Despite it being August and temperatures still hovering in the upper-90s, the time for Christmas fundraising has already begun for one local nonprofit.
For the past 16 years, the Letters to Santa charity has provided food, clothing and essentials to children and families in need during the holiday season. The operation is made possible with the help of dozens of volunteers, community sponsors and one major fundraiser, the annual Letters to Santa Charity Gala.
This year’s gala is set for Oct. 5 at the Assyrian American Civic Club at 2618 N. Golden State Blvd. in Turlock. Tickets and table sponsorships are available to buy now and auction items are currently being accepted.
“I attend a lot of fundraisers and, in my opinion, we have one of the largest silent auctions around,” said Letters to Santa President Betty Julian. “There is something for everyone. It is so much fun.”
Tickets and sponsorship packages are as follows:
- Individual ticket: $75
- Santa’s School District Helpers: $800 for a table of 12
- Elf Table Purchase: $1,000 for 12 dinner tickets (No marketing)
- Mistletoes Sponsorship: $1,500 for 12 dinner tickets and a mention in program
- Santa’s Sleigh Sponsorship: $2,500 for 12 dinner tickets, quarter ad in program
- Polar Express Sponsorship: $3,500 for 12 dinner tickets with preferred seating and the premier marketing package
- North Pole Sponsorship: $5,000 for 14 dinner tickets with premier seating and the VIP marketing package.
Silent and live auction items include electronics, appliances, furniture, vacations, tools, cooking utensils, outdoor equipment, spa days, sports memorabilia, gift certificates and just about anything in between.
“We also have so many vendors that donate their time and energy, including the photographer, the photo booth, the decorators, the cooks… There are countless of businesses within the community that are also contributing and donating their services and their products for free,” Julian added.
With the $250,000 raised from last year’s gala, each student that was nominated by local teachers in surrounding school districts received a $50 Cost Less gift card for food, school-themed merchandise from Crivelli’s Shirts and More, socks, blankets and a set of pajamas. Those in elementary school had a choice of three toys from “Santa’s Workshop,” while those in junior high and high school were given about $70 in gift certificates from local businesses like Lulu’s Ice Cream Parlor, Willie’s Pizza and Wings, Quikly, Allison's Coffee House and Ten Pin Fun Center.
The organization impacted the lives of more than 1,450 children across 25 schools in Stanislaus County, including every Turlock Unified School District campus. Last year, TUSD named Letters to Santa as their Volunteer Organization of the Year. They were also honored at this year’s Stanislaus Partners in Education Recognition Luncheon.
“The feedback from the administrators and teachers has been amazing,” Julian said.
But their mission of bringing joy and happiness to the local youth doesn’t stop once Christmas ends, as the organization gives scholarships to Turlock and Pitman high school students who give back to the community, including those who serve with Letters to Santa.
Julian encouraged those interested in buying tickets, sponsorships, donating auction items and volunteering with the organization to visit www.Letters2SantaCharity.com or contact the team directly at Give@Letters2SantaCharity.com. Community members can also follow the organization on social media at @LettersToSantaCharity-StanislausCounty on Facebook and at @LettersToSantaCharity on Instagram.
The deadline to apply for a logo-advertisement in the event program is Sept. 6. Detailed information on each marketing package can be found on the Letters to Santa website. Additionally, auction items will be accepted up until the week of the gala. Meanwhile, there is no deadline to purchase tickets, though she expects the approximate 750 tickets to sell out fast.
