Helping struggling youths

As a young girl, Jessica Greer remembers being withdrawn. She hid her feelings in diaries, with phrases like “I hate my mom,” and “maybe if I killed myself or my mom, things would be better.” These displaced emotions had no outlet during her troubled childhood, no person to acknowledge them, no voice to express them.

Yet an audience witnessed an adult Greer speak on behalf of Orangewood Children’s Foundation as a senior at Cal State Fullerton and as a success story from the foster youth program.

“I never wanted to be known as a foster youth,” said Greer about her childhood after leaving her mother’s home. “Now, I am honored to be known as a foster youth.”

Orangewood hosted its 10th annual Ambassador Luncheon at the Costa Mesa Hilton Friday afternoon, honoring youths like Greer who have thrived despite obstacles. The event garnered funds for Orangewood’s foster youth program, specifically the college scholarships it provides, through community members and local businesses.

One of those providers is David Wilson, who was awarded the General William Lyon Crystal Vision Philanthropy Award for his charitable donations to the program. Wilson has been on the board of directors at Orangewood since 1988, and has used his success as the owner of 16 automobile dealerships, including Toyota of Orange, to supply needy children with the opportunity to succeed.

“Before philanthropy comes profit,” said Wilson, a resident of Laguna Beach, in his reception speech. “If you aren’t making any money, you can’t give it away.”

Money raised by the luncheon was expected to be more than $275,000.

Gov. Schwarzenegger was slated to speak at the event, but canceled to handle issues concerning wildfires. He expressed regret, but offered gratitude for Orangewood’s “noble cause.”

DANIEL TEDFORD can be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.