Orange County Community Foundation celebrates 35 years with surprises

Shelley Hoss shared a story with attendees at the Orange County Community Foundation’s annual gathering in 2023, and the CEO moved the crowd with the tale of her family’s longtime connection with a soldier.

On Thursday, Hoss topped off the story by introducing that soldier, Army Master Sgt. Daniel Hadder, as a surprise guest at OCCF’s 35th anniversary celebration with a packed ballroom of approximately 750 people at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The two met for the first time in person this week, 12 years after Hadder received a letter while deployed from Hoss’ son, Sean. Hadder wrote back, answered the then-third grader’s questions and started a friendship.

“A small act of kindness and compassion can have a lasting impact on someone,” said Hadder, who said he is nearing the end of his time in the Army and plans to become a history teacher.

The introduction was among the highlights of the evening that also included a keynote address from former Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez, who discussed the evolution and importance of Orange County. The night featured the presentation of awards in honor of OCCF founder Judith Swayne to Miguel Hernandez, the executive director of the Orange County Congregation Community Organization, and Iosefa Alofaituli, the co-founder and executive director of CIELO.

Hoss insisted on topping the night off with something memorable and had a video sequence showing OCCF supporters similar to the one at the end of “Love Actually,” accompanied by “God Only Knows” performed by the OC Gay Men’s Chorus and bubble machines.