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The basics: Dr. Jose Luis Bautista, 57, of Fresno, has run medical practices in Fresno and Sanger for nearly 21 years. He is married and a father of five.
What he does: Each year, Bautista sponsors Christmas parties for residents of downtown Fresno and Sanger. The Fresno event attracts up to 6,000 people and Sanger gets 3,000. At the Christmas parties, families get free food and children receive presents and educational information. Each year more than 5,000 presents are given away at the two events. Adults also can learn about diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and get information about proper nutrition.
Why he does it: "We wanted to provide health education to parents and give the kids a toy, especially inner-city children who may not get a toy for Christmas," Bautista said. "All we wanted to do was provide health education and make a child happy."
Turning point: As a youngster growing up in Fresno, "I didn't have any toys, so I hated Santa Claus. But my mother told me: 'One day you will be Santa Claus.' ... You see a lot of poverty downtown, so we came up with the idea, and every year it got bigger and bigger."
Details, details: About 100 volunteers from Bautista's offices, Community Regional Medical Center, nearby law offices and other businesses help Bautista organize the event. The Sanger party is on the second Saturday of December, and the Fresno event is on the third Saturday. Groups including the Assistance League of Fresno and the California Endowment also help raise money and provide items for families.
