30th Annual Winter Fest Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children & Families

January 8, 2025
Hyesun Ahn

The holiday season just got a little brighter, thanks to the Children’s Institute’s 30th Annual Winter Festival in Los Angeles! Every year, this heartwarming event gathers hundreds of families for a day packed with joy, excitement and plenty of festive fun across the city. And this year’s celebration was no exception, with the support of amazing partners like the Los Angeles Rams, NFL Legend Todd Gurley, UNIFY, Starbucks, P.S. Arts and many more.

Winter Festival, a tradition for three decades, is all about giving back to the community. Families from across Los Angeles come together to enjoy a variety of activities that leave smiles on faces in time for the holidays. From arts & crafts and fun games to photo booths and live entertainment, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s not just about the fun – the event also provides essential resources, including free toys and access to support services that help local families thrive.

Martine Singer, President & CEO of Children’s Institute, expressed her excitement about the annual event, saying, “Our Winter Festival is a tradition that brings much-needed holiday cheer and resources to underserved families. We are thrilled to welcome our families every year, and this year’s event is sure to be a heartwarming experience for all.”

This year’s festival was even more memorable, thanks to two incredible partners: the Los Angeles Rams and UNIFY. The Rams added a touch of star power to the event with a special guest appearance by Los Angeles Rams Legend, Todd Gurley. He met with children, participated in a lively book reading, and created unforgettable memories with families at the Watts campus. Talk about a holiday surprise!

Molly Higgins, Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement for the Los Angeles Rams, couldn’t have been more excited about the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with UNIFY and Children’s Institute to be a part of this wonderful event to spread holiday joy to kids and families,” she said. “At the Rams, we pride ourselves on partnering with purpose, giving back to the community, and supporting non-profits like Children’s Institute and the critical work they are doing.”

UNIFY also played a big role in making the festival a success. Natasha Ranchigoda, SVP of Marketing and CXO of UNIFY, shared their enthusiasm: “This event is the perfect opportunity for UNIFY to bring to life one of our core values, “Our Footprint Matters”. We are extremely excited to give back and serve our community to help make a child’s holiday brighter this season.”

With a mix of holiday cheer, community support, and unforgettable moments, Winter Festival was a true celebration of the season’s spirit.

Please click the links below to watch our Winter Festival featured on the news!

KTLA Weekend Evening News

NBC4 Los Angeles Evening News

We were delighted to include a photo spot provided by Showtime Photo Booth, the go-to photo booth rental. Their unique touch added an enjoyable element to our Winter Festival.