Gateway to L.A.’s spectacular 12th Annual Holiday Luncheon featuring the extraordinary talents of the Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra was another packed house as the community kicked off the holiday season on Nov. 24, 2015. The nationally renowned, choral and orchestral ensemble presented a concert of international Yuletide music and traditional carols at the LAX Marriott Hotel.
Conductor John Sutton, DMA
Gateway to LA’s Laurie Hughes.
Proceeds from the event went to benefit four local charities:
- Airport Marina Counseling Service – Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS) is a private, non-profit, outpatient mental health clinic that has been serving the greater LAX region since 1961.
- Badge of Heart – A wonderful turkey giveaway program for local families in Venice, Mar Vista, Palms, Del Rey and Westchester. These low-income families and victims of crimes will be sponsored by Los Angeles Police Officers assigned to the Pacific Division area and partners from local schools, churches and youth groups. Founded by LAPD Officer Ken Lew, Badge of Heart was founded with the goal of helping families like those Lew encountered during his 25 years in LAPD.
- EmpowerTech – Using the wonders of modern assistive technology, EmpowerTech helps individuals with physical and developmental disabilities by providing them with computerized wheelchairs, communication equipment, etc.
- Homeless Outreach – working with LAPD to provide assistance to homeless individuals in the Westchester & Gateway to L.A. communities.
- Westchester Family YMCA – Youth & Government Program – promoting leadership skills, character values, and civic engagement in teens.
Attendees also donated hundreds of new, unwrapped toys for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Area Boosters Association Toy Giveaway.
In this photo: Sybil and Mitch Buchanan
This year’s luncheon was sponsored by the following generous organizations: United Airlines, Travelodge Hotel LAX, Los Angeles World Airports Customer Service & Customer Relations, LAX Kiwanis Club, Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe’s Office, Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX, Wally Park and The Gas Company.
Gateway to LA’s welcoming committee
Back row: LAPD Pacific Area Boosters’ President Diane Barretti and Hometown News’ Stephanie Davis. Front Center Row: Tony P’s Dockside Grill’s Lauren and Tony Palermo
Click here to view all 2015 Gateway to LA’s Concert Luncheon photos! All photos by Venice Paparazzi. VP has been the official photographer of Gateway to LA’s Luncheon photos since 2013. Click here for all 2013, 2014 & 2015 Luncheon Concert photo galleries! Enjoy, and happy holidays! Thank you Gateway to L.A. and Laurie Hughes for utilizing our photography services.
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About Gateway to LA: The Gateway to L.A. Property-based Business Improvement District includes more than 40 properties adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport where property owners tax themselves to make their community cleaner, safer and more vibrant. Founded on the principles of creating a better environment for visitors, employees and businesses, Gateway to L.A. takes seriously its role in making a difference in the community. Today, Gateway is leading the way in beautification efforts, green initiatives and promoting the area as a world-class destination for businesses, employees and the more 60 million visitors to Los Angeles from across the country and around the world.
Gateway to L.A. features 12.3 million square feet of hotel, office, parking, retail and restaurant space, including the largest concentration of hotel rooms in the City of Los Angeles.
For more info, visit http://www.gatewaytola.org. Join Gateway to L.A. on facebook!
