One Heart Gala in Celebration of Cathy Seelig

ANAHEIM, CA, October 4, 2023 – On Saturday, September 30th, Friendly Center hosted its One Heart Gala at The Ranch Events Center in Anaheim. The room was filled with 172 guests in attendance who, upon arrival, enjoyed a cocktail hour with a live jazz quartet. Dinner was prepared by The Ranch’s experienced culinary team, and Nick Arnette, the auctioneer for the night, helped lead the event to success with the live auction. By the end of the evening, over $145,000 was raised to benefit Friendly Center’s mission of providing stability, opportunity, and hope to Orange County children and families in crisis.

Friendly Center’s CEO, Cathy Seelig, was honored that night for her 25-years of service and awarded a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from Supervisor of the Second District, Vicente Sarmiento. A surprise guest, Annie Casas—the first Case Manager the CEO hired 25 years ago—brought Cathy to tears as she shared her story of first discovering Friendly Center when seeking services for her children and herself, became involved in volunteering there, and was eventually hired.

Orange County Board Supervisor Doug Chaffee was in attendance, representatives from Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento’s office, and city officials from Anaheim, Buena Park, and Orange. Sponsors for the evening included Chapman University, CR&R Inc, Cummins & White, LLP., Guaranty Chevrolet, Hamni Bank, Orange County Department of Education, Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second Harvest Food Bank, and US Bank.

Contact:
Mariah Martinez
PR & Marketing Coordinator
mariah@friendlycenter.org