction. Hundreds of guests, as well as a number of VIP donors, came out in support of their loved ones, community, and the fight to end Cystic Fibrosis.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

cystic fibrosis foundation // SUP event
newport beach, ca // 6.20.15

Research has found that breathing in the air closest to bodies of salt water can help the symptoms of CF. The foundation, along with the hospitality of the Newport Aquatic Center, has found an amazing way to promote awareness, health, and good ol' fun through SUPing (stand-up paddle boarding). It was so fantastic seeing all the families that came out with their little ones to spend a day out on the water all for a good cause.

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com

cystic fibrosis foundation // great strides 5k walk
long beach, ca // 6.6.15

This was my first event with CF; and the moment I was educated on this terrible disease. I had no idea that Cystic Fibrosis is something mainly children battle, and that it is nearly a death sentence for most people diagnosed. Being my first experience working with this charity, it was beautiful seeing all of the families showing up to support loved ons, friends, and neighbors. 

You can view the entire collection at occphoto.photoshelter.com