A Stylish Celebration with Purpose: $240K Raised at Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon
Shimmer & Glimmer Raises Funds to Support Children and Adults with Disabilities
San Diego, CALIF- The Arc of San Diego’s annual Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon on December 5, 2025 brought together San Diego’s most stylish and philanthropic community members at The US Grant Hotel. This captivating event celebrated the season with boutique shopping, a silent auction, an elegant luncheon, and a dazzling runway fashion show produced by renowned style personality Leonard Simpson. The enchanting theme, “Shimmer & Glimmer,” set the tone for a spectacular afternoon of fashion and philanthropy.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and sponsors, the event raised a total of $240,000, exceeding expectations! At the event, The Arc of San Diego was honored to announce a remarkable gift of $100,000 from the David C. Copley Foundation to support Early Intervention Services. This support will help expand The Arc of San Diego’s Early Intervention Services, providing therapies and resources for children with autism and developmental delays during their most critical years.
Guests enjoyed a lively program featuring a live auction led by Auctioneer Clint Bell and it was wonderful to have Mary Murphy, acclaimed ballroom dance champion and television personality, return as this years emcee. The event was chaired by Maria Stanley, Laura Applegate, Cici Drummond, Erica Ram, Malissa Sanfilippo, and Jenny Seligmann. Honorary Chairs were Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein. The Honorary Committee was comprised of Dee Ammon, Amy Balelo, Marla Black, Joye Blount, Vicki Eddy, Arlene Esgate, Judi Gottschalk, Danica Grimm, Daran Grimm, Kimiya Hardke, Jeanne Jones, Jylene Ledesma, Roxi Link, Nayda Locke, Christina Maggiora, Taylor Miller, Cheryl Mitchell, Ludvina Nevarez, Micki Olin, Angelica Palmerin, Gloria Parker, Phyllis Parrish, Cynthia Parrish Dugan, Clarice Perkins, Natasha Philippides, Kristi Pieper, Sandy Redman, Karla Simoes, Marina Smith, Jen Waters, and Maggie Watkins. Sponsors, Holiday Shopping Boutique vendors, and volunteers all played vital contributions to make Winter Wonderland possible!
We are thankful for our generous sponsors whose support makes this event possible. Special thanks to our Gold Sponsors Dr. Howard & Barbara Milstein, The Kurtin Family, and Barona Band of Mission Indians; Silver Sponsors Emma Zuckerman, Judi Gottschalk, Esther Williams-Demers, and Sycuan Casino Resort; and Bronze Sponsors Susan J. Fuller, Pamela Beckett Stahl, Nayda Locke, Yanir & Erica Ram, San Diego Foundation, and California Bank & Trust. Their commitment ensures that Winter Wonderland continues to be a cherished tradition of fashion and philanthropy.
"The Arc of San Diego is deeply grateful for the continuous generosity of our community at Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon. These contributions allow us to expand critical programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives," said Anthony J. DeSalis, President & CEO of The Arc of San Diego.
Winter Wonderland continues to be a cherished tradition that combines glamour with giving, ensuring The Arc of San Diego can provide essential services such as day training, employment, residential living, and early intervention programs to more than 2,000 children and adults with disabilities across San Diego County.