March 25 marked the Learning and Loving Education Center’s 16th
anniversary
– and what a grand party they threw. Almost every student, about
150, and their children joined in the afternoon gala.
March 25 marked the Learning and Loving Education Center’s 16th anniversary – and what a grand party they threw. Almost every student, about 150, and their children joined in the afternoon gala that included a plentiful potluck lunch with dessert, live music from Trio los Juanes, face-painting, balloon sculptures and a special message from founder Sister Pat Davis as well as Blanca Alvarado, former Santa Clara County supervisor.
The nonprofit school teaches women how to read, write and speak English en route to earning their GED; math, sewing, quilting and computer skills are also taught. Founded in 1994 by Sisters of the Presentation Sister Pat Davis, the center has grown from helping 20 women in a small hall to serving 150 women and their children in 10 classrooms on Church Street near Dunne Avenue.
Doña Meche decorated the center with balloons shaped like tulips that lined the building and pillars. Kaiser Permanente let the center use several canopies for the celebration and all of the food that was brought was homemade. About 50 other politicians, community members and guests pushed the guest list of the anniversary party to near 200.
