East Los Angeles, CA- Established in 2016, the ELAC Alumni Association,under the auspices of the ELAC Foundation, hosted its inaugural “Celebrating the Spirit of Perseverance Holiday Dinner” on December 3, 2019. The event’s primary purpose was to recognize ELAC students who work diligently on their education despite facing daily hardships. The Holiday Dinner was held in order to provide these students with an evening of holiday fun with family and friends. There was over 300 participants comprised of ELAC students, their families, Alumni Board members, special guests, and numerous volunteers. It was a festive and heartwarming experience for all.
In addition to the wonderful food and desserts, there was a children’s activity area hosted by the energetic volunteers, gifts for the children, gift cards, and numerous opportunity-drawing prizes for the ELAC students. Free entertainment was provided by a group of young students from Top Billing Entertainment, and a jazz trio who performed throughout the evening. These young musicians provided wonderful entertainment and displayed the true meaning of the Christmas Spirit.
“The overall success of the Holiday Dinner was due to the many generous individuals and sponsors who contributed money and in-kind donations. Without the collaborative effort of all involved, the Holiday Dinner would not have been possible,” stated Alumni Board President Maria Elena Yepes.
Many of the participants openly expressed their gratitude:
“As someone who has been in the foster care system, I can tell you it’s difficult to trust people and feel like you’re part of something. This has never been the case for me at ELAC. Tonight is a reminder that I matter and that people care about me. Thank you, ELAC family, for always guiding me, helping me find my way when I’ve gotten lost and for believing in me,” said Liliana.
“As a single mother and full-time student, I don’t always have the ability to eat out. Today’s event was so special, not just for me but also for my children. This is the first time we have ever been to a fancy restaurant. ELAC Alumni Board and all the people who made this day special for my children, I thank you,” said. Janet
“Thank you, ELAC Foundation and the ELAC Alumni Association, for this special day of family. My mother, children, and I can’t tell you what a difference this day makes for us during this difficult time in our lives. You reminded us today of the spirit of service and family,” said Aleyda
“I just wanted to say, ‘Thank you so much!’ My family and I had an amazing time, and I just wanted to say thank you for a lovely dinner and great people,” said Rosalie
The ELAC Alumni Association wishes to thank the following individuals and sponsors for their generosity and Christmas Spirit: ELAC student volunteers, Top Billing Entertainment All That Jazz.
Sponsors: The ELAC Foundation Board of Directors Members: Priscilla Lizarraga, Tina H. Wang, Mike Sarian and Sandy Ho. L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, L.A. City Council-member Gil Cedillo, Peter and Martha Zavala, Steven’s Steak House, the ELAC English Department, Mr. Mario Beltran, Dr. Gabriel Buelna, 2nd VP Los Angeles, Community College Board of Trustees, Ms. Julie Benavides, Sara and Chico Manning,Fiesta Taxi, The Principia Group, LLC, Smart and Final, James Kenny,Marilyn Ladd, Maria Elena Yepes, Teresa Lujan &Victor Schulte, Lucia Su and Truo Ren Su, Ana Osio,Mike Fong, Trustee, Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees, Dr. Armond Aghakhanian,Chief Development Officer,ELAC Foundation, Consulado General de Mexico, Los Angeles Latino Business Alliance, Latino Business Alliance Student Chapter, Harry Agajanian,Felipe Agredano,Elizabeth Arroyo,Rolando Cuevas Dominic A. Lombard and Jesse Marez.
