In The News

Irvine Girl Scouts Are Girl Scout Cookie Super Sellers


Back row, left to right:  Madellynn Lockhart (1,272 packages), Trinity Brewer (1,074 packages), Ashley Hendrix (1,100 packages), Keely McCarthy (1,350 packages), Lauren Mei (1,054 packages), Mackenzie Tordoff (1,052 packages).  Front row left to right:  Rebecca Linker (1,076 packages), Quin Wardlaw (top seller with 1,375 packages), Natalie Westfall (1,100 packages).

Irvine Girl Scouts sold more than 166,000 packages of Girl Scout cookies in 2013, an increase of 2.6% from last year, with 1,090 young women in more than 100 troops participating. Girl Scout Cookies are an icon of American culture. For nearly 100 years, Girl Scouts, with the enthusiastic support of their families, have helped ensure the success of the annual sale.  From its earliest beginnings to its current popularity, selling Girl Scout Cookies has helped girls have fun, develop valuable life skills, and make their communities a better place. These efforts contributed more than $346,000 to Girl Scouts of Orange County.   And because of the troop sharing program, Irvine troops also earned more than $120,000 to use on Girl Scouting.

275 Super Seller Girl Scouts, with cookie sales of 200 packages or more, were thanked on Wednesday, May 15th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  These young women sold 93,770 packages, or 56% of the boxes sold by Irvine Girl Scouts.  This was a 5.6% increase from 2012 and 60% since the recognition program began in 2009.  Irvine Girl Scout Super Sellers sold an average of 341 packages each. 

For the second year in a row, the top seller is Quin Wardlaw, a 5th grader at Santiago Hills Elementary, sold 1,375 packages.  She said the secret to her selling success is maintaining her customer list from the prior years’ sales.  Since 2010, Quin has sold 4,637 packages!

Not alone in the thousand packages club, Quin was joined by Keely McCarthy (1,350 packages), Madellynn Lockhart (1,272 packages), Natalie Westfall (1,100 packages), Ashley Hendrix (1,100 packages), Rebecca Linker (1,076 packages), Trinity Brewer (1,074 packages), Emily Ozima (1,067 packages), Lauren Mei  (1,054 packages) and Mackenzie Tordoff (1,052 packages).    The top 10 sellers, each with more than one thousand packages sold, totaled 11,496 packages or 7% of all Irvine packages sold! 

Rebecca Linker, a Cadette Girl Scout shared one tip – location, location, location.  She sells Girl Scout cookies at a science fiction convention that attracts people from all over the world. Linker reports “ I have had the opportunity to meet Girl Guides from several different countries who happen to share my interest in sci fi, as well as scouting/guiding. To them, Girl Scout Cookies are "legendary," and they have been the source of many sales, plus fun discussions over the differences and similarities in the respective programs, as well as a source of several new friends.”

Displaying Girl Scout character, Katie Miyadi, , a Brownie, reported that she stood in the rain on National Girl Scout Cookie Day selling at a local El Pollo Loco.  Customers asked her why she was standing in the rain selling cookies.  Her response?  “A Girl Scout always keeps her promises!”

There are always funny stories during the Girl Scout cookie sale.  This year, Megan Kosai, a Junior, reported that AAA came to unlock her mom’s car with the garage’s Girl Scout Cookie order.  Her mom, Marissa, explained to the agent that help was needed in a hurry, because she and her daughters didn’t want to be late to a Girl Scout cookie booth sale.  The driver drove away eating his Thin Mints.

Finally, Makenna Chung a Daisy Girl Scout, and her mother Carolyn told the audience that Girl Scout Cookies has increased Makenna’s confidence.  At the beginning of the sale, Makenna was shy, hesitant to ask her customers to purchase Girl Scout cookies.  By the end of Makenna’s door to door efforts, she told her mom, “I can do this Mom!”

When a Girl Scout sells cookies, she’s doing more than just handing over a box. She’s creating a plan, interacting with customers, and working as part of a team. She’s building a lifetime of skills and confidence. Selling cookies teaches goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—aspects essential to leadership, to success, and to life.

Girl Scouts of Orange County is providing a safe environment for nearly 23,000 girls to develop their talents and leadership skills and grow up to be strong, healthy and happy women. Girl Scouts Work – a recent study showed that women who were Girl Scouts when they were young have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes that non- alumnae.

Girl Scouts Leads the Way for Gender-Balanced Leadership with Voice for Girls 2013

Nearly 150 Orange County business and community leaders came together with local girls on Friday, May 10 at the Pacific Club for a lively discussion on the strategic case for women’s leadership.  Voice for Girls 2013, hosted by Girl Scouts of Orange County and sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, featured a keynote address by acclaimed author and leadership expert Sally Helgesen, an interactive panel with Orange County girls, and voices of local leaders.

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This is the second year that Girl Scouts of Orange County has hosted Voice for Girls to rally the community around support for girls and their leadership potential.  This year’s event honed in on the unique strengths that women bring to the workplace and why those strengths are critical to the success of today’s organizations. 

“The really great news is that girls today are educated and they want to lead,” shared Nancy Nygren, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County.  “The potential for women to hold their share of leadership positions across all sectors is high…but society needs to catch up.  I’m pleased to see so many Orange County leaders joining us today to stand up for girls and make real changes in the way we view women in the workplace.”

Acclaimed author and leadership expert Sally Helgesen shared how “the female vision” – what women notice, what they value, and how they connect the dots – constitutes women’s most powerful asset in the workplace and what companies must do to engage, energize and support talented women.  AirUCI Dept. of Chemistry Project Scientist Dr. Lisa Wingen shared how she sees women in her field succeed because of their natural curiosity to find out how things work, and Assemblyman Don Wagner from the 68th Assembly District discussed the critical role women play in politics.

Five Orange County Girl Scouts participated in an interactive panel, sharing with Orange County business leaders  how they are already using skills like building and leveraging relationships, organization, and goal-setting to make a difference in their community.  Urmila Janardan, a 12th grade Girl Scout, is working to bring back the journalism program at Trabuco Hills High School.  She found that the school newspaper brought her community together, and she recruited other students, lobbied the school administration, and found a teacher interested in teaching the journalism class.  Although Urmila won’t be at Trabuco Hills High School next year to participate in the program because she’ll be attending UCLA as a freshman in the fall, she is committed to bringing the program back because she believes it’s critical for students approaching voting age to be able to express their thoughts and concerns about the world around them.

After the panel, the girls posed questions to Orange County leaders to glean insight into the local leadership landscape.  Business and community leaders then had the opportunity to ask questions of the future leaders and learn more about what they need to be successful in the workplace.  The girls shared their perspectives on everything from education (girls need more opportunities to explore STEM fields) to their personal challenges with taking on leadership roles.

Orange County business leaders joined the conversation in support of gender balanced leadership.  “Voice for Girls has raised the awareness of leaders across all industries in Orange County, reinforcing that it is time to take action so that gender is not a factor in the career options for half our population,” said Julie Miller-Phipps, Senior Vice President and Executive Director for Kaiser Permanente Orange County.  “If we are going to compete on the world stage, we cannot underprepare or undervalue half our population.  We must pave the way through mentoring, connectivity, and encouragement.”

“I have seen the strengths of women in the workplace and believe strongly in this immensely important issue,” said Betty Mower Potalivo, Region President, Orange County and Desert Communities, Northern Trust.  “I’m proud to be part of an organization like Girl Scouts that is starting the conversation.  The Girl Scouts that participated in the panel at Voice for Girls were amazingly poised and articulate - proof that Girl Scouts is preparing young women to be the world’s future leaders.”

Girl Scouts Welcomes New Board Chair and New Board Members

At the organization’s Annual Meeting, delegates from Girl Scouts of Orange County elected a new Board Chair and four new members to its Board of Directors: 

New Board Chair

Girl Scouts of Orange County welcomes Anaheim Hills resident Julie K. Miller-Phipps as its Board of Directors Chair.  Miller-Phipps is Senior Vice President and Executive Director for Kaiser Permanente Orange County. As the Chief Executive Officer for Health Plan and Hospital Operations in Orange County, she is responsible for the care of over 467,000 members supported by 7,100 staff and Permanente physicians.  Miller-Phipps was Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Business Council in 2012; Vice Chair of California State University, Fullerton’s Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors; and a member of the Executive Board of the Hospital Association of Southern California.  Miller-Phipps was honored by the Orange County Business Journal as a recipient of the 2009 Hot 25 Women in Business award for her outstanding leadership and business acumen, and received the Outstanding Leadership award from the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the Girl Scout Council Leadership award in 2010. In 2012, Miller-Phipps was recognized by the Orange County Register as one of 14 "Game Changers" for her significant contributions to the Orange County business landscape.

“Julie’s previous service as a board member and as a leader for her daughter’s troop show the impact that Julie has already had on Girl Scouts of Orange County.  We are excited for the leadership Julie will bring as Board Chair and extremely grateful to Doris Farinacci, our outgoing Board Chair, for her amazing contributions to the girls of Orange County,” said Nancy Nygren, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County. 

New Board Members

Irvine resident Cyd Brandvein is Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Office of Americas

in AECOM, an $8.1 billion Fortune 500 global architectural and engineering consulting services firm.  Brandvein is a trusted strategic adviser to the Chief Operating Officer, Americas and leads initiatives to guide operations, strategic growth and competitive positioning in the transportation, facilities, environment, energy, water and government markets.  Brandvein received the Emerald Award from Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles and is a member of the Forum for Corporate Directors, California Women Lead and the Orange County Business Council.

Dana Point resident Jennifer Williams Peguero is the Director of the Merrill Lynch Newport Beach office, which focuses on delivering wealth management solutions to high net worth individuals and businesses while delivering unparalleled service.  Peguero works with business owners through all stages of their life cycle, from growth to maturity and provides succession planning, the private sale of businesses and group benefit plans.  Peguero was a Girl Scout as a girl and is delighted to reconnect with the organization as an adult.

Rancho Santa Margarita resident Lois Smith is Director of Customer Care at Cox Communications.  Smith’s customer care team serves internal and external customers by providing workforce management, analytics and operational support to a call center team serving close to 1 million customers.  Smith loves hiking and spending time with her family.  Smith was a Girl Scout as a girl and a leader as an adult, and is delighted to join Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Board of Directors.

Huntington Beach resident Marjorie Terner is Senior Counsel advising the Network and Space Systems Division of The Boeing Company.  Marjorie is passionate about helping women and children, and provides legal and other support to Colette’s Children’s Home, an organization designed to transition homeless women with children to independence, and often volunteers with her husband to support outreach ministries of their church.  In her role on the Board of Directors, Terner looks forward to helping Girl Scouts of Orange County promote STEM education and careers.

"We are pleased to welcome these talented and highly accomplished business and community leaders to our Board of Directors.  We look forward to working with them to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place," said Nancy Nygren, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County.

Girl Scouts Partners with Orange County Mimis Café, El Pollo Loco, Red Robin and Yogurtland Restaurants to Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Day on Feb 8

To celebrate the world’s largest girl-led business, Girl Scouts has named February 8 National Girl Scout Cookie Day.  Girl Scouts will be asking cookie fans across Orange County to buy or order boxes of their favorite varieties to help celebrate an enterprise that has provided many of today’s female leaders their first business experience.  In support of Girl Scouts, all Orange County Mimis Cafe, El Pollo Loco, Red Robin and Yogurtland locations will host Cookie Booth Sales in front of their restaurants on February 8 from 4 – 8 pm.  In addition, Girl Scout Cookie fans are encouraged to post and tweet on social media about their favorite cookie with the hashtag #onemorebox and about the 5 skills that girls develop through the Girl Scout Cookie Program with the hashtag #5skills.

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program provides girls with the opportunity to develop critical life skills that will help them become leaders in their own lives, leaders in business, and leaders in our community.  They are learning how to set and achieve goals, deciding with their troop how they will use their cookie proceeds, learning how to make change and set a budget and how to relate to customers.  These activities translate directly into skills that will help girls live their best lives,” said Nancy Nygren, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County.

Excitement around this year’s cookie sale is particularly high.  Girl Scouts of Orange County is unveiling a brand new cookie, the Mango Crème with Nutrifusion, which combines a delicious tropical treat that’s packed with great taste and vitamins.  In addition, Girl Scout Cookies will feature the first package redesign since 1999.  The new packaging highlights the skills girls learn through the Girl Scout Cookie Program.  A new marketing campaign reinforces this more contemporary message with the theme, “This Is What a Girl Can Do.” And, for ease of purchase, customers can now find their Girl Scout Cookies using a free app available for iPhone or Android, or by visiting the Girl Scout Cookie Booth Locator after February 8 at www.cookiesoc.org.

When it comes to skill building, statistics show the Girl Scout Cookie Program works. According to a survey from the Girl Scout Research Institute, 85 percent of Girl Scout “cookie entrepreneurs” learn money management by developing budgets, taking cookie orders, and handling customers’ money. Eighty-three percent build business ethics; 80 percent learn goal setting; 77 percent improve decision making; and 75 percent develop people skills.

All proceeds from the Girl Scouts of Orange County cookie program stay in Orange County. The revenue helps girls like Grace cover the costs of troop activities, camp, community service projects and more. Proceeds also provide safe facilities, trained volunteers and leadership experiences for nearly 23,000 Girl Scouts representing every zip code in Orange County. 

Philanthropy and community service are integral to the Girls Scout Cookie Program.  The public can choose to donate boxes of cookies, which will be distributed to military troops, hospitalized veterans and the Second Harvest Food Bank through the Girl Scouts’ Cookie Share project.

Eco-Concious Girl Scouts Reach Out to Capri Sun to Discuss Eco-Friendly Packaging

 
They may just be 11 and 12 year olds, but a local Girl Scout Troop knows that they have the power to affect change.  Cadette Troop 2065 from Irvine has been participating in beach cleanups since they were in second grade.  This year, when they noticed that the number one item they were picking up at their annual Huntington Beach cleanup was Capri Sun straws and wrappers, they started working on solutions.  “I always tell my Girl Scouts that we won’t discuss problems unless we’re willing to discuss solutions,” said Troop Leader Amanda Babiar.  After brainstorming alternative packages that featured an all-in-one straw and container design, Babiar sent an email off to several people at Kraft, makers of Capri Sun.  “I never expected to hear back, but figured I would at least send it to them so I could tell the girls that I followed up,” said Babiar.

Not only did Babiar hear back, she was invited to participate in a conference call with members of the Capri Sun brand team to share the Girl Scouts’ analysis and recommendations.  Matt Smith, Senior Associate Brand Manager for Capri Sun, explained to the girls that the brand shares their passion for environmental responsibility. Since 2008, Capri Sun has partnered with Terracycle to help “upcycle” millions of used drink pouches, turning potential waste into a variety of consumer products like tote bags and pencil cases.

“The Capri Sun team is very proud of our work with Terracycle so we were thrilled to see such a talented and motivated troop of Girl Scouts who share our passion for environmental sustainability,” said Smith, Senior Associate Brand Manager for Capri Sun.

After the conference call, the brand team mailed samples of the new Capri Sun Big Pouch, a new product with a re-closeable top and no straw, to Babiar’s troops.  After receiving the new packaging prototypes, the Girl Scouts diligently evaluated each one, listing the pros and cons, and sent their findings back to Kraft.

“The girls were so excited to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the makers of such Capri Sun.  What a great opportunity for them to see the value of their input and ideas,” commented Babiar.

Girl Scouts Unveils New Cookie Variety and Kicks off 2013 Girl Scout Cookie Season with Colossal Cookie Rally

On January 19th, more than 1,000 Orange County Girl Scouts and volunteers descended upon UCI for a rousing Cookie Rally to fine-tune their sales techniques, taste the new Mango Crème cookie, and learn important business skills like goal-setting, money management, and customer service.  Girl Scouts set sales goals, determined how they would use troop proceeds as they developed a business plan, learned how to make change for customers, and even had the opportunity to don cookie costumes for a photo op.  Top cookie sellers had the opportunity to share their sales tips and strategies with younger Girl Scouts and those new to the cookie program.

Beginning January 27, 2013, Girl Scouts all over Orange County will have cookies in hand and sales will run through March 10.  Booth Sales will run from February 15 – March 10.  2013 marks an especially exciting year for the Girl Scout Cookie Program as a brand new cookie, the Mango Crème, is unveiled, as well as the first new packaging since 1999.  To be connected with a Girl Scout near you to purchase cookies, contact cookies@GirlScoutsOC.org.

Girl Scouts and Got Milk? Reveal Photo Contest Finalists

The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of GOT MILK?, and the Girl Scouts in California announced today the names of 24 GOT MILK? – Girl Scouts Photo Contest finalists from the Golden State.  Among these lucky young ladies will be three grand prize winners who will be featured together on new GOT MILK? -  Girls Scouts commemorative billboards to be unveiled early February in the girls’ hometowns.

 “We received over 300 entries from Girl Scouts from all eight councils in California,” says Steve James, executive director of the CMPB.  “It was great to see how this contest sparked creativity among the girls and it reminded Californians that the values of Girl Scouting and milk go hand-in-hand.”

The Girl Scouts Photo Contest, which ran from Nov. 5 to Dec. 17, 2012, was inspired by an iconic print campaign that ran 15 years ago.  It featured an adorable 10-year-old Girl Scout who made an impression on Californians with her iconic uniform and an armful of cookie boxes, provoking the question, “GOT MILK?”  This fall’s contest was open to all currently registered Girl Scouts in kindergarten through Grade 12 belonging to one of the eight councils in California: Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Girl Scouts of Northern California, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Girl Scouts San Diego Council, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California, Girl Scouts of Central California South, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council.  Girl Scouts had to submit a photo with a caption of no more than eight words showcasing the contest prompt: How have Girl Scouts and milk helped them become strong, healthy and confident? 

All 24 contest finalists will each receive a camp scholarship worth $350. The three grand prize Girl Scouts winners to be announced end of month will each receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and will be featured together on a billboard (or comparable advertising media) in their hometowns throughout the month of February just in time for cookie sale season.

The 3 GOT MILK? – Girl Scouts Photo Contest finalists from Orange County are:

  
Sydney, Yorba Linda  

      
   
Iman, Yorba Linda 

 
  Emma, Long Beach

Cathy Sleva Joins Girl Scouts as Vice President of Development

January 2, 2013 – As Girl Scouts begins its second century of developing leaders, Girl Scouts of Orange County is pleased to welcome seasoned fundraising executive Cathy Sleva of Seal Beach as Vice President of Development.  In this role, Sleva will grow the nonprofit's philanthropic giving programs, supporting Girl Scouts for nearly 23,000 girls in Orange County, who, through the program, develop vital leadership skills that help them live their best lives. 

Prior to joining Girl Scouts, Sleva was VP of Development for the Atlanta Humane Society, where she raised over $3 million annually and spearheaded the nonprofit's capital campaign.  Sleva also brings extensive experience in fundraising with Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and other social services agencies and schools.  Sleva has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina.

"I am thrilled to join the Girl Scouts at a time when developing and supporting our next generation of female leadership is so critical," said Sleva. "I look forward to working with our generous supporters and alumnae to ensure Girl Scouts remains strong in our community for the next 100 years."

 

Girl Scouts Receives $10,000 from The Bandai Foundation

December 12, 2012 – Girl Scouts of Orange County received a $10,000 grant from The Bandai Foundation for its leadership development programs for local girls.  Funds from this grant will be used to support cooperative learning opportunities for more than 23,000 girls throughout Orange County and will enable more girls to participate in the preeminent leadership development program for girls. Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and interactive entertainment today, including Power Rangers and Thundercats.

"Bandai is committed to transforming the lives of children and to inspire other business leaders to do the same. We are proud to support Girl Scouts of Orange County as they bring incredible and life-changing leadership opportunities to girls in our community and build leaders for tomorrow," said Cynthia Nishimoto, General Counsel of Bandai America Incorporated.

Girl Scouts Compete in First Lego League Tournament

November 29, 2012 – Teamwork and creative thinking are what it took for the Seal Beach based "Fluffy Doom Duckies" to win the Project Award at the November 10th FIRST® LEGO®League (FLL) Qualifying Tournament. The team, made up of eight Girl Scouts in 5th grade, will compete in the Southern California Regional Tournament at Legoland on December 1. The girls were recognized for outstanding work in researching a problem faced by seniors (eye disease) and designing and building a floor mat that lights up when stepped on to help illuminate a path for seniors.

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international program for 9 to 16 year-old children designed to get them excited about science and technology – and teach them valuable employment and life skills. Children work alongside adult mentors to design, build, and program autonomous robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technologies and create an innovative solution to a problem as part of their research project.  After eight intense weeks, the competition season culminates at high-energy, sports-like tournaments. Like any other organized "sport," teams also fundraise, create a team identity, and go on field trips.  This year’s FIRST LEGO League theme, Senior Solutions, challenged teams to improve the quality of life for seniors by helping them continue to be independent, engaged, and connected in their communities.

The Fluffy Doom Duckies, comprised of Girl Scouts from various troops, was sponsored by the Motorola Foundation and led by volunteer June Gee.  The girls embarked on this project as the first step towards their "Get Moving" Girl Scout Leadership Journey, a program for Girl Scouts in 4th and 5th grades which focuses on using energy wisely.  Through programs like "Get Moving," Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experiences relevant to everyday life. Whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, how to manage finances, or exploring careers in STEM fields, girls are fast-forwarding into the future. Learn more about how Girl Scouts is preparing girls for futures in STEM fields.

Girl Scouts Recognizes Outstanding Alumnae and Raises $218,000 at Celebrate Leadership Gala

More than 300 guests came together during Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary year to recognize 12 extraordinary local female leaders, all Girl Scout Alumnae, and raise $218,000 for Girl Scouts of Orange County at the Third Annual Celebrate Leadership Gala on October 26 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.  As guests approached the Island Hotel, they were greeted by a custom mint green Fiat, fitted  appropriately with a Girl Scout sash and decals, provided by Orange Coast Fiat.  Guests sipped Thin Mint Martinis and bid on more than 100 Silent Auction items before heading into the ballroom for a moving program highlighting the dramatic impact of Girl Scouting on the lives of the 12 honorees.  Each honoree was matched with a current Orange County Girl Scout through a shared leadership trait, linking these leaders of today with leaders of tomorrow.  Each Girl Scout presented her honoree an art canvas that she designed herself to embody the leadership trait they share.  Guests went home with a beautiful 2013 Keepsake Calendar, featuring stunning photographs of the 12 honorees with their partner Girl Scouts.  
 

2012 Celebrate Leadership Honorees

Victoria Collins
Sophie Hall Cripe
Janet Toll Davidson
Kristina Dodge
Suzanne Huffmon Esber
Tamara Fairbanks
Kathryn Cenci
Judy Koyama
Heidi Miller
Tricia Raymund
Barbara Roberts
Sudi Shoja
 
An outstanding event committee, co-chaired by Dana Agamalian and Lee Ann Canady, helped make the event a tremendous success.  The event would not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors, including:
 
  • Platinum Sponsor:  Wells Fargo & Wells Fargo Advisors
  • Gold Sponsor:  Applied Medical
  • Silver Sponsors:  Kaiser Permanente Orange County, Tricia Raymund and Daughter Mary Raymund, C.J Segerstrom & Sons and South Coast Plaza
  • Bronze Sponsors:  Dana and John Agamalian; Applied Medical; Lee Ann Canaday, Canaday Group; Victoria and David Collins; Sophie Hall Cripe and Lawrence Arden Cripe (in honor of Jane Hall Eberhard); Janet Davidson and Richard Plat; Veronica M. Gray/Partner - Nossaman LLP; KPMG LLP; Betty Mower Potalivo/ Northern Trust and Irene and Hiro Kinoshita; Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP; John and Elizabeth Stahr; UCI Medical Center
  • Program Underwriter:  Lesley, Thomas, Schwarz & Postma, Inc.
  • Valet Parking Underwriter:  Orange Coast Fiat
  • Leaders of Tomorrow Underwriter:  Wayne and Shannon Inouye
 
Funds raised at the Third Annual Celebrate Leadership Gala support Girl Scouts of Orange County’s quality leadership development programs for more than 23,000 Girl Scouts who represent every neighborhood and zip code in Orange County and to recruit, train, and support the more than 10,000 adult volunteers who guide and support them.  Girl Scouts is the nation’s preeminent leadership development program in the country and the leading authority on girls' healthy development. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae, with higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae. 
 
About Girl Scouts
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.
 
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Girl Scouts Honors Twelve Outstanding Female Leaders

As Girl Scouts celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls recognizes the vital role Girl Scout alumnae play as leaders in Orange County.  This year’s selection of Celebrate Leadership honorees include women who are trailblazers, leading the way for others through their unique vision, remarkable drive and commitment to giving back.   At the Celebrate Leadership Gala on October 26, the Celebrate Leadership Honorees will each be paired with a current Girl Scout, giving these leaders of today an opportunity to connect with a leader of tomorrow. 

To RSVP as press, please contact Emilie Perkins at eperkins@GirlScoutsOC.org or 714-747-5854.

WHEN:       Friday, October 26, 2012

      6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Reception, Silent Auction

      7:30 pm – 10:00 pm – Dinner, Live Auction, Honoree Program

WHERE:     The Island Hotel, Main Ballroom

                    690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 

WHAT:       The Third Annual Celebrate Leadership Gala will host over 400 of Orange County’s community and business leaders, all gathering to raise vital philanthropic funding to support Girl Scouts of Orange County’s leadership development programs for more than 23,000 Orange County Girl Scouts and more than 10,000 dedicated Girl Scout Volunteers who lead them.  Funds raised at the event also provide the necessary resources to serve more Orange County girls through the nation’s most successful leadership values and skills development program for girls.  The event features an exciting live auction as well as a silent auction. For more information, including tickets and sponsorships, visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org/CelebrateLeadership.

 

WHO:   Celebrate Leadership Honorees include:

 

  • Dr. Victoria Collins, Director, First Foundation, Inc.; Dean’s Advisory Board Member, UCI Paul Merage School of Business; Founding Member, United Way Women’s Philanthropy Fund; Chair of Board Of Governors of Center Club
  • Sophie Hall Cripe, Past Board of Trustees President, The Laguna Playhouse; Vice President, Development, Board of Trustees, South Coast Repertory
  • Janet Toll Davidson, Retired Partner, Paul Hastings LLP; Former Board Chair, CHOC; Former Board Chair, Orange County United Way
  • Kristina Dodge, President of Business Development, American Sterling Productions; Board Member, OC Fair; Board of Trustees, Chapman University
  • Suzanne Huffmon Esber, Strategic Facilitator and Trainer of Technology of Participation (ToP); Retired Community Relations Director, Fluor Corporation; Former Board Chair, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Founding Member, Juliette Gordon Low Society; Board Member, OneOC
  • Tamara Fairbanks, Music Educator, Newport Mesa School District; 2010 Teacher of the Year
  • Kathryn Glassmyer Cenci, Director of Community Relations, South Coast Plaza
  • Judy Koyama, Regional Manager, C & H International; Retired National Sales Manager, American Airlines; Former Board Member, Girl Scouts of Orange County; Girl Scout Volunteer
  • Heidi Miller, Founder and President, Tight Assets; President and CEO, The World Newsstand; Founder and Former President and CEO, Heidi’s Frogen Yozurt; Trustee and Board Member, Laguna Moulton Playhouse; Cast Member, CHOC Follies
  • Tricia Raymund, Girl Scout Volunteer; Director, Mission Hospital Foundation
  • Barbara Roberts, Emeritus Trustee, South Coast Repertory; Advisory Committee, National Choreographers Initiative
  • Sudi Shoja, President, Disaster Solutions Services; Co-Founder and President, Children’s Hope International Literacy and Development (CHILD); 2005 Hoover Medal Recipient

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:  There will be photo and interview opportunities with Celebrate Leadership Honorees, Girl Scouts of Orange County CEO Nancy Nygren, Girl Scout girl representatives and community and corporate leaders in attendance. 

 

About Girl Scouts

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college

GIRL SCOUTS “ROCKED” THE OC FAIR ON JULY 27

More than 15,000 Girl Scouts, Alumnae and their Families Flooded the OC Fair to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts 

IRVINE, Calif. (August 1, 2012) – More than 15,000 Girl Scouts, alumnae and their families descended on the OC Fair on July 27th to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting.  The event kicked off with a “Rockin’ Rally” in the Pacific Amphitheater, where a Girl Scout “Spirit Squad” led songs and cheered their way through each decade of Girl Scouting.  The girls even got a visit from a Juliette Gordon Low impersonator, who reenacted the famous phone call in 1912 that started the Girl Scout movement in the US.  Following the rally, thousands of Girl Scouts flooded the OC Fair to lead activities, performances and competitions for fairgoers throughout the fairgrounds.  Girl Scouts gave out a free box of Girl Scout cookies to the first 100 fairgoers through the main entrance.  More than 800 Girl Scout troops held activities and performances throughout the fair including a life-sized maze made out of hay, a Girl Scout cookie eating contest, an Alumnae Song-a-long, and flash mobs throughout the fair.  Over 175 Girl Scouts donated their hair to cancer patients in a “Ponytail Cutting Party” in the Hangar.  More than 1,000 Girl Scouts participated in bridging ceremonies as they moved up to the next level of Girl Scouting.  Stages throughout the fairgrounds featured various Girl Scout performances including vintage Girl Scout uniform fashion shows, Daion Taiko drumming, traditional folklorico dancing, and traditional Girl Scout songs.

WHAT: 

About Girl Scouts

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.

 
GIRL SCOUTS ANNOUNCES 12 CELEBRATE LEADERSHIP HONOREES
Twelve Orange County Women Recognized by the Nation’s Preeminent Leadership Development Organization for Girls
 
IRVINE, Calif. (July 16, 2012) – Girl Scouts of Orange County has announced the 12 extraordinary local female leaders, all Girl Scout Alumnae, who will be recognized at the Third Annual Celebrate Leadership Gala on October 26 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.
 
2012 Celebrate Leadership Honorees
 
Dr. Victoria Collins is Director of First Foundation Inc., a wealth management firm which she co-founded. Dr. Collins is a well-known speaker and has written several books on Financial Planning and appeared on major radio and TV programs. Dr. Collins also serves on the Dean's Advisory Board for the Paul Merage School of Business of the University of California, Irvine and is a member of its Center for Investment and Wealth Management.  She is active in philanthropy and is a founding member of United Way's Women's Philanthropy Fund.  Dr. Collins was a Girl Scout in Kettering, Ohio and shares that Girl Scouts helped her build a sense of herself, pride in what she could do, and appreciation for others and how to accomplish things together.
 
Sophie Hall Cripe is a community volunteer whose nine years of Girl Scouting in Illinois introduced her to the worlds of travel, theater, books, conservation and many other interests.  Cripe credits selling Girl Scout Cookies with introducing her to philanthropy and fundraising, which has been her lifelong passion and career.  Cripe has had a long, successful fundraising career with the United Way, Goodwill Industries and Human Options, among others.
 
Janet Toll Davidson, Retired Partner, Paul Hastings LLP, grew up as a Girl Scout in Los Angeles, an experience she attributes to her early development of teamwork and leadership.  Davidson cherishes her memories of Girl Scouts and still counts the childhood friends she made in Girl Scouts among her closest.  Davidson is very active in the community and has served as Chairman of the Orange County United Way Board of Directors as well as CHOC’s Board of Directors.
 
Kristina Dodge is President of Business Development at American Sterling Productions. She and her husband Lawrence Dodge are generous supporters of the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University.  Dodge was active in Lithuanian Girl Scouts for 15 years and continues her Girl Scouting today.  Dodge shared that much of what she learned in life came from Girl Scouting: empathy, resourcefulness and resilience.
 
Suzanne Huffmon Esber is a Strategic Facilitator and Trainer of Technology of Participation (ToP®), retired Community Relations Director for FLUOR Corporation and an active community volunteer. Huffmon Esber is a lifelong Girl Scout, celebrating 50 years with Girl Scouting in 2012, is a founding member of Girl Scouts of Orange County’s Juliette Gordon Low Legacy Society and former Girl Scouts of Orange County Board Member, serving two terms as Board Chair.  Very active in the Orange County community, she currently serving on OneOC’s Board of Directors.  Huffmon Esber noted that Girl Scouting helped her develop leadership abilities, embrace service to others, enjoy and protect the environment, and establish an association with Girl Scouts around the world.
 
Tamara Fairbanks is an acclaimed Music Educator at Mariner’s School in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.  Fairbanks received the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” award in 2010 and set a record for the school’s chorus and band program participation.  Tamara was a Girl Scout in Cincinnati, Ohio and believes her Girl Scout experiences gave her a sense of community and purpose, as well as a love for philanthropy.
 
Kathryn Glassmyer Cenci is Director of Community Relations at South Coast Plaza in Orange County, California, the highest grossing retail center in the United States.  In this role, Glassmyer Cenci cultivates partnerships and synergy between South Coast Plaza, its retailers and numerous arts and philanthropic organizations throughout Southern California.   Glassmyer was a Girl Scout in Upstate New York before moving to Southern California as a teenager. Her dedication to community service, inspired during her years as a Girl Scout, has been central to her life and career.
 
Judy Koyama, National Sales Manager for American Airlines, has been a Girl Scout volunteer for 29 years in Anaheim and Fullerton. Koyama founded the Girl Scout program at the Orange County Buddhist Church, now over 100 members strong, and is continually inspired and driven by how Girl Scouts work to improve the world around them.
 
Heidi Miller is a successful entrepreneur, having started three successful businesses in the past 30 years: Heidi’s Frozen Yogurt Shoppes, Tight Assets and The World Newsstand.  Miller is currently President of Tight Assets, an upscale clothing boutique with three locations that carries unique workout apparel and street wear for women.  Miller was a Girl Scout for 14 years in Texas and California and credits Girl Scouts with teaching her leadership skills, through her participation in a troop, attending camp and special events. 
 
Tricia Raymund has been involved in Girl Scouts for 18 years as a girl and as a volunteer. Raymund notes that the experiences and values she learned as a Girl Scout continue to influence her as an adult, motivating her to become a Girl Scout leader, so she could share the same core values inherent in the Girl Scout Promise and Law with the girls of today.
 
Barbara Roberts is a volunteer and philanthropist, serving as Emeritus Trustee for the South Coast Repertory and on the Advisory Committee of the National Choreographers Initiative.  When she was young, Roberts was a Girl Scout in New Jersey with her twin sister Nancy and as an adult, led her daughter’s Brownie Troop in Newport Beach.
 
Sudi Shoja is President of Disaster Solutions Services, which provides structured plans for homes, schools and offices to prepare for any type of natural disaster. Shoja was a Girl Guide for seven years in Iran where she was introduced to community service when she worked in a boy's orphanage across from her elementary school. That memorable experience led to a lifetime of volunteer work and involvement in numerous charities that later earned her the Hoover Medal award in 2005, adding her name to a prestigious list of recipients, including three US Presidents.
 
As Girl Scouts celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year, the organization continues its strong focus on developing girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.  The Celebrate Leadership Honorees will each be paired with a current Girl Scout at the Celebrate Leadership Gala, giving these leaders of today an opportunity to connect with a leader of tomorrow.
 
The Third Annual Celebrate Leadership Gala will host over 400 of Orange County’s community and business leaders, all gathering to raise vital philanthropic funding to support Girl Scouts of Orange County’s leadership development programs for more than 23,000 Orange County Girl Scouts and more than 10,000 dedicated Girl Scout Volunteers who lead them.  Funds raised at the event also provide the necessary resources to serve more Orange County girls through the nation’s most successful leadership values and skills development program for girls.  The event features an exciting live auction as well as a silent auction.
 
To support Girl Scouts through the Celebrate Leadership Gala including sponsorships, donating auction items or purchasing  tickets, contact Charlotte Finklea at 949 461-8836 or cfinklea@girlscoutsoc.org. 
 
About Girl Scouts
 
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.
 
OC FAIR EXHIBIT CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF GIRL SCOUTING

"From Cookie Pro to CEO: 100 Years of Building Leaders” is an interactive and inspiring look at Girl Scouting – past, present and future

IRVINE, Calif. (July 6, 2012) – Girl Scouts will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an interactive exhibit in the Memorial Gardens building of the OC Fair.  The exhibit will engage visitors with the rich history of Girl Scouting, give visitors a closer look at how Orange County girls are developing leadership skills for the 21st century, and focus on how Girl Scouts develops girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.  The exhibit is free with fair admission and will be on display through the run of the fair, July 13-August 12.  For press credentials, parking and media access, please contact Emilie Perkins at 714-747-5854.

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Vintage Uniforms, Memorabilia and Girl Scout History
  • A look at the Girl Scout Leadership Experience told through the stories of Orange County girls
  • Vote for your favorite Girl Scout Cookie and take home the Original Girl Scout Cookie recipe from 1922
  • The Girl Scout Cookie Program:  The world’s largest business skills and financial literacy program for girls
  • Try your hand at knot tying as Girl Scouts explore the Great Outdoors
  • Snap your photo on a “Leaders of Tomorrow” magazine cover
  • Girl Scout Alumnae reconnect at the interactive kiosk
  • See how Orange County girls are changing their communities and the world as they earn badges and leadership awards and give back

As part of their 100th Anniversary Celebration, Girl Scouts will Rock the OC Fair on July 27th with over 20,000 Girl Scouts, volunteers and alumnae coming together on the OC Fairgrounds.  Over 8,000 troops will lead activities, displays, performances and competitions throughout the fairgrounds from 10:30 am through 6 pm.  Visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org/RocktheFair for ticket info, events and details.

About Girl Scouts
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.

MICKIE ALLEN JOINS GIRL SCOUTS OF ORANGE COUNTY AS PROGRAM DIRECTOR

IRVINE, Calif. (June 28, 2012) – As Girl Scouts celebrates its 100th anniversary and declares 2012 “Year of the Girl,” Girl Scouts of Orange County is pleased to welcome Mickie Allen of Long Beach as Program Director.  In this role, Allen will work with Girl Scout staff, volunteers and community partners to ensure effective delivery of Girl Scout leadership programs to more than 23,000 girls in Orange County.

Prior to joining Girl Scouts, Allen was Director of the Citrus College Child Development Center and Lab in Glendora, CA.  Allen also brings experience with counseling and directing at Girl Scout Camps, teaching at the college level, managing an afterschool enrichment and violence abatement program to the Girl Scouts.  Allen has a Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University, Northridge, a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute and an Ed. D degree in Child and Youth Studies from Nova Southeastern University.

“My very first job was as a Camp Counselor at a Girl Scout Camp, so I am so excited to be ‘coming home’ to Girl Scouts,” said Allen.  “I look forward to working with the great team of volunteers and staff at Girl Scouts of Orange County to make our programs even stronger as we work to deliver the best leadership experiences to all girls in Orange County.”

About Girl Scouts
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.

 

GIRL SCOUTS OF ORANGE COUNTY WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

IRVINE, Calif. (June 26, 2012) – As Girl Scouts celebrates its 100th anniversary and declares 2012 “Year of the Girl,” Girl Scouts of Orange County welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors:

Irvine resident Tallia Hart is President and CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.  In this position, Hart works with the organization's board, membership and other community leaders to build upon the Chamber's continued success in creating an appealing environment for major companies that now make Irvine their home and developing new programs that will lead the organization and its residents into the future.

Hart commented, “"I am pleased and honored to be part of an organization that is empowering young girls to be their best. As a woman in business, it is important to have confidence and the Girl Scouts will provide the next generation of women in business this ability."

Corona del Mar resident Christine Scheuneman is a litigation partner with the firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in its Los Angeles and Costa Mesa offices.  Scheuneman represents many of the nation's leading corporations, financial institutions, and real estate companies, as well as preeminent international companies.  Scheuneman was an active Girl Scout, from Brownies through her college years, and says that one of her most important early life experiences was participating in a Juliette Gordon Low (founder of Girls Scouts) Session in Rockville, Maryland with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from more than 30 countries.

Scheunemann noted, "This organization means so much to girls, their families, and their communities. I have heard more than one Orange County Girl Scout say that she wants to change the world.  Many current and former Girl Scouts are doing just that.  We believe that girl leadership matters, today and in the future.  I am committed to helping provide the opportunity for all girls to achieve their fullest potential."

Anaheim Hills resident Patricia M. Soldano is Chairman of Western Region GenSpring Family Offices, a market leader among independent advisors for ultra-high net worth families focused on sustaining family.  Soldano is also a member of The Paul Merage School of Business Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management, and a Member of Orange County’s United Way Women’s Philanthropy Fund. “Helping girls to become strong, independent, courageous women is very important and so I am very pleased to now be part of the Board of Girl Scouts of Orange County to participate in that process,” said Soldano.

Irvine resident Terry Goldfarb-Lee is Senior Director of Business Development for Resources Global Professionals, a $500 million, publicly-traded, global professional services firm with a Big Four heritage. Goldfarb-Lee has been instrumental in growing the Orange County practice office, from almost start-up standing to an organization with a significant footprint in the marketplace.  Resources Global has 3000 employees working in 80 practice offices around the world Resources has served over 86 of the Fortune 100 companies. Resources Global has done business with over 90 companies in Orange County alone.

“I am looking forward to working with the exceptional Board members and staff to further the goals and vision of the Orange County Council of the Girl Scouts,” said Goldfarb-Lee.  “It is an exemplary group of leaders and a wonderful organization.  I am truly excited to be part of the 100th anniversary!”

“As we celebrate 100 years of building leaders, we can’t think of a better time to welcome these highly accomplished business and community leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Nancy Nygren, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County.  “We look forward to working with these outstanding women, and with our entire board, in building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

About Girl Scouts
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.

US SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN CELEBRATES 100th ANNIVERSARY WITH ORANGE COUNTY GIRL SCOUTS

Sen. Feinstein Shares Her Experiences and Speaks With Local Girl Scouts

IRVINE, Calif. (June 1, 2012) – US Senator from California Dianne Feinstein visited with Girl Scouts, volunteers and staff of Girl Scouts of Orange County at the Council’s headquarters in Irvine on May 31 to celebrate the organization’s 100th Anniversary and hear first-hand about the importance, relevancy and impact of Girl Scouting in building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts of varying ages and levels shared the leadership skills and values they have learned from Girl Scouting and Senator Feinstein spoke about her experience as one of only 17 women in the US Senate.  The girls had the opportunity to ask Senator Feinstein questions about serving in the Senate and what inspired her to get involved in politics.  Senator Feinstein encouraged the girls to find out what they are good at and to be resilient when faced with defeat.  When asked what she felt the most important leadership quality was, Senator Feinstein shared, “The most important thing is to be effective and get the job done, and it’s not easy to do.”  The event concluded with a young Girl Scout presenting Senator Feinstein with a cameo brooch of Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Low that was engraved with Low’s famous quote, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers,” noting that Senator Feinstein truly embodies the words of the Girl Scout founder. 

About Girl Scouts
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  In Orange County, more than 23,000 Girl Scouts from every social and economic background are developing values, skills and abilities for success in the 21st century. According to a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute in conjunction with an independent research firm, women who were Girl Scouts as children display significantly more positive life outcomes than non-Girl Scout alumnae.  Girl Scout alumnae have higher perceptions of self, higher rates of volunteerism and civic engagement, higher rates of college education and higher household incomes than non-alumnae.  To join, volunteer, reconnect with or donate to Girl Scouts, call (949) 461-8800 or visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.

TIMELESS VALUES

All Girl Scout activities are based on the timeless values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law

The Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be:
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.