KidWorks Third Annual Cars & Cocktails Fundraiser Will Fuel First-Gen College Success
by: Dan Pittman
Published: September 30, 2026
SANTA ANA...Nonprofit KidWorks of Santa Ana is revving up for the Third Annual Cars & Cocktails Fundraiser, its reimagined Foundation for Success luncheon - https://kidworksoc.org/cars
Set for Thursday, November 12 from 4 PM until 8 PM at a new location - the Ever Club in Tustin - the exclusive event will showcase exceptional classic cars, handcrafted cocktails, gourmet bites, meaningful networking, and inspiring stories of student success. The new venue also features golf simulators, a 9-hole chipping and putting course, and more.
All funds raised directly benefit hundreds of KidWorks students as they continue their journey toward college and career success. As new organizations are getting on board, sponsorship opportunities are available but limited.
Pat Donahue and Emily Mandrup
Sponsoring this year’s event as of Sept. 29 are: The PRESENTING SPONSOR is the Paula and Pat Donahue Family Foundation. The PLATINUM SPONSORS are ECM Management, West Coast University, and American Career College
The GOLD SPONSORS are Anonymous, The Frome Family Foundation, Todd Goodman, Heidi and Ruben Mendoza, Schriber Family Fund, and Kyle & David Team/Waypoint Property Group.
The LANYARD SPONSOR is U.S. Bank. The SILVER SPONSORS are Mary Kay and Mike Groff, PTS Marketing, Scott Pollard/Winslow Maxwell Charitable Trust, and David and Lynn Robinson. The RIDE SHARE SPONSORS are StrikeWorks and Oltmans Construction Co. The DJ SPONSOR is Merrill Lynch, The Julian Miranda Group. The BRONZE SPONSORS are City National Bank, Collaborative Therapies, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Johnson Plumbing, Sharon Kline, PNC Bank, Rutan & Tucker, LLP, and Smith and Severson Builders.
To learn more about sponsoring the event, visit https://kidworksoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cars-Cocktails-2026-Sponsorship-Opportunities.pdf For more event information, please contact Lisa Gels at: lisa.gels@kidworksoc.org
Members of the Cars & Cocktails event committee include co-chairs Emily Mandrup, who is KidWorks’ board chair, and Steven Miranda, a KidWorks board member, along with other KidWorks board members Bobby Gorby, Mike Parris, and Sahar Pugh. Also on the committee are Andy Bratt, Piero Broccardo, Will Cochran, Adrian Montero, and Dan Walker.
“We are delighted that Cars & Cocktails has become a signature KidWorks event, bringing together business leaders, community partners, and philanthropists for an unforgettable evening,” said KidWorks Executive Director/CEO David Benavides.
“Generous donors have a unique opportunity to invest in the future workforce of Orange County by equipping Santa Ana youth with the skills, education, and leadership training needed to become the next generation of business and community leaders.”
KidWorks is devoted to providing students in overlooked neighborhoods in central Santa Ana with holistic programs and experiences to become leaders both in and out of the classroom.
KidWorks goes the extra mile for the community, creating an environment for youth to unleash their potential with mentorship and leadership development resources for the entire family. Its diverse programs, coupled with intentional guidance, fuel internal growth and set KidWorks students up for a meaningful and fulfilling future and career. For over 10 years, 100% of KidWorks seniors have graduated high school on time and continued to higher education.
To learn more about KidWorks and to read our success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org.