Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Exploring the Heart of OC’s Vietnamese Community
Last week, members of OCCF’s Family Foundation Alliance had an exclusive opportunity to tour the Bao Quang Temple in Santa Ana as part of an immersive experience to learn about Orange County’s Vietnamese community.
We were warmly welcomed by OCCF Board Member Tam Nguyen and received tea and cultural insights from the Head Abbot, Most Venerable Thich Thong Hai. It was a meaningful time of reflection and learning in a truly awe-inspiring sanctuary.
Following the temple visit, the group gathered for lunch and spirited discussions at Brodard Chateauin Garden Grove. There, Vietnamese community leaders Virginia Nguyen, Ysa Le, and Dr. Sinh Tran shared powerful stories about the history, resilience, and vibrancy of the Vietnamese community in Little Saigon.
We are thrilled to commemorate a significant milestone: Shelley Hoss’s 25th anniversary as the CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation!
Shelley’s vocation has always revolved around serving the community, starting her path into public service as an intern at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation. Since then, her unwavering passion to create positive change has been the driving force behind her exceptional leadership at OCCF. Under her guidance, the foundation has achieved the remarkable milestone of over $1 billion in cumulative granting, making a profound impact on countless lives and communities.
Shelley’s dedication and vision have not only transformed OCCF but have also left an indelible mark on Orange County and beyond. Join us in celebrating her achievements and the legacy she continues to build – read more on her remarkable journey as published in the Orange County Business Journal at the link below.
HẺM Community Art Mural in Little Saigon Completed
We were thrilled to attend the Little Saigon community celebration commemorating the completion of the historic HẺM Community Art Mural. The completion of this monument marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese community taking roots in the United States (1975-2025). Located at Advance Beauty College in Garden Grove, this mural is more than art—it's a new cultural hub for families and friends to make memories.
Mural Highlights
135 community members aged 2-80 painted the mural.
1,380 volunteer hours from June 7 to August 29.
86 gallons of paint and 138 brushes used.
We are grateful to have been a part of this inspiring milestone and to connect with the Little Saigon community and invite you to do the same!
You’re invited to join us as we come together to honor the strength and potential of our community. Together, we will celebrate the remarkable progress we have made and explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Learn more about our impactful speakers and register for this exciting annual celebration at the link below.
OCCF Proudly Sponsors the OCBJ Women in Business Awards — Celebrating Women Who Move Orange County Forward
OCCF is honored to join 12 community partners in sponsoring the 2025 Women in Business Awards on October 15. This signature event celebrates the leadership, innovation, and impact of exceptional women in Orange County.
At OCCF, we are dedicated not only to advancing nonprofit excellence, but also to amplifying the voices and influence of women donors who are driving meaningful change across our community.
We invite you to read the stories of four remarkable OCCF donors whose philanthropy showcases the power of women to:
Think entrepreneurially and bring creativity to their giving.
Lead with strategy as stewards of lasting change.
Engage across generations, inspiring families to give with purpose.
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