Over 75 children and youth along with their Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers, celebrated the holiday cheer with us during our Child Advocates of Silicon Valley’s Holiday Party. The first morning half of the event was dedicated to children ages 12 and under, while the second afternoon half was dedicated to ages 13-17. The engaging holiday event took place at Brookside Club of Saratoga on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
The venue was transformed with holly, lights, whimsical balloon arrangements, stockings and poinsettias for an afternoon full of holiday magic. Upon registration in the morning, our CASAs and kids were given an activity bag filled with tools to participate in the holiday-inspired activities planned for them. Activities included building ornaments and drafting letters to Santa Claus.
During the event, a snow cone truck pulled up through the back of the venue. To our children’s and CASAs’ surprise, the driver was none other than Santa Claus. Greeting each child by name, Santa served the children and their CASAs a snow cone or hot cocoa. Which they consumed along with holiday-themed bagels. Before the event ended, the children picked up their holiday gift bag full of toys, blankets and games.
After the morning portion concluded, staff rearranged the activity stations to age-appropriate activities for the teenagers. Like the kid’s party earlier that day, the teens and their CASAs received an activity bag to participate in the age-appropriate holiday-inspired activities. Activities included painting mason jars and wooden ornaments and building friendship bracelets. Additionally, the teen party had a silent disco station where teens could listen to music and access the venue’s tennis court to play pickleball. Following pickleball, the teens were given a football, where they played a friendly game on the venue’s lawn.
Toward the end of the event, Santa Claus surprised the teens when he pulled up in a snow cone truck. Each teen received a snow cone or hot cocoa. Before the event ended, the teens picked up their holiday gift bag full of socks, activity books and a gift card.
This event was made possible by the generosity of eBay, San Jose District 8 Councilmember Sylvia Arenas and San Jose District 10 Councilmember Matt Mahan. As well as our event vendors, AMB Designs, Kona Ice West San Jose and Bagel Bar.
If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring next year’s holiday party, please contact our development department at development@childadvocatessv.org.
