By Valerie Milano
Videos and photos by Judy Shields, THT
Anaheim, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/20/25 – Last night, the Anaheim Hilton was abuzz with compassion and celebration as the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Orange County commemorated its 30th Anniversary with the “Heroes with Heart” Celebrity Awards Gala. The event honored first responders and community members who have demonstrated exceptional empathy and support to individuals in crisis.
Emcee/MC (Jim Nye)
Host (Matt Moore)
Co-Host / Presenter (Kim Holt)
COCKTAIL HOUR – 5:30pm – 6:40pm
Raffle/Games: MC: Jim Nye – Occasional announcements.
At 6:30 pm, MC: Jim Nye announces we will be entering the ballroom
Honor Guard leads Bagpipe Band with the Dinner March
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard will now lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Jim Nye (Auctioneer/M.C.): “We’d like to thank the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriff’s Pipe Band and Orange County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard.”
“Welcome to our 2025 Heroes with Heart Awards GALA and Fundraiser. …thank each you for taking the time to attend tonight’s event honoring our Heroes and celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Trauma Intervention Program of Orange County or ‘TIP'”
TIP Executive Director, MaryEllen Lowrey is introduced and had a few words of welcome: “Welcome/Thanks to – Honorees – Electeds, Supporting Jurisdictions, Agencies & Hospitals, each of our Sponsors, our amazing Volunteers, Guests and of course, last but not least, our Board of Directors….”
The Board of Directors in attendance stand and applause erupts. She then introduces the host:
“At this time, it is my great pleasure to introduce our very special Host for the most important part of this evening – the Awards – Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome back to O.C.- former Sr. District Atty, author and ABC Legal Analyst, Mr. Matt Murphy.”
Hosted by former Orange County prosecutor and ABC Legal Analyst Matt Murphy, the evening featured a blend of heartfelt tributes and entertainment. Attendees were treated to a special performance by Mark McGrath and SUGAR RAY, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey back to 1995—the year TIP Orange County was established.
“Heroes with Heart” awards recognized unsung heroes from law enforcement, fire services, hospitals, and the community at large. These individuals were celebrated for their unwavering commitment to providing immediate emotional and practical support to those facing traumatic events.
The Hollywood Times was on the red carpet to interview some of the honorees and a couple of celebrities. Enjoy the interviews here:
(Deputy Rhodes above) This is what was said on stage later on in the evening: “Welcome Deputy Rhodes. One of the most difficult moments of a first responder’s career is having to deliver the horrible news that a loved one, and in this case, a child… has died. In October of 2023, TIP was called to assist Deputy Rhodes with news to a mother, that her 19-year-old son had tragically taken his life by gunshot. Throughout this emotional call, Deputy Rhodes displayed REMARKABLE kindness and empathy to the family, and in particular, the mother…. attentive to her EVERY need. Her heartfelt concern was evident as she related her OWN personal experiences, speaking honestly and powerfully about grief. She EVEN offered to come by and check on Mom AFTER the end of her 12-hour shift! Wow …. Deputy Rhodes’ your HUMANITY & CARE “showed through” from behind your badge.”
We also spoke with Michael Beach, actor (The Rookie):
Special thanks were extended to event partners Susan and Jeff Hamar, Lisa and Jon Mowery Charity Trust, Mark and Shauna Atchity, and John and Linda Quinn, whose generous contributions made the evening possible.
Here are some photos taken by The Hollywood Times:
This was said onstage by Kim Holt (Co-Host) of Sabrina Coloma:
“Welcome SABRINA COLOMA, R.N. with UCI-Health, Placentia-Linda. We can only guess how demanding an ER Department can be. It’s exhausting physical & mental work but add the emotional strength a patient or family needs, and it’s A LOT!!! Sabrina, your award this evening relates to an ER death where a surviving sister was DEEPLY stricken with emotion. What our TIP volunteer witnessed in you was EXCEPTIONAL care, love and compassion! It’s hard to bear witness when people are PROFOUNDLY emoting and to help them through what is MOST LIKELY a life altering event. Sabrina you were ALL IN!! YOU NEVER pulled back, assisting our client the entire time. We should all hope for a nurse such as you♥️. By the way, TIP says they would LOVE to have you on their team & their next training class begins just 1 month from now on March 19th. (smiles and laughter). Congratulations Sabrina!
Matt Murphy (Host) said onstage of Kevin Choi: “Welcome to the stage, Officer KEVIN CHOI – ANAHEIM PD
On February 18, 2024, you responded to a suspected overdose of a 38-yr-old male, something we see far too much of. Although there were over 12 distraught family members with complicated family dynamics, it was your actions towards the 19-yr-old son of the deceased that caught the attention of our TIP responder. You went OUT OF YOUR WAY to help this young man process not only THIS event, but the LONG history of his father’s substance abuse. You explained the rampant issue of opioids – and in particular, fentanyl – and you continually checked in on him, with personal attention. Your perspective, patience, and transparency all helped this young man as he stepped into the emotionally difficult role as “next of kin.” We’ve no doubt the young man will EVER forget you – as you have become part of this story forever. Thank you for helping guide and counsel our youth. Congratulations, Officer Choi.” ♥️
Michael Beach (Celeb Presenter) said of Emanuel Sanchez onstage: “Welcome, Officer EMANUEL SANCHEZ with COSTA MESA PD. In September of 2024, you responded to a homicide, the stabbing of a young, adult female. TIP was called to assist with the many moving parts and potentially volatile family dynamics. You demonstrated remarkable empathy to family members, attentive to their every need. After the call, the victim’s
mother expressed to TIP how safe you made her feel and how she will NEVER FORGET THE DIGNITY and CARE you showed her family. You demonstrated, without a doubt, the compassionate heart of a hero. From one rookie to another – as a new recruit into the department, it’s remarkable that you’ve come with deep compassion in assisting the community and we congratulate you on what is clearly a successful career ahead. ♥️
Since its inception in 1995, TIP Orange County has been dedicated to ensuring that those emotionally traumatized in emergency situations receive the immediate assistance they need. With over 100 trained volunteers available 24/7, the organization collaborates closely with local emergency response agencies to offer on-scene support to victims, families, and witnesses.
Photos of the Gala dinner:
Photos of Raffle and live auction:
For more information about TIP Orange County and opportunities to support their mission, visit their official website.
