Orinda Community Foundation Cofounder and Board Member Sue Severson is excited by the generosity of an anonymous donor who will match all donations to the organization through Jan. 15.
“OCF has the unique ability to bring our citizens and local nonprofits together in a synergy to benefit our community and ourselves,” says Severson. The group raises donations throughout the year, and then gives every dollar to the community to support a variety of programs.
Severson was Orinda’s mayor in 2009 when the city faced severe budget cuts. Asked by the City Council to explore ways to raise private dollars to sustain community vibrancy through the recession, she joined with fellow Orinda residents Richard Westin, Carol Penskar, Dick Burkhalter and Paula Goodwin to co-found the 501(c)(3) OCF. Mark Roberts, Ted Urban, Richard Stanaro, Sean Sabarese, Annette Linney, Carlos Baltodano and Bob Burt have joined the OCF board over the years as the program expanded.
Severson emphasizes OCF’s birth came at a critical time in 2010 when many cherished community events and programs (like the Fourth of July Parade and Celebration) were at risk of being lost. The group stepped up to rescue events, expand community programs and beautify downtown Orinda.
According to Severson, events sponsored by OCF affect the community in many ways: “OCF enhances the quality of life in Orinda by promoting community spirit and providing opportunities for all ages to learn, volunteer and serve.” The Foundation partners with many organizations to benefit the community. Among other collaborative projects, OCF partners with the City of Orinda for Orinda Action Day of Community Service; the Parks and Recreation Department to provide Concerts and Movies in the Park; Miramonte High School for NorCal Kids Triathlon; Lamorinda Art Council for Lamorinda Idol and The Orinda Association to sponsor Orinda Citizen of the Year award.
“There is collaboration and synergy among local nonprofits to maximize benefits to our community,” Severson enthuses before continuing: “OCF’s success depends on the generosity of our citizens. I envision OCF continuing its mission to enhance the quality of life in Orinda by fostering community spirit and citizen engagement, building partnerships, and providing financial assistance to support community activities, beautification and the arts long into the future.”
Donations can be made at OrindaFoundation.org, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 21, Orinda, CA 94563. Other ways to contribute are through www.PayPal.me/orindaFoundation, donations of stock, or designating OCF as your charity partner on Amazon Smile.
