Twenty trees were beautifully decorated in different color schemes and had special gifts surrounding them just waiting for they lucky raffle winners to claim them.

MERCI’s staff and generous donors provided this wonderful Holiday event held at Quiet Cannon in Montebello on December 8th.

Jillian Van Leuven, Executive Director of MERCI welcomed the guests to the 30th Annual Trees of Enchantment. She introduced Henry Lo the Master of Ceremonies to the guests.

Henry Lo is a Board Member for the Garvey School District. He welcomed everyone to the 30th Annual Trees of Enchantment. Please visit all of the trees and make your choices with your raffle tickets. MERCI has done so much for our residents.

He introduced special guests the included Congressmember Judy Chu, Assemblymember Ed Chau, Monterey Park Councilmember Peter Chan and City Clerk Vince Chang to the audience.

240 guests enjoyed delicious Champagne brunch. They shared their table with old friends and made new friends while enjoying MERCI’s special event.

Ed Chau, Jillian Van Leuven, Judy Chu, Peter Chan, Vince Chang and Henry Lo joined with Santa Claus for a special Christmas holiday picture.

Judy Chu, Victoria Chavez and Peter Chan shared a moment at the party.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus visited with their friends in front of a Christmas tree.

Congressmember Judy Chu said this is her 30th year attending the Trees of Enchantment. MERCI has grown with a staff of 66 members, a $3Million budget and 150 clients. She is proud of MERCI’s advances with two group homes and their outreach to the community. They are expanding their scope to people who need help. She thanked MERCI for helping people.

Congress is bringing bills to help people and their families with disabilities. DC helps all of you.

She made a Congressional presentation to Jillian Van Leuven for MERCI.

Assemblymember Ed Chau thanked MERCI for their last 60 years of service to the community. He thanked everyone for helping people. Please continue to serve MERCI, a non-profit.

He presented a proclamation to Jillian Van Leuven for MERCI.

Henry Lo asked the guests to enjoy the good food and the good time. Please buy more raffle tickets and take a chance on your favorite trees.  The trees had special gifts, gift cards, money and more.

He also called the numbers of the lucky door prize winners during the luncheon.

MERCI Jinglers performed several Christmas carols to the delight of the guests.

Jillian Van Leuven thanked the Board and her staff for their hard work. MERCI was established 64 years ago. She thanked the Board for helping them through the changes. She thanked them for their support. She thanked her staff with her appreciation for their service.

President Rene Araiza thanked the guests and Jillian for helping MERCI. He also thanked the staff for their support.

Treasurer April Dominguez thanked the guests for supporting MERCI.

Secretary Christina Cisneros thanked the guests and the builders for their support. She thanked Jillian for helping them in stormy times. They now see the rainbows.

Vice President Bobbi Bruesch thanked the Board, Jillian and the staff for their help in keeping MERCI on the ball. She asked the guests to sing Happy Birthday to her friend Kevin.

Jillian Van Leuven, Rene Araiza, April Dominguez, Christina Cisneros and Bobbi Bruesch were joined with Kevin for a group picture.

Bobbie Bruesch said she would donate $100 for every $100 donated by the guests. She said MERCI for each donation. She and Kevin walked around the tables and raised $4,000 for MERCI.

Young guests lined up on the stage to help draw out the lucky raffle tickets for each of the 20 trees.

Henry Lo thanked the guests for their support.  He wished everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jillian Van Leuven thanked all of the guests for their support. She wished them Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

MERCI’s Goal Chart was on display at the event.

MERCI is looking for good people willing to serve on the Board of Directors.

For more information please contact us at jvanleuven@merci.org

MERCI, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, federal tax ID #95-2219917. Donations are tax deductible minus the amount of goods and services received.