The cafeteria was full of live entertainment, beverages and food on Tuesday evening during ASB’s first-ever Giving Gala.

Sophomore Estella Lee, who led the event, explained that it was created to raise Winter Wishes spirit and generate more donations.

“The Gala was a really good opportunity for us to reach out to our community and give face-to-face communication on how people can get involved with Winter Wishes,” Lee said.

Lee emphasized the importance of community in the Winter Wishes season. 

“I saw that there are a lot of wish interest, donations, which is a great thing because Winter Wishes really relies on donations from our community,” Lee said.

Brian Brownie, a Branham parent who attended the Gala, agreed that the event was good for the community. 

“It’s a great kick off for what Winter Wishes means for the community,” Brownie said. “This is a perfect time of year. 

Lee and Brownie both enjoyed the decorations and lighting in and around the Cafeteria where the event was held. ASB organizers prepared decorations throughout the afternoon, which included fake snow and string lights.

“Even from just walking in with the snow and the lights, it really sets the mood,” Brownie said.

ASB hopes to continue having the Giving Gala annually, expanding its scale and audience reach.

“It shows that we as a Bruin community are pretty strong,” Lee said