The Guardian Scholars Winter Wonderland Holiday Party celebrated the vibrant, diverse, talented, and inclusive Promises2Kids community. Nearly 250 Guardian Scholars, their families, mentors, volunteers, donors, supporters, and Promises2Kids staff joined each other at @libertystation.

Guests helped themselves to carving stations, a mashed potato bar, and custom crêpes. The photo booth and caricaturists were busy as students & mentors alike took home portraits as keepsakes from this special night.

We are incredibly grateful to Independent Financial Group for sponsoring the event. Co-Founder David Fischer, spoke about why he and his organization support Promises2Kids, from the inspiring youth we serve, to strengthening the San Diego community.

We are also thankful to have been joined by @frankshamrock, retired martial arts champion and supporter. He urged students to be true to themselves, believe in their talents, and make the best of the Promises2Kids’ services, as he was in foster care himself and can relate to our Guardian Scholars.

Many danced the rest of the night away of what was a memorable conclusion to the year!

Find out more about the Guardian Scholars program here. 

The Camp Connect Holiday Party was an opportunity to pull out all the stops for 92 brothers and sisters who made the trip up to @disneyland and California Adventure for an unforgettable day!

We began at @brokenyolkcafe in Mission Valley, who did an extraordinary job accommodating us and making the children feel welcome. The service and breakfast were top-notch, and for that we are thankful. ICW Group Insurance Companies generously sponsored the event and the gift-giving. As to be expected, the place erupted with joy as children played games and unwrapped gifts from their wish lists.

Buses then loaded up and it was off to what was a first-time trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth” for many. Before setting off, each one was outfitted with their choice of Disney ears, a trading pin, and other swag. Older siblings watched with delight as their younger siblings lit up with wonder and joy seeing the many attractions and characters.

Camp Connect is all about keeping this vital bond alive and creating memories together.

A huge thank you to everyone including ICW Group Insurance Companies, @brokenyolkcafe, and our amazing volunteers who made sure the day was magical!

Wish lists were once again fulfilled this holiday season, through our annual Give From Your Heart Holiday Gift Drive, presented by @CarmelMountainPreschool.

Thanks to our supporters, over 10,000 gifts, and over $12,000 was collected and distributed in gift cards. Our amazing community came together for our youth, and collectively we made sure foster children in San Diego enjoyed the holiday season and received gifts to enjoy and call their own.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor @CarmelMountainPreschool, and support from @KUSINews, ICW Group Insurance Companies, and Boyer Moving & Storage for making our gift drive possible! And a big thank you to over 100 incredible volunteers and all who donated for bringing joy to the lives of many very deserving foster children.

‘Tis the season of joy and giving, and this holiday season was brighter for nearly 900 foster youth who had the opportunity to go shopping at Walmart stores throughout the County. Each youth received $200-$250 based on their age to help check items off their wish lists that that they may not otherwise receive.

From LEGO sets and LOL Dolls to TVs, AirPods, and bicycles. Youth were even planning ahead and purchased items for their future college dorms, such as electronics and home appliances like air fryers and NutriBullet blenders! This was truly a special opportunity for youth to leave the store with handpicked items. They left with items checked off their wishlists, smiles from ear to ear, and an unforgettable experience!

We are so thankful to all the volunteers who helped make this happen, and to the generosity of The Dunn Family for their continued support of this annual shopping event.

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of foster children, More Ways to Give for ways to get involved.