Join Local Volunteers to Raise Money for Fontana Youth
Mayor Nuaimi and First Lady Susanne Nuaimi at the 2008 Mayor’s Gala.
For the past seven years, local resident and community activist Susanne Nuaimi, along with more than 30 volunteers, have come together to plan the annual Mayor’s Gala, an event that celebrates Fontana’s successes and raises money for investing back into the community.
“Year after year I continue to be amazed by the outreach of the community in supporting this event and the countless hours the volunteers spend in planning the event. We truly are blessed,” said Mayor Mark Nuaimi.
The evenings activities vary from year to year, but are always filled with entertainment, fine food, and a silent auction. Each Gala has a specific focus and raises funds to benefit various programs and organizations that provide services to Fontana residents.
In 2008, the Mayor’s Gala Committee raised over $200,000 to benefit the Give Today Enrich Tomorrow grassroots capital campaign created to help offset construction costs and enhance programming at the new regional Lewis Library and Technology Center.
The 2009 Mayor’s Gala will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Fontana.
Art is one of many activities the kids participate in.
Boys and Girls Club of Fontana
The Boys and Girls Club of Fontana is a safe place for children to learn and grow, all while having fun. The friendly and dedicated staff members are committed to providing a positive place for all kids to learn. Terrie Schneider, Executive Director of the Fontana Boys and Girls Club says, “The after school programs truly have a positive impact in the long term success of a child.”
Terrie is an active member in the community and is thrilled that the Mayor’s Gala Committee selected the Boys and Girls Club as the recipient of funds raised from this year’s Gala.
“We serve about 1,500 kids a week or 300 a day in various age groups - 6 to 17,” said Terrie. “The Club is a great place because we have caring staff, and we give kids a place to go to interact with their friends in a non-school environment. We provide fun activities and kids get the opportunity to give back to the community through projects and activities.”
Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers truly make a difference year after year.
The Mayor’s Gala Committee, chaired by Susanne Nuaimi, meets for approximately ten months each year to plan the annual event. Gala Committee members are busy with home and work commitments, but are thrilled each year to start planning the next event. Hundreds of hours are spent each year ensuring guests leave the Gala feeling like they have contributed to the community and celebrated the successes of the prior year.
At the end of the evening of each Gala, volunteers take a few minutes to reflect on and enjoy their accomplishments – knowing that together, they just put on a memorable event that will be talked about for years to come. After clean up and some much needed rest, volunteers are back in the day to day swing of things with families and work but, are already thinking about what they would like to do to make next year’s event even better.
“The Volunteer participation is the ingredient to the success of the Gala,” says Susanne Nuaimi. “This committee has been together for seven years and has always been filled with volunteers who love and respect Fontana and want an event that represents that. They are the most dedicated and hard working and selfless group of people I have ever been blessed to work with. There is no task too big or small for them. I know this Gala will be another amazing success and our children will benefit from our volunteers efforts.”
Why do they return year after year?
“I have volunteered on the Gala Committee for many years and I return year after year because it is so much fun planning the event and I truly enjoy knowing we have impacted the community with the funds we have raised,” says Carole Lee, Gala Committee volunteer. “The volunteers also make it an enjoyable experience as they are all helping for the same reason, doing a great job and helping support our Fontana family.”
Experience an Evening of Tropical Elegance
This year’s event will feature a tropical look and feel with Polynesian Dancers, Mahi Mahi dinner, South Pacific themed singers, and much more. The Gala will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 6 to 11pm at the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center, 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana.
Tickets are now available for purchase at www.etix.com (keyword search by venue, “Jessie Turner”).
For more information, contact Bianca Gutierrez (909) 428-8360 extension 247 or .
