Pictured L to R: Jasmine Barrios (Hollywood Forever), Kimberly Worl (Westminster Memorial) and LACFDA’s own Raymundo Perez (Rose Hills).

President’s Speech

Good evening, everyone!

What a wonderful time of year to come together and celebrate! As we gather here today at our annual holiday party, I’m filled with gratitude for each one of you—the heart and soul of our industry. It’s truly a joy to take a break from our busy work schedules - to connect, reflect, and enjoy each other’s company.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge what makes today even more special: the opportunity to give back. As many of you know, we are holding a toy drive for the incredible team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This is a chance for us to bring joy to children who need it most, and I know that each toy, each gesture, will make a difference. Your generosity will bring smiles and hope during the holiday season—and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of a community that values giving.

In addition to the toy drive, we also have our 50/50 raffle today. Half of the proceeds will go to support our association’s initiatives in the coming year, and the other half will go to one lucky winner. It’s a fun way to contribute to both our mission and have a little excitement to close out the year! I encourage everyone to participate if you can—we could all use a little extra holiday cheer.

Before we continue, I’d like to thank our trusted sponsors – you know who you are! Your support throughout the year helps us achieve so much together, from professional development to community building. We’re deeply grateful for your continued commitment to our mission.

"Now, I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for the most anticipated part of the evening: the shameless membership plug! As we look toward the new year, don’t forget to renew your membership for 2025. Think of it as your ticket to even more amazing events, professional growth, and, of course, the privilege of supporting our vibrant community. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out—it’s the gift that keeps on giving! So, let’s keep the momentum going and make sure we’re all on board for another year of success!"

Looking back on this year, I'm reminded of the incredible progress we've made together. It's been a year of growth, challenges, and triumphs. We've come together not just as colleagues but as a community—supporting one another and raising the bar in our profession. Your dedication and passion truly make a difference, and for that, I thank each of you.

Thank you for your hard work, your generosity, and for making our association the vibrant community that it is.

Enjoy the party, donate a toy for Children's Hospital, and buy a raffle ticket! Here’s to a bright future! Happy holidays!