This week, 20 students from The Wooden Floor, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Ana, participated in a holiday shopping event hosted by the Anaheim Ducks at Target in Irvine Spectrum. The students were joined by Ducks players, their families, and staff members.
Sixteen-year-old Miley Resendiz described the experience as unique. “This was a once in a lifetime experience,” Resendiz said. “It’s incredible. I feel like I gained a sense of appreciation and gratitude.” She was accompanied by Ducks forward Troy Terry and his wife Dani during her shopping for sweaters and personal care items. “Meeting Troy’s wife was amazing,” Resendiz added. “She was super helpful and super kind …I feel like I got everything that I needed.”
Ducks players Cutter Gauthier, Radko Gudas, Jansen Harkins, Drew Helleson, Ian Moore, Beckett Sennecke, Ryan Strome, Jacob Trouba, Frank Vatrano and Olen Zellweger also attended with their significant others and team staff to support the students.
The event included other community supporters such as broadcaster Brian Hayward and his wife Angela; Justine Teats; Robbie Foltz; Joel and Elizabeth Quenneville; Ryan and Karen McGill; Tim and Sue Army; and Pat and Dianne Verbeek.
Troy Terry commented on the impact of the event: “This has been one of my favorite events,” he said. “You can just see how happy it makes them …They wanted personal hygiene stuff and basic stuff that you could take for granted sometimes. And every time they want to get an item for each of their siblings and their parents. It just grounds you and you realize how fortunate we are.” Dani Terry added: “It’s so special and it makes such a difference. I think giving back to the community is one of the most special things that we can do and that we have the privilege of doing. Having the owners behind us to support it is everything.”
The partnership between the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, The Wooden Floor organization, and other community partners has continued for 18 years to provide this holiday experience for local youth from families with limited resources.
Dawn S. Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor, acknowledged those involved: “It’s important for us to thank the Anaheim Ducks players, the Anaheim Ducks Foundation, the Anaheim Ducks organization and the Samueli Foundation,” Reese said. “Events like this have a ripple effect in the children’s lives, knowing that someone has taken time out of their day to spend time with them. They remember it their whole life.”
The Wooden Floor works with more than 475 students annually through afterschool programming at two locations in Santa Ana at no cost to families or students. In 2024 alone its outreach grew through programs at elementary schools across Garden Grove Unified School Districts—engaging over 3,000 additional children each year.
Reese highlighted alignment between both organizations’ values: “Our relationship with the Ducks has deepened over time because we all live at that level of excellence,” she said. “Today is about helping the children be seen, letting them know that they matter… If it wasn’t for the collective of all organizations that come together—that would be impossible.”
Resendiz credited The Wooden Floor’s broad approach beyond dance training as crucial support: “I owe so much to The Wooden Floor because of the amount of support that they’ve given me,” she said. “The thing that I really love about The Wooden Floor is that they don’t just focus on the students’ dancing…they want to prepare their students for the future.”
Segerstrom High School senior Christian Rodriguez shopped alongside defenseman Jacob Trouba while selecting school supplies: “It was really amazing to meet Jacob…I’m very grateful for this team,” Rodriguez said.
Trouba reflected on his participation: “Coming out and doing events like this brings everyone together… It’s important.”
As part of concluding activities TP-Link provided smart home gifts including robot vacuums to participating students.
Resendiz summarized her appreciation: “I feel like I could speak for every Wooden Floor student here that we’re super grateful…We really appreciate everything that the Anaheim Ducks and Foundation have provided for us today.”
More information about The Wooden Floor can be found at its website.
