SC Exchange Club Awards $50,000 to Local Nonprofits
Members of the San Clemente Exchange Club pose with representatives from local nonprofit organizations during a donation luncheon held at Bella Collina San Clemente, where the club awarded more than $50,000 to community causes across San Clemente and South Orange County. Photo:Angélica Escobar
The San Clemente Exchange Club awarded more than $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations during a luncheon held at Bella Collina San Clemente, following the club’s annual “Semper Fi, Play with an American Hero” charity golf tournament.
Club leaders said this year’s fundraising effort surpassed the $50,000 mark, with donations supporting organizations focused on youth programs, military families, senior services, food insecurity and trauma response throughout San Clemente and South Orange County.
A written breakdown of donations listed $48,700 distributed to local causes.
Since 2000, the San Clemente Exchange Club has donated more than $500,000 back into the community, keeping the majority of its fundraising dollars local.
Several nonprofit representatives attended the luncheon to share how the funding supports their work. Noble Path Foundation received $2,000 to support its free enrichment, wellness and life skills programs for teens and young adults ages 15 to 25. The organization also awarded $9,000 in ACE scholarships to three students, helping recipients pur-sue higher education, military service and financial literacy.
The i-5 Freedom Network received $3,000 to support its work preventing human trafficking and providing long-term services for survivors, as well as prevention education aimed at young people.
St. Margaret’s Infant Pantry was awarded $2,000 to support its monthly distribution of diapers, formula, wipes and nursing supplies to families with children under 5. The program, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided assistance to nearly 12,000 infants over the past four years and operates through a monthly drive through distribution model.
The Trauma Intervention Program received $2,000 to support its work alongside first responders and hospitals. TIP volunteers provide immediate emotional and practical support to individuals and families in the hours following traumatic events. Representatives said Orange County volunteers responded to more than 1,600 calls in 2025, assisting thousands of clients throughout the year.
San Clemente Military Outreach received $3,000 to support emergency financial assistance and daily necessities for enlisted families at Camp Pendleton.
Representatives cited rising food insecurity and financial strain among military families, particularly during government shutdowns and unexpected expenses.
Funding was also awarded to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, which is leading the development of the “Returning Home” Marine monument in Dana Point. The monument honors military families across all branches of service and recently received city approval. The Exchange Club’s donation will support construction elements and recognition of participating organizations.
The Boys and Girls Club received $2,000 to support after-school, academic and workforce readiness programs serving approximately 2,000 youth annually.
Club leaders highlighted programs focused on homework assistance, literacy and college and career exposure for first-generation students.
The San Clemente Senior Center received $3,000 to support congregate meals and Meals on Wheels services for local seniors. Representatives said the funding helps provide daily meals and social engagement opportunities, partic-ularly for seniors who have limited family support and rely on the program for regular human connection.
Additional donations supported the San Clemente Lifeguard of the Year, Sheriff and Deputy of the Year, Camp Pendleton YMCA, Camp Pendleton MCCS, Adopt a Marine, Sandy Feet Initiative, Family Assistance Ministries, DP Women’s Group Foster Care, the Orange County “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” and other local community causes.
Club leaders said this year’s fundraising effort surpassed the $50,000 mark, with donations supporting organizations focused on youth programs, military families, senior services, food insecurity and trauma response throughout San Clemente and South Orange County.
A written breakdown of donations listed $48,700 distributed to local causes.
Since 2000, the San Clemente Exchange Club has donated more than $500,000 back into the community, keeping the majority of its fundraising dollars local.
Several nonprofit representatives attended the luncheon to share how the funding supports their work. Noble Path Foundation received $2,000 to support its free enrichment, wellness and life skills programs for teens and young adults ages 15 to 25. The organization also awarded $9,000 in ACE scholarships to three students, helping recipients pur-sue higher education, military service and financial literacy.
The i-5 Freedom Network received $3,000 to support its work preventing human trafficking and providing long-term services for survivors, as well as prevention education aimed at young people.
St. Margaret’s Infant Pantry was awarded $2,000 to support its monthly distribution of diapers, formula, wipes and nursing supplies to families with children under 5. The program, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided assistance to nearly 12,000 infants over the past four years and operates through a monthly drive through distribution model.
The Trauma Intervention Program received $2,000 to support its work alongside first responders and hospitals. TIP volunteers provide immediate emotional and practical support to individuals and families in the hours following traumatic events. Representatives said Orange County volunteers responded to more than 1,600 calls in 2025, assisting thousands of clients throughout the year.
San Clemente Military Outreach received $3,000 to support emergency financial assistance and daily necessities for enlisted families at Camp Pendleton.
Representatives cited rising food insecurity and financial strain among military families, particularly during government shutdowns and unexpected expenses.
Funding was also awarded to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, which is leading the development of the “Returning Home” Marine monument in Dana Point. The monument honors military families across all branches of service and recently received city approval. The Exchange Club’s donation will support construction elements and recognition of participating organizations.
The Boys and Girls Club received $2,000 to support after-school, academic and workforce readiness programs serving approximately 2,000 youth annually.
Club leaders highlighted programs focused on homework assistance, literacy and college and career exposure for first-generation students.
The San Clemente Senior Center received $3,000 to support congregate meals and Meals on Wheels services for local seniors. Representatives said the funding helps provide daily meals and social engagement opportunities, partic-ularly for seniors who have limited family support and rely on the program for regular human connection.
Additional donations supported the San Clemente Lifeguard of the Year, Sheriff and Deputy of the Year, Camp Pendleton YMCA, Camp Pendleton MCCS, Adopt a Marine, Sandy Feet Initiative, Family Assistance Ministries, DP Women’s Group Foster Care, the Orange County “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” and other local community causes.