More than 40 individual members and companies donated in support of The Priority Center.
LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (August 15, 2024) – The California Association of Community Managers (CACM) completed its first Backpack Drive on July 30, collecting donations to fill more than 250 backpacks with school supplies for The Priority Center.
The drive began as part of the CACM ‘Give Back Initiative.’ The Priority Center is a nonprofit organization, based out of Santa Ana, California, that works to deliver life-changing programs to assist people in crisis. Their mission states that they work to “give them the tools and support necessary to end the generational cycle of trauma, including prevention of child abuse and neglect, through early intervention and mental health services and advocacy.”
The backpack drive began in June with a goal of 50 backpacks filled with supplies tailored to different grades. At the end of the drive, CACM collected six times more than the original goal. Along with this total, CACM received extra donations such as gift cards, extra backpacks, and other supplies.
When asked about the drive, Executive Director and CEO of The Priority Center Lisa Fujimoto said, “With 93% of our families being low income, the cost of school supplies can significantly impact parents and guardians in Orange County. Inflation has further strained families, with parents expected to spend $586 per child on back-to-school items, according to a Deloitte survey. To help alleviate this burden, The Priority Center collaborates with local corporations like CACM to fulfill school supply lists and backpacks. These items are not just school supplies; they reflect each child’s personality and boost their confidence as they start the school year.”
CACM’s Southern California regional director Alia Saouli said this outcome would not have been possible without the help of CACM members, friends, family, and even anonymous donors. These donors include but are not limited to:
| Individuals | Associated Organizations |
| Darren Shaw and Team | San Diego Country Estates Association |
| Shawn Hill and Team | Storm Water Innovative Solutions |
| Nasreen Ibrahim and Team | Antis Roofing & Waterproofing |
| Dawn Suskin and Team | Seabreeze Management Company |
| Nescel Ilagan and Team | The Management Trust- Southern California, ACMC |
| Stephanie Romero and Team | Aeroscopic Environmental Inc. |
| Lorena Sterling and Nancy Bothe | Community Association Financial Services (CAFS) |
| Ashley Herrera and Team | Powerstone Property Management, ACMC |
| Michelle Mata, Kaylynn Hudson, and Team | The Management Trust- California Desert, ACMC |
| Christy Babbitt and Team | Harvest Landscape Enterprises, Inc. |
| Victoria DeFreitas and Team | Moonstone Management & Consulting |
| Grace Real, Valeria Hernandez, and Team | Villa Park Landscape, Inc. |
| Bonnie Basham and Team | Basham Management |
| Jennifer Turriciano, Jen Sanders, and Team | The Vintage Group |
| Francine Shute and Team | Powerstone Property Management, ACMC |
| Desiree Ponce and Team | Precision Landscape Solutions |
| Lana McGowan and Team | Associa N.N. Jaeschke |
| Danisha Little, Paula Tapia, Sheena McGill, and Team | Equity Management- an Associa Company |
| Perla Bustamante and Team | Coronado Shores COA/EI Encanto Tower |
| Claire Cabrey and Team | HWC Management |
| Bobbie Happ and Team | Desert Resort Management- an Associa Company |
| Laura Hurtado and Team | Synergy Management Group |
| Deanna Console and Team | Gothic Landscape |
| Summer Blaser and Team | Nextier Insurance Services, Inc. |
| Clair Christiansen | Facility Masters |
| Debbie Dailey and Team | Castle Breckenridge Management |
| Karen Thompson, Kyle Wolack, and Team | Keystone Pacific Management |
| Dawn Ivey, Julie Russo, and Team | Professional Community Management- an Associa Company |
| Guillermo Amador and Team | Customized Guard Services & Systems |
| Roger Miller and Team | Independent Building Analysis, Inc. |
| Shahla Agha, Margo Crummack, and Team | Crummack Huseby Property Management, Inc. |
| Amanda Om and Team | PCW Contracting Services |
| Foxy Hudson and Team | Action Property Management |
| Tim Bruske | Community Controls |
| Entire Company Participation | Beaumont Tashjian |
| Entire Company Participation | Hammer Real Estate |
| Entire Company Participation | Management De NOVO Inc. |
| Entire Company Participation | Menas Realty Company, ACMC: Orange County and San Diego |
| Arian Manalo | N/A |
CACM works with multiple charitable organizations in both Northern and Southern California to give back to local communities through its regional committees.
To learn more or get involved contact us at events@cacm.org.
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About CACM: With nearly 3,000 members, CACM is the only community association management organization to offer California-specific programs leading to a state-recognized designation of Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM®). The association educates community managers and service providers to understand and have a working knowledge of more than 1,200 laws and statutes regulating homeowners associations for the benefit of homeowners throughout California. For more information about CACM, our programs or services, visit www.cacm.org or contact Lynette Bertrand, Director of Marketing & Communications, at (949) 340-7648 or lbertrand@cacm.org.