Classical Recital A Complete Success

by Pat Myles 43rd President, Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees

Ermin Cruz III's Recital hosted by the Universal City/North Hollywood Jaycees was a big success. Over a hundred people attended this special gala benefitting Operation Santa. First, a wonderful art gallery exhibit was shown to all. Then Santa came by with treats and good wishes. We were entertained by the wonderful voice of Ermin Cruz III. The audience was moved by the incredible classical concert that took place that evening. The concert was an amazing success.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the event, it is anticipated about close to $700 will be raised to help deserving families have a good Christmas. A special thank you goes to the committee for their efforts. They are Jack Witt, Uday Thombre, Megan Hammitt, Stefanie Ibanez, Abby Aaronson and Alvin Abris. Of course, Thanks to Ermin Cruz III for this wonderful fundraising opportunity for Operation Santa.

Another special thank you to Annie G. Reed, President of the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Her efforts were a crucial element to the success of the project. The Universal City/North Hollywood Jaycees are extremely grateful for the support of groups like the Chamber for supporting Operation Santa.

Santa Suits Needed!

We are in need of Santa suits of all styles for the evening of December 24th. If you are willing to donate or loan such to us, we would be very appreciative. Please email Michael Higby at michael_higby@yahoo.com if you can help!

Classical Recital SOLD OUT!

The Classical Recital to benefit Operation Santa has sold out! The program, featuring baritone Ermin Cruz, III is sponsored by the Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees and the Los Angeles Valley College Arts Council.

Thank you to everyone involved, and a very special thank you to Ermin himself!

Classical Recital To Benefit Operation Santa

The Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees (Junior Chamber) and The Arts Council at Los Angeles Valley College are teaming up to present a Classical Recital at the College to benefit the Jaycees annual “Operation: Santa” project this holiday season. Since 1998 hundreds of low-income children have received toys and gifts from the Operation: Santa program.

The recital features Jaycee member Ermin Cruz III (Baritone) along with Greg Schreiner (Piano) and will include an evening of Mozart, Gounod, Schubert, Scarlatti, Abelardo, Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, et al. Trader Joe’s Studio City and Cap’n Cork Los Feliz will be donating food and beverage for the reception. Los Angeles Valley College is donating the Music Hall for the recital performance and giving a private tour of the newly renovated Art Gallery and exhibit entitled "Private Passions The Faculty Collects."

The Junior Chamber is an international organization with chapters in nearly every country. Members include adults aged 18-40 that range from young professionals interested in networking and socializing to regular, every-day folks that just want to do something good in their community.

The Jaycees have advertising opportunities available for the recital program, and are also seeking both monetary and in-kind donations for the Operation: Santa project, as well as volunteers. For more info about the Jaycees, visit www.ucnhjaycees.com or call: 818-628-0334.

Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees Once Again Brighten Low-Income Children’s Holiday Season

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA – The Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees have announced that they will be running their annual “Operation Santa” project this holiday season. Since 1998, hundreds of local low-income children have received toys and gifts from this program. The Jaycees, their supporters and volunteers collect hundreds of toys and then deliver them to the children on Christmas Eve, with volunteers dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves.

Project Chairperson Michael Higby – a past president of both the Universal City-North Hollywood Jaycees and the California Jaycees – stated about the project “It’s an incredible experience to brighten these kids’ holiday season. There is an incredible need in this community. The children we serve are not only asking for the latest toy, but often will go as far as to ask Santa to find a job for their recently unemployed parent or even the food for their holiday table.”

The Jaycees are seeking both monetary and in-kind donations for the project, as well as volunteers. For more information, please contact 818.430.3069.

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