Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild Spreads Holiday Cheer to Survivors of Domestic Violence
Posted on December 17, 2012
During its annual Alumni Holiday Party, Guild members presented wrapped gifts and gift cards from local retailers, restaurants and grocers that had been collected for women and children who have graduated from the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing programs
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Dec. 17, 2012 – This month, the Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild, a group of women from Ladera Ranch and surrounding areas who provide community support and volunteer service to Laura’s House, hosted its annual Holiday Party for Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing alumni.
The annual Alumni Holiday party drew nearly 100 women and children, who were treated to a visit from Santa and his Christmas elves, live music, entertainment, and arts & crafts. Imagine Beyond Productions of Lake Forest donated a delicious lunch of salad, pasta, and Italian specialties, and two dance teams from Cal Elite Kids, based in Rancho Santa Margarita performed several routines for the children. In preparation for the festivities, the Ladies’ Guild collected gift cards and toys for the children, and made special gift bags to pamper the moms during the holiday season. During the party, the families also had the opportunity to take their pictures with Santa, and the moms got some much-needed pampering during a “pop-up” spa experience.
“We are grateful to the Ladies’ Guild for continuing to serve as community ambassadors for Laura’s House,” said Andrea McCallister, Director of Development & Communications for Laura’s House. “Our annual Alumni Holiday Party has become one of the highlights of the holiday season for the women and children whom we serve, and we thank the Guild for their help in spreading holiday cheer during a time of year that can be difficult for families that have experienced domestic violence.”
Following the holiday party, one of the graduates of the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter Program shared her thoughts on what the event meant to her. “I just wanted to say thank you for the food, amazing gifts and giving us a chance to catch up with all of our house roommates. I want to thank all the volunteers and staff at Laura’s House for the wonderful time my children and I had. It meant a lot to us. You guys really go a long way to help and I just wanted to let you know from the bottom of my heart I am really grateful for it. Merry Christmas!”
Founded in 2010, the Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild is comprised of more than a dozen women who support the mission of Laura’s House to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse. During 2012, the Ladies’ Guild hosted several events for shelter residents, including a Mother’s Day “Day of Beauty” with Salon Platinum in Aliso Viejo, and collecting clothing and school supplies for the Laura’s House Back-to-School drive.
Coto de Caza resident, Jena Schuster, heads up the Ladies’ Guild. “We are delighted to have the opportunity spread the joy of the season to families that have survived domestic violence, through this annual event,” said Schuster. “Working with Laura’s House, and seeing first-hand the positive impact our events and fundraising efforts have had on the lives of the women and children that they serve, has been an enormously gratifying experience. We are looking forward to what can be accomplished in the coming year as our group continues to grow and become an even stronger voice for Laura’s House in the community.”
The next Ladies’ Guild event, a "Tea and Fashion" fundraiser to be held in Ladera Ranch on Saturday, April 20, 2013, will be open to the general public. In the coming months, more details about this event, and an opportunity to purchase tickets will be available at the Laura’s House website.
For more information on how to become involved with the Laura’s House Ladies’ Guild, please call (949) 361-3775. In early 2012, a schedule of Ladies’ Guild events will be posted on the Laura’s House Website at www.laurashouse.org/events.
About Laura’s House
Over the past eighteen years, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
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