On April 28th, 2023, Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC) welcomed nearly 200 guests to its Annual Fundraising Luncheon, held at Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. The event helped to raise funds for ARCC’s vital programs and services, which support youth from our local communities in staying safe, in school, and on track for healthy, successful futures.
ARCC’s Chief Operating Officer, Veronica Gamboa, who has been with ARCC for over ten years, kicked off the luncheon portion of the program. She poignantly shared her own journey of immigrating to the US from Mexico as a child and how that experience influenced the career path she ultimately chose to follow.
“Throughout my journey, I encountered moments of deep depression and did not know how to get support. This set a path for me. I entered the field of mental health so that I could provide the support I had so deeply needed. I know that many youth and families whom ARCC serves depend on our guidance and support to overcome current challenges, to heal from the wounds and traumas of their pasts, and to reach their full potential. The work we do at ARCC matters because it gives families a new beginning. It gives those who feel there is nowhere to turn to a place that feels safe to do so. It gives hope where hope is lost. And it gives youth an opportunity to see their worth, their value, and their strength … sometimes for the first time in their lives.
San Jose City Council Member, Peter Ortiz, representing District 5, spoke to his own experiences of receiving services through ARCC as a youth & why he advocates for organizations like ARCC:
“I strongly believe that no child should be allowed to ‘fall through the cracks.’ I feel this deeply because I almost did. It was through the help of community services, including the great mental health programs at ARCC … that I was able to both discover and reach my potential.”
CM Ortiz introduced ARCC”s 2023 Youth Inspiration Awardee, Dali Guerrero Fernandez, who is currently a junior in high school and an alum of ARCC’s Mentoring and TABS programs. Having immigrated to the US from Mexico at age 7, Dali initially struggled with language barriers, family issues, social anxiety and previous trauma. Now a rising community leader, Dali’s words during her acceptance speech beautifully reflect ARCC’s mission as well as the agency’s deepest hope for all of the youth whom ARCC serves.
““I work hard every day to overcome barriers and obstacles that will set the path for future generations. I plan to be the first in my family to attend a 4-year university. I am passionate about community organizing and social justice, especially immigrant rights. And I hope to work and connect with non-profits as a way to give back to my community. Because of the support, skills and genuine care I received through ARCC, that work has already begun.”
To see Dali’s full acceptance speech, including opening remarks from San Jose City Council Member Peter Ortiz, please check out the video below:
“All of us play a role in molding our youth, especially providing a good foundation for their mental and physical health. As the famous African proverb says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Helping and providing for our youth has never, and will never be, a one-person job. That’s what makes collaboration so essential…I look forward to the future where together we are able to reach every youth and show them they will not be overlooked and that they matter.”
ARCC extends sincerest thanks to the warm, entertaining and always engaging Guisselle Nunez, who once again served as Luncheon Emcee and Mistress of Ceremonies. ARCC also appreciates its generous and committed Board of Directors for their leadership and support: Marcos Herrera, Susan Ledezma, Joaquin Portugal, Gaurav Anand, Chuck Chakravarthy, Terae De Cou, Steve Eckert, Jessica Gabaldon, Sarah Heraldo, Karmen Ko, Teresa Leija, Brandon Martinez-Larragoiti, Prabh Nijjar, Jaya Pandey, and Eeva Slattery. Finally, ARCC acknowledges its Advisory Board for their contributions to ARCC’s work and mission: Alexandrea Cervantes, Vaibhav Chidrewar, Ernie Cortes, Dean McCully, Tom McGovern, Sue Nelson, Jose Luis Rueda, Tom Smith, and Ernie Yamane.
You can make a donation to support ARCC’s youth & programs here.
To see a list of this year’s sponsors, please visit our 2023 Annual Fundraising Luncheon Page.
If you have questions or want to become a sponsor for our 2024 Luncheon Event, please contact development@alumrockcc.org