A Holiday Party to Remember
A Bridge for Kids was thrilled to celebrate the holiday season once again with the San Diego Gulls, hosting our biggest Holiday Party ever (raising the bar yet again!). This year, more than 230 students, alumni, sponsors, and supporters gathered at Pechanga Arena for an evening filled with celebration, connection, and holiday cheer.
The arena buzzed with excitement as students and supporters enjoyed festive decorations, holiday hats, raffles, and the electric atmosphere of a Gulls hockey game. As always, the night was about more than just the game, bringing together students at every stage of their journey alongside the sponsors and supporters who make our work possible.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the celebration of our A Bridge for Kids Star of the Month, Crystal Nguyen. A first-generation daughter of Lao and Vietnamese immigrants, Crystal’s story is rooted in resilience, leadership, and service. As a recipient of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholarship, she has attended summer programs at Northwestern, Yale, Brown, and Vanderbilt, experiences she brought back home to uplift her San Diego community. Crystal has spoken before senators in Sacramento advocating for underserved communities, from improving mental health coverage to expanding access to inclusive history courses. A varsity volleyball captain, student assistant, and mentor to younger classmates, Crystal exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and lift others along the way.
This annual Holiday Party continues to be a cherished tradition for A Bridge for Kids. It offers sponsors a chance to connect with their students, allows current participants to meet alumni now thriving in college, and reminds everyone in the room of the powerful community we have built together.
We are deeply grateful to the San Diego Gulls for their continued partnership and generosity, and to La Jolla Country Day School for once again spreading holiday joy through their Giving Tree program. Thank you as well to every volunteer, supporter, and staff member who helped make this night so special.
This celebration was a perfect way to close out the year, surrounded by community, gratitude, and hope for what lies ahead.
Moments like these remind us that when people come together with generosity and purpose, the impact reaches far beyond a single night. Donate today and help us continue to bridge the gap from potential to possibility.