Jessica “Jessie” Joy Rees, a young swimmer with the Mission Viejo Nadadores, will be honored posthumously at the inaugural Orange County (California) Sports Awards Gala on June 3, 2025 in Anaheim, California, where the Jessie Rees Foundation will receive the Philanthropist of the Year award. Jessie was diagnosed at age 11 with two inoperable brain tumors. While undergoing outpatient treatment, she noticed that many kids weren’t able to leave the hospital like she could. Moved to action, Jessie began filling paper lunch bags with toys and small gifts, decorating them with stickers, and asking to deliver them to other children in the hospital fighting cancer.
Just 10 months after diagnosis, Jessie lost her battle with cancer, but her parents were compelled to keep her mission going. They transformed Jessie’s efforts into a movement—JoyJars—care packages filled with toys, socks, crayons, and comforting gifts designed to lift the spirits of young patients. The foundation that bears her name continues today under the banner of her motto: NEGU—Never Ever Give Up and over 500,000 JoyJars have been given to children fighting cancer.
About the Orange County Sports Awards Gala
The Orange County Sports Awards Gala will celebrate athletes and sports figures who have significantly impacted the community. Alongside the Jessie Rees Foundation, honorees include:
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Female Professional Athlete of the Year: Caroline Marks, Surfing Olympic Gold Medalist
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Male Professional Athlete of the Year: Freddie Freeman, 2024 Dodgers World Series MVP
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Legacy Award: Gene Autry, Founder of Angels Baseball
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ICON Award: Kelly Slater, 11-time World Champion Surfer
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Lifetime Achievement: Scott Boras, Forbes-ranked #1 Sports Agent in the World
The event will feature a red-carpet entrance, award presentations, and speeches from influential figures in Orange County sports. Attendees will include athletes, coaches, sports journalists, and fans, creating a night of celebration. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Orange County Sports Commission, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to continue to support the
region’s sports initiatives.
For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit ocsportsawards.org.
Read more about Jessie Joy Rees on the NEGU.org website or get involved by making a donation or helping to support their mission.
