Discussions held at the CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon may touch upon sensitive and potentially triggering topics, including but not limited to trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety, depression and difficult life experiences. We believe in the power of open dialogue to raise awareness and foster understanding and are committed to providing a safe space for everyone. If you or someone you know is at risk of hurting themselves or others, call 9-1-1 immediately.


Shape the future of youth mental wellness
Join the third annual CHOC Let’s Talk as we address the current mental health crisis that has profoundly impacted our community’s youth, parents and caregivers. As mental health disorders affect children across the U.S., CHOC invites you to unite with our community to raise life-giving funds, build awareness and provide education on pediatric health and wellness.
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 10:30am
The Westin South Coast Plaza
686 Anton Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
*time subject to change
For questions regarding the event, inquiries on sponsorship or tickets, please email choctalks@choc.org

Discussion: Advancements in Pediatric Mental Health
Featuring educational presentations with pediatric mental health experts, community advocates, or special guests. More information coming soon.

Mental Health Resources
Put together by the pediatric mental health experts at CHOC. These resources are not meant to replace your child’s professional mental healthcare but to supplement it by giving you helpful tips and tools.

Mission Moment
Join us in expanding our capacity to transform and enhance the care we offer to our mental health patients and families through giving opportunities available during this event.
Please email choctalks@choc.org for more information
Featuring Guest Speaker Derek Hough
Six-time Dancing With the Stars champion and judge, NBC’s World of Dance

Derek Hough is a three-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer, a multitalented entertainer, a New York Times best-selling author and the only six-time champion in “Dancing with the Stars” history.
On stage, Hough illustrates how his experiences taught him to embrace a positive outlook, channel his creativity and confront his fears. He recounts his early training in London, which began at age 12, and discusses his transformative journey of overcoming childhood bullying to become an accomplished performer and coach.
Hough is uniquely positioned to address important issues related to physical wellness and mental health. He speaks with honesty and insight about his personal story, inspiring audiences to take charge of their goals, overcome obstacles and achieve success, not just on the dance floor, but in life.
Featuring Guest Moderator Henry DiCarlo
Emmy award-winning AMS meteorologist and sportscaster

Henry DiCarlo is an Emmy award-winning AMS meteorologist and sportscaster for the KTLA 5 Morning News. A Television Meteorologist for over 25 years, Henry has worked in Palm Springs, CA, Salt Lake City, Utah, Seattle, Washington and Los Angeles. A four-time Emmy winner, Henry has won an Emmy for Weather, Sports, and Reporting.
Henry is a proud native of Southern California. Born and raised in the city of Orange, Henry attended Villa Park High School and graduated with a degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. He later went on to earn his degree in Meteorology from Mississippi State University and earned his AMS seal in 2002. Henry has become one of the leading Weather Experts in the country, serving as a professional witness in dozens of court cases nationwide.
Currently, Henry and his wife, Lisa, live in Yorba Linda with their two sons, Henry III and Jack, and three dogs, LeRoy, Otis, and Lucy. As a family, they enjoy traveling, sports, and cooking as well as serving as advocates for pet, children, and veteran-related causes.
Proceeds from this event benefit CHOC Mental Health
CHOC Mental Health Luncheon Committee
Sarah J. McElroy – Chair
Stephanie Angelos – Co-Chair
Anne Oliver
Adrienne Matros, Psy.D.
Caroline Marchant
Christine Wang
Dick Hamparsumian
Gemma Cooper
Jackie Schenquerman
Lanän Clark
Monica Furman
Niloofar Fakhimi
Regina Oswald
Thank you to our CHOC Let’s Talk Supporters
Guardian
Advocate
Defender
Contributors
Media
Gifts
A Special Thank You To
Why CHOC?
At CHOC, Long Live Childhood is our mantra. It is our rallying cry. We live it. We breathe it. We practice it. Every day. In every way. That’s why we’ve assembled a mighty brigade of nationally recognized pediatric experts, premier facilities, and generous donors dedicated to giving kids the best chance of growing into healthy and happy adults.
Contact Us
Use the button below for any general questions, and a member of the CHOC Classic team will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact our event leads directly.
Event Details
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 10:30am
*time subject to change
Event Questions
Lindsey Harris
Associate Director, Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714.509.3591 | Lindsey.Harris@choc.org
Sponsorship Questions
Winnie Tran
Senior Director of Community Engagement, CHOC Foundation
714-509-4229 | wtran@choc.org
Are donations tax-deductible?
All monetary donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information, please email foundation@choc.org.
Where should I mail donation checks?
Please mail all check donations to:
Attn: CHOC Let’s Talk
CHOC Foundation
1201 W. La Veta Avenue
Orange, CA 92868
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to the CHOC Foundation.
Can I mail in a cash donation?
We do not recommend using mail to send cash donations. Instead, you may drop off the cash at the CHOC Foundation along with your information. You can also deposit the cash into your checking account and send a personal check from your account.
What is CHOC Foundation’s tax ID number?
The CHOC Foundation tax ID number is 95-6097416.
How can I get a receipt for my donation?
If you donated online, you should receive an e-receipt to your email at the time of your donation. If you donated by mail or in person, a receipt will be mailed to your address. If you have not received a receipt, please call the Foundation office at (714) 509-8690.
Where is the CHOC Foundation located?
The CHOC Foundation’s physical address is
1120 West La Veta Ave
Suite 500
Orange, CA 92868
Our mailing address is
1201 West La Veta Ave
Orange, CA 92868
Where is CHOC’s donor privacy policy?
CHOC’s full privacy policy and Donor Bill of Rights can be found here.
Can I donate to CHOC through my donor-advised fund?
Yes, however, there may be some restrictions. Donor-advised funds are acceptable for straight donations, but there are restrictions on ticket sales, auction items, and sponsorships as they may provide goods or services. Please contact your donor-advised fund manager if you have any questions.