Holiday Happenings: Where Corporations & Community Collaborate

We are amidst one of the best times of the year here in Silicon Valley ~ the season where corporations and communities collaborate to create amazing experiences for individuals and families.

We all know that the unparalleled job growth and economic opportunity here in the Bay Area comes with its share of challenges – the amount and affordability of housing, the increase in traffic and commute times and the pace of life that moves at warp speed. The good news is that a growing number of Silicon Valley businesses, big and small, are actively contributing to creating and sustaining a better quality of life for the communities they directly impact. Through monetary donations, hands-on efforts, event organization and public policy partnerships – progress is at work all around us, for professional purposes and play! You’ll notice that many events this season are largely sponsored by Silicon Valley corporations.

In addition, note that this week is the Corporate Philanthropy Awards presentation by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Scroll this list of the  2017 Top Corporate Philanthropists in Silicon Valley… and you will see some very familiar names (including Sereno Group – go team!!!).

Without further ado… here are some classic ways to enjoy the season in Silicon Valley…

Honor On The Row | Saturday, 11/11

Why wait until Thanksgiving to begin the celebrations – when there is much to celebrate here and now! Veterans Day is too often overlooked… and that ends this weekend as one of San Jose’s iconic destinations honors those who deserve it most. Stop by Santana Row Saturday from 2-6pm for Honor On The Row, free & open to the public. Learn more at: http://www.santanarow.com/events/honor-on-the-row-veterans-day-2017/

Applied Materials Turkey Trot | Thursday, 11/23

This is the most brilliant tech-sponsored excuse ever to pre-burn calories before maximum pie consumption. Voted one of the best turkey trots in the country, Applied Materials has served as the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Title Sponsor for 13 years and counting! This year’s five beneficiaries are the Healthier Kids Foundation, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and the HealthTrust. Learn more and register at: http://svturkeytrot.com

CalTrain Holiday Train | Saturday, 12/2 & Sunday 12/3

Presented by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (the largest community foundation in the WORLD), this 2-day free event unites thousands of local community members  via 10 scheduled stops in the spirit of giving! With 14 media, tech and business sponsors of all sizes, this event collects new, un-wrapped toys for children in need. See the schedule to view the train's thousands of lights & fun characters at:  http://www.holiday-train.org/

19^th Annual Fantasy of Lights | Walk-Thru (12/2 & 12/3), Drive-Thru (12/5 – 12/30)

Netflix offers free parking for this magical feast of festivities with 1.5 miles, 50 themed displays and a 90-foot twinkling tree. Note that pre-paid tickets are required for BOTH the walk and drive-thru options, train info is below. Learn more at: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/fol/Pages/AnnualFoL.aspx.

Note: Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad offers a glimpse of the lights on the holiday train Thursday thru Sundays from 6-9pm. Check updates here: https://bjwrr.org/the-holiday-train/

Christmas In The Park | Day After Thanksgiving Thru New Year’s Day

Like much of the success in Silicon Valley, Christmas In The Park started with one guy who had one dream: to bring some holiday spirit to the community. When Don Lima borrowed $300 in the 1950’s to create San Jose’s first public holiday display, he likely never imaged that in 2018 Southwest Airlines would sign on as the tradition’s presenting sponsor! Over half a million people per year enjoy the exhibit… which grows, improves and continues to impress each year thanks to contributions from virtually every industry in the valley. Learn more at: http://www.christmasinthepark.com

Have you heard of Facebook Festivals?! This local outreach program expands upon the Facebook mission of connection by offering 5 free public events each year PLUS job & volunteer fairs, a mobile weekly farmers market and Facebook platform training for small businesses and non-profits. Check their website for much more to come in 2018!

Hope to see you and your families out and about enjoying the seasonal delights that Silicon Valley has to offer (we'll be out there with ours!).

Mark & Jason