Orange County FLOCers

The Future Leaders of Our Community (FLOC) was established in May of 2009 in response to the need for a community-based organization that bridged the gap between young professionals and nonprofits; the impetus was spawned by the lack of accessible volunteer opportunities, relevant awareness events that invited direct action and inspired leadership.  A motivated team of young professionals led by Shawn Wehan and Mike McSweeney in Orange County, California, organized to address the need and in time formed the new nonprofit corporation that received its tax-exempt status in November 2010.

Since its inception FLOC has discovered great success and has partnered with over 80 nonprofits in Orange County, assisting to their needs by engaging thousands of young professionals in their causes and creating hundreds of volunteer opportunities.

In July of 2011 FLOC expanded into Los Angeles and San Diego…setting the foundation to expand into other cities including Phoenix, San Francisco, Denver and Seattle.  In the course of expansion FLOC has partnered with many local and national businesses, foundations, private donors and civic leaders; setting the stage for a FLOC National Office that will operate to support nonprofits across the United States and beyond.  FLOC remains a young organization with an excellent vision and mission for inspiring young professionals.

Some of FLOC’s Past Events:

• April 2012, The Wooden Floor and Hailey’s House

  April’s FLOC event took place at French 75 in Laguna Beach.  Hailey’s House Founders Tom and Kisha Maher shared their passion for the organization and the work they are doing to create a home for teenagers girls (watch video).  Next, Keegan Bell, Development Director of the Wooden Floor shared the organization’s mission to give 375 underserved local youth the tools to live fuller, healthier lives, through a unique approach grounded in dance (watch video).  Special thank you to the Law Firm of DiMarco, Araujo & Montevideo for sponsoring the evening.  Following the event, FLOC members signed up to volunteer and assist both the Wooden Floor and Hailey’s House.

  “The Wooden Floor is not a dance school.  We use dance as a transformational agent.”  Keegan Bell, The Wooden Floor Development Director

  “There’s power in someone who you can talk to…someone who believes in you…and that can be a turning point in someones life…and that’s what Hailey’s House is all about.”  Kisha and Tom Maher, Founders of Hailey’s House

   

  March 2012, Miracles for Kids

  

  March’s FLOC event took place at the comedy club The Improv in Irvine.  Miracles for Kids Founder and President Autumn Strier shared her passion for the organization and the work they do to improve the lives of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  Following the meeting, FLOCers listened to 5 comedians including headliner Adam Hunter.  Special thank you to the Law Firm of DiMarco, Araujo & Montevideo for sponsoring the evening and helping us all have a good laugh.  Following the event, FLOC members signed up to volunteer and assist Miracles for Kids.

  “At Miracles for Kids, we are a big family and a group that just tries to do one simple thing in our community, our goal is to provide aid to low-income families who currently have ill children.  This last year we served over 268 families and over 100 different diseases.  Autumn Strier, Miracles for Kids Founder and President                   Watch the Video of the Event to Learn More!

• February 2012, Illumination Foundation

  February’s FLOC event marked the 2nd annual Mardi Gras party taking place at Muldoonsin Newport Beach.  Along with throwing beads, the Illumination Foundation‘s Communication Director Sheryl Overman and Executive Director Paul Leon shared their passion for the organization and the work they do to bridge the gap in existing services for the most underserved…breaking or preventing the cycle of homelessness.

  “The average age of a homeless person living here in Orange County is 10 years old.  Currently the data shows that we have 28,000 students living in unstable homeless environments.  With that in mind, the Illumination Foundation was formed and began working on Housing, Medical and Outreach!”  Sheryl Overman Illumination Foundation Communications Director

• January 2012, Women Helping Women ~ Men 2 Work

  January’s FLOC event took place at Rock N’ Fish in Laguna Beach.  Women Helping Women/Men2Work’s Associate Director Brateil Aghasi shared her passion for the organization and the work they do to provide comprehensive employment support services to empower disadvantaged men, women and teens in reaching economic self- sufficiency.  Following the meeting, FLOCers signed up to volunteer at a special “shopping Saturday” event.

  “The gentlemen and women that walk out of our office dream bigger for themselves. When people walk out of our shop they are confident and they feel that they are ready for their job.   …Personally, I searched for an organization that could provide financial literacy and make a difference…and that is what WHW does.” Brateil Aghasi Associate Director Women Helping Women/Men2Work

• December 2011, FLOC Holiday Crawl

  

  FLOCers celebrated the December holiday season with the 2nd 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 Big Fish.  During the evening FLOC members learned about the work of FLOC in 2011 including expansion into Los Angeles and San Diego as well as achieving over 22,000 hours of volunteer work.  After a tasty dinner from sponsors North Gate Market, Sullivan Solar Power, Brian Curruthers & Associates, OCWEEKLY Magazine, Karma Tiquila, Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, Whatadish & Tripping Billies Band, FLOCers embarked on a pub crawl involving 6 bars: Hennessey’s, The Royal Hawaiian, The White House, The Saloon and Big Fish.

  The event was a fundraiser for FLOC and over $2500 dollars were contributed to FLOC’s work in the community.

  The gifts donated at the event were later distributed to a Project Access and America On Track

  • 250 Gifts Donated
  • $2500 Raised for Charity

   

• November 2011, Cure Duchenne

  November’s FLOC event took place at the Microsoft Store at Fashion Island in Costa Mesa.  Cure Duchenne‘s Office Manager Sue Sales shared her passion for the organization and the work they to determine the most viable research projects, accelerate the clinical trial process, and bring potential life-saving drugs to help this generation of Duchenne boys.  Following the event, FLOC members signed up to volunteer and walked over to Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill for continued conversation and drinks.

  “Duchenne is a deadly disease in children.  1 out of 3500 male birth results in this disease.  Currently there is no cure.  However, there is lack of funding for research and we are doing our part to raise as much money as we can.”  Sue Sales, Office Manager Cure Duchenne

  October 2011, Ronald McDonald House

  Octobers’s FLOC event took place at Andrei’s in Irvine.  The Ronald McDonald House volunteer Jonathan Varenchik shared his passion for the organization and the work they do to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children.  Following the meeting, FLOCers signed up to be members of “Young Friends of the House,” which is a young adult group focused to help RMH.

  “We are a home away from home for children with life-threatening illnesses.  Its really hard for families, as many of them live thousands of miles away, and sometimes their child needs to be at the hospital for a year.  RMH provides a space for these families to be together and to support one another during a difficult time.” Jonathan Veranchik, RMH Volunteer

• September 2011, Taller San Jose

  September’s FLOC event took place at Hennessey’s in Laguna Beach.  Taller San Jose‘s Executive Director Shawna Smith shared her passion for the organization and the work they do to walk young people out of poverty by offering the hope of a productive and self-reliant future.  Following the meeting, FLOCers signed up to volunteer and to be a member of the race team at the PCRF walk in May.

  “At Taller San Jose we fix young lives that got broken early. And our job is really to walk young people out of poverty and we believe that a really effective way to do that is giving them skills that help them enter employment at a living wage.” Shawna Smith, Taller San Jose Executive Director

• August 2011, Fish For Life

  August’s FLOC event took place at the Landmark Restuarant in Corona Del Mar.  Fish For Life Executive Director Jim Holden shared his passion for the organization and the work they do to impact the lives of special needs children.  Following the meeting, FLOCers signed up to volunteer for an upcoming fishing day taking place in Dana Point Harbor.

  “I tell you what, the response from the families is incredible.  To do something as normal of fishing to honor these kids and the synergy of brining all together is amazing.  We hope you can be a part of this amazing organization!” Jim Holden, Fish For Life Executive DirectorRobin Sinclair Boys Hope Girls Hope Executive Director

• July 2011, Mauli Ola Foundation

  

  The July 2011 FLOC awareness event took place in Dana Point at Mahe’s Restaurant.  FLOCers learned about the Mauli Ola Foundation and the excellent work they do to impact the lives of children suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.

  “We take kids who have cystic fibrosis out surfing with professional surfers and accredited surf schools…and the children are breathing easier, their lung functions are up, less hospitalization and their self-esteem is raised!” Bobby Serna, Surf Experience

• June 2011, America On Track

  June’s FLOC event took place at the Blue Water Grille in Tustin.  America On Track Program Director Olga Sanchez shared her passion for the organization and the work they do to improve the social conditions of undeserved children and families. This is done by providing them with a support system and life-transforming programs that focus on mentoring, youth asset building, academic achievement, health and fitness, gang and drug prevention, and leadership.  Following the meeting, FLOCers signed up to volunteer and to further support the organization.  Later in the year FLOC supplied over 150 toys for America On Track kids for the holidays.

  “We can do so much for children by volunteering, by spending time with them, by helping them believe in themselves, by letting them know…yes you can!  Yes you can make good decisions, move through education and have a career and life you love.” Olga Sanchez, Program Coordinator for America On Track

• May 2011, FLOC’s 2 Year Anniversary

  May 2011 marked FLOC’s 2nd year anniversary.  FLOCers gathered at Scott’s seafood in Costa Mesa to throw dice, socialize and celebrate the 50 nonprofit partners that FLOC has worked with over the last two years.  During the meeting Executive Director, Shawn Wehan was given a new laptop apple computer and raffle tickets were pulled for numerous prizes.

  “I can’t say how thankful I am to our staff, our board, our members, our nonprofit partners, our financial supporters, our business partners, the restaurants and all those who make this organization run.  You are the true champions of the community.  Thank you!” Shawn Wehan, Executive Director, FLOC

• April 2011, Boys Hope Girls Hope

  April’s FLOC event took place at the Regatta Cafe and Lido Theater in Newport Beach.  Boys Hope Girls Hope Executive Director Robin Sinclair shared her passion for the organization and the work they do to impact the lives of at risk youth.  Following the meeting, FLOCers piled into Lido Theater to watch the inspirational movie “Soul Surfer.”  To say the least, it was a major tear jerker.  FLOC raised $850 for BHGH at the event which will go towards a backyard refurbish, bench and dinner party with members of BHGH and FLOCers.

  “We provide hope in the form of residential, stable, loving environments for “stars,” teens with tremendous potential.  We provide the opportunity of an incredible education and our goal is to get these kids to college and to break the cycle of poverty for their families.” Robin Sinclair Boys Hope Girls Hope Executive Director

• March 2011, Big Brother Big Sisters of Orange County

  FLOC partnered with the Young Professional Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters for a super fun March Mardi Gras party.

  • Over 100 people walked through the door wearing bight masks and colorful outfits.
  • Jamie Grant, Joshua Flatt and Matt D’Abusco shared their passion for the organization and the need for new volunteers/mentors.
  • The event raised $1100 for BBBS and helped fund a “Big Day” at boomers with 25 volunteers and 25 children/teens!

  “There are over 125 thousand children in single family homes right now in OC.  We have so much more to do and we need you guys!” Jamie Grant BBBS

• 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

  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

  • Total Volunteer Hours: 140

• December 2010,  World Wide Opportunities of Organic Farms USA, Pub Crawl

  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

  • 107 Gift Donated
  • $380 Raised for Charity

• November 2010 – Families Forward, Emerging Professionals, Irvine IMPROV

  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.

  • Total Volunteers Hours: 60

• 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

  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

  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

  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

  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 21^st 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 6^th 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