BBCA Buddies, Families and Friends Rock Out with Santa

Over 200 BBCA buddies, peer buddies, their families and special guests gathered at the Guess? downtown corporate offices  to launch the 2010 Holiday Season in style at the BBCA Family Holiday  Party Presented by MetLife!  Sponsored through a generous grant from MetLife, the Holiday Party featured Gumbo Entertainment’s DJ’s and karaoke set-up, cupcake and cookie decorating and fancy tote bags which were then donated to the Westside Regional Center, hula hoop classes, an X-Box 360 game console, and, of course, the man himself – Santa Claus! 



Maureen McCormick and brother Denny welcoming everyone



During the brief welcome program, State Director Patty Evans thanked MetLife’s Special Needs Planner Chris Kuether,  as well as Susan Tenney, BBCA Board Member and Guess? Vice President, for making the party possible.  Maureen McCormick, national Board member and former cast member of the iconic TV show, The Brady Bunch, and her brother Denny led the audience in a spirited rendition of Jingle Bells. Ken French, BBCA Jobs Participant with the Governor’s Southern California office, read a special Holiday letter from the Governor, who praised BBCA for the valuable work we do, and sent holiday greetings from his wife Maria and himself.   Ms. Evans read a congratulatory proclamation from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

BBCA Board Members Anne Altman, Keith Watts, Mdvani Monroe and Billy Pittard had a chance to meet many of the buddies and their parents, while Board Member Kevin Tenney donned the red suit and hat and held court as the one and only Santa Clause.

Completing the party, which ran from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, was a fabulous lunch donated by BJ’s Brewhouse, HealthyCA, and Carousel Restaurant.  Helena Spensatelli donated cupcakes and icing for decorating while Wolfgang Puck Catering donated 200 cookies. 

As everyone was leaving with a Guess? giftbag, they all said what a great time they’d had and hoped we’d do it again in 2011.  You can share in the holiday fun through the photos which are available on BBCA’s Facebook page. 



Students from Diamond Bar HS join together for karaoke!



Best Buddies Job's participant Kevin celebrates 9 years at GUESS Inc.



Kevin enjoying some food at the LA Holiday Party at GUESS



Kevin M. celebrated his nine year anniversary of employment at Guess?, Inc.’s Corporate Offices on December 3, 2010.  Kevin first started in the café but he felt that it wasn’t the best fit.  With the help of Best Buddies, Kevin advocated for himself to join the Facilities team and assist them in keeping the warehouse clean and safe for all employees. Kevin is extremely happy working in Facilities.  Kevin works 30 hours a week and receives excellent benefits from Guess, including health insurance, sick leave, vacation time, and discounts on meals at the Guess café.  Kevin has also received several raises throughout the years. 

Kevin’s supervisor, Lorena Rangel-Morales, has been working with Kevin for several years.   Lorena states that Kevin is “a great employee. The dedication that he demonstrates towards his job and this company is something that every employee should strive for. I am very honored to work with him.” 

Kevin has been working since he was 17 years old but says that his job at Guess has been the best.  Kevin loves working at Guess so much, he hopes to keep working there until he retires.  When Kevin isn’t working, he enjoys traveling throughout the country, listening to Rock and Roll music, and going to concerts. 

In honor of Kevin’s 9^th anniversary, we asked him to tell us a little bit about what it is like working for Guess?, Inc. and being a participant with Best Buddies Jobs:

Q:  Kevin, you have been working at Guess, Inc for 9 years.  How does it feel? 

A:  It is wonderful!  People have been so nice.  I’m thankful that I have a nice job to go to every day. 

Q:  How did Best Buddies Jobs help you?

A:  When I first started 9 years ago, it was scary at first.  I was kind of nervous but my Best Buddies job coach really helped.  He made me feel calm.  Best Buddies was a mega help!

Q:  What is your job like at Guess?  How do you feel about your coworkers?

A:  I sweep Building 4 around the clothing aisles and make sure that everything is off of the floor so that it looks nice.  I love to stay busy and my job is a good fit for me.   I love the people that I work with.  They’re great!  I can always go to them for support if I need to. 

Q:  What would you say to someone who has a disability but wants to work?

A:  I would tell them that they deserve a job whether they have a disability or not.  I think employers should hire them because everybody needs a job.  People with disabilities are just like everybody else.