Assisteens Stephanie Stabile, Jessica Wakefield and Carli Speers helped out at the annual Assistance League fundraiser. (Photo by Suzanne Sproul)
“Joy” was the theme of the 38th annual Assistance League of the Foothill Communities Christmas Tree Brunch, and it was more than appropriate.
The Empire Ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel was packed — the event was sold out — with people of all ages busily looking at auction items and spectacular decorations. But it was the smiles and laughter that really stood out, providing a sense of calm and community.
“It’s simply beautiful,” said Kelly Bocanegra, event chairwoman, while she looked around the ballroom. “We decided the theme should be ‘Joy’ and there’s plenty of it here today. We actually had to turn people away because we sold all the tickets. We are grateful to those who came along with our wonderful generous sponsors.” Her co-chairwoman is Sue Goding.
League members select their tree themes in January. Committees then go about the task of finding decorations and gifts during the year before it all comes together at the brunch. The tradition started decades ago with decorated trees offering everything from tailgate parties to a taste of Italy to gift certificates to local restaurants. Guests buy tickets and choose which tree they want by dropping them into designated boxes. In addition to the trees, there also is a live auction.
Proceeds are used to fund the league’s community projects including Operation School Bell (in partnership with Kohl’s of Upland, where more than 1,500 students received new clothes last year; San Antonio Community Hospital Dental Center, where 197 children received dental care and 800 received in-school dental screenings; AL Bears, which provided comfort to those experiencing trauma while also cheering up 625 children and adults at San Antonio Community Hospital and Kaiser Hospital in Fontana; and Fostering New Beginnings (in partnership with Aspiranet and support from the Harold Edelstein Family Charitable Foundation), which supplied basic necessities to more than 45 young adults leaving the foster care system.
The nonprofit is supported by two auxiliaries, Las Tias and Assisteens. Assisteens is a group of high-school-age young women who volunteer throughout the year at various programs. Senior members this year are Alyssa Alanis, Upland, St. Lucy’s Priory High School; Lauren Arra, Upland, St. Lucy’s Priory High School; Melissa Evans, Upland, St. Lucy’s Priory High School; Emily Gabay, Upland, Upland High School; Carli Speer, Upland, St. Lucy’s Priory High School; Stephanie Stabile, Upland, Claremont High School; and Jessica Wakefield, Upland, Upland High School. Sue Zajicek is the league liaison.
This year, the senior Assisteens, dressed in lovely gowns, were escorted by their proud fathers: Christopher Alanis, Kevin Arra, Sean Evans, Ofer Gabay, Joe Speer, Rick Stabile and John Wakefield.
