Girls Inc. raises more than $15,000

Girls Inc. of Orange County raised more than $15,000 recently during an annual luncheon that culminated a summer education program.

The Costa Mesa-based nonprofit’s Y.E.S.S. event — Youth Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency — took place Thursday. It ended the eight-week program, which focused on entrepreneurship and economic literacy for more than 40 girls ages 9 to 12, according to a news release.

The girls created their own “mini-society” and currency, dubbed Mustache City and Mustache Moola, respectively. They also elected their own governing officials, practiced job-interview techniques and managed stores. Each management process involved product development, inventory management, marketing, advertising strategies and an analysis of profits and losses.

Attendees of the Y.E.S.S. luncheon got to see the grand opening of the stores and vote for categories that included best customer service.

“The Y.E.S.S. luncheon is an incredible opportunity for businessmen and women to come together and support entrepreneurship for girls,” said Lucy Santana, chief executive of Girls Inc. of Orange County, in a prepared statement. “Giving girls the knowledge and confidence to become their own business owners positively sets the foundation for the rest of their lives.”

—Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint