Friends & Supporters

What is a StandUp for Kids - Orange County Ambassador?

An ambassador is an individual with an outsized capability to raise awareness for our mission to end the cycle of youth homelessness. If you or someone you know might be interested in carrying the torch to light up our cause, please email orangecounty@standupforkids.org. We're very excited to have current Ambassadors Bobby Okereke, Elizabeth Eddy and Steven Birnbaum.

Bobby Okereke is a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He went to high school in Santa Ana and played for the Foothill High Knights before playing college ball at Stanford. He was drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and recently finished his second season and started most of the season for a playoff team and Super Bowl contender.

He began supporting StandUp for Kids at the end of the 2020 season by leading a fundraiser where he pledged $1 for every yard he traveled on defense in a game. With fans joining in on the cause, Bobby helped raise over $8,000 to help youths in need. See the campaign results here and read the OC Register article featuring Bobby and StandUp for Kids. In February 2021 Bobby met with our youth and answered questions about mindset and determination.

Bobby's impressive on-field performance and off-field commitments to helping people are amazing and we're excited to have him on our team.

Elizabeth Eddy is a midfielder for the Sky Blue FC into the National Women's Soccer League. She is from Costa Mesa and went to college at USC before being drafted into the NWSLeague in 2015. Liz has had a prolific athletic career throughout her life and a big heart to help those who need it.

She began supporting StandUp for Kids - Orange County in November 2020 as part an awareness campaign for National Youth Homelessness month and used her voice to reach new ears and open new hearts to the youth homelessness issues in her native Orange County. She has also met and interacted with our youth and is excited to grow together with the organization. Read more about Liz's involvement with StandUp for Kids in Daily Pilot article here. 

Liz's "sparkplug" energy and drive are bringing help, hope and fun for our kids.

Steven Birnbaum is a defender for DC United of the American MLS League. He is from Irvine and went to college at Cal-Berkeley before being drafted 2nd overall in the 2014 MLS Superdraft. He is currently a captain and leader of the team.

He began supporting StandUp for Kids - Orange County in November 2020 by joining our youth in a virtual call where he shared his experiences growing up, dealing with adversity, staying focused and what it's like to be a professional athlete. He has used his social media platform to share the mission of StandUp for Kids and continues to find opportunities to support the organization. We're thankful for Steven's support.