Area of Impact

Community

Salute to Service Program

Honoring Excellence in Public Safety

Each year, the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor proudly presents its Salute to Service Program, recognizing the outstanding men and women of the Newport Beach Police Department for their exceptional commitment and service to our community.

This special program celebrates the Police Department Employees of the Year, acknowledging individuals who go above and beyond in their roles to ensure the safety, well-being, and trust of the Newport Beach community. Honorees are selected by the department for their professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

A Tradition of Gratitude

Our Club is honored to host this annual recognition event as a way of expressing our deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of law enforcement personnel. The event includes:

  • A formal awards presentation

  • Remarks by city and department leadership

  • A community luncheon bringing together civic leaders and supporters

Through the Salute to Service Program, we aim to not only commend outstanding service but also strengthen the bond between our Club and those who protect and serve Newport Beach with distinction.

 

Download the 2024 Program

Proud Sponsor: Let’s Be Kind

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is a proud sponsor of Let’s Be Kind—a student-led movement that promotes connection, empathy, and support among students.

This impactful program fosters lasting peer-to-peer relationships through the creation of Kindness Lounges, including one our Club helped establish. More than just a physical space, the Kindness Lounge serves as a safe and welcoming environment where students can engage in meaningful conversations with trusted adults, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Let’s Be Kind goes beyond the lounge. It provides students with monthly lessons focused on leadership, empathy, and kindness—equipping them with the tools they need to be positive change-makers in their schools and communities. The program aligns with the Exchange Club’s core mission: uplifting youth and strengthening our community.

We’re also proud to support The Buddy Bench initiative, which—like Let’s Be Kind—creates safe spaces and opportunities for students to connect, build friendships, and support one another.

Many schools throughout the Newport-Mesa Unified School District now celebrate Let’s Be Kind Days, helping to create a culture of inclusion and compassion.

These programs are more than acts of kindness—they’re investments in our future. By promoting empathy, leadership, and kindness, we are helping students build strong values they will carry with them throughout their lives. It’s our way of paying it forward—ensuring that the kindness experienced today becomes a lasting ripple of goodwill in the years to come.

Photo Credit: LA Times 4/28/22

Proud Grant Sponsor: Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation (NMSF)

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is honored to be a Grant Sponsor for the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation (NMSF). Through this partnership, we help provide vital funding that empowers teachers to bring innovative, engaging, and impactful learning experiences into their classrooms.

These grants support projects that go beyond the standard curriculum—encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. From STEM initiatives and art programs toh literacy development and social-emotional learning, NMSF grants make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

By investing in our educators, we are investing in our youth—the heart of our community. This sponsorship aligns perfectly with the Exchange Club’s mission to strengthen families, uplift youth, and support education.

We are proud to stand with NMSF in creating opportunities that inspire students and support teachers in shaping the future, one classroom at a time.  https://newportmesaschoolsfoundation.com/

This year’s grant recipients, selected for their innovative and engaging classroom projects, include:

  • Jim Blackie – Ensign Intermediate
    “Dr. Bunsen, I Presume?”
    This grant fills a critical gap in lab equipment by providing the iconic Bunsen Burner—an essential tool used in science classrooms around the world for over 100 years. The project will help “ignite” student engagement and deepen understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation.
  • Karissa Nguyen – Lincoln Elementary
    “Makey Makey Circuit STEM Kit”
    This project offers a hands-on learning experience that bridges physical materials with digital technology. Through interactive activities, students will gain a stronger grasp of key STEM principles in a fun and innovative way.
  • Jung Park – Woodland Elementary
    “Early Explorers”
    Designed to introduce young learners to engineering fundamentals, this project uses engaging STEAM tools and interactive play to promote exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.