Irvine, California (Oct. 9, 2025) – The 3rd annual “CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon,” raised more than $1.1 million to support mental health services and programs at Rady Children’s Health Orange County (Rady Children’s). The sold-out event at the Westin South Coast Plaza brought together some of the region’s leading philanthropists to help advance care, education and research addressing the pediatric mental health crisis.
Chaired by Sarah McElroy and Stephanie Angelos, the luncheon focused on the effects of bullying and digital media on children and teens. Emmy Award-winning AMS meteorologist and KTLA5 Morning News sportscaster Henry DiCarlo moderated the program, which featured a powerful message from Emmy Award-winning choreographer, multi-talented entertainer, and New York Times best-selling author Derek Hough.
Lead sponsors included the Cari and Chad Peets Family, the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation, Jason and Lanän Clark, Sarah J. McElroy, and the Thompson Family Foundation. Their support helps expand access to mental health care, reduce stigma and strengthen community resources.
In her remarks at the luncheon, Rady Children’s Co-President and CEO Kimberly Chavalas Cripe praised the event for “starting this vital conversation and inspiring action toward wellness and wholeness for every child.” She emphasized the organization’s commitment to pediatric mental health, noting, “Over 40 years ago, we established psychology and psychiatry services and 10 years ago, we launched an ambitious plan to build a mental health system of care designed specifically for children.”
Event committee members included Adrienne Matros, Psy.D., Anne Oliver, Caroline Marchant, Christine Wang, Dick Hamparsumian, Gemma Cooper, Jackie Schenquerman, Lanän Clark, Monica Furman, Niloofar Fakhimi, and Regina Oswald.
