Longtime supporters Michael and Deepa Meyer were honored as the “Community Stars” at our recent Holiday Tree Fantasy event.

Lori Pack, CEO of Child Guidance Center, is deeply grateful for kind-hearted supporters like the Meyers. “Child Guidance Center relies on the generosity and support of people like Michael and Deepa. It’s what allows us to help thousands of children through our programs and services each year,” she said. “We are so excited to have an opportunity to honor and thank them for all they do in our community at this year’s gala.”

The Meyers, residents of Dove Canyon in Trabuco Canyon, began supporting Child Guidance Center seven years ago, when a friend, who was board president for the organization, invited them to the annual fundraising gala. Today, the Meyers are heavily involved in the fundraising event, providing tree sponsorships and donations, participating in the live auction, and more.

“As local business owners, it is important to us to give back through an organization that helps support the local community, and with Child Guidance Center, we found one that is deeply meaningful,” said Michael Meyer, president and CEO for Rate-Highway Inc. in Newport Beach. “There are few organizations that do so much for so many lives.”

Child Guidance Center has made such an impact on the Meyers that their support has extended to their children as well. In fact, as part of his 10th grade film program, their son Griffin created a public service announcement highlighting the needs of the children in military families, which was the theme of that year’s Holiday Tree Fantasy event. Griffin produced the PSA and their daughter Alexandra, a 7th grader at the time, created the song track to the video.

“As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I feel a strong kinship to the efforts that Child Guidance Center has directed toward the military families of Orange County,” said Michael, referring to the special programs CGC offers veteran and military families. “Philanthropic involvement is very important to our family, and my wife and I have worked hard to instill this mindset into our children as well.”

Perhaps the most profound impact was when an employee of Michael’s company shared a personal story with him last year. “He told me that during a very difficult time in his childhood, Child Guidance Center was there for him and his brother,” he recalled. “This employee’s heartfelt smile, and memories of comfort and safety, confirmed what I assumed all along – helping this organization is the right thing to do.”

Thank you for your ongoing support, Michael and Deepa!