History
.
The idea for FLOC was developed in January 2009 by Shawn Wehan, Mike McSweeney and a team of committed friends. They formed an organization in order that professionals and non-profits could better partner together in the community. FLOC was born.
FLOC HISTORY LOG
February 2011, interfaith Homeless Outreach Project for Empowerment (iHOPE)
FLOC’s February awareness event took place at the Blue Danube in San Clemente. Jowan Mothershead and Lona Flore shared iHOPE’s mission, vision and role in helping and serving the homeless living near Capo Beach. Following the talk, FLOC members signed up to serve the homeless over the next coming Saturdays through iHOPE’s shower services and homeless resource distribution.
“It’s not just the homeless that we serve, but also the working poor. But we are the lucky ones as we get to learn their story and engage in their lives.” Lona Flore
January 2011, Mental Health Association of Orange County, Villa Nova, Newport Beach
Event Video Event Photos Event Volunteer Experience
Total Volunteer Hours: 140
FLOC members began 2011 by gathering at Villa Nova’s in Newport Beach to learn more about the Mental Health Association of Orange County. FLOC member and MHA Board Member Wade Slome began the evening by sharing his on personal experience with the issue and encouraged others to get involved with the organization. Sandy Cusmano, MHA’s Director of Development shared the MHA mission, vision and role in the community. Darlene Powell ended the evening by sharing her experience of working for MHA and dealing personally with mental illness.
Two weeks later 35 FLOC members played a fun softball game with MHA clients from the group “What Ever It Takes” (WIT). The game was followed by a nice BBQ in the park.
“What you find with the mentally ill is that they can lead really productive and fulfilling lives when they get the proper treatment.” Wade Slome, FLOC Professional Member and MHA Board Member
December 2010, World Wide Opportunities of Organic Farms USA, Pub Crawl
107 Gift Donated $380 Raised for Charity
FLOCers celebrated the December holiday season with the annual Holiday Charity Crawl and Wrap party. 80 FLOCers attended the festivities which began at the Women’s Community of Laguna Beach and concluded downtown at Hennessey’s Tavern. During the evening FLOC members learned about the nonprofit organization World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) from the local director Ryan Goldsmith. After an organic dinner from La Sirena Grill, FLOCers embarked on a pub crawl involving 6 bars: Blue Laguna, Saloon, White House, Marine Room, Oceans Avenue and Hennessey’s Tavern. At each bar dollars were raised by bar patrons pitching into the “FLOC Holiday Bucket.”
In total, $380 dollars were raised and 100 gifts were collected for needy families. The gifts were later distributed to a Project Access sponsored community center in Santa Ana, CA.
“There are 1500 organic farms across the USA that are looking for host volunteers!” Ryan Goldsmith, World Wide Opportunities of Organic Farms
November 2010 – Families Forward, Emerging Professionals, Irvine IMPROV
Total Volunteers Hours: 60
FLOC partnered with the Emerging Professionals of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce for a laugh filled night at the Irvine IMPROV. 100 FLOCers/EPs attended the event which brought awareness to the nonprofit Families Forward. Later the attendees were entertained by comedian Ian Bagg. Following the event, FLOCers volunteered with Families Forward by delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in San Clemente, CA. “Families Forward has worked really hard to provide a recession response to the south part of Orange County. So many families have been effected…and people looking more like you than me are coming into our food pantry area all the time.” Margie Wakeham, Executive Director of Families Forward.
October 2010, Project Access — Newport Beach Sutra
Newport Beach’s Sutra Club hosted FLOC’s October event with Project Access. New awareness was brought to FLOC members concerning the variety of services that are provided to low income families in Orange County. Following the event, FLOC members adopted families for the holiday by contributing gifts. “100% of the individuals that we surveyed last year said that they felt safer in their communities as a result of project access being there.” Sondra Contino, Director of Marketing, Project Access
Court Appointed Special Advocates – September 2010
Sunsets was the bar of choice for FLOC’s September event with Court Appointed Special Advocates. Kendra Puryear, CASA’s Communication Director addressed CASA’s roll in the community and their commitment to advocate for Orange Counties abused and neglected children. During the month of August, FLOC members assisted CASA by helping to organize games and activities at one of its summer picnics. FLOC members also assisted CASA at its holiday party in December.
“It’s just me being there and spending time with her and I know she appreciates it because every time I see her she gives me a huge hug and her eyes sparkle. I know that just being in her life is doing something good!” Laurie Ellen Park, Court Appointed Special Advocate
AIDS Services Foundation of OC – August 2010
The Cliff House in Laguna Beach provided the perfect backdrop for FLOC members to gather and listen to the needs of the AIDS Services Foundation of OC. Members signed up to volunteer with the organization’s upcoming gala and other activities that would be happening in the fall.
“Our Mission is quality of life and prevention. You can volunteer and help make a difference.” Andrea Coulson, AIDS Services Foundation
Camp Footprints – July 2010
Talk about an amazing organization! FLOCers got to learn about the exciting work of Camp Footprints at Scott’s Restaurant in Costa Mesa in July. A small group of dedicated volunteers commit an entire week of their summer to helping mentally and physically challenged kids have a mountain camp experience of a lifetime. FLOCers responded by assisting the camp staff in the evenings by spending time with the kids and providing the staff a much needed break. “We were all drawn to this simple mission that there is dignity for all human beings, including children with disabilities and from low income families.” Mike Nguyen, Camp Footprints
Cystic Fibrosis – June 2010
Many FLOCers had no idea what Cystic Fibrosis was until Ex. Dir. Mike Shumard and his team of dedicated staff came to the Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo to share the amazing work of finding a cure for the debilitating lung disease. FLOCers responded by assisting with a wine tasting event in November and helping to bring more awareness to the disease. “Cycstic Fibrosis is an orphan disease. That means there is no money that comes in from the government or drug companies. This means it must come from you, from families, from supporters and people who encourage the research. We know we can’t do this without you!” Mike Shumard, Executive Director, Cystic Fibrosis
Corazon de Vida – May 2010
Event Video Event Photos Volunteer Photos
FLOC’s one year anniversary took place at Sol Cocina in Newport Beach. Corazon de Vida was the nonprofit for the evening and they shared their passion of making a difference for children in Mexico who live at orphanages. FLOCers had an amazing fun filled evening that was followed by a one day trip to an orphanage in Ensenada.
“What got me doing this kind of work was I realized when I needed it the most that there was a group of hundreds of people around the US who were supporting my needs. Either directly or indirectly providing funding or work so that I could have a great life, an education and that is why I am able to do what I do today.” Hilda Pacheco-Taylor, Founder and Executive Director, Corazon de Vida Foundation
Canyon Acres – April 2010
The Blue Water Grill in Tustin was the location of FLOC’s April awareness event. Canyon Acres works with abused and neglected children throughout Orange County. Following the awareness event FLOC members traveled to one of the Canyon Acres treatment centers to rejuvenate one of the many gardens located on the property. FLOCers spent the day pulling weeds, planting flowers and cleaning up the garden.
“Here’s what we do…we care about abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children. These children come from all over the county. Children who need healing, treatment, care, love and support. They come to Canyon Acres and they get the support they need there!” Clete Menke, Executive Director, Canyon Acres
Innocence Mission – March 2010
FLOCers learned the challenging truth in March that 1-4 girls and 1-6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 16. Executive Director Elaina Kroll painted the disturbing picture for FLOCers and urged them to get involved in the fight to preserve every child’s innocence. FLOCers participated/attended the Innocence Mission’s gala which took place in December 2009.
“Looking at the numbers a quarter of our children in our nation are being hurt and their innocence is being stolen because people are abusing them in very, very violent ways. When a child is being abused whether it be molestation, raped, incest or taken to the street and sold through trafficking …we are killing a part of them and it’s a hidden epidemic.” Elaina Kroll President and CEO
Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley – February 2010
The February FLOC event took place in San Juan Capistrano on the beautiful patio at the L’Hirondelle Restaurant. FLOCers learned about the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley and the excellent work they do to have a positive impact on the lives of children living in the local community. Following the event, FLOC members signed up to help a number of the club’s kids design and build a float for the local Swallows Day parade. Both the kids from the Boys and Girls club and the FLOCers walked in the parade and celebrated the day together.
“We see situations where kids don’t have money for shoes, students that need help learning English and they need support, teenagers that are about ready to fall off the tracks and they need help and they need someone to turn to, and that is what the club is there for.” Nicole Belair, Unit Director
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation – January 2010
In the midst of rain and the winter chill, FLOC members gathered together to drink wine and learn about the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Hosted by the La Maison Gourmet wine shop in Mission Viejo, FLOCers learned the challenges and needs of children who suffer from the life threatening disease of cancer. Following the event, FLOC members signed up to participate in the PCRF Half Marathon Run and Walk which takes place every spring.
“More children are affected by Cancer than any other disease there is…but we are here tonight to talk about HOPE! Thanks to research and organizations like PCRF, life expectancy has improved to 80%-85% and we are committed to work until we eradicate Children’s Cancer for Good.” Jordan Cross, PCRF Chairperson for the 2011 Walk, Run and Bike
OC Food Bank – December 2009
To celebrate the holiday season FLOC headquarters was turned into winter wonderland and decorated top to bottom with cotton snow. FLOCers were invited to frolic with friends, Santa and his lovely 12 reindeers. Recognizing that it is the season of giving, each FLOC member arrived with a bag of groceries, later to be distributed through the OC Food Bank.
WeROCK – November 2009
FLOC’s November took place at Hennessey’s Tavern in Dana Point where the entire bar was turned into a casino to raise awareness and money for WeROCK. Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, Andrea Kooiman, shared her passion for helping kids build their self-image through the discipline and challenge of running a marathon. As of yet, no FLOC members have signed up to join her running team, but together they helped generate over $1200 for the new non-profit!!
“A marathon is 26.2 miles and what we do is show kids that with hard work, determination, support from their families, support from their friends, that really anything is possible. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they look like…they can hold their head high knowing what they’ve achieved!” Andrea Kooiman, WeROCK Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board
Habitat for Humanity – October 2009
Event Video Event Photos Volunteering Photos
FLOC members got their hands dirty in October by painting and hammering nails into new “Habitat homes” in San Juan Capistrano. Sharon Ellis, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, inspired the FLOC filled audience at Tannin’s by sharing several moving stories involving injured US soldiers and needy families that have been placed in Habitat homes. Many FLOCers took work off mid-week to participate in the two day home build.
“Transformation doesn’t happen by itself, it doesn’t happen overnight, it doesn’t happen with one person, it is all of us as a community coming together and saying, I’m going to give up a Saturday to build or use my talents to transform lives.” Sharon Ellis, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Kids Konnected – September 2009
FLOCers got a special treat in September as FLOC member, James Ruiz, organized a gathering at Avila’s El Ranchito Restaurant in Laguna Niguel to learn about the non-profit Kids Konnected. Executive Director, David Peters, shared the history and development of the organization that focuses on kids whose parents are suffering from the burden of Cancer. Several hundred dollars were raised for the organization at the event and several FLOCers signed up to attend their annual Oktoberfest Gala.
“Unfortunately in the cancer community the majority of the money is spent on research and on the patients themselves, as it should be, but as a result the kids fall through the cracks. That’s why Kids Konnected is here and at a grassroots level we can make a difference.” David Peters, Kids Konnected Executive Director
Mission Hospital – August 2009
One of FLOC’s most exciting gatherings of 2009 took place at Ketel One Vodka’s hospitality center in Aliso Viejo. Mission Hospital was the focus of the evening and information about the nonprofit was delivered by Justin McIntee (Mission Hospital Foundation Director) and Susan Barricella (hospital volunteer). Inspired by their sharing, over 60 FLOC members signed up to volunteer and participate in their upcoming fundraisers.
“In order to provide our community with the latest medical advancements in equipment and facilities, Mission relies on the generous support of our community, both financial gifts and gifts of time are critical to our ability to provide the best care possible.” Justin McIntee, Mission Hospital Foundation Director
Laguna Beach Friendship Shelter – July 2009
Event Video Event Photos Volunteering Photos
FLOC’s mid-Summer gathering took place at Hennessey’s Tavern in downtown Laguna Beach. Executive Director, Dawn Price, of the LB Friendship Shelter shared with FLOC members her passion for working with the homeless and the need to support shelters in south Orange County. Many FLOCers had no idea that hundreds of homeless sleep on the streets of south OC every single night. Members were inspired by Price’s talk and signed up to prepare two large carne asada dinners for the shelter in the weeks that followed.
“Nonprofits really struggle to engage the next generation of leaders, philanthropists and volunteers, and it’s wonderful that you are putting yourself out there as part of that group. I can tell you that not every person of your generation is doing this…and so becoming a leader is something that can really help you in a lot of ways and I promise you will get back much more than you put into it!” Dawn Price, Laguna Beach Friendship Shelter Executive Director
San Clemente Ocean Festival – June 2009
Event Video Event Photos Volunteering Photos
FLOC’s June gathering took place at San Clemente’s swanky wine bar know as The Cellar. The bar was packed as San Clemente Mayor, Lori Donchak, addressed the FLOCers on the issues of leadership, community involvement and volunteering for the City of San Clemente. FLOC members truly enjoyed what the mayor had to share and over 30 members signed up to participate in the upcoming SC Ocean Festival.
“When we look at talent in the 21st century…you guys are the leaders on this. Basically, the future leaders are going to be media literate, they’re going to be a global citizen, and they’re going to be involved in they’re community. FLOC is totally an emblem of that third component and skill set. Thank you for having me be a part of it!” Lori Donchak, Mayor of San Clemente
Surfrider Foundation – May 2009
FLOC’s inaugural meeting was held on Wednesday, May 6th at Purple Feet in Dana Point. Executive Director, Rick Erkeneff, of the Surfrider Foundation was invited to speak to members about ocean conservation and the ongoing opportunities to protect our local beaches. FLOC’s new “MC” Carmen Estelle along with FLOC founders Mike McSweeney and Shawn Wehan, gave passionate speeches about FLOC’s mission/vision and their desire to see the organization impact the lives of young professionals and the community. As Carmen put it simply, “FLOC’s mission is two-fold, 1)Awareness and 2) Action. It’s that easy!”
Two weeks later 20+ FLOC members spent several hours cleaning up Salt Creek beach and then celebrated together with a BBQ at the park. Everyone had a great time!
“It’s exciting to have a young organization like this that doesn’t just shake hands and hand out business cards, but actually focuses on getting out there and really doing something!” Rick Erkeneff, Surfrider Foundation Executive Director
