CA Huskies

Volunteers on Parade

The Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival in Los Angeles’ Venice neighborhood was packed full of music, dancing and lowriders. In a celebration of the city’s Mexican-American heritage, the red, white and blue flew alongside green, white and red. Beneath the flying colors there was also a bright splash of purple proved by Southern California Huskies. They were there to join in on the fun and give back during their third annual day of service.

The Huskies, led by Jessica Handy, ’93, and Debbie Brand, ’88, showed up to support Valley Village, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for people with developmental disabilities. The organization’s Community at Large day was held in concert with the parade. It gave volunteers and Valley Village clients a chance to get to see old friends, make new ones and enjoy the festivities. Volunteers helped clients color Day of the Dead and lucha libre masks, eat snacks and visit the booths at the festival.

“The clients of Valley Village are so sweet, we look forward to hanging out with them every year,” said Jessica, who helped organized the event. She was joined by eight other volunteers who were there to show that real Dawgs, and friends of Dawgs, give back!

Their annual day of service has established the Southern California Huskies as one of our most generous Husky communities. “We chose to volunteer with this organization because one of our fellow Huskies is the Development Director. This is a great way to help those in need of friendship and support a fellow alum!” said Jessica. Their work is doing great things for their community and helping expand UW’s impact nationwide.

SoCal Day of Service 2018

Huskies volunteer with Valley Village at the Vinice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival