Basic Needs
Sam Cohen
For Sam’s 8th birthday, he decided he didn’t want presents, he wanted to give back. With the encouragement of his mom Cristine, dad Rob and younger brother Jack, Sam collected donations from friends and families by asking them for money instead of gifts. By his big day, he had collected $280.00 for United Way’s Community Impact work. Sam, Jack, and mom Cristine stopped by the United Way offices before a trip to the dentist to drop off the check. United Way employees filled the lobby giving Sam “Congratulations” and “You will be helping so many people in need” – his smile was enormous. Cristine was in tears because she was so proud of her son, and so “overwhelmed by the generosity of the United Way staff.” Sam left the United Way offices with a bear in tow, and pride to last all year. As he stepped into the car he looked at his mom and said, “I want to do it again next year.” He left the United Way team with the encouragement and amazement of what a small gift like Sam’s can do for our community when we all recognize our daily gifts, and choose to give back.
Education
Gerry Camacho
Gerardo Camacho has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana for over three years. He first became a member for service hours, but like many of his peers, everything change once he stepped through the front door. “It became my second home,” said Camacho. “I knew that I could always count on the club to be there for me, especially when I needed it most.” Gerardo took advantage of resources and programs such as the Junior Staff, Teen Philanthropist, Keystone Leadership Group and Toastmasters International. Instead of hanging out with the wrong crowd after school, Gerardo made a conscious choice to become a dedicated part of our Boys & Girls Club family. Being selected as the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana Youth of the Year in February has allowed Gerardo to become an even stronger individual, leader and role model. He is graduating from Santa Ana High School with a 4.35 GPA and will study at UCLA this fall, making him the first member of his family to attend a major university. During his time at UCLA, Gerardo will continue volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana. Once he has a well-established career as an aeronautical or electrical engineer, he plans to donate his time and money so that our youth can continue to grow and be successful in the future. Gerardo is the perfect example of how to LIVE UNITED. Robert Santana, Chief Professional Officer has gotten to know Gerardo and guide him through his successes. “Gerardo’s accomplishments prove to other Club members and members of our community that anything is possible with hard work, determination and passion.”
