Dear Members and Friends of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County,
 
2021 has come to an end and with it my term as President of this great organization. I am humbled and grateful to all our members for allowing us to be part of their lives after a very challenging 2020 and re-emerging from a pandemic year and transitioning to in person events with us again this year. Each one of you made this 2021 year a success despite the challenge. 
 
Your dedication and support to the HBA has made this year wonderful and it was delightful to see so many of you join us for our Annual Holiday Meeting of Members & Toy Drive. 
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At our last event of the year, magic truly happened. High School student Araceli Jimenez reached out to our organization as she was raising funds to attend the UCLA mock trial summer program and our members as always stepped up and exceeded the expectations! Araceli surpassed her donation goal of $1,500 and will now be able to attend the mock trial summer program and use the surplus funds for her educational needs. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
As if making Araceli’s dream a reality was not enough, our members also stepped up to make the holidays very special by providing toys and gifts for the boys and girls of TKO Boxing Club. We are so thankful to each one of you for helping us make this happen! Very special thank you to Mary Lara from the TKO Boxing Club for teaming up with us again this year and making this toy drive another success. 
The HBA is in great hands with President-Elect, Christopher Ayala. Christopher Ayala will lead us as President and alongside your 2022 board will make this upcoming year a complete success! Christopher has served on the HBA board for years in various capacities, his work ethic, passion and determination will lead us to reach new goals. There is no doubt under his leadership the HBA will continue to flourish and surpass all goals. I look forward to all the great events, scholarships and positive impacts our organization will make upon our community. 
Our most important event of the year is fast approaching; our 44th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Installation Dinner will be March 12, 2022, save the date!
 
As I have said all year, our members are our best asset. Without you our organization would be futile. Thank you for being part of the HBA, you are appreciated!
Please remember to renew your membership before the year ends.  Our membership fees will be increasing in January 2022, renew today to save $25.00!
 
As my tenure comes to an end, all I can really say is thank you. Thank you to our members, our sponsors, our board of directors, and our community allies. Each one of you is an integral part of this organization and each one of you is vitally important to the work the HBA is doing for our community. THANK YOU!
 
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2022!
Warmest regards,