LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of its successful fall fundraising gala that drew 300 Filipino American influencers to the Majestic Downtown, and a community-led activity to feed the homeless that drew 100 volunteers, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) has created a holiday calendar full of more exciting events in and around Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles. The 46-year-old non-profit organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for the multi-ethnic community of Historic Filipinotown, known as Hi-Fi, and the greater Fil-Am community, will host five major events in December, just in time for the holidays:
- Thursday, December 6: “Welcome to Hi-Fi” reception and speakers’ panel at Rideback Ranch, hosted by film producer and Rideback CEO Dan Lin. Panelists to discuss the history and future of Hi-Fi include historian Joe Bernardo of “This Filipino American Life,” chef Johneric Concordia of The Park’s Finest, community advocate Cecilia Ramos, and building & safety commissioner Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal. The all-Pilipino panel will be moderated by media executive and SIPA board member Jessica del Mundo. Reservations required, by invitation.
- Saturday, December 8: Pilipino Parol-Making Holiday Workshop & Bazaar, on the second floor of Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles. All materials supplied; fun, free activity for all ages. Free event is open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Now through Saturday, December 15: SIPA conducts a holiday season 10-day Toy Drive, collecting toys for holiday gift giving. Donate/drop off unwrapped new toys for kids of any age, up to age 13, at SIPA HQ at 3200 W. Temple Street in Historic Filipinotown L.A., any day between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, December 16: SIPA Holiday Show & Toy Distribution in Historic Filipinotown L.A. Back at SIPA HQ, all are welcomed to hear sounds of the holiday season, with music and live performances of Christmas carols, plus a special appearance by Santa Claus! All toys to be distributed to children (up to age 13) residing in and around the Hi-Fi community, while supplies last. Free event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday, December 30: SIPA x #Hashtag Lunchbag community service event, at SIPA HQ, where volunteers are invited to prepare and distribute lunch bags filled with a nutritious meal, water bottle, and an encouraging note for those in need. Volunteer event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration available for groups.
“As we close out one of our busiest years to date, we hope you’ll join SIPA in celebrating the holidays with the Fil-Am community,” said Lyle M. del Mundo, president of the board of directors of SIPA. “We’re also very excited for all that is underway in the new year. We have big plans in store for the expansion of our SIPA HQ in Historic Filipinotown, as we move forward with funding for our redevelopment project, allowing us to provide even more community services and programming in the years to come.”
Since 1972, SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the multi-ethnic community of Historic Filipinotown and the greater Fil-Am community. As one of the oldest and largest Filipino charities in the United States, SIPA is widely known as the ambassador of Historic Filipinotown, where it is headquartered in L.A., and where all are welcome. Led by Fil-Am business and community leaders, SIPA provides youth services and programming, family health and human services, small business counsel, and cultural education, events and resources. More information is available at www.sipacares.org or by contacting 1-213-382-1819.
