Our Resource Development, Marketing and Grant Committees are committed to finding grants, requesting contributions to fund our many community service programs and developing fundraising activities. We depend upon, and are grateful for the generosity of friends, members of the community and corporate sponsors. Members purchase gift cards and tribute cards, participate in Dining for Dollars meals at local restaurants, enjoy special fundraising events and donate onesies to match our handmade baby blankets for new mothers in need. Operation School Bell^® has been showcased in the San Jose Mercury News Holiday Wish Book, generating donations from the community. But to put extra fun in fundraising, we have sponsored many public events, including gift wrapping at Barnes & Noble book store, vintage fashion shows, “Floral Fantasy” luncheons, The Almaden Valley Home & Garden Tour and our current annual major fundraiser, Lunch with the Authors.

Each year, Assistance League of San Jose asks friends and family to “Make a Donation” and “Make a Difference”. Nearly 90% of their donations go directly back to our community. We provide school uniforms to students in need, teddy bears to abused and neglected children, vision screening to preschools, prizes for Senior Bingo in nursing homes, layettes to mothers in need, dinner and special events for residents of the Family Supportive Housing shelter and much more. With our many volunteer hours and the support of our friends and family, our chapter really does make a difference in our community.

Our major fundraiser is the annual Lunch with the Authors event. Five authors are invited to speak about their work and lives as members and guests enjoy a delicious lunch. The authors are happy to autograph copies of their books, sold at the event. Presenters include writers of biographies, thrillers, fiction and non-fiction as well as authors of children’s books. Past authors include Wall Street Journal, Amazon and New York Times best-selling mystery writer Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestseller Alka Joshi, Amazon best-selling author of legal thrillers, Sheldon Siegel, USA Today and New York Times best-selling author Kate Quinn. This event is open to the public but seating is limited – be sure to register as soon as you can!

During the year, local restaurants sponsor Assistance League of San Jose by donating a portion of the proceeds of their sales on specific dates to our chapter. Purchases made by our members, friends and families determine how much is donated. It is a delicious excuse to socialize while spreading the word about AL of San Jose to the community and raising funds at the same time. Local restaurants have included Mr. Mojito, iJava, Jack Holder’s, Lazy Dog and Applebee’s. Watch for future Dining for Dollars events and join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner!