41st Annual Concert: Onward Program

The Wooden Floor performs

May 30 - June 1, 2024

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE

DANCE IS THE ANSWER.

At The Wooden Floor, we love dance. It’s powerful. It has the ability to encourage our youth to think differently about themselves, to push through obstacles, and emerge as strong and confident leaders.

It’s why our students call us their second home, why on the dance floor they feel supported, able to embody who they really are.

It’s why, when partnered with our academic, college and career readiness, and family services, 100 percent of our graduates do what less than half of their socioeconomic peers have done – finish high school on time and enroll in higher education for 20 consecutive years.

Through dance, The Wooden Floor provides a solid platform for advancement and success.

Dance moves our youth. Forward.

“The Wooden Floor gives me a lot of inspiration and they help me be the best version of myself. I feel like dance helps me in school because when I’m stressed, I can think of myself moving in such a committed way and expressing myself, and it brings me peace. Without The Wooden Floor, I wouldn’t have as much confidence or the sense of pride I have in myself. The Wooden Floor helped me learn not to give up - even through the hardest times - and to keep pushing for my highest dreams.”

-Julian, Class of 2028

Julian has been a student at The Wooden Floor for five years. He currently holds a 4.3 GPA and dreams of attending UCLA. His goal is to work in the medical field because as he says, “I want to help out my community and discover new things that I’ve never learned before.”

Welcome

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Irvine Barclay Theatre for The Wooden Floor’s 41st Annual Concert: Onward! It is a joy to serve my third year as Chair of The Wooden Floor's Board of Directors. After celebrating our 40th Anniversary last year, we are now focused on the future of our organization, and we are confident in our collective conviction that greatness lies in our ongoing pursuit of excellence for our students. I am filled with optimism, not only because of our inspiring students but also due to the dedication and tenacity of our community – from our Board of Directors, staff, supporters, and families.

As you may know, we have a 10-Year Strategic Vision 2021-2031 to: Drive Social Innovation, Grow Impact and Uplift Our Community. We characterize our strategic plans as chapters in a book to guide us in reaching our strategic vision. Our current strategic plan is aptly titled Chapter One 2021-2023: Leading with Agility. Strengthening Our Community. This chapter was created during the height of the pandemic with the overarching theme to “focus on the present and be futureready,” meaning that we would do whatever it took to support our students, families, and alumni during and following the uncertainty of the pandemic. At the same, as an organization, we wanted to ensure that we were positioned to resume our goals to deepen services and grow our long-term impact. The Board and our staff are finalizing our planning for Chapter Two 2024-2026 and we look forward to sharing more once we complete this next strategic planning phase.

I am filled with pride to serve an organization that continues to have a pioneering spirit to ensure that the next 40 years will be as transformational as our first. I encourage you to find ways that you can make a meaningful difference in our evolving mission.

Sincerely,

Theresa Allen CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE WOODEN FLOOR

As The Wooden Floor steps confidently into the next 40 years and beyond, we sought a 41st Annual Concert title that encapsulates the ethos of our collective determination and collaborative efforts to reflect our velocity of motion over the past 40 years. The title Onward emerged. Artistic Director Jennifer Bassage Bonfil and I thought the word onward embodies our students’ perpetual movement forward, alongside the evolution of our organization as we make plans to grow and scale our programming based upon listening and learning from our students, families, supporters, and community partners.

As one of the foremost creative youth development organizations in the country, we know that Dance Is The Answer™. We want to ensure our students have the social, emotional, and academic wellness and life skills required to succeed in the 21st century economy and world. One of the things our alumni often share is that their participation in our Annual Concert, with a renowned team of choreographers, designers, artistic and production personnel, is a transformative opportunity to learn about themselves, increase their understanding of others with empathy, and build their confidence.

As we have emerged successfully from the pandemic, we have also been exploring new ways to impact the lives of even more children in Orange County through a program called Dance Uplifts. Currently being piloted within the Garden Grove Unified School District, this new after-school programming is designed to encourage creative expression as well as physical and emotional well-being to foster the acquisition of life skills known as the 5 C’s: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Character - and The Wooden Floor's added a 6th C: Courage.

As we turn our focus to our next 40 years of impact, with your advocacy for our mission and stalwart support, we will continue to innovate and provide a solid foundation for young people to thrive today and for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Dawn S. Reese, CFRE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE WOODEN FLOOR

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Theresa Allen,* Board Chair

Managing Director, RBC Wealth Management

Judith F. Posnikoff, PhD,*

Immediate Past Chair

Managing Director, Martlet Asset Management, LLC

Saar Swartzon,* Vice Chair

Principal Attorney, Cohn & Swartzon, a Professional Law Corporation

Yvonne O’Neill,* Treasurer

Certified Public Accountant, O’Neill Financial Management

Joseph Chatelle,*

Secretary

Principal, Mercer

Milton J. Acosta, Corporate Finance Manager, Ingram Micro

Wendy Arciero Executive Director, Anaheim Ducks Foundation

Sasha Ayloush,* Director of Sales & Marketing, Hydraflow

Seán Curran, Chair, Department of Dance, NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Michelle Dean,* Community Leader

Jen Dibble, VP, Corporate Counsel, Edwards Lifesciences

Christina Di Rocco, Business Solution Design Manager, Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Brent Funston, Chief Executive Officer, Wind River Group, LLC

Elizabeth Gonzalez, Alumni Representative Community Leader

Raquel Gonzalez, Parent Representative, Community Leader

Bryan Green, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Jehan Jayakumar,*

Founding Partner, Carlson & Jayakumar, LLP

Naveen Jonathan, PhD, LMFT, Community Representative

Clinical Associate Professor of Marriage & Family Therapy, Chair, Marriage & Family Therapy, Crean College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University

Jeremy Krout, President/CEO, Environmental Planning Development Solutions, Inc.

Richard LeBrun, Managing Director and Head of Alternatives Business Management, PIMCO Investments, LLC

Richard Lee, Market President, Retired, Aetna, Southern California

Catherine M. MacIver, Community Leader

Alix Portillo, Assistant Vice President, Compliance Monitoring Officer, Genesis Bank

Morgan Ratcliffe, Executive Director, Chief Communications Officer, Providence Health Plan

Dawn S. Reese, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer, The Wooden Floor

Jim Slaughter, Partner, Slaughter & Slaughter, LLP

Jerry Thode, Chief Executive Officer, J Paul Group, LLC

Shervin Vadood, Vice President, Branch Manager, Farmers & Merchants Bank

Ernesto M. Vasquez, FAIA, NCARB, Partner & CEO, SVA Architects, Inc.

Fabiola Velazquez, Parent Representative Community Leader

Board Emeriti

Joan Beall, Community Leader

Beth A. Burns, Founder of The Wooden Floor and Artistic Director (’83-’05)

Sharon Hartshorn, Community Leader

Richard C. Hunsaker,** President, Hunsaker Management

Virginia Hunsaker,** Community Leader

Damien M. Jordan, General Manager, Retired, American Funds/ Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Yvonne M. Jordan, Community Leader

Socorro Vasquez, Community Leader

About The Wooden Floor

Founded in 1983, The Wooden Floor is one of the foremost creative youth development nonprofit organizations in the country. We inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. In Orange County and through national licensed partners, we use a long-term approach grounded in exploratory dance education to foster the confidence and gifts within each child to innovate, communicate, and collaborate – skills necessary for success in school and in life. 100 percent of students who graduate from The Wooden Floor enroll in higher education. Our students become change agents and beacons of hope within their own families, their neighborhoods, our community, and our world.

Dance Education & Performance Opportunities

Dance education and performance are the core transformational elements through which our youth change the way they think about themselves and aspire beyond any socioeconomic barriers. In the dance studio, exploration, creativity, and self-knowledge lead to critical life skills, confidence, leadership, teamwork, well-being, and joy.

■ DANCE EDUCATION

Dance classes are offered each week in modern, ballet, improvisation, and choreography with professional faculty and live music accompanists.

■ CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

We make a commitment to a dance aesthetic that values exploration, discovery, and innovation, which leads to student success in school and in life.

■ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Dance Free Weeks™, a community engagement program held in schools throughout Santa Ana and neighboring under-served communities, reaches approximately 3,000 additional students annually.

■ ON STAGE

Our young artists collaborate with recognized choreographers to create unexpected and challenging works of contemporary dance, performed in professional settings.

Academic Services & College and Career Readiness Programs

We make a 10-year commitment to our youth from third grade through high school and guide them through their long-term journeys to higher education.

■ ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Individualized one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, remedial workshops, and access to a computer lab and resource library ensure our students meet or exceed grade-level proficiency.

■ COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

A majority of our graduates qualify for merit-based, four-year scholarships, totaling up to $10,000, from The Wooden Floor.

■ COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS PROGRAMS

Through The Next Step™, college planning begins in the sixth grade. Career Panels and college tours help our youth select a degree to pursue. College application and financial aid workshops ensure they are prepared for higher education.

Family Services & Enrichment Programs

The Wooden Floor provides a safe space for our students to ensure they are supported in their personal and family lives. Through their journeys, creativity is fostered, commitment is fundamental, and discovery occurs every day.

■ CASE MANAGEMENT & CRISIS INTERVENTION

An open-door policy for dealing with crises or parental concerns allows our students and families to feel supported at home. If we can’t provide immediate assistance, we refer them to a community partner.

■ FAMILY WORKSHOPS

Parents attend workshops related to parenting and family health.

■ RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Students receive daily mentoring by The Wooden Floor’s skilled staff, including dance faculty, tutors, and mentors.

Introducing The Class of 2024

and the colleges and universities they will be attending

Daniela Alegria Cal Poly Humboldt Sociology

Ashley Bollas Irvine Valley College Elementary Education

Danna Coria

Chapman University Health Sciences

Alexa Diaz Chapman University Business Administration

– Finance

Emily Flores UC Irvine Nursing

Jazmin Gutierrez San Francisco State University Sociology

Veronica Hernandez UC Irvine Environmental Science

Ashley Herrera UC Riverside Biology

Zuri Islas

UC Riverside Business Administration

Brian Lopez CSU Long Beach Mechanical Engineering

Emma Lopez Cal Poly Pomona

Animal Science

James Lopez CSU Fullerton Computer Science

Mia Martinez CSU Fullerton Kinesiology

Sarah Montiel-Guzman

Santiago Canyon College Computer Science

Lenilson Morales CSU San Marcos Business Administration

Emily Morfin Irvine Valley College Biology

Chelsie Ochoa UC San Diego International Studies

– Economics

Brisa Rodriguez

CSU Fullerton Child and Adolescent Studies

Dulce Romero Mount St. Mary's Nursing

Jazelle Ruiz

Santa Clara University Biology

Marysol Sanchez Orange Coast College Political Science

Stephanie Segura CSU Fullerton Criminology

Valentina Serrano Irvine Valley College Biology

Emma Tassev UC Irvine Mechanical Engineering

Diego Teran Saddleback College Film Television and Electronic Media

Ximena Valdez Santa Ana College Nursing Assistant

Alexander Vargas CSU Fullerton

Electrical Engineering

Valezka Vega Orange Coast College Dance

Evelyn Vergara

Santiago Canyon College Aeronautical Engineering

Mia Villalpando CSU Fullerton Kinesiology; Dance

Alumni of The Wooden Floor Graduating From College in 2024

Dominic

Jasmine

Cesar

Alumni of The Wooden Floor Currently in College Isaac Alegria Class of 2026

Estrada Class of 2027

Class

“Before The Wooden Floor, I didn’t have a strong sense of community. I felt like I didn’t fit in. I struggled with my own expression. Often times, I would think, 'I don't know who I am, and I don't know how to tell people who I am.' It was confusing, and without The Wooden Floor, I don't think I would have been able to grow as much and feel the comfort that I do now. I didn’t know how to be, but here, I could be myself. I have people I can rely on, people who welcome me.”

-Jade, Class of 2026

Although Jade has been at The Wooden Floor for seven years, this is her first time performing in our Annual Concert. She enjoys science and dreams of studying chemistry in college, with a focus on perfumery because “it has that extra hint of creativity and art.”

A Spotlight on Our Dance Approach

At The Wooden Floor, we have a deep passion for crafting exquisite art with our exceptional young people. We pride ourselves on our ability to produce original and thought-provoking work, and that is why everything you see on stage is innovative and compelling, perhaps even unusual or curious. Below, we share what makes our approach unique, with the hope it will heighten your appreciation for the pieces and our students, whom I lovingly call “super-humans.”

We extend our appreciation to you for joining us to witness our 41st Annual Concert, Onward, showcasing the transformative power of dance on young people’s lives. We are grateful for your support and hope you feel inspired by what you see on stage. Enjoy the performance.

JENNIFER BASSAGE BONFIL

Artistic Director, The Wooden Floor

Our students thrive.

Dance encourages our youth to think differently about themselves, to push through obstacles, and emerge as strong and confident leaders. The benefits of participating in the Annual Concert are numerous. Students develop their confidence, autonomy, creative problem-solving abilities, internal awareness, and presence. In other words, our Annual Concert process teaches our students the necessary skills to thrive. Our contemporary modern dance approach lends itself to what we value – providing opportunities for our students to demonstrate The Wooden Floor’s Six C’s: Collaboration, Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking, Character, and Courage.

Student voices matter.

Cultivating community is an essential part of what we do. Students work independently, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole cast toward a common goal. Inviting, acknowledging, and integrating the student voice in the process not only strengthens the community, but also increases the students’ motivation and investment. With multiple student voices contributing to the process, our dancers gain an increased ability to receive, respond to, and value new ideas. It also awakens the human spirit, promotes joy, and allows for personal uniqueness to flourish. Our students learn that what they have to say matters.

We hope you are moved.

We are committed to a dance aesthetic that values exploration, discovery, and innovation, and that is why we commission original works by choreographers who co-create with our students. These highly sought-after dance makers provide movement prompts that inspire and guide our students to create original movement. The professionals curate these ideas and mold them into the extended masterpieces you see on stage. It doesn’t matter whether you are witnessing modern dance for the first time, or you are a seasoned dance viewer, our hope is that you are moved by the originality of what you see these young people doing.

What does it mean?

The work is thought-provoking and intentional, but it is alright if you don’t “get it.” You may have ideas, thoughts, or emotions that come up while you are watching. Allow that to happen. When viewing dance like this, there is no wrong answer. There was an impetus for the creation, and the dancers perform with specific motivation, and that is why we are moved or invested or intrigued by what we see. It is completely acceptable, though, to have your own interpretation of the dance.

Artistic excellence is a priority.

We are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to producing a professional-quality experience with and for our students. Fueled by our organization’s Guiding Principle that “when we provide our students the best, they rise to their best,” our artistic team is comprised of guest choreographers who are influencing and shaping the genre of contemporary dance. We are known for inviting top-tier artists, designers, and production teams who excel in their craft and areas of expertise to collaborate with our students and staff for our Annual Concert.

THANK YOU TO OUR

41st Annual Concert Underwriters

HONORARY UNDERWRITERS

The Beall Family Foundation

ASSOCIATE UNDERWRITERS

Helen Sperry Lea Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

CONCERT UNDERWRITERS

Bobbi Cox

Davis/Dauray Family Fund

Sharon & Terry Hartshorn

Theresa & Jonathon Allen

Yvonne & Damien Jordan

Linda and Tod White Charitable Fund

Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter

CONCERT PARTNER

Michelle & Timothy Dean

CONCERT SUPPORTERS

Hydraflow - Ayloush Family

Marilyn McIntyre

Judith F. Posnikoff

Robyn & Dave Stauffer

Carole & Rich Lee

MVS Foundation

MEDIA SPONSOR

*As of April 5, 2024

About the Dances

Bodies|Cities

Choreographer Tristan Koepke's new work, Bodies|Cities, is a dense movement tapestry: a complex and interactive network that brings together seemingly disparate and unique dancers, exploring how form and beauty can develop out of chance, collaboration, and spontaneity. Borrowing its name from the writings of philosopher Elizabeth Grosz, the work considers how individual actions have large impacts and how we relate to ever-changing and impermanent environments. The dancers move in rolling waves through repeated gestures and variations, and show relationships and communities that develop, crumble apart, and inevitably reassemble.

Echoes of Wonder

Artistic Director Jennifer Bassage Bonfil’s latest piece, Echoes of Wonder, draws inspiration from childhood games and memories, revealing the hidden joy and splendor in simplicity. Through repetitive movements, both the performer and the viewer find a meditative experience amid a creative frenzy, discovering calmness in swift motion and stillness. The dancers explore internal versus external awareness, uncovering the intricate beauty within the seemingly straightforward. Original music by Daniel Manoiu underscores this uplifting piece with repetitive rhythms, demonstrating that minimalism can hold profound complexity and the presumably insignificant can be meaningful.

unfinished business

Choreographer Momar Ndiaye’s piece, unfinished business, explores one of the most significant African concepts that define humanism and the community building among the Zulu people of the South African region: “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” meaning “a person is a person through other persons.” In collaboration with the dancers, Momar has explored and staged interhuman connectivity and developments of expendable ecosystems that reimagine shifts and changes we all continually go through. From gestures, pedestrian activities, and socio-cultural codes attached to our identities, they have collaboratively built movement vocabularies that reflect a balanced intercultural space.

Program Listing

PLEASE NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOGRAPHY DURING THE PERFORMANCE.

■ Bodies|Cities

World Premiere

Choreography Tristan Koepke

Costume Design Lisa Kowalewski

Lighting Design James F. Ingalls

Sound Design Tristan Koepke

Music Caroline Shaw & Attacca Quartet, "Plan & Elevation III: The Herbaceous Border" Teebs, "While You Doooo" Daphni, "Falling"

Fred again.. / Brian Eno, "Secret" Four Tet, "Three Drums"

Rehearsal Assistant Jocelyn Magaña

-BRIEF PAUSE, PLEASE REMAIN SEATED-

■ Echoes of Wonder

World Premiere

Choreography Jennifer Bassage Bonfil

Costume Design Lisa Kowalewski

Lighting Design James F. Ingalls

Music

Original Score by Daniel Manoiu

Rehearsal Assistant Kenneth Walker -INTERMISSION-

■ unfinished business

World Premiere

Choreography Momar Ndiaye

Costume Design Lisa Kowalewski

Lighting Design

Music

James F. Ingalls

Score by Zaq Kenefick

Rehearsal Assistant Sammi Waugh

Our Dancers

Bodies|Cities

Jessica Alanis

Daniela Alegria

Fergie Balboa

Chloe Baldridge

Sofia Botero

Julissa Canela

Gillian Carrillo

Graciela Davalos

Ayanna Davis

Echoes of Wonder

Esperanza Aguilar

Valeria Aguirre

Julian Almeida

Priscila Baez

Gabriela Barrera

Natallie Barrera

Vanessa Bernal

Natalie Cabezas-Ayala

Emily Frutos

Cassandra Galindo

Ashley Garcia

Sherlyn Gomez

Isabella Gomez-Rosete

Christian Herrera

Hitma Islas

Heidi Jimenez

Valeria Leon

Keiley Loaiza

Pilar Lopez

Beverly Mazon

Emily Muñoz

Isabella Pacheco

Megan Pary

Arely Peralta-Soto

Christian Rodriguez

Valerie Rojas

Dulce Romero

Viridiana Ruiz

Karen Torres

Kymberlee Valencia

Edwin Varas

Lizbeth Vargas

Evelyn Vergara Molina

Molly Campos

Kendra Chávez

Camila Cruz

Diego Dominguez

Sophia Dominguez

Anabelle Escobar

Luna Esquivel

Aylene Flores-Tlachi

unfinished business

Camila Baez

Violeta Carcamo

Karen Carrasco

Esther Corona

Emily Flores

Leslie Garcia

Danna Gaytan

Rubi Gonzalez

Tiffany Gudino

Miley Guerrero

Jade Hernandez

Veronica Hernandez

Ashley Herrera

Denise Loaiza

Emma Frutos

Maria Garcia

Lucero Godinez

Kayla Gomez

Emery Lemen

Jennifer Loaiza

Kaylee Memije

Elijah Mendoza

Mackenzie Morales

Madison Ochoa

Melanie Palacios

Cielo Pelayo

Regina Pina

Kayla Santana

Esmeralda Varona

Constanza Villa-Popoca

Emma Lopez

James Lopez

Mackenzie Maddox

Rosa Virginia Marcano

Sarah Montiel-Guzman

Kuanari Morales

Mayra Navarrete

Aranza Nunez

Chelsie Ochoa

Miley Resendiz

Jacqueline Rodriguez

Jeslyn Rodriguez

Alexander Vargas

Valezka Vega

Jennifer Bassage Bonfil, Choreographer, is a dancer, dance educator, and dance maker who has been teaching at The Wooden Floor since 2006. She earned her MA in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado, a BFA from Chapman University, and an Arts Management & Dance Training certificate from the José Limón Dance Foundation. Jenn danced professionally with Backhausdance for 13 years and is currently the Artistic Director at The Wooden Floor.

Gee-gee Brass, Costume Assistant, is a recent graduate of the University of California, Riverside, having completed her degree in Theatre, Film, and Digital Production with a minor in Economics. She plans to enter the professional world of costuming for the arts and will continue to act as costume assistant at UCR as well as design costumes for her peers and their films. She is excited to be a part of the Annual Concert for the first time.

Maisie Crimmins, Lighting Assistant, is currently an MFA Lighting Design Candidate at UCI. Her background is in lighting theatre and dance, and she hopes to expand her horizons to all lighting forms. Outside of work, she likes to roller skate and crochet. She is thrilled to be working with James F. Ingalls and The Wooden Floor team.

Kate Darby, Stage Manager, is honored to be joining the production team of The Wooden Floor again this season. Kate

is the Stage Manager and Head of Props for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, performing at the Harris Theater in Chicago as well as touring with the company. She is also a Stage Manager for Blue Man Group Chicago.

Teresa Farias, Costume Supervisor, began her journey at The Wooden Floor as a volunteer for the Annual Concert in 1999. Her natural skills are an integral support to costume production, working with the Costume Designer to ensure the dancers look their best on stage. Teresa earned her MS in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, enhancing her ability to support the students backstage as they prepare to perform.

Alyssa Gauss, Costume Assistant, is excited to assist in her first production at The Wooden Floor. She is currently an undergrad at CSU Fullerton, studying theatre education. She is hoping to graduate in the spring of 2025 with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. She is also currently employed at CSUF in their costuming department as a costume assistant.

James F. Ingalls, Lighting Designer, has designed nineteen concerts for The Wooden Floor since 1996. Recent dance: Anima Animus (Dutch National Ballet), Bespoke (Houston Ballet), Twyla Tharp Dance (Joyce, NYC), Echo and Drum Circle (Paul Taylor Dance Company). Recent opera: Médée (Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin), Beatrice di Tenda (Opera National

de Paris), Ruinous Gods (Spoleto Festival/ USA). Recent theatre: Druid O’Casey (Irish/ International Tours), A Year with Frog and Toad (Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company).

Tristan Koepke, Choreographer, is a dancer, educator, and choreographer. He is an Assistant Professor at Bates College and is Director of the Bates Dance Festival’s Young Dancers Intensive. He has performed in dance works by Chris Schlichting, Vanessa Anspaugh, luciana achugar, Doug Varone, Kendra Portier, and was a member of Zenon Dance Company from 20112019. He holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Lisa Kowalewski, Costume Designer & Costume Construction, has worked with The Wooden Floor since 1996 and designed costumes for IBM and Disney commercials. She has created hand-painted and airbrushed designs for Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige, and the opening ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Olympics. Other work includes costumes for the pre- and post-game events of Super Bowl 50 and headpieces for Katy Perry. She is currently working on costume designs for Cedar Fair Parks and Legoland.

Brianna Kowalewski, Assistant Costume Designer, is a senior at CSU Fullerton majoring in Theatre Arts. She was head of the Props Department for three years at Moorpark College and has been Prop

Mistress/Scenic Designer for many shows. She was Assistant Costume Designer/ Set Costumer for Haunt at Great America in 2019 and The Wooden Floor in 2021. Additionally, she was Assistant Costume Designer for Legoland in 2023 and 2024.

Zaq Kenefick, Composer, is an artist who has studied poetry, sculpture, and music composition at CSU Long Beach and experimental sound at Cal Arts. He is interested in organizational systems, pedagogy, the transformative power of improvisation and noticing. He works with music technology and in collaborative processes. Recently, he has been writing a lot of music for dance. Zaq teaches early childhood music at Music Rhapsody and plays piano for The Wooden Floor.

Daniel Manoiu, Composer, is an awardwinning pianist and composer. Originally from Romania, Daniel has performed at world class venues including Carnegie Hall. He has written original music for films and TV and is an active composer and music editor for dance, film, and TV. Daniel earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Miami, is the Principal Dance Musician at UC Irvine, lecturer at CSU Fullerton, and dance accompanist at The Wooden Floor.

Jocelyn Magaña, Rehearsal Assistant, is an alumna of The Wooden Floor and realized at a young age that performing was her passion. Jocelyn has performed

works by Seán Curran, Laurel Jenkins, John Heginbotham, and José Limón. She holds a BFA in Dance from CSU Long Beach. Post graduation, Jocelyn completed the LimónPro Program. This is Jocelyn’s second year teaching at The Wooden Floor, and she is grateful to give back to her community.

Momar Ndiaye, Choreographer, is a dance artist, videographer, activist, and actor of social-cultural development from Senegal with thirty years of experience – making, performing, teaching, and developing initiatives for a sustainable creative industry in West Africa through his company, Cadanses. He has an established international profile as a choreographer and has danced for the international company Premier Temp. Momar is Assistant Professor at the Ohio State University and faculty at the American Dance Festival.

Alvaro Nuñez Ramos, Technical Director, was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. He holds a bachelor's degree in Dance from CSU, Long Beach, and a master's degree in Art and Culture Marketing from Denver University. Alvaro's passion lies in designing lighting for various artistic forms. He is known for his technical expertise and artistic vision, which he applies to create innovative lighting designs. Alvaro is committed to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.

Kenneth Walker, Rehearsal Assistant, holds a BA from UCLA in World Arts and Cultures and an MBA and MA in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University. He is the Artistic Director of Kenneth Walker Dance Project and a Lester Horton Dance Awards Nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Company. Currently, Kenneth is on faculty at The Wooden Floor and a lecturer at CSU Dominguez Hills, where he teaches Ballet and Dance Appreciation.

Sammi Waugh, Rehearsal Assistant, is a dance artist and educator based in Southern California. She received her BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University and currently dances professionally with Backhausdance. Passionate about arts education, Sammi has taught and created curriculum for organizations, studios, and elementary schools across Southern California. Sammi is proud to be a Dance Faculty member at The Wooden Floor and is excited for her first Annual Concert.

Bri Westad, Production Manager, is excited to return to The Wooden Floor to work on Onward. Bri is a freelance theatre artist originally from upstate New York who has found a home in Southern California. Bri has a BA in Theatre Studies from Ithaca College and an MFA in Stage Management from UCI. Thank you to the amazing team that it takes to put on this amazing concert.

ONWARD PRODUCTION STAFF

Jennifer Bassage Bonfil

Artistic Director

Bri Westad

Production Manager

Kate Darby

Stage Manager

Alvaro Nuñez Ramos Technical Director

Brianna Kowalewski

Assistant Costume Designer

Teresa Farias

Costume Supervisor

Gee-gee Brass

Costume Assistant

Alyssa Gauss

Costume Assistant

Maisie Crimmins

Lighting Assistant

Veronica Avzaradel

Box Office

George Simian

Concert Photographer

Albert Rascon Concert Videographer

THE WOODEN FLOOR YEAR-ROUND STAFF

Dawn S. Reese, CFRE Chief Executive Officer

Nancy Arellano Development Operations Coordinator

Payal Avellan Director of Communications and Marketing

Renett Banagas

Development Manager

Diana Barriga College and Career Readiness Coordinator

Jennifer Bassage Bonfil Artistic Director

Iliana Coronado Controller

Teresa Farias Family Services Case Manager

Kris Filip Marketing and Communications Manager

Tianna Haradon Chief Development Officer

Kimberly Hernandez Director of Student Development

Andrea Ordaz Dance Education Coordinator

Jerardo Reyes Student Support Services Coordinator

Vanessa Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer

Eusebio Romero Academic Coordinator

Gabriela Ruiz Administrative Assistant

Alyssa Ventress

Public Relations and Development Associate

THE WOODEN FLOOR DANCE EDUCATION STAFF

Ashley Allen

Kevin Bowers

Nicholas Ceresia

Bruno Cilloniz

Rocio Cruz-Dueñas

Monti Ellison

Cailey Fono

Zaq Kenefick

Paul Kohlhas

Mary Leopo

Jocelyn Magaña

Daniel Manoiu

Kiel Palsgaard

Gina Quintana

Katelyn Sanchez

Ashton Titus

Patrick Vargas

Kenneth Walker

Sammi Waugh

Brian Wood

THE WOODEN FLOOR ACADEMIC ADVISORS

Diana Arellano

Breanna Burns

Gabby Gutierrez

Ana Hernandez

Chip Solomon

THE WOODEN FLOOR TUTORS

Rafael Delgado

Lily Rangel

Esther Rivera

Kyana Taban

THE WOODEN FLOOR STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Diana Arora

Community Engagement Instructor

Dulce Garcia Family Services Support Specialist

Dionicio Lopez Student Support Services Mentor

Jessica Jimenez Agama Student Support Services Leader

Ismael Murillo

Community Engagement Instructor

Alexi Pacheco Student Support Services Mentor

Leslie Ruiz

Student Support Services Mentor

We are very grateful to the many individuals and organizations who support The Wooden Floor’s mission

...and contribute funds to the life-changing outcomes the organization provides its students and families. The Wooden Floor acknowledges the generous contributions of the following supporters who contributed between March 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

$100,000+

Theresa & Jonathon Allen

The Beall Family Foundation ○

Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation ○

Suzi Chauvel / Chauvel Foundation ○

Michelle & Tim Dean p

Emily and Jeremy Krout / EPD Solutions, Inc. ○

$50,000-$99,999

From My Heart Charitable Fund ○

Sharon & Terry Hartshorn

Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation ○

Carole & Rich Lee

Judith F. Posnikoff

Willette Charitable Foundation ○

$25,000-$49,999

Anonymous

Raymond Chao

DevTo Support Foundation ○

Dhont Family Foundation ○

Frome Family Foundation

Green Foundation ○

Helen Sperry Lea Foundation

The Hughes Family ●

The Huneycutt Family Foundation / Michele & Joe Chatelle p

$10,000-$24,999

Anaheim Ducks & Honda Center

Anonymous

Aubree Boul

Charles & Mildred

Schnurmacher Foundation, Inc. ●

Charleys Kids Foundation ●

Bobbi Cox

Croul Family Foundation ●

Don Yoder Foundation ●

Michele & Peter Duncan

/ Myra & Peter Duncan p

M.R. Finley Family Foundation

Janice & John Markley

Sishir Reddy ○

Donald & Constance Sperling Foundation

Linda & Tod White Charitable Fund ○

Nancy & Brian Hunsaker ○

The Kennedy Foundation / Fletcher Jones Foundation ○

Yvonne & Damien Jordan

KNU For Kids Foundation ○

Gail & Peter Ochs

Ginger & Arthur Ong

Samueli Foundation ○

The Smith Group

Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

Golden Eagle Foundation

Adele & Bryan Green p

Hydraflow - Ayloush Family p

Bobi Keenan

Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter

Robert Mairena / Office Solutions

Marilyn McIntyre

MVS Foundation

Nicholas Pardon

Segerstrom Foundation ●

Robyn & Dave Stauffer

Swartzon Family Foundation

Tappan Foundation

TROY Group, Inc. / The Dirk Family

Sung-Hee Suh & Peter Dolotta ●

Arn & Nancy Youngman

Ling & Charlie Zhang ●

$5,000-$9,999

Anonymous

Wendy & Mike Arciero

Diane & Dennis Baker p

Denise & Keith Banning

Edie Barvin

Crean Foundation

Gochnauer Family Foundation

Honeycut

$2,500-$4,999

Glennda Adair

Anonymous Archarios Foundation

Kathleen & Anthony Arciero

Jennifer & Albert Bonfil

Kimberly Brink p

Nancy & Irving Chase p

Edna & Richard Cole

Richard Dellar

Christina Di Rocco

Sandy Fainbarg

$1,000-$2,499

Afterschool Alliance

Paul & Marta Allen

Lauren Andrews

Cindy & Ronald Bassage

Meredith & Mike Byer

Jenni & Ron Cole

Virginia Connolly

Teri & Alan Hoops

Jillian & Jehan Jayakumar / Carlson & Jayakumar LLP

Elizabeth & Don Johnson

Robert & Michelle Kargenian

Keith & Judy Swayne Family Foundation Fund

Karin Krogius & Scott Mason

John C. Lockhart Family Trust

From My Heart Charitable Fund p

Martin & Shirley Burns

Family Foundation

Paula & Douglas Neff

Shari & Beau Nokes

Trish O'Donnell

Yvonne & John O'Neill p

Bonnie & Dan Platt

Janet & Walkie Ray

Schoellerman Foundation

Heather S. Waldon

The Weaver Family Foundation

Zappettini Family Fund

Christin Foreman p

Carolyn & Don Frost p

Sharon Govern p

Heidi Hall & Steve Guzowski Impact Giving

Cherrill & Kyle Kawakami p

Shelly Sandoval & Jon Lash

Lili'uokalani Trust

Joe & Sylvia Livingston n

Beth & Randall C. Luce

Pamela & James Markman p

Ann W. McDonald p

Monica & Jim Meacham

Gisela & Kenneth Meier p

Linda & Ken Mesesan

The John & CC Nelson Family

Orange County United Way

Lisa & Barney Page

Sally & Roland Rapp

Marja & Michael Selna

Simon Foundation for Education and Housing

Peggy & Doug Slonkosky p

Vicky Staub

Judy & David Threshie

Karen K. Ulman & Robert M. Knapp

Charlotte & Hal Van Ryswyk p

Deborah & Harold Ward

Gena & Richard Way

Joan & Larry Webb

Robert L. Wilson p

Mary Ann & Frank Xavier p

Kristi & Doug DeCinces

John & Denise Duncan

Nancy & Stephen Eng

Gayle & Marc Ezralow

Quinn & Bryan Ezralow

Barbara & Gary Freedman

Gantry, Inc.

○ Lead Class Partner

● Class Partner

Lead Class Partners and Class Partners are individuals, companies, and organizations who support the academic, college and career readiness, and college scholarship programs that each of The Wooden Floor’s 10 graduating classes of students need to make their dreams of higher education a reality.

Dance Partner

Pamela & Donald Gilmour

Ryan & Lauren Gilomen Giving University

Meg Gullo

Teresa & Richard Hamm

Sue & Peter Hitch

Camille & Ron Howarth p

Dance Partner supporters underwrite a student’s annual participation at The Wooden Floor. Dance Partner students know there is someone outside of their family standing in their corner, encouraging them to overcome challenges and achieve success in school and life. Dance Partners and students stay connected through pen pal letters and optional visits at events and on campus.

Stephanie Jernigan

Lisa & Larry Kallestad

Michael Kelly

Michelle Lund & Lawrence Kostrzewa p

Sara & Steve Kuljis

Karen & David Leff

Neighbors

A group of committed supporters who build community through monthly giving to inspire our youth to succeed. Sustaining monthly gifts provide the support our students can count on.

$1,000-$2,499

Julie & John Maglione

Alicia McCalla

Dana & Chad McCollum

Sally McIver p

Sandy & Charlie McLaughlin

Erin & Todd Meyer

Barbara & George Miranda

Christian Nelson

Lindsay Oglesby

Orange County Community Foundation

Chris & Yvette Palermo Family

Foundation

Andrew Park

Peter Perrin

Pledgeling Foundation

Ryann Ahern & Ed Polatschek

R & G Boyd

Dawn & Eric Reese n

Maleny Rodriguez

Carrie & Thomas Rolfes

Rutan & Tucker, LLP

$500-$999

Boeing Company

Summer Born

Beth Burns & Mark Gorman

Cathy & Mark Chamberlin

Margaret J. Collins

Angela & Bill Cord

Katherine N. Davis

Kathy & Jerry Dunlap

Jennifer Durham

Deborah & Cody Engle

Glenn Engstrom

Cheryl Finley & Barry E. Neal

Globe Life

Monica & Joe Guillena

Salma Bushala-Hamud & Harold

Hamud

Meagan C. Hayes

Stephen Hryniewicki

Naveen Jonathan

Laurie Kays & Bradley W. Kays

James King

Virginia Kroenlein n

Sharon & Mark La Bonte

Joyce & John Lee

Tiffany Lopez

McCoy Rigby Arts

Toni & Barry McManus

$1-$499

Sheila & Aslan Abregov

Milton J. Acosta

Bernice Adame

Pat Ahern

Rebecca A. Alvarez

AmazonSmile Foundation

Deborah Anderson

Tham Ara

Claire Arora

Suzanne Assis de Moraes

Autodesk

Payal & Adrien Avellan n

Andrew Aw

Elizabeth & Daniel Barnes

Dori Barnett

Julie Barrett

Emily J. Bartlett

Kirsten Bauman-Vosyka n

Alicia Berhow

Katy Biggerstaff

Tracy Booker-Veale &

Allen Booker

Jeannette Bovert

Kathy & Matt Boyle

Jeffrey & Gwen Brady

Valerie & Bill Brasher

Michelle Brouwer

Jyothsna Buddharaju

Jullie Buster

Dana Butler-Moburg

Molly Buzick Pontin, DMA

Jasmin Camacho

Marcia & John Cashion

Cynthia Chackerian

Chris Chudacoff

Leslie & Andrew Cies

Clark Construction Group, LLC

Leslie Clinton

Sally Lane & Gary L. Schoonyan

Alison & Brad Schweitzer

Carolyn & Will Singleton

Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange

Stacy & Jeffrey Stone

The Strelow Family

PRO-TECH Design & Mfg, Inc.

Target Circle

The Beatrice F. Kroesche Foundation

Kathleen & Jerry Thode

Dale A. Merrill

Cathy L. Mullins n

Dawni Novak Seaman p

Karen & Steve Presley

Morgan Ratcliffe n

Marie & Michael Sackett

Diane I. Sagey n

Heather Saito Salesforce

San Francisco Foundation

Anna Shepherd

Cheri & Rick Smetanka

Annie Song n

Crysten Cole

Iliana Coronado

Karen Cortez

Susan Cossaboom

Mayra Cruz

Seán Curran

Patricia & Jack Curtis

Johanna Cypis

Suzanne & Fouad Darweesh

Brian & Brenda Deeley

Family Foundation

Peter & Suzanne Desforges

Jen Dibble

Marie DiSante

Susan Dixon

Phillip Doolittle

Catharine Dunlap

Jess & Phillip Dykstra n

Farnaz Eeg

University of Kentucky

Firth & Colin Waldon

Richard Ward

Lynn & Charles Wert

Wescom Foundation

Julie & Justin Wilson

Jean & Tom Wilson

Katie & Robert Wilson

Sharon Wohl

Gordon Stein

Diane & Max Stites

Lois A. Stolz

Toyota Motor North America

Ginny & John Trapani

Amy & Jeffrey Vieth

Patricia & Richard Wallace

Betty Werksman &

Gerald Werksman

Jodie L. Wollman n

Lynn Wood

Yield Giving

David Elliott

Jacqueline Evans

Fran Farrer

Peggy Felton

Gayle L. Fisher

Steven Fisher

Kim & David R. Fix

Jenifer & Craig Frial

James A. Frieden

Clifford Frieden

Suzanne Finley Friend & David

Andrew Friend

Cubby & Richard Fyke

GateHouse Properties

Janet & Edward Geehr

The Gehr Family

Diane Giblin

Renee & John Gillespie

Steven Gogatz

Terry Goldfarb

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Elizabeth & William Goodan

Anh Nguyet Nancy & Paul Groner

Kathy & Noel Hamilton

Tianna Haradon n

Beverly & John Hargrove

Lisa Harman

Janet Henry

J. Donald Henry

Cleo Henry-Purdy

Anne Marie Herrera

Eileen & Thomas Hildebrandt

Sabrina Hite

Stacy & Andy Horne

Karen J. Jimenez

Colleen Johns

Olivia & A. Andrew Johnson

John Jordano III

Holly H. Joslin

Farid & Mary Kardous

Father Brad Karelius

Jim Kieckhafer

Genie Tracy Kirchner

Daisuke Kobata

Lahmani Law

Karyn Langen

Kathryn Langston

Jennifer Lee

Marie-France Lefebvre

Christine & Jeff Leonard

Christine Long LuLaRoe

Theresa Madden

Sue & Jim Markley

Masco Corporation

Christy & Andrew Mason

Kathy & Joseph D. Mason

Melanie McCann Henry

Mitch McDermott

Tracy McLaughlin

Laura McMahon

Louise & George Medina

Keri Mesina

Evan Miles n

Amy Gelfand & David Misch

Mitsubishi Electric U.S.

Raymond Moore

Mary G. Morley

Leigh A. Morris

Kathryn & James Morrison

Jeannie & Kevin Mullin

Nealson Munn

Vera Munoz-Harrison

Patricia Mura

Pamela & Randall Nelson

Barbara K. Newsom

Kim Nguyen

Brian O'Connor

Adriana Panarisi

Loretta F. Panighetti

Jeanine Pardon

Leo Paredes

Sean Payne

Sandra Pearson

Edna & Phillip Perez

Kelly Peterson

Alix Portillo

Sandy Possehl

Cheryl Procaccini & Marcie Jenner

Judith K. Quintana Kerns

Mindy Rappe

Eleanor & Howard Reafsnyder

George & Patti Reid

Pat A. Renga

Maricela Rios-Faust & Gary Faust

Sol & Ken Roberts

Michael J. Rubel & Jan Vitti-Rubel

Veraina Sakes

Angela Salgado

Danielle Salveson

Janelle Senden

Sherry Shaw

Sheri Shepherd

Simon Scholars

Patti L. Simone

Nancy Skinner

Elizabeth Smalley

Smart & Final Charitable

Foundation

Ellen Smiley

Joy & Damon Smith

Mike Spillane

Melissa Rosenberg & Lev Spiro

Ashok Srinivasan

Rossi Staynova

Carole & Barry Steele

Marlowe Stone n

Kristen & Timothy Strauch

Karen Taylor-Bleiker

Shervin Vadood

Brenna Van Hoogenstyn

Claire Van Ryswyk

Sylvia Vazquez n

Judith & Murray Via

Maria Villa

Ellen & Michael Volk

Donna & David Voorhees

Nancy & Jon Wagner

Cheryl & Charlie Wagner

Barbara & Robert Wald

Sandra & Robert Weiner

Kelly Whiteley

Diane Whittier

Carol & Kent Wilken

Kristi L. Willette

Nicole Wilson

Jean & Timothy J. Yancey

Carol Zavala Living Trust

Jacob Zuniga

Pamela Zylstra

Step Forward: BUILDING

UPON 40 YEARS OF IMPACT

The Wooden Floor Endowment Campaign

Last year, The Wooden Floor launched a special fundraising campaign in celebration of our 40th Anniversary. Step Forward is designed to further grow The Wooden Floor’s Endowment Fund to ensure future generations of students can reach their full potential in school and life.

Your impact when contributing Endowment resources to The Wooden Floor:

■ Serve hundreds more students each year through community engagement efforts.

■ Reach those students least likely to be able to afford the programs and services we offer.

■ Maintain our connected-campus model plus potential new spaces, and much more.

■ The Endowment Fund helps us sustain the high impact and quality programs and services that we are known for. We aim to provide long-term financial sustainability for today, and future generations of students to come.

ENDOWMENT FUND OPPORTUNITIES

There are three main areas of focus where your gift to the endowment can make an impact.

The Wooden Floor Endowment (in support of greatest need)

Contributions to The Wooden Floor’s Endowment Fund create a legacy from your support, addressing areas of greatest need: inventive artistic and performance opportunities; wrap-around services, including mental health support, academic tutoring, and technology; college and career readiness; individualized mentoring beginning as early as 6th grade; family support services; and much more.

The Wooden Floor Scholarship Endowment

Direct gifts or planned gifts towards The Wooden Floor’s Scholarship Endowment create long-term sustainability for the College Scholarship Awards program, to support more tailored college scholarship awards to keep pace with students’ access to higher education and help ensure our students graduate.

Build

Upon the Future Endowment

Direct gifts or planned gifts in support of The Wooden Floor campuses will ensure that we will be able to grow prudently while focusing on financial sustainability, support the infrastructure and staffing required to sustain services, and update and improve upon our beautiful student facilities.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THAT WILL LAST FOR GENERATIONS

Please consider a gift to our Step Forward campaign to strengthen our important mission to inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. We are happy to share more and discuss your thoughts on how you can make an impact today with a direct gift and/or through your estate planning as part of The Wooden Floor Legacy Society. Please contact CEO Dawn S. Reese at 714-541-8314 x136 or at Info@TheWoodenFloor.org. With you walking by our side, we will step forward together.

The Wooden Floor Endowment Underwriters

Priscilla & Ed Akins

Theresa & Jonathon Allen

Anonymous

Veronica & Bill Avzaradel

The Beall Family Foundation

Mary Anne & Brad Blaine

Janet & James Brown

Beth Burns & Mark Gorman

Kristen & Jeffrey Bush

Dr. and Mrs. John L. Butler, Jr.

James & Dori Caillouette

The Huneycutt Family Foundation / Michele & Joseph Chatelle

Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Bobbi Cox

David Danielson

Suzanne & Fouad Darweesh

Katherine & John Dean

Deloitte

Carol & Steven Delson

Donald and Constance Sperling Foundation

Laurie & Steve Duncan

Sally A. Durham

Employees Community Fund of Boeing California

Fainbarg Family Foundation

Fieldstead and Company

Cheryl Finley & Barry Neal

First American Financial Corporation Fluor Foundation

Judy Gillispie

Mary Ellen Glaser

Genet & Manuel Gómez

Patricia & Frank Hall

Sharon & Terry Hartshorn

Hearst Foundations

Helen Sperry Lea Foundation

Lydia & Ken Himes

Richard T. Howard

Ginnie & Rich Hunsaker

Hutton Parker Foundation

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Olivia & A. Andrew Johnson

Yvonne & Damien Jordan

Dorothy & Donald Kennedy

Laguna Beach Ballet Studio

Linda & Richard Lambert

Luana & David Langlois

Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter

Janice & John Markley

Marilyn McIntyre

Daphne Munzer

Tricia Nichols

Tom Nielsen

Trish O'Donnell

Ginger & Arthur Ong

Julie & Scott Osborn

Pacific Life Foundation

Palley Family Trust

Dorothea & Peter Perrin

The Wooden Floor Legacy Society

Constance & Alan Peters

R.C. Baker Foundation

Rochelle V. Thacker Foundation

Samueli Foundation

Schoellerman Foundation

Segerstrom Foundation

Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Fund

Judith F. Posnikoff

Manya & Jim Slevcove

Peggy & Doug Slonkosky

Teresa & Bill Smith

Robyn & Dave Stauffer

Patricia W. Stayner

Jean Stevenson

Lois Stolz

Marjorie Sutton

Judy & Dennis Sweeney

Judy & David Threshie

Mary & Gary Tolar

Caitlin & Ben Tusher

UBS Financial Services

Ueberroth Family Foundation

Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

Isabelle Villaseñor

Ellen & Michael Volk

Linda & Tod White Charitable Fund

Pat & Bob Willis/John D. Glaser

Scholarship Fund

Marilyn & John Wilson

Mary Ann & Frank Xavier

The Wooden Floor Legacy Society is proud to recognize and continue to honor those who have made provisions for a future gift through a bequest, life insurance, annuity, trust agreement, or an outright gift to the organization. We extend deep gratitude to the members of The Wooden Floor Legacy Society for their visionary commitments.

Theresa & Jonathan Allen

Anonymous

Diane & Dennis Baker

Corrine Bayley & Laurie Julian

Brenna & Keegan Bell

Brian & Brenda Deeley Family Foundation

Michele & Joe Chatelle

Laura Curran

Michelle & Tim Dean

Donald & Constance Sperling Foundation

Wayne Goebel

Sharon & Frank Govern

Adele & Bryan Green

Patricia & Frank Hall

Sharon & Terry Hartshorn

Ginnie & Rich Hunsaker

Jillian & Jehan Jayakumar

Yvonne & Damien Jordan

Virginia Kroenlein

Nancy & Edward Leonard

Joe & Sylvia Livingston

Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter

Robert Mairena/Office Solutions

Shari & Beau Nokes

Patrick O'Halloran

Dawn & Eric Reese

Caitlin & Ben Tusher

Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

Gena & Richard Way

Pat & Bob Willis/John D. Glaser

Scholarship Fund

Barbara & Bill Yingling

Carole Zavala

Thank you to our Scholarship Underwriters

Scholarship Endowment Fund Underwriters

We are grateful to the following supporters who have invested in The Wooden Floor’s Scholarship Endowment Fund through direct scholarship gifts, pledges, and bequests:

Dawn & Charles Antis

Michelle & Tim Dean

Fainbarg Family Foundation

Suzanne Finley Friend & David Andrew Friend

Sharon & Frank Govern

Adele & Bryan Green

Carole & Rich Lee

Linda & Tod White

Charitable Fund

Annual Scholarship Underwriters

Teresa Loughlin & Brent Finley

Mary Ann R. Finley Family Foundation

Cheryl Finley & Barry Neal

Donald and Constance

Sperling Foundation

Thank you to Suzi Chauvel and the Chauvel Foundation for underwriting The Wooden Floor scholarship awards for up to four consecutive years during a student’s college tenure, lovingly known as the Chauvel Scholars.

Uplift Scholarship Underwriters

We are grateful to the following supporters for investing in The Wooden Floor’s Uplift Scholarship Award to provide financial assistance to The Wooden Floor’s highest-achieving graduates. The scholarship is designed as a means to complete the student’s unmet financial need, so they have the opportunity to pursue higher education at their first choice university at no cost.

Suzi Chauvel/ Chauvel Foundation

Anonymous Sishir Reddy

Legacy Scholarship Underwriters

In honor of their legacy at The Wooden Floor, we would like to acknowledge Board Emeriti Virginia and Richard Hunsaker, who before their passing in 2021, have ensured that any student of The Wooden Floor who is accepted to the University of Redlands will receive a full scholarship award through the university’s Hunsaker Scholars Award, in perpetuity.

KeepthePromise Wine Tasting Benefit™

Sponsors of our annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit help us keep the promise we make to each of our students: “From here, you can step anywhere.” We are grateful to our 2023 Sponsors whose leading support helped our 17th Annual Benefit gross nearly $435,000 to fund our core year-round dance, academic, and family support programs.

PREMIER ($30,000+)

The Beall Family Foundation

Janice & John Markley

PLATINUM ($20,000-$29,999)

Theresa & Jonathon Allen

The Smith Group

GOLD ($10,000-$19,999)

The Frome Family Foundation

Adele & Bryan Green

Sharon & Terry Hartshorn

The Hughes Family

KNU for Kids Foundation

Carole & Rich Lee

Pardon Family Office

Judith F. Posnikoff

Nancy & Arn Youngman

SILVER ($5,000-$9,999)

Anaheim Ducks & Honda Center

Michelle & Tim Dean

Teri & Alan Hoops

Hydraflow - The Ayloush Family

Yvonne & Damien Jordan

Karin Krogius & Scott Mason

Paula & Douglas Neff

Bonnie & Dan Platt

Peter G. Welsh – Gantry, Inc.

BRONZE ($3,000-$4,999)

Michele & Joseph Chatelle

Rick & Edna Cole

The Ezralow Company

Jehan Jayakumar - Carlson & Jayakumar LLP

Beth & Randall Luce

Catherine MacIver & Jim Slaughter

Monica & Jim Meacham

Ginger & Arthur Ong

Shelly Sandoval & Jon Lash

Simon Foundation for Education and Housing

Joan & Larry Webb

COPPER ($1,500-$2,999)

Denise & Keith Banning

John & Denise Duncan

Nancy & Stephen Eng

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Greystar

Heidi Hall & Steve Guzowski

Sue & Peter Hitch

John C. Lockhart Family Trust

Sandy & Charlie McLaughlin

Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Stacy & Jeff Stone

Judy & David Threshie

Julie & Justin Wilson

“Thanks to The Wooden Floor, my family and I knew that we were never alone. We always had a support system that believed in my dreams – even when we were unsure of the possibility of them coming true. The Wooden Floor never stopped believing, instead they gave me support and helped me like no other community has before. It was hope; it was safety; it was happiness; it was family.

Returning as a Board Member has allowed me to see all the thought and care that goes into ensuring that The Wooden Floor continues to grow and further its impact. My favorite part has been participating in the strategic plan and providing input as someone who personally understands the outcomes of the organization.

The impact of The Wooden Floor is generational. They really help positively change generations of families through the work they do. The support and care they provide allows great change for families and their futures.”

-Alix, Class of 2011

After graduating from The Wooden Floor, Alix obtained a bachelor’s degree in Science as well as a master’s in Business Administration, both from Chapman University. She currently works at Genesis Bank as an AVP Compliance Monitoring Officer and dreams of becoming a Chief Compliance Officer at a banking institution. Alix has served on The Wooden Floor’s Board of Directors since 2017.

Photography by Sargeant Creative, Chris Peterson,