Pacifica Institute proudly hosted a highly successful OC Around the Table (OCAT) Kick-Off Gathering, bringing together community leaders, public officials, chamber representatives, and dedicated volunteers around a shared vision: uniting people from diverse backgrounds through meaningful connection and community collaboration.
OC Around the Table is one of Pacifica Institute’s signature initiatives. Through partnerships with distinguished institutions and the support of local leaders, OCAT continues to grow into a powerful platform where neighbors meet, relationships form, and Orange County’s diversity is celebrated.
Opening Moments and a Shared Vision
The program began with a strong sense of community and patriotism as Fountain Valley Mayor Jim Cunneen led the Pledge of Allegiance, setting the tone for a gathering rooted in shared values and civic pride.
Pacifica Institute Executive Director Mustafa Ulukaya welcomed participants and highlighted Pacifica’s mission and community work, emphasizing that the Institute’s core goal is to bring people together across cultures, faiths, and backgrounds. He shared that OC Around the Table reflects that mission by creating a space where relationships grow and communities strengthen.
Dave Garofalo (Former Huntington Beach Mayor and OCAT Advisory Council Member) served as Master of Ceremonies, leading the program and keeping the evening’s speakers and segments flowing smoothly.
Remarks from Community Leaders
The event featured inspiring remarks from OCAT leaders and public officials:
Ted Bui (Fountain Valley City Council Member, OCAT Organizing Committee Member) emphasized the significance of upcoming national milestones and a bold local goal. Noting that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, he encouraged the community to bring the world record for the largest potluck to Orange County—an ambitious idea that energized attendees and sparked excitement.
Dave Garofalo (Former Huntington Beach Mayor, OCAT Advisory Council Member) reflected on the success of last year’s OCAT gathering and urged participants to share the event widely—encouraging friends, organizations, and community networks to join and help expand participation this year.
Dr. Cuneyt Tegin (OC Around the Table Organizing Committee Chair) highlighted a powerful message grounded in research: that one of the most prominent factors that contributes to happiness is meaningful personal connection. His remarks reinforced the heart of OCAT—building genuine relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen (First District Supervisor, OCAT Advisory Committee Member) offered heartfelt appreciation to OC Parks leadership, rangers, and staff for their partnership and support. She set an inspiring goal of reaching 50,000 participants, emphasizing that this is achievable in Orange County. She concluded with a memorable message of local pride:
“Orange County is not one of the best places—it is the best place!”
Dr. Van Vu (Chair, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce) celebrated Orange County as a vibrant hub of cultural diversity, pointing out that residents can experience cuisines from across the world—from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and beyond. He shared his confidence that Orange County can break the record and called on all chambers of commerce to participate. He also recognized participating chambers, including the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (FACCOC), the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, and others.
Robert Pequeño (Mayor, City of Lake Forest—home of Pacifica Institute’s headquarters) expressed deep appreciation for Pacifica’s volunteers, especially the youth. He shared a meaningful reflection from his experience as an elected official: often, when officials meet the public, people ask for something they need. But when he meets with Pacifica, he sees a different spirit—community members asking what they can do for others. He also highlighted Pacifica’s weekly think-tank style gatherings, where participants spend hours discussing how to serve the community more effectively.
A Room Full of Partners and Future Leaders
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came as every participant introduced themselves, sharing their role and commitment to the OCAT vision. The introductions reflected a strong spirit of partnership and readiness to grow this initiative together.
Participants also expressed appreciation for OCAT and shared their enthusiasm to participate in the next major gathering planned for:
Save the Date
📅 OC Around the Table — September 27, 2026
Thank You
Pacifica Institute extends heartfelt thanks to all speakers, community partners, chambers of commerce, city leaders, volunteers, and attendees who made this kick-off a great success. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Orange County—one table at a time.
Distinguished Participants
Elected & Public Officials and City Representatives
- Zechariah Jauregui, Representing Senator Tony Strickland
- Janet Nguyen — 1st District Supervisor — Orange County Board of Supervisors
- Diego Sanchez, representing the 2nd District Supervisor, Vicente Sarmiento
- Jim Cunneen — Mayor — City of Fountain Valley
- Robert Pequeño — Mayor — City of Lake Forest
- Fred Jung — Mayor — City of Fullerton
- Stephanie Klopfenstein — Mayor — City of Garden Grove
- Lisa Landau — Mayor — City of Seal Beach
- David Shawver — Mayor — City of Stanton
- Kevin Corrigan & Selina Urquiza — Office of the Mayor (representing Mayor Larry Agran) — City of Irvine
- Ted Bui — Council Member — City of Fountain Valley
- Patrick Harper — Vice Mayor — City of Fountain Valley
- Maggie Le — City Manager — City of Fountain Valley
- Rob Frizzelle — Community Services Director — City of Fountain Valley
- Chris Nigg — Fire Chief — City of Fountain Valley
- David Garofalo — Former Mayor — City of Huntington Beach
- Julie Toledo — Public Affairs Officer — City of Huntington Beach
- Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark — Council Member — City of Huntington Beach
Chambers, Business & Community Organizations
- Dr. Van Vu, MD — Chairman — Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Jeff (Jeffrey) Bautista — President — Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC)
- Tim Nguyen — Chairman — Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (VACOC)
- John Gutierrez — Senior Vice President — Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Shani Moslehi — Founder/CEO — Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC)
- David Elliott — President & CEO — Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce
- Max Daffron — President & CEO — Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Claudette Baldemor — President & CEO — Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce
- Jamie Chavez — President & CEO — Westminster Chamber of Commerce
- Mekan Muhammedov — Chairman — CIBA Business Network
- Okan Ustun — Businessman — Istanbul Grill
Media, Partners, and Community Leaders
- Matt Szabo — Staff Writer (Daily Pilot) — Los Angeles Times Community News / Daily Pilot
- Dr. Cuneyt Tegin, MD — Organizing Committee Chair — OC Around the Table
- Mike Wilson — Deputy Director — OC Parks
- Dennis Cole — Water Education Representative — Fountain Valley Water Education
- George Nguyen — Rotary President — Rotary Club of Westminster
- Mo Jones — Entertainer — “Mo Jones” Entertainment
- Mustafa Ulukaya — Executive Director — Pacifica Institute
