Donor Spotlight >> 

Orange County Power Authority (OCPA)

The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) has partnered with Pretend City through a grant that highlights their shared commitment to education and sustainability. As a local, not-for-profit community energy provider, OCPA reinvests revenue back into the community. One example of this commitment is the Bright Futures Community Grant, designed to empower local nonprofits, schools, and educators in their efforts to teach about renewable energy and community energy providers like OCPA.

Pretend City’s application for this grant stood out for its innovative approach to educating children about renewable energy. Through hands-on, interactive learning experiences, Pretend City has created programs that seamlessly blend fun with education. One of the highlights is the Solar Car Derby, where more than 60 children built mini-solar cars, and 30 kits were distributed for older children to create their own.

Pretend City also designed and installed solar-powered home displays and solar panels within the museum. During educational field trips, staff demonstrate the principles of renewable energy with engaging activities, such as lighting a home with a match followed by demonstrating paper “wind-powered” pinwheels to simulate windmill energy. These programs have reached over 36,000 visitors, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of renewable energy in children of all ages. The creativity and impact of these programs align perfectly with OCPA’s mission, making Pretend City a natural choice as one of their grantees.

Pretend City’s most vital contribution lies in creating an immersive, hands-on learning environment where children can explore, imagine, and develop critical thinking skills. The museum’s thoughtfully designed exhibits and programs offer educational experiences that leave a lasting impact on thousands of families. Pretend City’s commitment to nurturing young minds—whether through teaching about renewable energy or other engaging topics—makes them a standout resource in the educational landscape.

One of the most moving aspects of Pretend City is witnessing children fully immersed in the activities. It is heartwarming to witness their curiosity and joy as they play and learn in such an interactive environment. Additionally, Pretend City’s monthly resource fairs provide an invaluable service to families, offering direct access to essential providers. These fairs create opportunities for families to connect with critical community resources in an accessible and welcoming setting making Pretend City a true hub of support for families.

Pretend City’s dedication to the children and families they serve is truly remarkable. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure each child receives attention and support. The variety of educational programs and interactive learning spaces available at Pretend City are key to their success, allowing for enriching experiences that engage children in meaningful ways. Additionally, Pretend City is a participant in the Museum for All program, which provides discounted access to families eligible for CalFresh benefits, making the museum’s incredible resources accessible to a wider range of families. The impact Pretend City has had on thousands of families in the community is profound and truly inspiring.

Pretend City is making remarkable progress in supporting the Orange County community, and OCPA values them as a key partner in advancing our mission. Together, we are empowering customers with the ability to make informed choices about their energy use that positively impacts climate change and promotes a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. Through collaboration, we are creating lasting change and fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of renewable energy in shaping a healthier community.