Quinceanera.com and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services organized the traditional fifteen party for 6 young girls.
There are few things in life as important for a Latina girl as her quinceañera. For many, this is easily accomplished, since they are surrounded by their family and friends who are willing to spend money, time and effort to make it happen. But for the six girls from the foster care system who couldn’t hold their own without the help of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services and Quinceanera.com, this dream was one that they never thought would come true.
However, on Saturday March 28, the six girls shared a unique event with friends, their foster family, and a large number of business donors supporting the effort. Thanks to all of them the event did not miss anything. There was food in large quantities with a tasty menu, live entertainment provided by Jesus Mendoza and Pedro Rivera, a DJ to liven up the party, and a small religious ceremony celebrated by Father Michael Rocha.
The six honorees escorted by their chambelanes.
“I feel excited and inspired,” said one of the chosen six, María Jimenez. Having been born without the sense of hearing, she also noted, “the fact that life has been complicated makes this so special.”
Fernanda Juárez was also radiant along with the other honorees. Dressed beautifully with her chamberlain, she was happy because “I never imagined something like this. It’s a thrill. I am thankful for the privilege of being able to host my quinceanera with the help of the Foster Care system. It has given me many opportunities.”
María Jiménez and Fernanda Juárez
The event, held at the LA Plaza of Arts and Culture in Los Angeles, also included many notable attendees including Martha de la Torre, president and co-founder of El Clasificado, the company that owns Quinceanera.com, who felt “honored” to be a part of the young ladies’ ceremony, referring to the young celebrants as “added family”, and cheered “their serenity to accept the things they cannot change, and the courage to change what they can with a smile and optimism. It is very inspiring to us all.”
Pedro Rivera, father of the legendary Jenni Rivera, sang de famous “Vals de las Mariposas”
Philip L. Browning, director of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, also expressed his satisfaction with the event specifically noting the “demonstration of affection from all the people working hard to make the lives of others better.”
Jesús Mendoza, Regional Mexican Artist, performed at the event.
Enlivening the event, emcee Stephanie Himonidis, also known as Chiquibaby, helped keep the party running smoothly and paid tribute to the companies who helped make the celebration possible including Luna’s Bridal, Beautiful Cosmetics, Marissa’s Cake, Friar Tux, Carlton Hair Salon, and Telic Footwear.
The six honorees with Stephanie Himonidis, emcee of the event and television anchor for Telemundo 52.
Meanwhile, Christine Devine, news anchor of the Fox 11 News “Wednesday Child” segment for foster care children, further encouraged the Quinceañeras to relish the moment and “embrace their story and go out into the world to make a difference. That is the goal after all.”
This charity event counted with the selfless support of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Bergman Public Relations, Luna’s Dresses by Lucy Luna, Marissa’s Cake, Friar Tux, Carlton Hair Salon, Hermosa Makeup, Elegance Décor, Luxury Florist, Taco’s Mexico, Single Dress, DJ Santa Rosa, D. Razo Entertainment, Perfect Touch Entertainment, Radar Watches, Twisted Silver LLC, Spongelle, Milena’s Boutique, Gerard Cosmetics, Whitening Lightening, Hillel, California Shoppe 815, La Curcio Skincare & Collection, Arbonne International, Telic Footwear, My Saint My Hero, Single Dress, Children’s Trust Fund, Cal State LA School of Social Work, Hint Water, Vesper Communications, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Los Angeles Clippers, Quinceanera.com, El Clasificado and JCPenney as participating gift bag donor.
Take a look at Fox 11 News full coverage of the event “A Quinceanera Dream Come True”
Los Angeles News | FOX 11 LA KTTV
Check out the event’s photo gallery here.
About Quinceanera.com
Quinceanera.com is a multi-platform party-planning brand that integrates web, e-newsletters, print supplements, mobile, and live events to reach bilingual Quinceañeras and their families. Quinceanera.com is a product of EC Hispanic Media, a Hispanic marketing solutions company serving the U.S. Latino grassroots community through niche-oriented brands since 1988. EC Hispanic Media flagship product is El Clasificado magazine, a verified publication with a weekly circulation of 510,000 copies, which is distributed in over 300 cities in Southern California.
