Our program is supported completely by volunteers which ensures your donations are used to support families.
Founder :
Angel Sanchez, Jr.
A Riverside native, Angel Sanchez, Jr. is Chief Operating Officer and Director of Global Operations for Riverside-based Phenix Technology, Inc. He has a degree in Administration of Justice from Riverside City College and a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from California Baptist University. He dedicated over 20 years to the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family and has since retired leaving his legacy to those dedicated to continuing his vision for the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family.
Chairman:
Jennifer Pellegrin- Perez
As one of the original board members, Jennifer has been involved with the program for over 15 years following in her father’s footsteps in volunteering as he was one of the original Vice Chairmans. She was raised in Jurupa Valley graduating from Rubidoux High School in 2001. She worked at Jurupa Valleys' own Simply Cakes Etc. Bakery for 20 years. She graduated from West Coast University with her BSN and is a Registered Nurse working in home health care. She currently is back in school to obtain her MSN to be able to teach tomorrows nurses. In her free time, she can be found volunteering for another national non-profit with patient advocacy where she utilizes her nursing degree in public health legislation.
Vice-Chairman:
Shelley Edwards
Also known as Mrs. Clause in our Santa Express Parade. The cousin of our founder Angel Sanchez Jr. and a Jurupa Valley resident. She has graciously volunteered with the organization for over 8 years and more recently becoming an active board member. She happily served the children of Jurupa Unified School District as a teacher at Van Buren Elementary school where she retired from last year.
Treasurer:
Lori Skendrovich
Lori is a Riverside resident who was introduced to the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family when we became a team for the Jurupa Valley Relay for Life back in 2017. When we were looking for a treasurer a couple of years later her name came up numerous times and she willingly took the position and has been dedicated since. She helps coordinate donations during parades and makes sure that funds are being allocated for the needs of the multiple programs we offer.
Assistant Treasurer:
Matthew Provencher
Matthew has been volunteering with Adopt a Family since 2016 joining us as a freshman in high school. He grew up in Jurupa Valley, graduated from Patriot High School Class of 2020 and works in the aviation industry. He became a board member in January 2023 after staying involved year-round. Matthew assists with maintaining our website, mapping parade routes and toy store/holiday giving program operations.
Secretary:
Shelby Ragole
Shelby has been with JVAAF for many years using her energy for costumed characters in the Santa Express. She is a graduate of Patriot High School and grew up in Jurupa Valley. If she isn’t helping to oversee the costumed characters or doing their make up for parade, she can be found helping her mom in the Toy store as her mom JUSD board Member Melissa Ragole has been a volunteer with us for over 8 years as well.
Board Members:
Raymond Perez
Our newest volunteer, holding to the true meaning once again that JVAAF is a family affair he was roped in by his wife our chairman Jennifer. Raymond was born and raised in Riverside and is Poly High School graduate, when he isn’t helping at our events, he can be found working under the hood of the cars at a Chevy dealership mechanic.
Anna Windell
One of our newer members Anna started with JVAAF when she volunteered for her nursing program, quickly fitting right in and getting more involved she continues to volunteer even after graduating with her BSN and becoming a newly licensed nurse, working in Public Health