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Operation USA

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Operation USA (aka Operation California, In.)
Founded1979, with its California incorporation date in May 1980
FounderRichard M. Walden
FocusDisaster relief, Disaster recovery, Health, Education, Youth Programs, Food Security, Long-term rebuilding
Location
Area served
Global
Key people
Richard M. Walden, President and CEO

Board Members:
Julie Andrews
Jonathan Estrin
Gary Larsen
Skip Whitney
Bob Johnson
Maria Mohiuddin Verjee
Drew Hagen
Dr. Stanley Frileck
Michael Mahdesian(Chairman)
Jeff Franklin
Rosario Dawson
Rick Allen
Peter Greenberg
Julie Yannatta
Websitewww.opusa.org

Operation USA (also known as OpUSA, Operation California, or OpCal) is a non-profit humanitarian organization supporting health, education, and relief programs at home and abroad in order to help children and families recover and thrive in the wake of disasters. Working with grassroots community organizations, OpUSA strives to help the most overlooked and under-served communities. The Organization is privately funded, receiving no assistance from the United States federal government. OPUSA had a revenue of over $2.6 million in the fiscal year 2019, and since 1979 has delivered more than $400 million in aid to 100 countries.[1]

Awards and affiliations

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Operation USA was part of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in 1997 when it won the Nobel Peace Prize.[2][3] Operation California was the winner of the 1983 President's Volunteer Action Award.[3] Operation USA has been named one of "America's Best 100 Charities" by Worth Magazine,[4] and in October 2008, was named the top-rated "exclusively privately funded charity in the U.S." by Charity Navigator.[5] Operation USA collaborated with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory to develop new approaches to land mine detection.[6] Operation USA is a member of InterAction[4] and Reuters AlertNet as a news partner.[7] In 2014, Operation USA's CEO Richard M. Walden received the Honeywell Hometown Hero Award from the Honeywell Corp.

History

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Operation California began in 1979 as "a relief organization created to provide aid to Vietnamese boat people and Cambodian refugees",[8] co-founded by Richard Walden (still active as President & CEO) and Llewellyn Werner (who left in early 1980). The Organization flew "the first international relief airlift to Cambodia since 1975",[9] delivering medicine to Phnom-Penh. Operation California had airlifted more than $3 million (equivalent to $12,594,223 in 2023) worth of aid by October 1979.[10][11][12][13]

In 1982, Operation California sent "the first private airlift from the U.S. to Poland", delivering 200,000 lb (91,000 kg). of medical supplies and medicine;[14][dead link] that year Operation California also airlifted medical supplies to Lebanon.[15] In 1983, Operation California delivered aid to the children of Vietnam and Cambodia.[16] Operation California provided aid to the earthquake victims in Mexico City in 1985,[17][better source needed] as well as working in cooperation with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and Oxfam America, to deliver $250,000 (equivalent to $708,230 in 2023) worth of medical aid to Nicaragua.[18][dead link][19][dead link] In 1986, Operation California, in conjunction with Medical Aid to El Salvador, sent "two cargo planes carrying $500,000 (equivalent to $1,389,800 in 2023) worth of relief supplies to earthquake-stricken El Salvador".[20][dead link] In 1988, Operation California began using the name Operation USA because it better described the effort and intent of the organization to represent the entire American people.[9] In 1989, Operation USA facilitated operations on children in Vietnam who had cleft palates by a Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon, Dr Stanley Frileck.[21][dead link]

Medical aid and rebuilding effort was delivered to Mexico in 1990 by OpUSA.[22] In 1991, OpUSA delivered aid to Bangladesh.[23] In 1993, OpUSA did the same thing to war-torn Somali.[24] In 1994, OpUSA provided earthquake relief.[25] In 1999, the Organization provided aid to Hurricane Mitch survivors in Honduras and Nicaragua.[26] In that same year, OpUSA gave essential supplies to storm victims in Mexico.[27]

In 2003, OpUSA delivered aid to Iraq War victims in the Persian Gulf.[28] The tsunami victims in Sri Lanka and Indonesia were aided by OpUSA in 2004,[29] as well as the Mexico City flood victims.[17][dead link] In 2008, OpUSA has delivered aid to Myanmar cyclone victims[30][better source needed] as well as Chinese earthquake victims[31][dead link] and flood victims in the Midwest, USA.[32][better source needed] In 2015, OpUSA partnered with UniversalGiving and United Airlines to raise funds for its Nepal Earthquake recovery project, rebuilding a school in Fyakse, in the Dhading district. In 2017, OpUSA launched relief efforts helping communities impacted by an unprecedented string of disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Irma, and the California wildfires. In 2018, OpUSA delivered cash grants and supplies to aid communities impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in the eastern US.

In 2020, OpUSA began responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by delivering cash and supplies to partners aiding front-line workers.[33][better source needed]

Celebrity affiliates

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Operation USA, since the early 1980s, has relied on fundraising efforts featuring singers and celebrities.[citation needed] These include concerts, dinners, and other events.[citation needed] These promotions have featured:

Rosario Dawson travelled with Operation USA to Nicaragua in 2008.[citation needed] George Hamilton assisted with relief to The Philippines Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 as did Barbra Streisand, Rosario Dawson, Jackson Browne, Bill Maher and Judd Apatow.[citation needed]

Film and theater projects

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Operation USA's funds come from television and film including:

References

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  1. ^ "OpUSA Annual Report" (PDF). Operation USA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2020-01-01. "Charity Navigator - Operation USA". Charity Navigator. Archived from the original on 2020-04-04. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  2. ^ Robert Scheer (1997-10-14). "Banning Land Mines Is a No-Brainer; Clinton still has time to find his backbone, follow his instincts and sign the Ottawa treaty". Los Angeles Times. p. 7. Archived from the original on 2012-01-05. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  3. ^ a b c Jones, Kenneth (2005-10-24). "Tony Adams, Film, TV and Stage Producer, Dead at 52". Playbill News. Archived from the original on 2020-11-27. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  4. ^ a b "Operation USA Affiliations and Awards". Operation USA. Archived from the original on 2006-10-02. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
  5. ^ "10 Highly Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions". Charity Navigator. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  6. ^ a b Fredette, Amy (1996-03-06). "Operation Jackson Browne". Arizona Daily Wildcat. Archived from the original on 2019-11-12. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  7. ^ "Reuters AlertNet - News partners". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2008-06-24. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  8. ^ Freeman, Rena (1980-06-11). "Human Kindness". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  9. ^ a b "Operation USA history". Operation USA. Archived from the original on 2008-03-29. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  10. ^ ROBERT J. CAMPBELL (1979-10-25). "Students Form Group to Aid Cambodia: Plan Lobbying, Petitions, Fast, and Concert". The Harvard Crimson. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  11. ^ "Operation California Bidding a Benefit". Time Magazine. 1979-12-10. Archived from the original on October 22, 2010. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  12. ^ "Brown Assails 'Neglect' In Relief for Cambodia". The New York Times. 1979-12-06. Archived from the original on 2012-10-10. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  13. ^ "There Is Nothing, Monsieur". Time Magazine. 1979-12-10. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  14. ^ "Operation California Bidding a Benefit". PR Newswire. 1982-02-17. p. LexisNexis. Retrieved 2008-06-05.[permanent dead link]
  15. ^ Hendrix, Kathleen (1982-09-12). "Airlift to Beirut: Relief and Red Tape. Operation California Finally Manages to Get Medical Supplies to Lebanon". Los Angeles Times. Beirut. ProQuest 153243921.
  16. ^ Jacobs, Jody (11 Feb 1983). "Operation California Bidding a Benefit". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 153383334.
  17. ^ a b "Operation USA Appeals For Public Support To Aid Victims Of South Mexico Floods" (Press release). Operation USA. 2 November 2007. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  18. ^ "Aid for Nicaragua". The Washington Post. 1985-07-06. p. A14. Retrieved 2008-06-09.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ "No Title". PR Newswire. 1985-07-03. Retrieved 2008-06-09.[permanent dead link]
  20. ^ "Quake Relief Groups Allowed To Land At San Salvador Airport". The Associated Press. 1986-10-18. Retrieved 2008-06-09.[permanent dead link]
  21. ^ "U.S. medical team operates on Vietnamese children". United Press International. 1989-03-15. Retrieved 2008-06-09.[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ Shannon, Don (1990-06-01). "U.S. and Soviet Relief Workers to Join Forces". Los Angeles Times. p. 14. ProQuest 281043486. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  23. ^ Ferrell, David (2007-05-04). "Burnout Hits Relief Network Too many catastrophes abroad and too many burdens at home are blamed for the lackluster public response to recent appeals for help". Los Angeles Times. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2010-12-27. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  24. ^ Kelleher, Kathleen (1993-01-10). "Mission to Somalia Poses Danger for Relief Worker Famine: Operation USA's Neil Frame will take medical supplies gathered by the L.A.-based relief agency to field hospitals in the war-torn African nation". Los Angeles Times. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2012-10-21. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  25. ^ Bryant, Rebecca (1994-02-12). "Donations Sought in Quake Relief Effort". Los Angeles Times. p. 2. ProQuest 282238529. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  26. ^ Banks, Sandy (1998-11-17). "Reach Out to Lift Up Hurricane Survivors". Los Angeles Times. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2012-10-21. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  27. ^ Cardenas, Jose (1999-10-19). "Sending a Rainbow of Relief After the Floods; For many Southland Latinos, aiding Mexico's storm victims is a means of honoring homeland ties". Los Angeles Times. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2012-10-21. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  28. ^ "AID GROUPS AMASS RELIEF GEAR". Long Beach Press-Telegram. 2003-03-19. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  29. ^ "GROUP READIES AID". Long Beach Press-Telegram. 2004-12-30. Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  30. ^ "Los Angeles Based Operation USA Appeals for Funds to Aid in Burmese Cyclone Disaster" (Press release). Operation USA. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  31. ^ "Operation USA Responded to Earthquake Devastation in Sichuan, China; Agency Appealed for Funds to Rebuild Schools and Clinics, which, as of September 2010, it had rebuilt 2 large primary schools outside Chengdu and 5 village level health clinics outside Chongqing". PR Newswire. Retrieved 2008-06-04.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ "Operation USA to Aid Midwest Flood Victims" (Press release). Operation USA. Archived from the original on 28 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
  33. ^ "COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response". Operation USA. Archived from the original on 2020-05-19. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  34. ^ a b c d Baker, Russ (2002-03-31). "Resourceful man of mercy". The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. 16. ProQuest 1891584633.
  35. ^ a b c d Lipson, Jim (1996-03-06). "Music: Regaining Consciousness". Tucson Weekly. Archived from the original on 2006-11-14. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Richard S. Ginell (1986-08-11). "PLACIDO DOMINGO PUTS HIS VOICE TO WORK". Daily News of Los Angeles. p. 13. Archived from the original on 2012-05-16. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  37. ^ Southerland, Daniel (1982-01-26). "Foreign aid, Hollywood-style: cut red tape, go to the top". Christian Science Monitor. ProQuest 1038443430. Archived from the original on 2015-09-22. Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  38. ^ a b GEORGE RUSH AND JOANNA MOLLOY (1995-10-23). "Berth Announcement: These Babies Have It All". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2008-06-07.[dead link]
  39. ^ Bill Higgins (1991-10-22). "Operation USA Raises $200,000 at Benefit". Los Angeles Times. p. 3. ProQuest 281478283. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  40. ^ Kathy Blumenstock (2007-01-26). "Her newest role: Surprised recipient; Julie Andrews will receive the Screen Actors Guild's 43rd Life Achievement Award on Sunday". Los Angeles Times. p. E15. ProQuest 422118963. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  41. ^ a b c Bill, Higgins (1999-01-06). "And justice for all musicians: 'Club' features Cooder and Havana Musicians". Variety. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  42. ^ ANDREW EPSTEIN (1980-03-16). "BENEFIT TV SHOW RAISES $1 MILLION". The Los Angeles Times. p. 1. ProQuest 162676597.
  43. ^ "USC Annenberg School for Communication to Host Special Screening on USC Campus Of Paramount Pictures' 'Beyond Borders'". PR Newswire. 2003-09-25. Retrieved 2008-06-07.[dead link]
  44. ^ Page, Janice (2005-09-03). "'Roll Bounce' slides back to the '70s with an earnest, feel-good vibe". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2008-06-07.
  45. ^ "Real-Life Participants Of "The Killing Fields" To Hold Press Conference". PR Newswire. 1984-11-13. Retrieved 2008-06-09.[permanent dead link]
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