Project Youth OCBF’s “Sammy” award is given each year to a recipient or recipients who have contributed substantially to Project Youth in order to assist it in best serving the youth and families of Orange County. The “Sammy” honors their commitment and unwavering support. The “Sammy” is dedicated in the loving memory of Robert Sam Barnes, a longtime supporter and friend who contributed greatly to Project Youth.

24th Annual Sammy Award

A longtime supporter of Project Youth, Kyle S. Kawakami, our 2017 Sammy Award recipient, demonstrates an exemplary commitment to service and bettering the Orange County community. His level of commitment far exceeds his obligations as a member of the Board of the Directors and Society of Fellows, or as past president of Project Youth (2016). Kyle has dedicated countless hours to recruit new donors and friends to the organization, and to volunteer and assume an active role in the Project SELF program. He is a valued volunteer and friend to Project Youth, and we know the entire Orange County community is fortunate for Kyle’s tenacious commitment to its betterment. He is widely respected and well liked for good reason. 

In his professional life, Kyle is a partner at Irell & Manella, where he has a diverse business practice that includes general corporate, venture capital, real estate, and taxation matters. Our gratitude for the energies he has devoted to Project Youth and the value he brings to our organization cannot be overstated.

Sammy Award Recipients
2017	Kyle S. Kawakami, Esq.
2016	Dennis W. Ghan, Esq.
2015	Carolyn C. McKitterick, Esq.
2014	Mark E. Minyard, Esq
2013	John B. Hurlbut, Jr., Esq.
2012	Santa Ana Police Department
2011	James M. Skorheim, JD, CPA
2010	Cindy Stokke, JD
2009	Michael P. Maguire, Esq.
2008	William S. O’Hare, Esq.
2007	Michael D. Pursell, Esq.
2006	Ygal Sonenshine and Justice Sheila Sonenshine (Ret.)
2005	Paul and Jean Cleary
2004	Jane Mills Martin
2003	Irvine Health Foundation
2002	John C. Herklotz
2001	HITACHI
2000	Orange County Superior Court
1999	Ann Avery Andres, Esq.
1998	The Honorable Judith M. Ryan (Ret.)
1997	Donald L. Morrow, Esq.
1996	The R.C. Baker Foundation
1995	First American Title Insurance Company Nordstrom
1994	Robert Samuel Barnes