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Anaheim Ducks and Orangewood Foundation Team Up for an Unforgettable Evening of Giving and Support
On March 1, 2025, Honda Center glowed in orange as fans, supporters, and hockey enthusiasts came together for the annual Go Orange for Orangewood (GOFO) event. Held during the Anaheim Ducks’ matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, the evening brought together the excitement of sports and the power of philanthropy, raising awareness and support for Orangewood Foundation’s mission to empower youth in the foster care system.
With attendees proudly wearing Orangewood’s signature orange in a show of solidarity, the night was a true testament to the impact a united community can have. While the game itself provided an exciting backdrop, Go Orange for Orangewood was about much more than hockey—it was about ensuring that foster youth have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
A Winning Partnership: The Anaheim Ducks & Orangewood Foundation
For more than 40 years, Orangewood Foundation has been a lifeline for foster youth, providing resources that help them transition successfully into adulthood. Through programs that offer safe housing, educational support, job training, and essential life skills, Orangewood ensures that young people aging out of the system don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
The Anaheim Ducks, owned by Henry and Susan Samueli, have long been dedicated to community outreach, particularly when it comes to supporting youth-focused initiatives. Susan Samueli, founder of 44 Women for Orangewood, an auxiliary group dedicated to fostering Orangewood’s programs, has played a key role in strengthening this partnership.
Each year, the Ducks dedicate a home game to Orangewood Foundation, rallying their fan base to support foster youth through ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships. The Go Orange for Orangewood event has become a meaningful tradition, connecting sports fans, donors, and advocates to a cause that changes lives.
This year’s event saw an outstanding turnout, with hundreds of attendees purchasing GOFO tickets, which granted access to an exclusive pre-game reception. VIP guests were also treated to a special post-game experience, where they had the opportunity to meet select Ducks players and learn more about Orangewood’s impact.
Pre-Game Celebration & Community Engagement
The night began with a special pre-game reception, where Orangewood supporters, donors, and community members gathered to network, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about the foundation’s programs. This event provided an opportunity to highlight key initiatives that directly benefit foster youth, including:
- The Orangewood Resource Center (ORC) – A drop-in center where young adults can receive basic necessities, job assistance, and case management support.
- Rising Tide Housing Program – A transitional housing initiative that provides stability for former foster youth, helping them gain independence.
- The Youth Connected Program (YCP) – A unique program designed to provide foster teens with a structured, supportive home environment while they attend Samueli Academy, a charter high school specifically designed for foster and underserved youth.
For many in attendance, the evening was an introduction to Orangewood’s mission, while for others, it was a chance to reaffirm their commitment to supporting foster youth. Regardless of how they came to the event, everyone left with a deeper understanding of the challenges foster youth face—and how they can help.
Game Night Atmosphere: More Than Just Hockey
As the Ducks took the ice, the energy in the arena was electric. Fans cheered as their team went head-to-head with the Chicago Blackhawks, but the impact of the night extended far beyond the rink.
Throughout the game, jumbotron messages, in-game promotions, and special video features reinforced the importance of Orangewood Foundation’s work. The crowd’s enthusiastic support was evident, with many attendees proudly wearing orange scarves, hats, and jerseys, showing their commitment to the cause.
While the Ducks ultimately fell to the Blackhawks, the true win of the night was the overwhelming support shown for foster youth. Events like Go Orange for Orangewood remind us that, win or lose, what matters most is the impact we make together.
Why Go Orange for Orangewood Matters
While Go Orange for Orangewood is a fun and exciting event, its impact reaches far beyond a single night. The funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations directly support Orangewood’s programs, ensuring that foster youth receive the stability, education, and guidance they need to build successful futures.
For many young people, aging out of foster care means facing housing insecurity, financial struggles, and limited career opportunities. Without a support system, they are at a higher risk of homelessness, unemployment, and hardship. Orangewood Foundation works to bridge these gaps, providing:
- Safe and stable housing for foster youth and young adults.
- Scholarships and academic support to help students succeed.
- Career readiness programs and job training to prepare youth for the workforce.
- Mental health resources to support emotional well-being.
By attending Go Orange for Orangewood, fans are directly contributing to life-changing programs that give young people the tools they need to thrive as independent adults.
Looking Ahead: How You Can Stay Involved
With another Go Orange for Orangewood event in the books, the work continues. Orangewood Foundation operates year-round, ensuring that foster youth have the resources, opportunities, and mentorship they need to achieve their goals.
For those inspired by this event, there are many ways to stay involved and continue making a difference:
- Donate – Every contribution helps fund essential programs that provide stability and support for foster youth.
- Volunteer – Whether it’s mentoring, hosting a workshop, or providing career guidance, volunteers play a critical role in empowering young people.
- Become a Foster Parent – Orangewood’s Youth Connected Program (YCP) offers training and support for those interested in fostering teens in need of a stable home.
- Attend Future Events – Stay connected with Orangewood Foundation by participating in upcoming fundraisers and next year’s Go Orange for Orangewood event.
For more information on how to support Orangewood Foundation, visit www.orangewoodfoundation.org.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or attending next year’s Go Orange for Orangewood, contact [email protected].
Together, we can empower foster youth, create opportunities, and build a brighter future—both on and off the ice.
