Five Acres hosted its annual holiday open house on Thursday and the support from the community was abundant with more than 200 supporters and their families in attendance. Special guests included Emily Deschanel (“Bones”) who read “The Night Before Christmas” to the children in attendance, Matthew Lillard (“Scooby Doo,” “The Descendents”), Tena Clark and Michelle LeClair and the Pasadena Rose Queen and Court.

The evening featured a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and musical entertainment, and information on the programs Five Acres offers to the community. Members of the public were encouraged to support Five Acres’ mission by taking part in the Family Angels gift giving program or fulfilling a child’s wish for permanency through the purchase of a commemorative crystal ornament.

Prior to the open house, several Five Acres children recorded their holiday wishes for family during a recording session sponsored by Tena Clark and Michelle LeClair of Firehouse Recording Studio. These wishes were unveiled during the event and those in attendance were encouraged to make donations to help these wishes come true.

The event raised nearly $3,000 for Five Acres, which will help the nonprofit ensure safety, well-being and permanency for children and families through effective prevention, treatment and education programs.

There is still an opportunity for those in the community to get involved with Five Acres this holiday season by supporting its Family Angels program, toy drive and holiday wishes for permanency.

For more information on Five Acres, visit www.5acres.org.