Cocktails for a cause 2025 recap

Watch the full recap video of our 2025 Cocktails for a Cause event, beautifully produced by Asher Schweizer of Asher.Flix, who generously donated his time and sports videography services.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening at the Home for Refugees USA Annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser! Together, we celebrated the resilience and courage of refugees and highlighted the incredible impact of community support. Your generosity and commitment empower refugees to build new lives filled with hope and opportunity.

We are continuing to fund raise towards Cocktails for a Cause through the end of 2025. Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving an end of year gift!

we have raised $25,000 toward our $75,000 goal!

With your help, we can reach the finish line and empower even more refugees like Hassan Muzele from the Congo.

We’re just $50,000 away from our goal—and you can help us cross that line by making a donation today with your end of year gift:

  • Give online through your bank or credit card at www.homeforrefugeesusa.org/give

  • Mail a DAF check or charitable giving check payable to Home for Refugees USA to:
    15615 Alton Parkway, Suite 450, Irvine, CA 92618

Every gift helps transform lives. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Have a question about making a donation? Email Linda at l.maestas@hfrusa.org.

Thank you to all of our guests and donors. Because of you, refugees in our community are one step closer to building new lives filled with hope and opportunity!

THANK YOU TO OUR BRONZE SPONSOR

C & C Development


Special Thanks to our Event Vendors

 

Venue – The Lost Bean Roastery in Orange

Evening Mediterranean Small Bites & Food Service – The Lost Vine in Tustin

Cocktails and Mocktails – Randyman Mobile Bartending 

Instrumental Duet – Ten Leaf Clover – Katie Walsh (cello) and Andres Vaca (guitar) 

Audio Video Team – Adam Hemingway Productions

 

 

Special Thanks to our Event Donations

 

Quimby Group Consulting in Tustin for their fundraising and event planning services

 

Sarah and Bodie Rasmussen donating small bites from Christakis Greek Cuisine in Tustin 

Betty and Eric Christiansen donating the international bottles of beer 

Sarah and Bodie Rasmussen donating The Lost Bean Roastery venue in Orange 

Sarah and Bodie Rasmussen donating our wine at cost from The Lost Vine in Tustin 

Sarah and Bodie Rasmussen donating our organic coffee and tea from The Lost Bean Organic Coffee and Tea in multiple locations in Orange County 

 

 

Special Thanks to our Event Host Committee –  

Board, Staff, and Volunteers 

 

Rev. Minda Schweizer, Founder & Executive Director 

Victoria Hernandez, Kristen Mitchell, Joel Mitchell, and staff with Quimby Group Consulting, Event Planning 

 

Bethany Ayala, Board Chair Member 

Linda Maestas, Secretary 

Aaron Schweizer, MBA, Staff, Business Manager, Board Treasurer

Bobbie Cunningham, Board Member

Rev. Scott Bullock, Board Member 

Rev. Dr. Jin Cho, Board Member 

Sarah Rasmussen, MPH, Board Member 

Angie Roundy, MBA, MA, Board Member 

 

Andrea Castillo, HFR Staff, Program Manager 

Czrilla Gounlong, HFR Staff, Program Coordinator 

Linda Maestas, HFR Staff, Executive Assistant 

Alleah McGrath, MA, HFR Staff, Admin Assistant 

 

Lukas Bullock, Volunteer 

Betty Christiansen, Volunteer, Beer Table 

Dylan Drake, Volunteer, Silent Auction 

Aaron Jacoby, Volunteer, Photography 

Eli Roundy, Volunteer 

Jericho Roundy, Volunteer 

Asher Schweizer, Volunteer, Videography 

Laura Wiessert, Volunteer, French Translator 


MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Join our Monthly Email Newsletter and receive regular updates and join us in your thoughts and prayers for the health and well-being of the refugees in our program. As we support our refugees in their resettlement as they return to independence, we hope they will begin to create homes that provide safety, freedom, and dignity.

EMPLOYEr MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM

Matching gifts are an easy way to increase your donation to Home for Refugees — at no additional cost to you! Many employers support your altruistic efforts by offering matching gift programs to your favorite charities. Contact Linda Maestas to find out if your employer will match your gift to Home for Refugees.

HFR’s Home Team 169 from First Presbyterian Church Downey partnering with a single man who had escaped persecution in the Congo and resettled in Downey, CA.

Questions: For any questions regarding our event, please contact Linda Maestas.