In 1961, board member Robert Guggenheim asked Mrs. Spencer T. Honig and several of her friends to form an auxiliary in support of the organization. Sixty years later, Angelitos de Oro remains Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire’s largest and most dedicated fundraising group. Through their annual pledges, grants and member donations, the auxiliary has contributed an incredible $7.5 million since its inception.

Every fall, Angelitos de Oro also hosts a successful shopping fundraiser called the Angelitos Card. For a donation of $60, shoppers can save 20 percent at select boutiques and restaurants at South Coast Plaza during Card Week. 

The Angelitos Card is active for one week, but the impact lasts a lifetime for the children who are matched with a mentor thanks to Angelitos de Oro’s fundraising support. In recent years, the auxiliary has focused on funding High School Bigs, which offers a dual impact for youth. The program not only supports elementary-age children, but encourages a philanthropic spirit in high school students who volunteer as mentors. 

In 2016, we renamed the longstanding High School Bigs of the Year award in honor of the auxiliary group for its profound impact on the children and teens who come through the program. The Angelitos Award reflects the ideals that members uphold in their dedication to Big Brothers Big Sisters: a passionate, philanthropic spirit and a long-term commitment to making a positive difference. 

Thank you to Angelitos de Oro for your dedication to igniting potential for youth through mentorship!

The 2021 Angelitos Card Week shopping fundraiser runs from Sept. 23 – 29 at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Cards will be available to order online beginning mid-August or at all South Coast Plaza Concierge locations and select boutiques in September. Visit the website for more information.