"The University High ASB did a really tremendous job with the Count Me In for my Community event. Working with and meeting so many enthusiastic high-schoolers was really encouraging for me as I think about the future of philanthropy in Orange County. The Uni High kids are a great example for their peers, and I hope other local high schools will follow their lead. There are so many needs in the OC, and we all, including high-schoolers, have something we can give to make a difference."

Steve Smith, Development Director, KidWorks, Santa Ana.

"The Count Me In for my Community event today was a huge success. Kudos to all involved. It was well run, organized and fun. I was able to collect 400 volunteer names in 40 minutes. It was wonderful. With our big Race for the Cure only 3 days away, it was nice to be outside with savvy engaged kids. (I want to go back to high school!)

Thank you again for allowing Komen OC to participate. I can't wait to see what you do next year."

Cindy V. Brenneman, Komen OC, Director of Volunteer Services

"Count Me In was a great opportunity for students to get involved in the community. It allowed many students who were seeking a service opportunity outside of school to easily find one that matched their individual interests. We look forward to continuing this event at University High School."

Mr. Gerakos, Activities Director, University High School

"I'm a volunteer for various charitable organizations and wanted to extend the same opportunity to others. It seemed that students weren't fulfilling their community service hours in a way that was meaningful not because of a lack of desire but because of a lack of direction. I thought,why not bring the community to our school rather than trying to get the kids out to the community to find that direction. It is the hope of the University High ASB that Count Me In for my Community will give them both a desire and a direction. Also, our how-to manual on our website will help other high schools do the same. We want to help students give back. "

Morgan Evertz, 17, Senior at University High School

"This event is important because a lot of our student body is detached from what's going on outside the classroom. This opens up their eyes to the many needs out there and provides us with the possibilities of giving back to the community.

Samir Faza, 17, ASB Class President, Senior at University High School

"Giving back is important. Today's event is great because we see how we can influence others and be charitable here at home."

Melody Hsu, 17, Senior at University High School

"This is a great venue to encourage and assist students in identifying volunteer opportunities that really are in their personal area of interest. It is our hope that it will enhance University High School's relations with these philanthropies and demonstrate how University High students can be good community citizens now and possible leaders in future philanthropy work.

Mr. Pehrson, University High School Principal

"This is a valuable experience for anyone anytime in his or her life. I commend University High School for hosting such an inspiring event."

Jan Kerchner, past chair of the Irvine Public School Foundation Board of Trustees

"Thanks so much. Our representative, Barbara Belfield came back with lots of volunteer names and addresses. Your event will be the model for all of the schools and your group will be the force to involve high school students with so many volunteer opportunities. Congratulations on a great event. Your photos are incredible."

Sharon Wellikson, Executive Director ,Irvine Children's Fund

We are delighted to provide gifts to the students to incentivize them to visit all of the booths and learn more about the charities involved with this volunteer event. Ruby's has always supported endeavors within the communities we serve, and we're honored to help spread this message among University High School students."

Kimberly A. Myers, Vice President of Marketing at The Ruby Restaurant Group

This was a great promotion to help kids in high school like me to discover new and fun ways to serve my community. I plan to do some community service for Irvine Junior Games, Families Forward, Youth Action Team and the American Heart Association."

Brad Huber - Uni High Freshman