One of the tiniest dancers at a previous Fabulous Fifties Family Sock Hop. Courtesy/LAFCLos Alamos Family Council’s 8th Annual Fabulous Fifties Family Sock Hop will be held 6-10 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church’s Parish Hall.
This alcohol-free, multi-generational yearly event is LAFC’s only fundraiser, Executive Director Joyce Beery said.
Families interested in a hoppin’ good evening of fun will find it at the Hop, Beery said, noting that in addition to music and dancing for all ages – including dance contests – special activities will be provided for children.
An appearance by “Elvis” is a distinct possibility, Beery added, saying he would love to see everyone dressed in ‘50s garb. “We always see a lot of poodle skirts,” she laughs.
Dinner can be had, too, as ‘50s food – burgers, nachos and root beer floats – will be available for purchase.
A highlight of the evening will be the raffle of an original Sec Sandoval watercolor entitled “Resilience,” valued at $3,000. A limited number of 100 tickets for the raffle will be sold at $25 each, so buyers have, Beery said, “a good chance of winning.”
‘Resilience’ by Sec Sandoval will be raffled at Saturday’s event. Courtesy/LAFC
Sandoval has regularly contributed his renowned artwork to LAFC, a gesture that is especially meaningful because he and LAFC employee Paul Martinez are cousins.
Martinez is the Director of LAFC’s Youth Activity Centers (YAC), one of LAFC’s many and varied services, Beery said.
“The centers offer free after-school and summer programs for students in grades 3 through 8. Activities are designed to build resilience in youth, and all of our supervisors receive prevention training,” she added.
Along with the YACs, Family Council offers general mental health therapy for almost all diagnostic areas, as well as extensive substance abuse programs including Intensive Out-Patient Therapy and DWI School.
Services are provided primarily to low-income clients, Beery said. In addition to money raised at the Sock Hop, LAFC’s major revenue sources are grants – particularly from the United Way and Northern New Mexico Health Grant Group – and donations, individual and corporate.
Los Alamos National Bank and Los Alamos Medical Center have traditionally provided the largest corporate grants.
Beery said the Sock Hop is considered an effective model of family-focused, multi-generational activities and provides an opportunity to celebrate with friends and supporters of the agency.
Tickets for the Sock Hop and for the Sandoval print drawing can be purchased by calling 662-4160. Admission to the hop, also available at the door, is $10 per person or $25 for families (reduced from $35 in past years.)
For more information, call LAFC at 662-4160.
