Board of Directors
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 founding 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 our original Vice Chairman and a Volunteer Fireman here in Jurupa Valley. She was raised here in Jurupa Valley graduating from Rubidoux High School. She worked at Jurupa Valley's own Simply Cakes Etc. Bakery for 20 years. She is a triple West Coast University graduate with her BSN, MSN in nursing education and recently her Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She is currently a Registered Nurse working in home health care and as a college professor. When she isn’t working, in school or volunteering with us, Jennifer can be found volunteering for another national non-profit with patient advocacy, where she utilizes her personal journey with cancer and Psoriasis as a mentor and uses her voice as a patient and her background in nursing for health care legislation.
Vice-Chairman:
Raymond Perez
The “family” in Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family was taken literally when Raymond was recruited to help volunteer. He was roped in by his wife, our chairman, Jennifer, over 4 years ago, and has been volunteering since then. Raymond was born and raised in Riverside and is a Poly High School graduate, and is a safety services officer locally. He is also a current student himself, working on his bachelor's in organizational leadership. When he isn’t helping at our events, he can be found enjoying the Rams or Dodgers play, or found at Disneyland with the family.
Secretary:
Shelby Ragole
Shelby has been a dedicated member of JVAAF for over eight years, bringing her energy and creativity to lead our costumed characters in the Santa Express. A graduate of Patriot High School, she proudly grew up in Jurupa Valley. When she’s not overseeing the characters or doing their makeup for events and parades, Shelby expresses her artistic talent through her work as a tattoo artist, leaving a lasting impression both in our community and beyond.
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:
Julie Pizzitola
Julie has proudly served as a Senior Community Development Manager for over 15 years! with the American Cancer Society. She is a loving mother of 2 amazing daughters, a devoted animal rescuer, and always eager to help children and families in need. Community is her passion and Julie is an important asset within the Jurupa Adopt a Family program.
Board Member:
Shelley Edwards
Also Known as Mrs. Claus in the Santa Express. Shelley has been volunteering with the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family for over 10 years. She is a retired JUSD elementry school teacher and now enjoys volunteering her time and watching her grandchildren grow.
Board Member:
Jacob Killingbeck
Jacob is a dedicated and hard working individual who is passionate about his community. He is a Jurupa Valley native and a graduate of Patriot High School Class of 2019. Jacob has been a tremendous helping hand in all of our year-round events. He enjoys interacting with his community, meeting new people and spending time with his friends and family.
Board Member:
Board Memeber:
Lissette Silva
As a long time resident who moved to Jurupa Valley in 6th grade and a graduate of Jurupa Valley High School where she met her high school sweet heart and now raise their family together here in Sky Country.Lissette has dedicated much of her time giving back to the community that helped shape her into the person she is today. When she is not giving back to the community she can be found doing nails at the salon or helping to run their family’s new resturant Jurupa’s Cafe here in Jurupa Valley. Newly elected to the board she brings a fresh view and ideas to help build on to the vision of the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family.