As we reflect on this past year, we are proud to look back on the milestones we’ve achieved together. We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the lives touched, connections made, growth, new friendships, and healing journeys started at Olivia Chan Foundation (OCF). We’ve had the privilege of supporting children and teens through art, play, music, and community—all while creating a safe space to honor grief and find healing. Here’s a roundup of everything we accomplished this year:
Community Events and Outreach
We took part in community events at Healthy Kids Day with the YMCA, One Natomas Farmers Market, Women and Girls Festival, Rivercats Kids Night Out, Kids Fest, Elevated Health-Mental Health workshop, and the Sacramento Do Good Summit where we were able to share our resources to help children and families navigate the journey of grief. We also hosted Blooming Hope – a community event where friends and family developed beautiful floral arrangements, teaching us the power of flowers to help express what words sometimes cannot. These events allowed us to build relationships with the community, community leaders, and local organizations, and increase awareness of the importance of youth bereavement and becoming a grief-informed community. We also had the chance to attend the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) Symposium, where we learned so much from grief experts across the country. We were invited to visit our friends at Jessica’s House in Turlock, CA. It was an incredible experience, and we’re excited to bring back new ideas and insights to support our community.
Media Highlights
This year, OCF was honored to be featured in an interview with Good Day Sacramento as well as iHeart radio, 107.9 KISS FM with Strawberry and Lizette, and United Way-Our Promise Campaign. These media opportunities gave us a platform to share our mission and vision for the foundation, reaching thousands of listeners and viewers. We were able to shine a light on the importance of providing emotional and practical support to young people facing the challenges of grief.
Fundraising Success
With the generosity of our AMAZING supporters, sponsors and donors, we had a successful year of fundraising. Their donations, along with many others, helps us keep our programs running and allows us to reach more youth and their families with the resources they need. Our fundraising campaigns brought the community together in a spirit of giving and solidarity.
Notable supporters and donors include: Greenhaven Neighborhood Church, June & Jeff Rovegno, East Sacramento-Trader Joes, Claimstake Brewery, DJ JCutz, Gantan Family, G & S Collision Repair, Greenhaven Orthodontics, Council Member Lisa Kaplan, Derek & Debra Burke, Dr. Harry Wang, Greenhaven Pediatric Dentistry, Varinder Singh-Mountain Mike’s Pizza on Mack Rd, Phoong Law, Norman Takeda Optometry, Sanchez Family, Burdick Family, Mona Gergen, Okimoto Family, Lin & Oi Chan, Baylen Family, Leona Tang, Sac Republic FC, Richard & Lenea Parrot, Melody Inglett, Gayle Cruz, Melanie Hottman, Michele Darling, Cathy Rechs, Chuck Harris, Ofelia Ambriz, Becky Olivas, Pardee Box, Janice Lewis Photography, Staples, Kline Music, Raley’s, Nugget Market, and Sacramento Optimist Club.
Honoring Olivia
As we approach the third anniversary of Olivia’s passing, the weight of her absence feels heavier than words can describe. The ache in our hearts only deepens with every milestone she’s missed and every moment she should have been here for. But through OCF, we’re able to honor her memory in a meaningful way. Every step we take to support grieving families is a tribute to her legacy, and her presence is felt in everything we do. We know she would be proud of how far we’ve come, and we are committed to making her proud with everything we do.
Looking Ahead
As we get ready for the new year, we’re excited about continuing our work and expand our outreach to support the grieving community even more. We’re planning more grief-awareness initiatives to increase community engagement and make a bigger impact.
None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you for lifting us up and standing with us as we work to make a difference in the lives of children and families experiencing grief. Together, we’ve built a compassionate community where grief is met with understanding, and healing becomes possible.
Through your support, we’ve brought smiles to kids, and continue to build partnerships with schools, hospitals, and local organizations to extend our reach. Each step forward reminds us why we started: to ensure no child or family has to grieve alone.
Join Us in the Journey:
But the work isn’t done. There are still so many young hearts in need of hope, and we need your help to reach them. Whether it’s spreading the word, volunteering, or making a donation, every action helps us move closer to our vision: a world where grief is met with compassion, connection, and community.
Join us in making 2025 even brighter. Together, we can help others honor their grief, find healing, and shine again—just like Olivia did.
Warm wishes,
Olivia Chan Foundation Team
