After a welcome and heartfelt gratitude from Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada, who acknowledged all team members who volunteered their time, the first number was called by Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos, who was being assisted by Loovi Herrera on stage.

The first game ended in a tie and Paul Johnson and Dione Kitchen had to take part in a tiebreaker contest facilitated by Corryn Salgado-Flores. She said it is a trending Tik Tok challenge to see who can get a three-foot-long Fruit Roll-up into their mouth the fastest without using their hands.

Johnson, who emerged victorious, donated half of his $250 winnings back to the preschool while the crowd applauded his generosity.

The second game ended in a three-way tie and the tiebreaker this time had contestants placing an Oreo cookie onto their forehead and without using their hands, working it down into their mouth. After several attempts, and many replacement cookies being handed out, Janis Ayal from Pechanga was the winner.

Gordon Placencia was the only winner in game 3 and the final Blackout Bingo game resulted in two players participating in two tiebreakers since the cash prize was $500. It was Chanel Zelaya versus preschool student Ignacio “Iggy” Alcala. After Chanel won the Fruit Roll-up challenge, they were both given a chance at an axe throwing contest, using plastic axes. Although they both got one axe on the target, Chanel was given the overall win after combining both contests.

Adding to the anticipation of the night were 80 outstanding raffle prizes, most of them in cellophane-wrapped baskets. Those who purchased raffle tickets deposited them into the boxes in front of the gifts they most wanted. There was also a 50/50 drawing that gave one lucky ticket holder $1,089.50 to take home.

But the biggest win of the night was seeing the community support for the preschool. Vallejos reached out to all the departments and requested volunteers and was pleased with the positive response.

“All these people came together because they wanted to see these children go to their year-end event,” Vallejos said. “I am so proud of these people and the team. This is why I work for Soboba. Unlike any other Tribe, this Tribal government is like a community, and you can count on them.”

From those who work at the preschool to Tribal and non-Tribal community members, each and every one of those who volunteered their time stepped up in a big way.

“It was a huge collaborative effort with a huge goal, and we made it,” Vallejos said. “I would like to thank Andy Silvas and the Parks and Rec team, Human Resources, the Soboba Casino Resort marketing team, Noli students, Soboba Youth Council, parents and grandparents and actually the entire valley for their assistance and support.”

He was also thankful to Estrada and his assistant Karla Valdez, Christian Aceves from the Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, Soboba Casino Resort team members, and Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas who said she was happy to volunteer her time to the event since she is a “Glamma” who has her granddaughter attending the preschool. “It was just so nice to see such a great turnout,” she said.

Vallejos also thanked the IT department as well as members of Soboba Tribal Council and Noli Indian School students who pitched in. Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado enlisted the aid of her two children to help where needed while she assisted with selling 50/50 and raffle tickets.

“Holy Smokes! What a great event!” Mojado said. “It’s great seeing the entire community here and not only those from Soboba. It’s heartwarming to see this kind of support for our youngest Tribal members.”

Guests were treated to a delicious Italian dinner courtesy of Chef Anita Morillo and her team, which included Lead Cook Jacob Rivera. It rivaled any fine dining restaurant with three choices of pasta entrees. Added to that were fresh vegetables, a salad and breadsticks. A corner was set aside for parents of preschoolers to host a sweet treats and bake sale, bringing in additional funds.

Carrie Garcia’s son Cygnus is a preschooler and her daughter, Clover, is in kindergarten this year. She was pleased with the turnout and is looking forward to going with her children to Legoland.

“I like to see this type of community support, and getting everything ready for this event it was nice to see the community’s involvement,” she said. “For me, having my children attend Soboba’s preschool is a generational thing. I went there when I was their age, and it means a lot to me to have them be students there.”

Vallejos said he was overwhelmed by the generosity of those that donated raffle prizes. From Chamber of Commerce members to Tribal Administration office employees and the Silvas and Placencia families, the donations added to the excitement of the night as guests decided where to best deposit their tickets.

Hemet Mayor Joe S. Males, who attended with his wife, daughter, son and a dear friend, said his wife was happy to win one of the raffle prizes she wanted. He said they all love playing Bingo and he couldn’t think of anything better than to spend time with his family and also support Soboba.

“We had a great time and were amused by all the great ideas for winning tiebreakers; we couldn’t stop laughing and we enjoyed all those who were helping and directing the evening,” Males said. “My overall impression of the event was that it was spectacular. The coordination of all the volunteers was right on and they were all volunteering with a smile. I believe that I had more fun at this Bingo Fundraiser than any other Bingo game I’ve attended.”

Vallejos said the coordination of the event was handled like any event for Soboba where they ask people from different departments to participate and get approval from their managers, who sometimes get involved themselves.

“Soboba is known for its community involvement,” Vallejos said. “Here at Soboba, the team is involved in the community, and if you’re invested into this community, you’ll be a lifelong employee of the Tribe.”

Soboba Tribal Elder Rosemary Morillo was impressed with the diversity of support shown at the event. “I love when our community and surrounding communities support our schools and I love that our preschoolers are benefitting from this event,” she said.

Hemet residents and friends for 25-plus years Rita Neisler and Dora Ramirez had been at a line-dancing event before heading to Soboba’s Bingo Night Fundraiser. They like playing Bingo and were happy that their fun night out was also supporting a good cause.

“At the end of the night when the guests had left, all the volunteers who were cleaning up were tired but so happy. They were proud of themselves, and deservedly so,” Vallejos said.

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San Jacinto Unified School District was able to distribute vouchers to 800 families at its school sites as well as Betty Gibbel Regional Learning Center, St. Hyacinth Academy, San Jacinto Valley Academy and 65 for the Valley Community Pantry. Hemet Unified was able to give 1,000 families the opportunity to enjoy this generous donation and included sites in outlying areas such as Anza and Idyllwild. About 200 meal boxes were provided to various nonprofits.

On Nov. 17, close to 100 volunteers spent the afternoon distributing food to voucher holders who drove through the San Jacinto Unified School District’s main parking lot, as well as directing traffic and checking in each vehicle. All food items were delivered on pallets by the district’s nutrition services personnel. Each food box was filled with a 20-plus pound frozen Butterball turkey, six-pound cans of corn and green beans, cranberry sauce, four pounds of frozen mashed potatoes, stuffing mix and a three-pound can of turkey gravy. A 12-count package of fresh dinner rolls and a frozen pumpkin pie rounded out the meal fixings.

SJUSD’s Family & Community Engagement Specialist Carla Adame trains and supports the family liaisons at most of the school sites. They are the ones responsible for identifying and selecting the neediest of families to receive one of the Thanksgiving dinner donations.

“We definitely saw an increase in requests this year. We try to be sensitive to the demographics in determining who gets served,” Adame said. “My favorite part of this event is looking inside the cars and seeing if there are kids that I can say hi too since that is who this is for.”

Each box carries an approximate value of $120 had the families purchased the items outright and Soboba Foundation Coordinator Andrew Vallejos said it was important to help out this year due to inflation affecting everyone. He said he was happy that Sysco was still able to provide a good price on everything and that the Soboba Foundation was able to come together and make this happen again this year.

“The Tribe is fortunate to be in a position to give back at a time when there is so much uncertainty in the economy,” Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said. “Even now when food prices are up, we are happy that we are able to provide Thanksgiving dinners so families can enjoy this special time together and not have to worry about the cost of the meal.”

Soboba Tribal Council Vice-Chairwoman Geneva Mojado stayed busy at the pallet of pumpkin pies, making sure each roll cart that made its way down the assembly line of food items got what was needed. After all items were placed into one large box marked with a Happy Thanksgiving sticker, other volunteers hoisted them into waiting vehicles.

“I enjoy seeing everyone come together for this event each year,” Mojado said. “We are grateful that we can help the community and students and their families are grateful, too. You can hear it in their voices when they thank us as they drive up.”

Soboba Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera said, “During this time of reflection as we prepare for the holiday, our Soboba family wants to provide other local families with a full meal to enjoy, despite these hard economic times.”

“It warms my heart to see all these families smiling and saying thank you as they receive their box of food,” Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas said.

SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle volunteered to help fill the food boxes that were loaded into trunks and back seats of vehicles that drove through the District Office parking lot in two lanes.

“An incredible tradition has continued for yet another year,” Pyle said. “The support our families receive throughout the year on behalf of Soboba is unmatched year-round and truly magnified during the holiday season. Providing over 800 Thanksgiving meals to many of our neediest families is yet another example of Soboba’s above and beyond service to the San Jacinto Unified School District. We are hopeful this tradition will continue for many years to come.”

The following day, Hemet Unified School District’s main office set up a distribution center so chosen families could drive through and receive their boxes, which were prepackaged by HUSD nutrition services employees. The Business Services department was highly involved in the entire process, including creating different signage and banners to remind families that Soboba was behind the turkey meals they were receiving.

Soboba Tribal Council Treasurer Daniel Valdez pitched in to help for a second day. “It’s great to be back again this year. I always love contributing when I can,” he said.

Catie Stanley, who is the marketing director for Soboba Casino Resort and a Hemet-San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce board member, recruited a dozen volunteers for the first day of distribution and at least 10 for the second day at HUSD. All sported turkey drumstick headbands and special Thanksgiving tee shirts.

“As a community member myself, I love this event,” Stanley said. “It is so much fun being able to see the people we are giving back to and we get to work together with our team members.”

Soboba Casino Assistant General Manager Jason Cozart was one of those that volunteered his time both days. Also a Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal member, he enjoys being able to help out each year.

“Our doing this brings a lot of relief to families who are struggling,” he said. “Anything we can do to help is a blessing. It also gives our team a chance to work together with the Foundation, it’s a team effort.”

As the Coordinator of School, Family & Community Partnerships, Miriam Ortiz said she feels everyone at HUSD who was involved with the event helped refine the processes so things were running smoother this year.

Emily Shaw, who is HUSD’s Director of Wellness and Community Outreach, said, “I think the support that Soboba provides to our community is immeasurable. We are so grateful for their partnership because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this. They always go over and beyond.”

Soboba Foundation Treasurer Julie Arrietta-Parcero said she likes the fact that they are always able to help someone else out. Foundation Secretary Antonia Briones-Venegas worked alongside Julie to keep the line of cars moving as items were placed in the vehicles, two at a time on each side of the canopy-covered pallets of food items.

“I like knowing that there will be kids that won’t go without because we are able to give them this food,” Antonia said. “To me, family gatherings for whatever reason mean a lot. I’m glad we do this.”

Another benefit to SJUSD recipients was the inclusion of a care bag that included hand sanitizer, COVID-19 test kits and other items for a safe gathering. Those items tied into a door hanger that was put in each box, reminding parents and guardians that “Attendance Matters” and the importance of keeping children home if they are sick but verifying all absences for possible follow-up by the District Nurse or school health office staff. HUSD also offered at-home COVID-19 test kits to each family as they checked in upon arrival.

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In the past 12 years that Andrew Vallejos has worked as the Soboba Foundation Sponsorship Coordinator, he has come to know almost every business owner and nonprofit director in the San Jacinto Valley. So it makes sense for him to take the gavel as the newest Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Chairman at its annual Installation and Awards Gala on June 24.

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians has a long history with the Chamber, since its original casino became a member in 1991 and the Soboba Casino Resort continued that membership after it opened in early 2019.

Vallejos has been on the Chamber’s board of directors for the past six years and just completed his one-year term as Vice Chairman. He is succeeding Dr. Vince Record, who served two years as Chairman.

Cyndi Lemke, the Chamber’s Executive Director, welcomed everyone to the black-tie event and shared a brief history of the organization’s local chapter, whose roots date back to 1919 with the City of San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce.

“In 1920, the City of Hemet established a Chamber of Commerce with its first Chairman, Irwin Farrar leading the organization. Move forward to 1999 and the two original Chambers of Commerce joined together as one, unifying the valley business community,” she said. “Today, the combined Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce membership is over 500 from throughout the region, meeting the needs of the business community.”

Record took to the podium to thank the three outgoing 2020-2021 board members for their contributions, dedication and commitment to making the valley the best it can be for the entire community. Due to the pandemic, there was no in-person gala to give them a proper sendoff.

Richard Perry, who served as a past Chairman, “led our Chamber through several challenges with his calm and steady demeanor, sense of humor and his business expertise. He continued to guide me this year and his influence and legacy will continue to benefit the Chamber for years to come.”

Dan Goodrich was thanked for his service, sharing his experience in business and with other Chambers “to help us make informed decisions that kept us focused on our purpose and to help strengthen the business environment of our community to benefit all who call this valley their home.”

“Past Chairman Dr. G (Roberto Guadamuz) continues to be one of the most active community leaders in the Valley, and his influence extends far beyond the Chamber. He has led many of the events and initiatives that have shaped our Chamber, instilled a sense of stability and purpose, and participated in Chamber events and functions whether he has been a board member or not. He will always be a valuable resource for the future of our Chamber.

As incoming Chairman, Vallejos was asked to recognize the 2021-2022 outgoing board members. James Davis, manager of Lowe’s Home Improvement Center, arranged very generous donations of materials for several of the Chamber’s community service projects.

Guillermo Alcazar brought to the Board “his skills in social media and helped us improve our communication to members and the community.” John Petersen was thanked for keeping the Chamber on track and making sure it had an effective risk management plan in plan. “His expertise ensured that the Chamber minimized its liability working and organizing events within the community,” Vallejos said.

Soboba Tribal Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was then asked to take to the stage to officially install Vallejos as the Chamber’s 2022-2023 Chairman of the Board. This is the first time that a Tribal Chairperson has installed an HSJV Chamber Chairman and Vivanco thanked the Chamber for allowing him to take part in the event. He said it was great to see all the civic leaders as well as the business leaders of the valley in attendance.

“Without you, this doesn’t happen,” he told the crowd. “I can’t say enough about Andrew. You are going to get someone who is very dedicated, punctual, hardworking and I know that he’ll be bringing his best to the Chamber.”

He added that Vallejos is a big part of the Soboba team. “He’s been doing this for many years,” Vivanco said. “He’s a big part of our Soboba Foundation but also our Soboba family. We really appreciate Andrew and are very proud of him.”

Repeating after Vivanco, with his right hand raised, Vallejos pledged in part to carry out in a trustworthy and diligent manner all the duties and obligations inherent in his role.

Lemke was excited to have the new Directors welcomed. Those joining the board are Carlos Antonio Flores of Mega Bites Inc., attorney Jennifer Venable, Michael Perciful who is Broker/Owner of SoCal Realtors, MSJC’s Morris Meyers and Sonia Ramirez with Hemet Unified School District.

“Our directors are a huge asset to the success of the Chamber, and we are so thankful for their contributions of time, talent and of course treasure,” she said.

All current board members were invited to the stage and Soboba Tribal Chairman Vivanco officially installed them as they repeated their pledge to “contribute to defining Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce’s mission and to govern the fulfillment of that mission.”

Record provided some highlights about the importance of Chamber membership, stating that it tackles both issues and trends taking place in the community as well as offering resources and services to help local businesses succeed.

“We welcomed 92 new members this past year and social media insights showing post reach of 16,8000 and post engagement of 2,427,” he said. “Our Chamber offers three networks in addition to our monthly mixers to keep you connected.”

As he stepped down from his role as Chairman for the past two years and passed the gavel to Vallejos, Record said, “The past two years have been a very trying time as we navigated through the COVID pandemic, overcoming countless challenges while at the same time grieving the losses that many of us experienced. However, now we find ourselves here tonight; stronger, wiser and more committed than ever to making our community a place where everyone can thrive and achieve their personal, family, business and career goals and dreams.”

He said the community has begun to experience economic growth and new hope and optimism of a healthy and successful future.

“It is with great appreciation and admiration that I thank all of our Chamber Board members past, present and future, for giving of their time and resources to take on the responsibility of leading our community businesses and nonprofits toward a promising future,” Record said. “Finally, I would like to thank our fabulous Executive Director Cyndi Lemke, for her tireless efforts that have resulted in continuous growth of our chamber. Along with her staff including Russ Utz, Sonia Lamas and Kevin Saunders, and many volunteers, Cyndi has made our chamber a respected organization that is valued by the community. It has been my pleasure working with all of you and I am proud to hand over the leadership of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce to Mr. Andrew Vallejos, whose skills and talents will lead us to the next level of success as a chamber.”

Vallejos’ speech outlined some of his plans to take the Chamber in a different direction that he feels will bring even more success to each and every member, making sure they all know they matter.

He said that since the time he was first introduced to the Chamber of Commerce, things have changed and he wants to be sure that it stays relevant to today’s business environment which includes home-based businesses as well as other entrepreneurs.

He hopes to connect businesses with nonprofits so they can partner on marketing and networking to promote both entities. “We should work in unity, not as competitors,” Vallejos said.

“One of the things that Dr. Record did was put our membership first and I want to continue that and build on it,” he said. “With the help of my fellow board of directors, each contributing their specific skill sets and talents, we will be able to work together to accomplish this goal. The Chamber will be here to help all of our members promote their causes, services and products to the valley so we can all reap the rewards.”

Vallejos thanked the Soboba Tribal Council, the Soboba Foundation and the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians for allowing him to work for them for the past 12 years, giving him so many opportunities to serve their community as well as the surrounding cities.

“Thank you for allowing me to be here tonight and thank you for allowing me to be your trusted Chairman for the next 12 months,” he said.

Each year, Chamber members are nominated in various categories to be recognized for the dedication and effort they put forth in the community during the year. Karena Zermeno of Altura Credit Union was named Business Leader of the Year (female); other nominees were Cynthia Espinosa, Gale Hill, Deborah Jackson, Dalida Jaafar, Miriam Ortiz and Esmerelda Sanchez.

Business Leader of the Year (male) was awarded to Hemet Police Department Captain Glen Brock. Nominees were Dr. Roberto Guadamuz, Rob Johnson, Joel Ortiz, Craig Shultz and Kevin Speir.

Eva’s Floral Gallery was chosen as Small Business of the Year among nominees Gosch Ford, Honest Realty Group, J&H Automotive, Magazine of Values Hemet-San Jacinto, SJ Medical and VIP Autos. McCrometer received Large Business of the Year honors among fellow nominees Altura Credit Union, Hemet Valley Hospital and SoCal Gas Company.

VIP Autos came out on top against a long list of other deserving businesses for Customer Service of the Year that included Eva’s Floral Gallery Inc., Gerry Castro, Honest Realty Group, Jackson Suites Salon, Mi Bella, SJ Medical, Sylvan Learning and VIP Tots.

The Canyons Steakhouse at Soboba Casino was chosen as Restaurant of the Year with El Zarape, Los Mareados and Vero’s Tacos also nominated. Six New Member of the Year nominees were Budology, who won, Empire Mobility, Jackson Salon Suites, Los Mareados, Mega Bites and Vero’s Tacos.

The San Jacinto Business Beautification award went to the City of San Jacinto with strong showings from nominees Budology and San Jacinto Unified School District. The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre was awarded the Hemet Business Beautification award for its recent remodel that took place during its pandemic closure. Other businesses nominated for their efforts were Golden Village Palms, Grocery Outlet, Hemet Unified School District, Jackson Salon Suites and Optum Hemet Primary Care Clinic and Community Center.

My City Youth Center was named Nonprofit of the Year. Other nominees were Boxing for Christ, Carol’s Kitchen, Cloverlane Foundation, Community Christian Church, EEK Fitness, San Jacinto Education Foundation, T.H.E. Center and Trauma Intervention Program (TIP).

Lemke thanked everyone for attending and told the members “your goals are our goals because your success is our success.”

For more information, hemetsanjacintochamber.com or 951-658-3211.

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