SANTA ANA – Groundswell, an Orange County-based nonprofit that develops and implements proactive human relations programs, will be honoring three generations of the Inouye family at its “A Wave of Hope” annual fundraising gala on April 30.

Hosted at the Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, this year’s theme is “Anti-Prom — A Place Where Everyone Belongs!” By stepping into the shoes of the young people that are shaping tomorrow, guests will see how the organization’s collective impact of working together creates positive ripples of change through its youth and education programs.

Funds raised will support the nonprofit’s development and implementation of proactive human relations programs.

Groundswell is honoring the Inouye family because they’ve been creating lasting change for over three generations, with Kenneth Inouye at the helm. A dedicated activist and social justice community advocate for over five decades, Inouye served as board president of Groundswell from 2018-2020 and has held roles on the board of directors for many impactful organizations.

He is a co-founder of the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) and has held roles with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), California Association of Human Relations Organizations (CAHRO), Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force and the Orange County Human Relations Commission for 23 years.

“The Groundswell team is thrilled to be hosting an Anti-Prom themed fundraising gala this year, where we will celebrate three generations of family members who have put the work and dedication into creating a future where every young person belongs,” said Alison Edwards, CEO of Groundswell. “This event is an opportunity to bring diverse people together to build a more equitable future, raising funds for our initiatives in youth and education. The truth is, we have seen first-hand the real power that comes when we work together, creating small ripples that turn into waves of change.”

Inouye’s daughter Shannon was a member of Groundswell’s Huntington Beach Bridges Program and the organization’s very first Human Relations Ambassadors Program (HRAP) program, as well as was the district youth representative for the Pacific Southwest District of the JACL.

His granddaughter Amelia Kawaguchi is a junior in high school and has participated in various Groundswell programs, including HRAP, the Fountain Valley Bridges program, Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), and was the president of Fountain Valley High School’s Student Advocacy of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. She is also a member of the JACL and vice president of membership for a Japanese American community service organization known as the OCO Club.

Edwards continued, “We’re proud to honor Kenneth, Shannon, and Amelia at this year’s fundraising gala. They’re proof that when you work toward a more equitable future, you can positively impact future generations.”

For more information about Groundswell’s “A Wave of Hope” fundraising gala, learn about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets, go to https://wearegroundswell.org/mec-events/annual-fundraising-gala/.

Formerly known as the OC Human Relations Council, Groundswell was founded in 1991 for the purpose of developing and implementing proactive human relations programs in partnership with schools, corporations, cities, foundations and individuals. The nonprofit brings diverse people together to build a more equitable future.

They do this by bringing diverse people together, providing tools and experiences, partnering to prevent and respond to conflict and harm, and leading the way in changing narratives that prevent and address inequity and injustice. Groundswell is supported through grants, donations, fees, and contracts. To learn more about Groundswell, visit www.wearegroundswell.org.

Articles for you