Health Science Center President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., hosted a grand celebration for faculty, staff and students last week in the auditorium foyer. The Winter Wonderland-themed Presidential Holiday Reception honored the Gifts for Children program and everyone who makes up the Health Science Center family.
Complete with snow flurries, a band playing holiday tunes, and a wide variety of food and drinks, the two-hour celebration attracted thousands of members of the Health Science Center community.
“Everything about it was so unique,” said Tony Mendoza, of the office of the vice president for governmental relations. “It was a great chance to reunite with friends, and the cold weather had everyone in the holiday spirit. I always look forward to our holiday party and each year it becomes more enjoyable.”
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| The 12-foot tree had more than 4,000 presents for children underneath it. | |
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The university’s 12-foot holiday tree was displayed in the auditorium foyer where presents donated to the Gifts for Children program were placed. The thousands of presents will be given to sick children who are treated in the University Health System, Christus Santa Rosa, the PREMIEre Program and several clinics and university programs.
“The turnout this year was fantastic and the volunteers who helped sort more than 4,000 gifts were absolutely amazing,” said Patti Lairsey, Gifts for Children program coordinator. “The hospitals and clinics picked up the gifts after the holiday party, and the gifts will be distributed to the children on Christmas or during the holiday season.”
Lairsey said she began working with the Gifts for Children program 12 years ago when only 600 gifts were donated. “The goal each year is to be able to provide more for the children,” she said. “I’m so pleased to see what the Gifts for Children program has evolved into and I hope it continues to grow each year.”
