Tilly’s Life Center To Honor Sammy & Kari Hagar of the Hagar Family Foundation and Adriana Flores of HLPUSD at the 10th Annual “I Am Giving” Gala
Milestone year of event marks the growth and expansion of TLC’s reach
IRVINE, California, October 23, 2024 – Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) is thrilled to announce its honorees for the 10th Annual “I Am Giving” Gala, High Tides and Good Vibes, which will be held on Saturday, November 16 at The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. The honorees, Sammy and Kari Hagar of The Hagar Family Foundation and Adriana Flores of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), have devoted generosity and support to TLC’s “I Am Me” youth empowerment program as well as the wellbeing of adolescents in the Orange County community.
The Hagars are dedicated philanthropists and have been longtime supporters of TLC and its program. Their goodwill extends into Orange County through The Hagar Family Foundation, a private nonprofit Sammy and Kari founded in 2008, which has donated over $4 million to community food relief and children’s causes. Sammy also graciously donates proceeds from his esteemed restaurants, Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill and The Cabo Wabo Beach Club at The Waterfront Beach Resort, to TLC and other local charities. Additionally, Sammy’s liquor brand has been featured at the Tilly’s Charity Golf Tournament and donated for auction items to benefit TLC. For their dedication and contributions to the community and TLC, Kari and Sammy will be awarded the “I Am Making A Difference” Award.
Adriana Flores, coordinator in special education at HLPUSD, will be awarded the “I Am A Peaceful Warrior” Award. Not only is Adriana passionate about working with students academically, but she also prioritizes their emotional wellbeing. She is a champion for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), which is the center of TLC’s curriculum and work. In her role as coordinator, Adriana, along with her district partners, brought TLC to HLPUSD in 2021, recognizing the need for innovative and specialized support for students through SEL.
“We are incredibly grateful for this year’s gala honorees and their unwavering dedication to the emotional health and security of adolescents. Their efforts amplify our mission and demonstrate to our youth that there is a community of supporters championing their well-being. These awards are our way of recognizing and thanking these true heroes,” said TLC CEO, Colleen Versteeg.
The 10th Annual “I Am Giving” Gala, High Tides and Good Vibes, will be a transformative evening that will help serve as a catalyst for change in the emotional and mental wellness of the youth in Orange County. TLC has organized an elegant and inspirational evening that will include live music from Vox DJs and Cali Conscious, thrilling silent and live auctions, a specially curated 4-course meal from Cabo Wabo Beach Club and empowerment for today’s teens.
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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 move past trauma, navigate challenges, 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.
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Media Contacts:
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Anissa Arefeen
469-733-8675
or
Ashton Maxfield
949-289-6493