“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Helen Keller (One of Claire’s fondest quotes)

Claire Olmstead is near completion of her Freshman year at Newport Harbor High School (NHHS) in Newport Beach. She is a member of the High Schools Surf Team and is planning to offer her exceptional athleticism to the Sailors Cross Country Team in the Fall. She is enrolled in Advance Placement (AP) courses and is regarded as an Honor Student due to her high GPA. She maintains aspirations to attend college.

This hard charger however, is a true Soul Surfer. The tender side of Claire finds time to bake and to give. She is a unique young lady in that her perspective is based on a much broader scope than typical teen self indulgence. Reflective of this, were her thoughts that lead her to create a “Club within a Club” at NHHS to benefit homeless children.

 

As Claire explained, “I have always loved to bake, but I never knew what to do with all of the treats I made. That led me to start thinking about ways that my baking could benefit the community.”

She has often volunteered at Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter (OCIS), a loving place for homeless families, and thought that her baking might enhance the birthday parties that OCIS holds for the children at their center. “When brainstorming about what to do with my baked goods, the monthly birthdays seemed like a perfect match.” said Claire.

In order to be able to offer her sweet treats however, she needed to be represented by a Club recognized by OCIS. Claire would not be deterred to follow her heart and approached the Culinary Club, FHS, at NHHS. FHS was so impressed that they allowed her to create a branch just for the purposes of baked goods and so that homeless children at OCIS would be able to receive something as simple as a birthday cake on their very special day. “ It is really rewarding when you get to do something you love to provide kids with something that they might have never had before. I just feel good and proud that we are bringing joy into people’s lives, even if it is just a slice of cake.”

O.C.’s Hair Police is truly impressed with your fortitude and kindness Claire and is honored to offer a donation to NHHS’ FHS Club so that you may continue baking up happiness one child at a time with “just a slice of cake.”

 Best Day is a subsidiary of O.C.’s Hair Police