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, participate in the grocery store Scrip program 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 the fun in fundraising, we have sponsored several events, including our “Floral Fantasy” luncheon, Somewhere in Time vintage fashion show, Lunch with the Authors (with the Santa Clara Valley chapter of the Brandeis Nat’l. Committee) 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.

Every other year, members present a Floral Fantasy luncheon fundraiser featuring floral arrangement demonstrations by Kren Rasmussen, owner of Bloomster’s in San Jose. “I want them (the guests) to walk away having a sense of some new tricks and techniques they can use for their home and when entertaining.” Kren has exhibited his floral creations at the DeYoung Museum’s annual Bouquet d’Art and we are fortunate to be able to watch him in action, creating beautiful arrangements in person. Floral Fantasy is always a sold out event and we encourage members and guests to purchase tickets early to secure their reservation.

View the 2020 Floral Fantasy Video:

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.