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About Us

Founded in 2024, The Happening, Inc. Nonprofit is an organization dedicated to hosting fun, free social events for individuals with disabilities throughout the Orange County, CA area.

 

We are proud to be the sister organization of The Happening Social Club based in San Clemente, CA.

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Find out more about our team...

Stratton Palmer

Owner

Stratton is the entrepreneurial force behind The Happening Inc Nonprofit, bringing his vision, passion and purpose to live by building it from the ground up.  His heart for adults with special needs began at 12 through volunteer work and developed into a lifelong calling.  He spent over 12 years working in the Capistrano Unified School District and has served as the Executive Manager at a local adult day program.  He is also the Director of Summit Ministry, a Chirstian special needs ministry dedicated to faith, inclusion and community.  As the owner of The Happening Inc., Stratton truly feels he's walking in his God-given purpose and is excited to see what He has in store as this joyful, inclusive space continues to grow.

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Elisabeth Luna Palmer

Marketing and Events

Elisabeth, who has a heart for the special needs community, has played an important role in supporting her husband, Stratton, in creating the vibrant community that has blossomed through this club. With a background in real estate, design, and marketing, Elisabeth now leads event planning, branding, and community engagement. In addition to her community work, Elisabeth brings over 10 years of experience in real estate, design, and marketing. Elisabeth also remodels homes and turned their first property into a successful Airbnb in Indian Wells, California.

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Jose Andrade

Manager

Jose brings nearly a decade of experience in the disability field, paired with a strong passion for community service and inclusion. His dedication began early, volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club throughout high school and later earning an internship with the U.S. House of Representatives during his first semester of college. He spent two years in Washington, D.C., working as a counselor for at-risk youth at Gaithersburg High School in Maryland before returning to Orange County to complete his education. While finishing school, he worked at a group home for foster teens, eventually finding his passion as a job coach at a day program for adults with disabilities—where he later became the manager. Now, as part of The Happening Inc., his leadership, compassion, and dedication help create a supportive space where all adults feel valued, included, and connected.​​

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Riley Ferren

Intern

Riley Ferren is a sophomore at San Juan Hills High School with a commitment to community service supporting the disabled community, inspired in part by his older brother with special needs. He is the President of the 2028 Boys Chapter of Lion's Heart Service in San Clemente, leading volunteer efforts for his teen group, and was a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2025. Riley has been a buddy for Little League Challenger Baseball as well as a Camp Counselor at Special Camp, both of which reflect his commitment to working with individuals with special needs. He is currently a student intern at The Happening, Inc., where he helps create and lead sports clinics, as well as supporting other events for the Happening, Inc.

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