On November 30th, 2023, StandUp for Kids and the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony among invited sponsors and business partners. The commemoration marked a milestone of StandUp for Kids OC: achieving 20 years of service to homeless youth in our community. The charming ceremony was held at our Orange County office, where guests were offered refreshments as they mingled amongst our staff and their colleagues. Staff members provided brief introduction of themselves and the work they do before providing a tour of the office to allow guests a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of StandUp for Kids.
As morning turned into afternoon, guests and staff gathered outside of our office to begin the ceremony. Rousing speeches were given as representatives from esteemed organizations awarded regal proclamations to our Executive Director, Justine Palmore. StandUp for Kids’ staff and volunteers’ commitment to ending youth homelessness was commemorated by the United States House of Representatives, California State Senate, the Chamber of Newport Beach, and County of Orange.
Following the cutting of our purple ribbon, guests were ushered back inside to indulge in a beautifully decadent Chantilly cake. To leave a token of their involvement behind, representatives and guests were asked to create a custom ornament to hang on our office Christmas tree.
The work done for our youth enriches our staff and volunteers ten-fold, as we witness their joy, their strive, and their success in overcoming homelessness and adversity. Changing lives is the beating heart of StandUp for Kids, and our impact in the community is a great acknowledgement of our efforts. However, moments like our ribbon cutting ceremony are especially meaningful, in receiving acknowledgment and gratitude from the state and county. Our Executive Director Justine Palmore graciously basked in a poignant moment of appreciation, surrounded by a supportive crowd.
Written by Glorie Lara