300 Guests Attend Luau-Themed Event Benefitting Teens and Adults with Disabilities

Above Photo: IRC Consumer Advisory Committee President Ryan Nelson (far left) accepts a certificate of recognition from Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (third from right) on behalf of IRC clients.

San Bernardino, CA – Each year Inland Regional Center (IRC) hosts an immersive party experience for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. This year’s event, Aloha, featured island-inspired fun, fashion, and entertainment.

On June 21, Club Center Events in San Bernardino was transformed into a tropical hideaway complete with palm trees, beach scenes, pineapples, and tiki gods! Guests and volunteers alike donned their grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and flower leis. California Assemblymember James C. Ramos kicked-off festivities with an energetic cheer of “Aloha!” in a speech welcoming partygoers and recognizing IRC’s contributions to the community. Guests then partook in a bevy of fantastic activities including a hula-hoop station, games of limbo, BINGO and more. A performance and hula lesson by The Aloha Islanders Hawaiian dance group was a crowd favorite. The event also hosted California Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes who commended IRC’s Community Engagement department for their efforts in creating inclusive events for people with developmental disabilities.  A pizza party, photo booth, face painting, raffle prizes, and dancing rounded out the night’s festivities.

Aloha serves as a fundraiser for Inland Regional Center’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is a social and advocacy group for teens and adults who receive IRC services. IRC Community Engagement Manager CJ Cook had this to say about Aloha, “The CAC summer fundraiser is an event our clients look forward to every year. The event is specifically planned with our core values in mind: inclusion, empowerment, and independence. The funds raised help to ensure a year full of activities, educational events, and grants to local community partners.”

Throughout the year the CAC hosts events such as holiday celebrations, dances, themed dinners, and basketball clinics for its members. The group also has an educational component with training on voter’s registration, disability rights, employment readiness, and more. Most importantly, the group allows IRC Consumers to develop friendships and express themselves in a welcoming environment. Each year, the CAC elects leadership to represent them and their interests.  CAC President, Ryan Nelson, described the significance of the group, “It means so much not only to me but to an entire community. We want to create an environment where clients can make new friends, enjoy events, and help parents understand what IRC is doing in our community.”

More than $3,000 was raised at Aloha, to benefit the IRC CAC. This event was made possible through a partnership with IRC vendor In-Roads Creative Programs. Inland Regional Center would like to thank Event Developer Daisy Quiroz for her efforts in planning this fantastic event.

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