Two SBVC staff with dozens of raffle tickets
Four SBVC employees wearing holiday attire adding their names to raffle tickets
President Contreras speaking on stage at the President's Holiday Gathering event

The annual President’s Holiday Gathering on December 6 brought faculty and staff together in the spirit of holiday giving. The gathering has been a long-time tradition in which the campus convenes to enjoy a specially prepared menu by the Culinary Department while participating in opportunity chance drawings and other fundraising efforts that contribute to SBVC programs that support student success.

The seasonal event raised more than $5,600 through opportunity chance ticket sales, with proceeds going directly toward supporting textbook scholarships for SBVC students. Adding to the season’s spirit of giving, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) introduced the heartfelt addition of Adopt-an-Angel, allowing attendees to sponsor holiday gifts for foster youth.

President Dr. Gilbert Contreras expressed profound gratitude to the SBVC community for their generosity and ongoing commitment to student success. “This gathering is a reflection of the collective impact we can make when we come together,” Dr. Contreras shared, highlighting the dedication of faculty and staff in creating opportunities for students to succeed.

The 99th Anniversary Holiday Gathering also showcased the incredible fundraising efforts of the campus community. Opportunity drawing prize baskets were donated by various SBVC departments and programs, and featured items totaling an approximate retail value of
$8,000.

The SBVC Foundation encouraged participation in the Employee Giving Campaign by selling opportunity tickets with a Disneyland gift basket as the prize. The total value of the basket was estimated to be more than$1,000. The generous contributions of SBVC employees resulted in more than $5,400 annually in new or increased payroll deductions, with those funds supporting student scholarships and program fund accounts at SBVC. The Employee Giving Campaign is ongoing until January 31, 2025.

Visit sbvcfoundation.org for more information and to set up your monthly contribution. All funds go toward supporting SBVC students, scholarships, fund accounts, and programs.