Foster Love’s Night of Lights Event at the Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach

Foster Love’s Night of Lights event was a magical experience that brought communities together to celebrate the season in Newport Beach. Hosted by Kathy Hatcher and honorary guests from Insperity, this annual event was the talk of the town. Every year, the Christmas Boat parade in Newport Beach is the local event of the year because of its beautiful displays and festive decor. 

At the Night of Lights event, 140 guests aboard an ambassador yacht got a front-row seat to this spectacular display, all in support of the foster care community. 

Giving Back to Foster Kids

This event was a heartfelt “Thank You!” to our VIP members, gala attendees, and committee sponsors—a celebration of the incredible support and hard work that drives Foster Love’s mission to help children in foster care. It was an evening filled with generosity, inspiring stories of hope, and opportunities to make an even bigger impact for kids in need.

The night’s festivities took place against the magical backdrop of thousands of boats gliding through the harbor, each adorned with dazzling lights and creative decorations. Homes along the waterfront joined in the spirit, showcasing stunning holiday displays that transformed the area into a shimmering winter wonderland.

Dinner, Prizes, and Fun

The night started with a sit-down dinner where everyone could enjoy great food and in a cozy  atmosphere. During dinner, guests bought raffle tickets for a chance to win exclusive prizes that supported our cause. Generous donations from businesses like Happy Jewelry and Maggie Tsen helped make the night extra special. Prizes included luxurious items like a stunning $12,000 necklace from Happy Jewelry, Tiffany champagne glasses, high end computers, a vacation resort stay at the Marriott, and products from Dior Cosmetics. 

We’d like to give a special shoutout to Maggie Tsen for her generous donations of the Tiffany champagne glasses and Dior Cosmetics products, which made the raffle extra special. Maggie is a new donor with Foster Love, and her support is already making a huge impact on the children we serve.

Recognizing Our Special Guests and Thoughtful Supporters

After dinner, Foster Love’s founder Danny Mendoza and Executive Director Gianna Mulkay, gave heartfelt speeches reflecting on the year’s achievements made possible through everyone’s unwavering support. They were joined by Foster Love’s Director of Development, Myrna Malki, who shared inspiring stories of Foster Love’s impact and expressed sincere gratitude to all contributors.

The evening also featured special recognition for our top sponsors, Foster Love Gala members, and donors, whose dedication plays a key role in helping us reach our goals and advance our mission.

We were honored to welcome distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Brea, Blaire Stewart, and the Director of John Wayne Airport, Charlene Reynolds. Their presence underscored the meaningful connection Foster Love has with the community, especially through initiatives like the Foster Love Giving Tree at John Wayne Airport, which provides gifts for children in foster care during the holidays.

Inspiring Holiday Boat Displays

Following the speeches, guests stepped outside to enjoy the dazzling Christmas Boat Parade. The boats glided gracefully across the water, adorned with sparkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical scene. As the parade continued, guests were invited to make donations to support foster youth.

Thanks to their incredible generosity, we raised over $200,000! These funds will directly benefit more than 200 children in foster care, with each $100 donation sponsoring one child. This event was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to make a meaningful difference.

Looking Toward Future Work in 2025

As we reflect on the incredible success of this year’s event, we’re even more excited about the possibilities for 2025. Foster Love remains committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of children in foster care, and with your support, we’ll continue to expand our reach and create meaningful change. From providing essential resources to fostering connections within our community, there’s so much more we can achieve together in the year ahead.

If you couldn’t join us this year, you missed an evening filled with joy, incredible generosity, and the warmth of holiday spirit. But don’t worry—plans for next year are already underway! 

Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved. 

Together, we can make 2025 even more impactful, bringing hope and creating memorable moments for children in foster care. Let’s work toward a future where every child feels loved, supported, and valued. Happy Holidays!