Taller SanJose’s

14th Annual Light Up aLife Dinner Auction

Graduate of Taller San Jose Nile Smith, 26, came to the organization in 2009 after living eight night marish years filled with methamphetamine use, personal tragedies, and ultimately spending eight months in jail. 

Still, as soon as she left prison, she made a conscientious effort to look into Taller San Jose’s programs. She said she always liked helping people, but during her troubled years drug use took away her ability to care about others. After being clean more than a year, she was able to enter TSJ’s medical training program,where she received hands-on training in clinical skills, medical terminology, dosage calculations, and more.

It was the first time Smith ever did well in school and diligently applied herself to her studies. She took the bus to school every day and graduated with perfect attendance. Her parents were shocked, she said.

“I did the five steps to get into the school, but had to wait six months for the next class, Smith said. “I showed up every day, and Taller San Jose helped me find the confidence I needed. I never thought I could learn.”

While going to school, Smith lived on a small stipend that allowed her to pay rent and keep up with her bills. She said living on a shoe string wasn’t hard for her because living on the streets was immeasurably harder.

Upon graduation 14 months later, Smith was hired at Bristol Park Medical Group as a medical assistant. More than a year later, she is still employed, received her first promotion and recently married. She also has worked on a few Taller San Jose fundraisers which, she said, opened her eyes about the many “regular people who work behind the scenes to raise funds to help walk people out of poverty.”

On September 18, Taller San Jose will host a night under the stars from 6 to 10p.m. at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano at its 14^th Annual Light up a Life Dinner Auction. Bristol Park Medical Group, a supporter of Taller San Jose since 1997, will also be honored with the Best of Friends Award.

The event, both elegant and inspiring, will draw more than 500 attendees. Guests may roam the Mission’s blooming gardens as they enjoy a cocktail reception and browse the silent auction. Golf packages, shopping sprees, and holiday treatsare but a small slice of the items up for bid. Participants will also be served a scrumptious dinner served by The Turnip Rose Elite Catering Company, with apoignant presentation and live auction to follow.

Since1995, the nationally recognized workforce development program has helped more than 4,000 high-risk young adults restructure their lives, finish high school,and develop marketable skills construction, office, and medical careers.

“When young people have committed to changing their lives, we’re happy to give them a chance at a new beginning,” Bristol Park Medical Group CEO Patrick Kapsner said. “It’s both exciting and gratifying to see their confidence and self-esteem grow.”

The event’s Premier Sponsor, Guaranty Chevrolet is also a dedicated supporter of Taller San Jose. The company has donated a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS as the grandprize for the event’s opportunity drawing. Bruce Hamlin, Guaranty Chevrolet General Manager said helping troubled youth gain skills that enable them to get a good paying job is a “win-win situation for everyone.”

Tickets are $275 each, and tables of ten seats are $2,500. Enter the opportunity drawing to win the Camaro which is available for a suggested donation of $100 each or six for $500. Call 714.5543.5105, ext. 123 or visit www.tallersanjose.com.