This year’s Home for the Holidays Celebration was a unique one for sure with the addition of the Shutterbooth Photo Op where around 500 residents took vintage-inspired photos, and brought home bookmarker photo keepsakes.

A veil of warmth and light along the path greeted the guests as Dickens Carolers melodiously sang Christmas Carols. Mrs. Claus read “The Night before Christmas” on a hay ride and Santa sat snugly by the Christmas tree wishing all the kids the best and listening to their wish lists!

The live blues and jazz-style holiday music by Yuvonne Brooks and her band appealed to an all-ages crowd. Halfway through the event candles and lyrics for John Lennon’s, “So this is Christmas” and ‘Jingle Bells” took place, followed by sweet voices cascading through the outdoors.

In partnership with the West Valley Arts Council and resident volunteers (led by Erika Adelman) we offered holiday crafts, one of which was making holiday cards to those currently serving in the military.

As part of Marley Park’s philanthropic focus, the community adopted a local home for boys (Sunshine Residential Homes). Residents came together choosing names from The Angel Tree, with all 10 boys from Sunshine Residential Boys Home receiving numerous presents and gift cards, donated by residents and friends, along with homemade blankets.

The Programs team couldn’t have pulled off such a successful event without all of our wonderful resident volunteers and leaders.