Event Raised Over Half-a-Million Dollars to Benefit TLC’s Youth Empowerment Programs

 IRVINE, California, November 21, 2024 – Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) celebrated remarkable success at its 10^thAnnual “I Am Giving” Gala, High Tides and Good Vibes, last Saturday, raising an impressive total of more than $550,000 to support TLC’s youth empowerment programs. Held at the beautiful Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, for a sold-out event and night of inspiration, community, and celebration, the evening highlighted TLC’s mission to transform teen lives through social emotional learning (SEL) and mental health support. Guests experienced TLC’s impact firsthand through a preview of the curriculum, celebrated honorees Sammy and Kari Hagar of The Hagar Family Foundation, and Adriana Flores of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), enjoyed live music, gourmet dining, and exciting auctions—all culminating in a moving tribute to the resilience of TLC’s teens.

From left to right: TLC Founder Tilly Levine, Vice President of Academics Christine Carey, CEO Colleen Versteeg and Director of Development, Christina Morrissey.

The gala began with a lively cocktail hour, set against a breathtaking Pacific Ocean sunset. Guests mingled to the soulful sounds of Cali Conscious while bidding on exclusive silent auction items. Libations from Santo Tequila, Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktails, and Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, paired with delectable appetizers, set the tone for the four-course dinner that followed.

Inside the elegantly adorned ballroom, the program kicked off with warm welcomes from TLC Founder Tilly Levine, TLC Board Chair Dr. Adrienne Matros, and Training Manager, Beth LaVallee who guided attendees through an interactive activity from TLC’s curriculum, which demonstrated the power of spreading health and happiness—a hallmark of TLC’s mission.

Adriana Flores, Coordinator of Special Education at HLPUSD, received the prestigious “I Am a Peaceful Warrior” award for her advocacy of SEL and her efforts to bring TLC’s program to her district. “Adriana’s passion for the mental well-being of our youth is unmatched,” said Christine Carey, TLC’s VP of Academics.

In keeping with the High Tides and Good Vibes theme, Colleen Versteeg, CEO of Tilly’s Life Center, centered her speech around the lighthouse—a guiding light of hope for young people navigating life’s challenges. “Seeing our supporters stand together as symbols of guidance, safety, and resilience was incredibly inspiring,” Versteeg shared. “Their unwavering generosity allows TLC to shine brighter because no teen should face life’s challenges alone. Together, we have created a powerful tide of hope and opportunity for the next generation.”

The evening reached new heights with a spirited live auction, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a premium Las Vegas weekend to see Sammy Hagar perform his new residency “Best of All Worlds” tour with meet and greet, a VIP racing day at the exclusive Thermal Club with a private jet, staycation in a Presidential Suite at the Waterfront Beach Resort and a fabulous week in Tuscany. A surprise addition—a stunning original artwork by TLC student Julie—stirred the room, exemplifying the program’s transformative impact. Hezy Shaked, co-founder and CEO of Tilly’s, Inc. (NYSE: TLYS, “Tillys”) generously matched donations on several auction items, amplifying the night’s success.

The TLC students who shared how the program positively impacted their lives. From left to right: Kenny, Daniel, Julie and Clarissa

The evening continued with performances by musical artists Lola Kristine and Rafferty who took the stage to honor four TLC teens’ stories through an original song inspired by and dedicated to TLC’s “I Am Me” Social Emotional Program and its student participants. This heartfelt tribute gave guests a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the resilience of these students and the challenges they’ve overcome, made possible by TLC’s vital emotional and mental health resources.

The program culminated with a tribute to Sammy and Kari Hagar, recipients of the “I Am Making a Difference” award. A heartfelt video narrated by their daughter Kama—a former TLC facilitator—showcased their contributions to TLC and the Orange County community. To date, The Hagar Family Foundation has donated over $4 million to children’s charities and local food relief. Sammy announced an ongoing commitment to donate a portion of proceeds from the Cabo Wabo Beach Club at the Waterfront Beach Resort, to TLC.

TLC Founder Tilly Levine presenting Sammy and Kari Hagar with the “I Am Making A Difference” Award

As the night drew to a close, guests enjoyed dancing to Vox DJs and reflecting on the unforgettable evening.

TLC extends its deepest gratitude to event sponsors and partners, including Tillys, Red Rocker Brewing Co., Cabo Wabo Beach Club, Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, Santo Tequila, O’Gara Coach Co., U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs, Liquid Graphics, Direct Edge, Frome Family Foundation, Quantum Cars, Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC), Burkhart Brothers Construction, PGA Concrete and Construction Services, Maui Built Hawaii, AES Corporation, Metis Brands, LLC, Blue Sands Wealth, HOTWORX, Hodges Electric, Rick and Dr. Adrienne Matros, Jeff and Valerie Roos, Dr. Leonard and Adele Sender, Tom & Mary Richards, David & Karen Huffman, Ed Levin and Mindy Lauerlevin, Bob and Gina Villanueva, Larry and Beth Greenberg, Tyler Mahon, Brandon & Janet Pedersen, Steve and Karen Sisselman, Kurt Luginbuhl, Alan and Wendy Mandel, Sally Warren, Roger and Aileen Dear, Della Starman, Stephanie Lee, Laura Janney, Yishay & Shlomit Aizik, and Patricia Crane & Dr. Rick Nichols.

About TLC

The lack of resources and support for youth mental health services is alarming, especially considering the numerous and complex challenges our young people are facing today. TLC’s emotional wellness program is helping to fill this gap by equipping teens with essential life skills and coping techniques that combat issues like suicide, anxiety, depression, bullying, school violence, substance abuse, and addiction. Through its “I Am Me” curriculum, TLC empowers youth to overcome adversity and crises by developing critical life skills through a series of lessons that include effective communication, stress management, responsible decision-making, goal setting, and more. By providing youth with ongoing opportunities to apply different wellness techniques, including guided discussions, journaling, mindfulness moments, art, and role-playing, teens adopt a positive mindset, enabling them to navigate challenges, move past trauma, and thrive. 

For more information on Tilly’s Life Center, please visit www.tillyslifecenter.org and stay connected by following @tillyslifecenter and searching these hashtags #TillysLifeCenter #TLC. 

# # #

Media Contacts:
Master Plan Communications, Inc.

Anissa Arefeen

469-733-8675

[email protected]

or

Ashton Maxfield 

949-289-6493

[email protected]