Riverside, Calif., December, 2001 -- La Sierra UniversityÕs Alumni Pavilion rang with the squeals and laughter of children on Friday, December 7. Over a hundred children from the HeadStart programs at Collett Elementary and Rosemary Kennedy Elementary participated in La Sierra University SIFEÕs annual Christmas party. SIFE stands for Students in Free Enterprise.

The party is an eight-year SIFE tradition that is eagerly anticipated every year. This year SIFE partnered with the Black Student Association and Homebase Ministries.

The party featured a freedom theme this year in light of the tragic events that happened in New York and the nationÕs capital. Children cruised the PetCo petting zoo, had butterflies, teddy bears, and hearts painted on their faces, and played with balloon animals.

The highlight of the party was a visit from Santa, played by Monte Andress, MA, director of the Center for Social Entrepreneurship and assistant professor in the School of Business and Management. Each child had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and was then given a present. La Sierra students and faculty bought the childrenÕs gifts based on the wish lists the children wrote out, ensuring that each child received a gift they wanted for Christmas.

La Sierra University SIFE, ranked second in the 2001 national SIFE competition, is committed to community education, values-based learning, and encouraging positive social change through the concepts of free enterprise.

. . . . . . . . . . .

by Allison Lamon