She keeps the cuddling going

Andrew Edwards

For volunteer Cindy Brenneman, any time is a good time to think about

fundraising. Even when she goes to a restaurant, she’s thinking about

her next angle.

“It’s like, ‘The food’s really good; can I get some gift

certificates?’” she joked.

Brenneman, 49, of Costa Mesa, has volunteered with Project Cuddle

for about four years, she said. Project Cuddle is a Costa Mesa-based

organization that maintains a crisis hotline. Volunteers take calls

from women and girls facing difficulties stemming from pregnancy.

Brenneman does not monitor the phone lines, but instead helps keep

the program funded. She plans two annual fundraisers -- the Dinner by

the Bay and Costume Ball -- events that Brenneman likes to keep more

relaxed than Orange County’s glitzier galas.

The next Dinner by the Bay, slated to be held next month in Long

Beach, will have a Hawaiian theme, Brenneman said. A past fundraiser

had a 1950s theme, and guests came in jeans and leather jackets.

“People like to come to events like this because they don’t have

to dress up in a suit and come have fun,” Brenneman said.

Brenneman joined Project Cuddle about four years ago, after a

mutual friend introduced her to the nonprofit’s founder, Debbe

Magnusen. After their meeting, there was no turning back.

“The first time I met Debbe, I was hooked,” Brenneman said. “The

more you learn about Project Cuddle, the more you want to be

involved.”

Brenneman has much respect for Magnusen and her work, which is

reciprocated by the founder. Magnusen called Brenneman Project

Cuddle’s “energy” and credited her with being able to solve whatever

problems face the organization.

“She sees how it can be worked out and gives you the resources to

help you do it,” Magnusen said.

When fundraisers are on the horizon, Brenneman keeps busy lining

up sponsors and finding prizes to fill up the auction table. When on

the phone with a potential sponsor, Brenneman said she doesn’t take

no for an answer.

“When I’m talking to somebody, if they say ‘I can’t get involved

in this right now,’ ... I say, ‘We’ve got something else coming up,’”

she said. “I always try to get a donation of time, money or another

lead.”