Sage Hill seniors Wilson Song and Connor Wong didn’t need to preach much to move a rather full choir at the annual National Philanthropy Day lunch Thursday.

The Grove in Anaheim was packed with people from Orange County who care about philanthropy. Still, they got the program started with their enthusiastic advocacy for finding ways to help others.

“Each of us has the power to offer hope and support,” Song said when they were recognized as the Outstanding Youth for the 39th annual National Philanthropy Day in Orange County. He said they wanted to help “build the foundation of a more compassionate society.”

Their nonprofit Sandbox Synergy holds youth entrepreneur fairs to help students turn their ideas into businesses, and they were honored with the State of California Business Leadership Award by California Treasurer Fiona Ma.

“We can all become changemakers,” said Wong, who with Song directed a $2,500 donation that came with their honors – provided by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Orange County chapter – to Pretend City Children’s Museum.

The event honored several individuals and companies in different categories, including Small Business winner MVS, Inc., a healthcare supply and distribution company, and its CEO Eric Goodman.

“My mission in life is to help those in need,” said Goodman, who choked up a bit as he talked about the inspiration he has received from National Philanthropy Day founder Doug Freeman and former honoree Charles Antis of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing.

Orange County philanthropist Richard “Dick” Pickup, who died April 25, was honored for the work he did, especially once friends told him he’d find enjoyment in helping others.

His son, Todd, said Pickup initially wanted to remain “liquid and anonymous.”

“It wasn’t until he started giving that his life was complete,” Todd Pickup said.

Among his contributions noted was the $50 million gift he gave that created the Richard H. Pickup Center for Brain Health at Hoag Hospital.

“He would ask all of you to think about what moves your heart,” his son said. “Giving together, we can make our community so much better.”

Here’s the full list of honorees:

Youth: Connor Wong and Wilson Song, Sandbox Synergy
Small Business: MVS, Inc.
Mid-size Business: Southland Credit Union
Large-size Business: PNC Bank
In-memoriam Tribute: Richard “Dick” Pickup
Philanthropic Group: Circle 1000
Volunteer Fundraiser: Ronit Benjamin
Founder: George Folk
Philanthropist: Mohannad and Rana Malas
Legacy Award: Mike and Linda Mussallem

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