Our Resource Development and Grant Committees are committed to finding grants, requesting contributions to fund our many community service programs and developing fundraising activities. We depend upon, and are grateful for the generosity of friends, members of the community and corporate sponsors. Members purchase gift cards and tribute cards, participate in Dining for Dollars breakfasts and lunches at local restaurants, enjoy our Culinary Capers events and donate onesies to match our handmade baby blankets for new mothers in need. We have sponsored a book and toy drive at Barnes and Noble, and Operation School Bell^® has been showcased in the San Jose Mercury News Holiday Wish Book, generating donations from the community. But to put extra fun in fundraising, we have sponsored several public events, including  Lunch with the Authors, vintage fashion shows, “Floral Fantasy” luncheons and The Almaden Valley Home & Garden Tour.

Each year, Assistance League of San Jose asks friends and family to “Make a Donation” and “Make a Difference”. Nearly 90% of their donations go directly back to our community. We provide school uniforms to students in need, teddy bears to abused and neglected children, vision screening to preschools, prizes for Senior Bingo in nursing homes, layettes to mothers in need, dinner and special events for residents of the Family Supportive Housing shelter and much more. With our many volunteer hours and the support of our friends and family, our chapter really does make a difference in our community.

Our major fundraiser is the annual Lunch with the Authors event. Five authors are invited to speak about their work and lives as members and guests enjoy a delicious lunch. The authors are happy to autograph copies of their books, sold at the event. Presenters include writers of biographies, thrillers, fiction and non-fiction as well as authors of children’s books. Past authors include Wall Street Journal, Amazon and New York Times best-selling mystery writer Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestseller Alka Joshi, Amazon best-selling author of legal thrillers, Sheldon Siegel, USA Today and New York Times best-selling author Kate Quinn. This event is open to the public but seating is limited – be sure to register as soon as you can!

Twice a year, the chapter sells gift cards to raise funds for our general expenses. Members, friends and family can purchase cards for retail stores, restaurants, cinemas and online sites to use for themselves or to give as gifts. It’s so simple to purchase cards for places where we already shop and Assistance League of San Jose receives a percentage of each sale. Our gift card fundraiser takes place in the fall in time for the holidays and again in the spring, to be ready for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations. Of course, gift cards are useful anytime and for so many occasions all year long. This is a “win-win” fundraiser for everyone.