State Senator candidate Mike Eng, Executive Director Marta Escanuelas of MERCI and Executive Director Matthew Rayburn of Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley joined with the staff members of Panda Express who catered the dinner during the fundraiser for MERCI and Family Promise held at the Barnes Park Amphitheater in Monterey Park on July16th.

Monterey Park Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Lam joined with Latasha Smith, Jessica Purnell, Pastor Shel Hess, Natalie Poole, Martin Yuson, Matthew Rayburn, Mike Eng and Daryn Kubara behind the stage just before the show.

Keyboard Musician Bob Duquesnel played various songs during the event. One guest requested that he played “Happy Birthday” as she danced to the beat.

Mike Eng was the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed everyone to this special event to benefit MERCI and Family Promise.  We are indebted to these groups for their services to our community. He thanked all of the generous donors for the delicious food, cold water and juice drinks. He also thanked the guests for their donations to the cause and all of the volunteers for this event.

Mike Eng and Shel Hess opened the show singing “Over the Rainbow” with help from the audience.

Shel Hess sang “A-Tisket A-Tasket” dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald, who would have been 100 years old this year.

He spoke bout his son, who has been having a rough time in this period of his life.  He was ill and not able to perform at this event.

The guests enjoyed delicious food and live entertainment in the style of the “Hollywood Bowl”.

Marta Escanuelas enjoyed the event with her friends.

Mike Eng thanked Stephen Lam for joining us tonight.

Latasha Smith sang “ Tomorrow” to the delight of the audience.

Jessica Purnell sang “Hard Knock Life” with musical assistance from Kirsten Johnson, her son Kemet Johnson, Mike Eng and Shel Hess. This song was dedicated to everyone.

Shel Hess also led the audience in singing “Llama Ilama” a childhood story about a llama dressed in red pajamas.

Jessica Purnell sang a heart felt rendition of “Remedy”.

Mark Keppel High School alumni sisters Diana and Liana sang three original songs that they composed to the audience. Visual & Performing Arts Teacher Maurice Azeltine attended this special event.

Marilyn & Ashley said they are honored to be here to support these two amazing groups. They sang three popular songs from their age group.

The final song of the evening was “Imagine” performed by the entertainers and some of the audience.

Mike Eng thanked all of the people who shared this event with them.

Marta Escanuelas thanked the guests for attending this event. She also thanked Panda Express for their generous donations to their organizations.

Matthew Rayburn thanked the guests for their attendance.

For more information on these wonderful organizations or to make donations please contact:

Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley
1005 E. Las Tunas Drive, #525
San Gabriel, CA 91776

626-569-0991

Mission Statement: To help homeless children by helping their families: to stay intact, to regain stable housing and to return to steady work, in the warm fold of a supportive, volunteer-driven community.

MERCI

525 N Chandler Avenue

Monterey Park, CA  91754

626-289-8817

Mission Statement: It is the mission of MERCI to provide people with severe to profound developmental disabilities the right to an education in life skills, the opportunity to maximize their independence and to advocate for their choices.