A Dream Fulfilled for 6 Quinceaneras in Foster Care
Quinceanera.com and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services organized the traditional fifteen party for 6 young girls.
LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- There are fewer things in life as important for a Latina girl as her quinceañera. For many, this is easily accomplished, since they are surrounded by their family and friends who are willing to spend money, time and effort to make it happen. But for the six girls from the foster care system who couldn't hold their own without the help of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and Quinceanera.com, this dream was one that they never thought would come true.
However, on Saturday March 28, the six girls shared a unique event with friends, their foster family, and a large number of business donors supporting the effort. Thanks to all of them the event did not miss anything. There was food in large quantities with a tasty menu, live entertainment provided by Jesus Mendoza and Pedro Rivera, a DJ to liven up the party, and a small religious ceremony celebrated by Father Michael Rocha.
"I feel excited and inspired," said one of the chosen six, María Jimenez. Having been born without the sense of hearing, she also noted, "the fact that life has been complicated makes this so special."
Fernanda Juárez was also radiant along with the other honorees. Dressed beautifully with her chamberlain, she was happy because "I never imagined something like this. It's a thrill. I am thankful for the privilege of being able to host my quinceanera with the help of the Foster Care system. It has given me many opportunities."
The event, held at the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles, also included many notable attendees including Martha de la Torre, president and co-founder of El Clasificado, the company that owns Quinceanera.com, who felt "honored" to be a part of the young ladies' ceremony, referring to the young celebrants as "added family", and cheered "their serenity to accept the things they cannot change, and the courage to change what they can with a smile and optimism. It is very inspiring to us all."
Philip L. Browning, director of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, also expressed his satisfaction with the event specifically noting the "demonstration of affection from all the people working hard to make the lives of others better."
Enlivening the event, emcee Stephanie Himonidis, also known as Chiquibaby, helped keep the party running smoothly and paid tribute to the companies who helped make the celebration possible including Luna's Bridal, Beautiful Cosmetics, Marissa's Cake, Friar Tux, Carlton Hair Salon, and Telic Footwear.
Meanwhile, Christine Devine, news anchor of the Fox 11 News "Wednesday Child" segment for foster care children, further encouraged the Quinceañeras to relish the moment and "embrace their story and go out into the world to make a difference. That is the goal after all."
Contact:
For interviews about the event please contact Gabriela Alvarado [email protected], 323-837-4063.
SOURCE El Clasificado
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