Suggestions
Debbie Degutis
Don't postpone joy.
Debbie Degutis is the Managing Director of Christmas in the Park, a nonprofit organization that runs a holiday event in San Jose, California.13 She took on this role relatively recently, describing herself as "lost in what I love" when announcing her new position.4
As Managing Director, Degutis oversees various aspects of the organization, including:
- Partnerships and fundraising: She is the point of contact for potential partners, with partnerships starting at $2,500.2
- Event management: Christmas in the Park includes both a traditional park display and a drive-thru light show experience.3
- Community engagement: Degutis emphasizes the importance of "creating joy" and bringing people together through the event.3
Prior to her current role, Degutis has had experience in:
- Volunteer work: She has served on the Board of Directors for Raphael House and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for SFCASA.5
- Event management: Her love for events led her to this position at Christmas in the Park.4
Degutis is passionate about making the event accessible and enjoyable for all. Under her leadership, Christmas in the Park aims to "spread joy to all" during the holiday season.6 She can be contacted at 408-292-9627 or [email protected] for inquiries related to the organization.7
Highlights
Meet Mr. Sandman. He's my date at the fundraiser on July 13 for Christmas in the Park. Grab a ticket and join us! https://lnkd.in/gwk5WWp6
#ChristmasInThePark #Fundraiser #SanJose
Throughout my corporate career, my goal was to include a "giving back" element in the marketing programs and events I managed.
It's a bit easier now that I'm the Managing Director at Christmas in the Park. It's the largest event in San Jose:
- More than 700,000 visitors over 40 days
- More than 500 trees decorated by the community
- A community stage where more than 100 groups perform
- More than 40 displays lovingly maintained by our operations team
- And free.
I'm beyond excited that on Dec. 10 we're hosting our first Accessible Sunday for families with special needs. We're fortunate to have funding from TJ and Valeta Rodgers. With their support, we get to give back in a huge way:
- Story time and free books
- Free amusement rides
- Craft stations
- Displays available to touch for those with visual challenges
- Special Sensory Santa who can create special Santa memories for our guests
Forbes wrote about this here: https://lnkd.in/gqsXPSVj
This is my dream job. It's the hardest job I've had, and the most rewarding. If you'd like to support Christmas in the Park, and all we do for the community, consider making a donation at our website - www.christmasinthepark.com. Look for the "donate" button at the top of the page.
With gratitude, Debbie
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