On the Town: Schiff holds holiday party that’s also a fundraiser

For many years, in the weeks following Hanukkah and Christmas, the Burbank chapter of the Armenia National Committee, or ANC, has held the distinction of welcoming the local community for the final holiday celebration.

This year, they have lost that distinction to U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and his district staffers who staged their annual holiday party at the downtown Burbank Deluxe Banquet Hall this past Thursday evening.

While the ANC’s reason for a late celebration is in adherence to the Armenian Church maintaining the ancient tradition of celebrating the birth and baptism of Christ on Jan. 6, for Schiff and his staff, the tardy party was due to the congressman’s business and commitments in Washington throughout December.

Schiff staff member Mary Hovagimian, left, joined Patricia Horton, who staged last week’s holiday gathering, as food items were collected.

(David Laurell / Burbank Leader )

“Let me be the last one to wish you happy holidays,” Schiff said as he welcomed more than 300 constituents to last week’s soiree.

Along with being a holiday celebration, the event, chaired by Patricia Horton, also served as a food drive to benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Upon entering the main ballroom at the venue, participants made food donations that rapidly overfilled the donation boxes lining the lobby.

Touched by the outpouring of generosity by the attendees, Schiff thanked the assemblage for being involved in both the evening’s food donation and the ongoing issues facing his district, California and the country.

Briefly outlining why Americans should be concerned about the direction in which the country is going regarding several issues, Schiff concluded his remarks by citing a line from former President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural address:

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America,” he said.

Suzanne Weerts, of Burbank Arts for All Foundation, and her son Jack were among those who enjoyed last week’s event that included a meet-and-greet with Rep. Schiff for every attendee.

(David Laurell / Burbank Leader )

“I believe that, and I encourage all of you to believe that — to remain optimistic, and get involved and be engaged,” said Schiff, who used the example of a group of American high school girls who made a difference by raising money by babysitting to help the suffering people of Darfur.

“If a group of young girls can do something to make a difference, we all can,” Schiff said.

Along with Schiff’s district staffers, Pamela Marcello, Mary Hovagimian, Margarita Gutierrez, Teresa Lamb Simpson, Elizabeth Vuna, Ann Peifer and Alejandro Rosa, other notables in attendance at the gathering last week included Burbank City Council members Bob Frutos and Sharon Springer, former Mayor Marsha Ramos, “Band from TV” guitarist Chris Kelley and his wife, Jackie, and Suzanne Weerts, who serves on the board of the Burbank Arts for All Foundation.

DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.