We had so much fun with the Moms-To-Be this year at the drive-in Baby Shower where SCMFO helped 48 expectant military moms (and sometime dads too) prepare for the arrival of their newborns. Each family received a quilt-wrapped layette containing diapers, wipes, formula, blankets, onesies, outfits & PJs, hats, socks, bibs, towels, books and more; a large items like a stroller or car seat; a $25 Target gift card; bottles, stuffed animals--even toys for the "big" brothers and sisters who accompanied their moms & dads to the shower. Nearly everything was donated by hundreds of amazing individuals from seven Churches from the surrounding community, the Reata Glen Retirement Community, two American Legion posts, the Surfside Quilters Guild, Hoag Hospital and many others!

It truly took a village (40+ people) preparing for and staffing the Baby Shower event. "The outpouring of love for our young and growing military families is truly heartwarming," said Judy Franz, chair of the Baby Shower. "We are so thankful to all our donors and volunteers. You made it happen!"

The event was held outside SCMFO's office using the parking lot of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea church.

"This [shower] means the world to us when our families are so far away."-- Abigail L.
"Due to upcoming deployment, we will not be able to have a "traditional" baby shower. I can't say thank you enough." -- The James Family
"Thank you for your kind donations and thoughtfulness. I along with so many others are so appreciative for everything you guys do." -- Kayla S.

SCMFO works with members of our local community in South Orange Country who would like to be a Sponsor in this Thank-A-Family Event.  SCMFO matches a Sponsor to a Family - usually a lower ranking military family on base at Camp Pendleton that we have previously provided emergency assistance or one referred to our office by our on base liaison.  This year there were 24 Sponsors, with 28 families and 60 children.

Sponsors enhanced each Family’s Christmas experience by reaching out and determining their needs and wants – items such as Gift Cards, Toys, Clothes and Food - then met with them to deliver the gifts!

In November, like every year for the past 10 years, SCMFO helped Military Families celebrate Thanksgiving Day! We served over 900 families and approximately 10 units (lot's of hungry dudes)! SCMFO has earned the reputation of being best in class by providing over 1,000 Turkeys with all the fixings to both families and these units on base at Camp Pendleton. This year we had over 100 Volunteers from SCMFO, the community, San Onofre School and active duty personnel - who all helped make this event happen.

This week long series of event began with an On-Line Auction of 56 Items ranging from Angels Tickets to Dining Gift Cards, Movie Theatre Night to E-bikes and the coveted Cottage at Crystal Cove!

As the bidding for auction items progressed during the week, so did the ticket sales to the Annual Salute Dinner at El Adobe! It was a very exciting time for both the bidders and the diners!

In attendance at the event were 7 Military Couples, 3 Star Volunteer Award Winners and 120 Board Members / Volunteers / and Guests. The evening consisted of a silent auction, the cocktail hour, featured entertainment, a wonderful meal, acknowledgments of our Heroes present and excellent conversations around the room.

The results from the events were pretty incredible this year as we raised a bit over $27,000 (after costs). The following pictures are just some of the evening’s guests, please see our Photo Gallery.

We would also like to recognize some of the following individuals / businesses who made both the Auction and the Dinner a complete success:

Large Item Donors for the On-line Auction:

• BruSurf
• Lauraine Bilfulco
• Norm & Judy Franz
• Roger Morrison
• Salon Connection
• Sonance Foundation

4 Star General and Colonel Level Salute Sponsors:

• American Legion Auxillary 291
• Bill & Kathy Meairs
• Christ Lutheran Church
• Julie Stockwin-Krueger
• Knights of Columbus Council 3772
• Larry Rannals
• Nancy Ganio
• Our Savior's Lutheran Church
• Sonance Foundation
• St. Clement's
• The Exchange Club of SC

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, August 13 & 14, 2022 - SCMFO participated in the Annual Back-to-School Event for the students at San Onofre School. We distributed gift cards and pencil kits as parents and children drove through the parking lot at the Camp Pendleton Commissary. Assistance Leagues located in Orange and San Diego counties organize this activity annually, and they graciously allow SCMFO to join their comprehensive Back to School event.

SCMFO gave away 200 $25 gift cards to each family and 375 pencil kits to each child. The parents were delighted to get the gift cards, along with refrigerator magnets so they could get in touch with us if they need help. It was especially joyful to give the kids the pencil kits and see their happy faces. Numerous “Thanks You’s” were exchanged - from the parents and children and from our volunteers in gratitude for their service.

Forty guests—moms, dads and kids—felt the “aloha spirit” at SCMFO’s second Luau on the Lawn at St. Andrew’s by the Sea, UMC. They enjoyed lunch, goodie bags, beach related gifts, games and piñatas filled with small toys & candy. For the ladies a little pampering and an amazing array of cosmetics and lotions to select from. But best of all and the highlight of the afternoon  was the a great hula show performed by talented young dancers from the Polynesian Entertainment Group! Each adult also received a beach chair, an umbrella or a beach mat, a fresh pineapple and a $25 Commissary Card.

This Luau is one of our organization’s “morale” events to thank enlisted families, E6 and below, for their service and sacrifice. Several dads came for the first time this year primarily because they are deploying soon and wanted to share a special time with their daughters.

Mahalo to our big group of volunteers who helped make the event a success!

During San Clemente’s Memorial Day Observance, SCMFO presented a floral arrangement in honor of military members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation in war.

Our floral arrangement was then taken to the Park Semper where a plaque was dedicated to the 13 military personnel who lost their lives in August 2021 during the Kabul Airport evacuation, including 9 Marines and a Navy Corpsman from Camp Pendleton.

SCMFO hosted a special graduation celebration for the 8th grade class at San Onofre School. Plenty of Tacos, Chips and Salsa to get those 48 Hungry grads (and staff) ready for the summer!

Since the mid-1980s the month of April has been set aside as Month of the Military Child (MOMC), recognizing the children of military members.  This year SCMFO participated in the celebration which took place at one of the clubhouses on base at Camp Pendleton.  There were 43 families and nearly 80 children having a BLAST in a range of activities including lots of crafts (face painting and art activities) treats (pizza for everyone) and the raffling of some terrific prizes!

Using our social media accounts, SCMFO held a contest and requested submission of a personal letter about the couple of sweethearts. All letters received were eligible to win and a random selection of 25 couples received romantic dinner gift cards, balloons, a box of See's candy and flowers.