Beckman Foundation Receives Foundation of the Year Award at Crystal Hearts Ball Benefiting Los Alamitos Youth Center
Awardee’s Dedication Noted for Transforming the Lives of Children in the Community
CYPRESS, Calif. (September 20, 2025) – The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation was recognized by the Los Alamitos Youth Center as its Foundation of the Year Honoree during the 2025 Crystal Hearts Ball. The event was organized to support the Youth Center Scholarship Program which “empowers struggling families by providing children access to vital educational and recreational opportunities.” Five awardees were recognized with Crystal Heart Awards, representing different segments of the community, including business leaders, organizations, families, individuals, and youth.
The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, live music, and silent auction at On the Greens Center, followed by dinner. The Youth Center’s Board of Directors surprised guests and Executive Director Lina Lumme with a heartfelt joint speech that highlighted two decades of distinguished leadership by Lumme, who accepted her own Crystal Heart Award before urging the program to continue as planned.
During the evening, Lumme presented a special award to the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation and later stated, “It is an honor to recognize the Beckman Foundation with our Crystal Hearts Foundation of the Year Award. Their generosity shines as a beacon of hope, uplifting children and empowering the next generation. Through their support of our Girls in STEM program, they are helping our kids believe in themselves and their future.”
“Beckman Foundation Executive Director Dr. Anne Hultgren accepted the award and gave brief remarks on stage, later sharing, “Thank you for honoring the Beckman Foundation with this extraordinary award. We are proud to have partnered with The Youth Center in supporting the Girls in STEM program, working through Sarah Saadeh’s vision, to introduce hands-on science activities to so many young girls in a workshop format that is empowering, educational, exciting, and engaging. It has been a privilege to take part in this program’s activities – from bouncy egg experiments to volcano building to poster presentations – and we look forward to hearing and seeing the continued, positive impact of this important community resource.”
Guests danced to deejayed music and enjoyed a build-your-own cannoli bar for dessert. The Opportunity Drawing’s five prizewinning tickets were drawn and a roaming photographer captured images of the evening as festivities ended.
About the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Located in Irvine, California, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation supports researchers and nonprofit research institutions in making the next generation of breakthroughs in chemistry and the life sciences. Founded in 1977 by 20th century scientific instrumentation pioneer Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, the Foundation supports United States institutions and young scientists whose creative, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research will lead to innovations and new tools and methods for scientific discovery. For more information, visit beckman-foundation.org.
About The Youth Center
Founded in 1952, The Youth Center has been dedicated to transforming children’s lives through collaborative social, educational, and recreational programs. Its mission is to provide a safe, engaging environment where youth can build friendships, develop new skills, and discover their passions. For more information, visit theyouthcenter.org.
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Kaerie Ray, Communications Director
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