By Tammye McDuff
Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual holiday luncheon Thursday, December 11, 2014. The theme this year was paying it forward through the ‘Spirit of Giving’.
Chamber Executive Director Scott Smith began the afternoon with the well-known story of paying it forward; emphasizing this was the true nature of the holiday spirit. Smith stated, “people may not remember what you have said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. By encouraging others to pay it forward, you are putting out positive energy that creates a strong force and a ripple effect in this community. Be the one that starts the first movement.”
Each attendee was given a small bag of Hershey’s holiday candy kisses with a small, brightly decorated card attached that said, “enjoy the random act of holiday cheer! Celebrate by giving to others. Happy Holidays! {Pass it on!}”.
The Community Family Guidance Center [CFGC] was the 2014 recipient of the Chambers annual holiday drive. Renee Shepard, Development Manager for CFGC told HMG, “we are very grateful to the chamber for their generous contributions. Chamber members contributed over 700 items that were donated to our clients. I understand that 14 separate corporations collected and donated this year with one business holding a massive bake sale and donating the proceeds. We have been a chamber member for 30 years and are so thankful for all their support.” Bill Sinko, Co-Interim Executive Director said he was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and kindness of the Chamber members.
CFGC is a non-profit public benefit corporation that has been in existence for 40 years. The purpose of CFGC is to provide funding and support to the needs in the community for mental health services, providing consultations, community education, child abuse treatment and prevention services, and training emerging professionals in the mental health field.
The luncheon was held at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel. The Cerritos Ballroom was brightly decorated with holiday cheer provided by the hotel with over 100 Chamber members in attendance. An array of holiday songs accompanied by line dancing was the afternoon’s entertainment, presented by the fourth and fifth grade singing elves from Hawaiian Elementary School with a visit from Santa Claus supplied by Art Sanchez, Sanchez Restaurant & Catering. Festive Santa Poinsettia center-pieces were donated by Wal-Mart.