On Saturday, October 24, the Working Wardrobes community gathered at the Hilton Irvine for The Great Opportunity Gala. With Roaring ’20s style and a shared commitment to helping others succeed, you turned a night of celebration into opportunities for people working toward meaningful employment.
Sips, Shopping & Speakeasy Fun
The celebration began in our Speakeasy Casino, sponsored by Tax Relief Advocates, where guests tried their luck at casino-style games and enjoyed a Golden Eagle Vodka tasting. At the end of play, guests traded their winnings for Opportunity Drawing tickets for a chance to win a weekend behind the wheel of a BMW courtesy of Crevier BMW.
Guests also browsed the silent auction and shopped The Gilded Boutique, sponsored by U.S. Bank. Thank you to eSG Luxury, JIVITA, Up North Rings, 1982 Candle Co., The Golden Monarch, Aqua Splash, Ymakim, and Casa Jovo Cigar Lounge for bringing distinctive offerings and experiences to the evening.
Honoring Our 2026 Suit Society
Over dinner, we honored our 2026 Suit Society: Karen Butera King of OC Women2Women, Nicholas Kmetz of Albrecht & Barney, Xandra Laskowski of OSEA Angel Investors, Lindsay Oglesby of Tax Relief Advocates, and Mark Steiman of Rady Children’s Health Orange County. Through their time, talent, and influence, these leaders champion our mission and help expand access to opportunity across Orange County.
Auctioneer Chef Jamie Gwen kept the energy high with a live auction that inspired spirited bidding and generous support for the people we serve.
Emmanuel’s Journey Forward
When Emmanuel took the stage, he shared what that support has meant in his life.
He came to Working Wardrobes in May 2024 while facing homelessness and the barriers of a criminal record. After hearing “no” again and again, he remained determined to build a new future.
With résumé support, interview coaching, a professional suit, transportation assistance, and help obtaining certifications, including his commercial driver’s license, Emmanuel approached his job search prepared and confident. Seven months later, he secured a full-time position with benefits at OCTA.
And he has continued moving forward. Since then, Emmanuel has earned his Transit Management Certificate, received a Safety Award for safe driving, and been recognized for going above and beyond. He is now pursuing a Leadership Certificate.
Your generosity helps make support like this possible. Emmanuel’s determination shows how far that support can reach.
Following his remarks, guests raised their paddles for the Fund-a-Need, helping more people access the tools, guidance, and encouragement to take their own next steps.
To every guest, sponsor, vendor, volunteer, and donor: thank you. Whether you raised a paddle, shared your time, or helped bring the evening to life, you contributed to something that lasts well beyond the gala. Your support helps people prepare for interviews, build confidence, and pursue careers that can change their lives.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful to the sponsors whose generosity made this celebration possible and whose support creates opportunities far beyond one evening.
Gold Sponsors: U.S. Bank, H&H Lee Charitable Foundation, and Windsor.
Silver Sponsor: My Sister’s Closet.
Bronze Sponsors: Apriem Advisors, Stifel, and Sunwest Bank.
Cocktail Sponsor: UBS.
Transportation Sponsor: Automobile Club of Southern California.
Wine Sponsors: McPrice Myers Wines, Kimberly & Chris Porsena, and The Leets Consortium.
Speakeasy Casino Sponsor: Tax Relief Advocates.
Featured Community Sponsor: BMW Crevier.
Table Sponsors: Automobile Club of Southern California; American Business Bank / Insperity; Bentley Advisory Group; Brown & Streza, LLP & Co-NetWomen; Enterprise Bank; JPMorgan Advisors–Maureen Flanagan; Leaderology; Optum; PIMCO; Rady Children’s Health; SoCalGas; StarCare; The Boeing Company; and Withum.
“U.S. Bank is proud to support Working Wardrobes because its work reflects the power of opportunity. The gala showcased how confidence, career readiness and a strong support system can help people take the next step toward economic stability and long-term success.” — Christine Ragos, Vice President, Alliance Field Sales & Support Leader, U.S. Bank
Gala Getaways Are Still Available
Your next adventure can help someone take their next step. Select gala travel packages are still available, giving you another opportunity to plan a memorable getaway while supporting Working Wardrobes.
Whether you celebrated with us in person or supported from afar, you can still take part and help create pathways to meaningful employment.
One-of-a-Kind Ties with a Purpose
Our gala ties are now available! Each piece is handmade by one of our own Working Wardrobes employees, transforming donated ties, jewelry, and embellishments into a distinctive accessory. By giving these donated materials a new life, every design tells its own story. No two are alike.
Find a piece that reflects your personality or choose a thoughtful gift for someone who loves something unique. Every purchase supports Working Wardrobes’ mission of helping people build confidence, overcome barriers, and prepare for meaningful employment.