“This was the largest turnout we’ve ever had for Christmas Comes to I.B.,” advised Pat Hutchins, an Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce Board Member who chaired the annual event on December 8, 2012.  “Every segment of our community participated in the event, either donating money, gifts, or their time.  People in the community and local business were very generous with their donations which enabled us to host a free event and raffle off so many prizes to the hundreds of people who attended.”

Mrs. Hutchins expressed her appreciation to the Unified Port District and the Imperial Beach Business Improvement District (BID) for helping to host the event, and to Mayor Jim Janney and Deb Janney who decorated the Christmas trees at Triangle Park and Portwood Pier Plaza. “The students from Mar Vista High School were outstanding volunteers throughout the day, “ she stated.  “The San Diego Job Corps students and staff distributed flyers prior to the event, their Culinary Arts students baked 1,800 cookies, and their staff and students volunteered their time on Saturday.  We couldn’t have been successful without everyone’s help.”

“As a non-profit organization whose board members are volunteers, we depend on community support for all the events we host during the year,” stated Chamber Board of Director’s President Olivia Pickering.  “Christmas Comes to I.B. was our last event of the year, and we’re grateful for everyone who contributed to make it an outstanding community celebration.  Imperial Beach is a great place to live and work because of the kindness and generosity of its people.”