Ann-Jeanette, or Angie, as some of her friends & family called her, was a wife, mother, sister, cousin, friend & also my aunt. She was admired by everyone that had the pleasure of crossing her path. In 2016, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer which came as a huge & devastating surprise to us all. In 2019, she was freed from any pain & laid to rest.
 

Ann-Jeanette is survived by her loving husband, Newin Orante, & her two incredible daughters, Malaya & Kaya.
 

After my aunt's passing, her husband/my uncle created the Ann-Jeanette Change(ing) Lives Scholarship Fund in her honor. The two met in Contra Costa College which is where students will be eligible to receive this Scholarship based on their merits.
 

Change(ing) Lives is predicated on the fact that the smallest of things (coins versus bills), can make a big difference. One person with $1k does not hold the same currently as $1 from 1,000 people. While the same dollar amount, change is easier to occur among a community of people.

It is with true excitement & deep gratitude that 100% of net proceeds from organizing the event will be donated to the Ann-Jeanette Change(ing) Lives Scholarship Fund. We are immensely looking forward to providing even more students with the means to pursue their collegiate dreams. Due to limitations brought on by the pandemic, the distribution of the funds raised for the scholarship will be awarded during the 22-23 academic year.

An informational booth will also be set up during the event where donations can be made directly to the Fund and additional opportunities to contribute to our fundraising efforts will be provided to all participating vendors.