From pageantry to hometown traditions, the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation will present three of the city’s largest community events in 2026, including the Miss City of Orange Scholarship Pageant, the Duke of Orange and the Orange May Parade, all aimed at raising funds to support Orange’s youth.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation operates with the belief that all children deserve the opportunity to thrive.  The recently revived nonprofit organization has raised money to provide grants and resources for underprivileged children in the community.  While the Orange Chamber of Commerce focuses on strengthening the city’s local economy, the Foundation works toward building a supportive environment for the children of Orange.

After serving the Orange Chamber of Commerce for eight years, Angelyn Catale-Wojdat, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, was among those who recognized the need for a charitable arm focused on the kids of Orange.

“We wanted to do something to help the kids and families in need,” says Catale-Wojdat.

That goal is carried out through year-round fundraising, including a monthly Bingo Night, held on the second Wednesday of each month at Green Cheek Beer Co. in Orange.  Proceeds benefit a rotating group of local charities, including the Youth Centers of Orange in December.

Beyond monthly bingo, the Foundation also oversees several of Orange’s most recognizable community events, including the Miss Orange Scholarship Pageant and the Duke of Orange.

Connie Benson, Executive Director of the Miss Orange Pageant and Foundation board member, has been involved with the program for more than 20 years.  She says the experience offers young women opportunities they may not find elsewhere.

“I watch them blossom from day one,” Benson says. “It is a year of such growth.”

Participants develop interview and interpersonal skills, and in addition to receiving a $5,000 scholarship, Miss Orange serves as the city’s official ambassador and May Queen—a role residents look forward to seeing at community events.

A similar honor exists for men through the Duke of Orange, another tradition overseen by the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“Being the Duke let me go to different events I could take my kids to so they can have a sense of giving and learning about community and volunteering,” says Adrian Olmos, the reigning Duke of Orange.  He says the visibility that came with the role encouraged him to pursue further civic service, including a planned run for City Council this year.

This year will also mark the first time the Foundation oversees the popular Orange May Parade.  Elizabeth Holloman, retired Executive Director of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, helped revive the parade in 2019 and now serves as Parade Chair for the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Holloman says fond childhood memories of the parade inspired her to bring it back for future generations. “Anything that we can do to help support the children in our community so that they have that same feeling that I had of wanting to stay and feel bonded,” she says.

The Foundation has also received city approval to combine the Orange May Parade, The Taste of Orange and the annual Orange Plaza Rotary Car Show into a single weekend celebration titled Celebrate Orange!  The special event, taking place the first weekend of May, will be in partnership with two other great organizations —the Assistance League of Orange, Orange Blossoms Auxiliary, which presents the Taste of Orange, and the Orange Plaza Rotary, which hosts the car show.

The Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s events reflect a broader goal of uniting the Orange community, while investing in its young residents. Through fundraising, volunteer leadership and Orange pride, the Foundation  turns celebration into community support.

More Information at:
www.OrangeChamber.com/chamber-foundation