The Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee (IMAC) celebrates 15 years of supporting 2/11 Marines adopted by the city of Irvine. IMAC continues to promote and celebrate its anniversary through fundraisers which began this year in September.
Fundraisers and events hosted by IMAC directly support the 2/11 Marines and their families. The 2/11 Marines belong to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines — a 1st Marine Division based in Camp Pendleton, San Diego. They were adopted by the city of Irvine through the April 10, 2007 City Council Resolution, establishing a formal relationship between the Irvine and the unit in hopes of fostering ongoing community support for members of the armed forces. According to a press release from the city of Irvine, the 2/11 Marines were officially adopted in a ceremony on Sept. 15, 2007.
“The ceremony reaffirms the City’s commitment to supporting the efforts of our men and women in the military and their families … The program allows the City to demonstrate its appreciation for the sacrifices of those who are protecting the freedom that we enjoy today,” the 2007 press release stated.
The 2/11 Marines expressed their appreciation for IMAC in a video posted on Facebook.
“The relationship that exists between 2/11 and the City of Irvine through IMAC is special and we look forward to another 15 years. Semper fidelis,” the Marines featured in the video said.
IMAC, which was established pursuant to the 2007 resolution, is a non-profit and volunteer-run organization that aims to raise awareness and financially support the 2/11 Marines and their families. To this end, IMAC prepares care packages, donation drives and hosts fundraising events.
“[IMAC’s mission is to] provide charitable and educational activities and support for the benefit and welfare of the United States Marines and their families … with special emphasis on the [2/11 Marines.]. Additionally, the Committee seeks to educate and inform the community regarding the 2/11’s activities and responsibilities,” reads IMAC’s mission statement, available on the City of Irvine website.
To commemorate 15 years with the 2/11 Marines, IMAC is hosting a 15 Year, $15 Fundraiser that began on Sept. 15 and is set to end on Sept. 14, 2023.
During this holiday season, IMAC also opened its annual Holiday Toy Drive for the children of Marine families as a way to engage residents. Irvine resident Connie Lee, who donated to the Holiday Toy Drive, emphasized the value of giving back to the larger community.
“I think [the 2/11 Marine Adoption program is] wonderful,” Lee said. “Especially this holiday season, when there seems to be a lot of uncertainty, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to give a little something, contribute something: to say we are of one community.”
The October 2022 City of Irvine press release reported that the Holiday Toy Drive began on Oct. 31 and will end on Dec. 14. New and unwrapped toys suitable for children of 12 years or younger can be dropped off at donation sites located at Irvine City Hall and the Irvine Police Department on weekdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Donations are accepted every day of the week from 10 a.m – 8 p.m. at the Great Park Visitor’s Center.
More information on the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee can be found on the City of Irvine website. Questions about IMAC can be directed to contact@irvine211marines.org or 949-724-6606.
Beatrice Lee is a City News Intern for the fall 2022 quarter. She can be reached at beatrirl@uci.edu.