On June 30, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County proudly hosted the Champion Celebration Dinner, honoring the dedicated volunteers who help make Valley Palms a stronger, more connected community.
The evening brought together 31 volunteers and 8 staff members for a special celebration recognizing the countless hours, energy, and heart volunteers have contributed through community outreach efforts and partner-led events. More than a dinner, the gathering was an opportunity to reflect on the meaningful impact these community champions make every day.
Community partners from the County of Santa Clara Probation Department, Pacific Clinics, and FIRST 5 Santa Clara County shared words of appreciation, recognizing the volunteers’ commitment to fostering connection, safety, and support within the Valley Palms neighborhood.
One of the most moving parts of the evening came from the volunteers themselves. Marielena Lazo, Rita Birrueta, Claudia Gonzalez, Rafaela Perez, and María García shared heartfelt reflections about their experiences serving the community, the relationships they have built, and the pride they feel in helping their neighbors thrive. Their stories were a powerful reminder that lasting community change begins with people who are willing to show up, care, and lead by example.
The celebration was made possible through the dedication of many individuals and partners. Nadia Gonzalez, program coordinator at FIRST 5, led the planning and coordination efforts, with support from the Pacific Clinics Family Resource Center team and Valley Palms Unidos, whose collaboration helped ensure a memorable event for all involved.
Hosted at the San José Museum of Art and featuring a delicious dinner from Mezcal Restaurant, the evening provided an elegant and welcoming setting to celebrate the volunteers’ contributions. Special thanks also go to Quality Assurance Travel for ensuring safe and timely transportation for attendees despite heavy traffic from World Cup festivities taking place that evening.
As the night came to a close, one message was clear: the strength of the Valley Palms community lies in the dedication, compassion, and leadership of its volunteers. The Champion Celebration Dinner served as a heartfelt thank you to those who continue to make a difference and inspire others through their service.
Thank you to all of our Valley Palms volunteers for being true champions of the community.
At FIRST 5 in Santa Clara County, we know that when early
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, explore new adventures, and
On June 30, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County proudly hosted the Champion Celebration Dinner,
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control
Thousands of community members gathered this month for the African American Community
Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the special bond between
