Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Turkey Distribution

2011-11-18T00:29:57Z

On Monday, November 21, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), a local non-pofit organization serving families in need, will host its annual turkey and holiday food distribution. On this special day SFBFS will serve thousands of Sacramento families experiencing hardship this season. There are no zip code restrictions to receive holiday food, only a limit of one per household.

This year's distribution is different from previous years in that SFBFS will offer one longer day of service instead of two days of morning-only service. In an effort to assist working families, SFBFS will begin service at 8am and go well into the late afternoon/early evening.

Turkey distribution will begin at 8am and tickets will be distributed, one per household, beginning at 6am - first come, first served. SFBFS will distribute all of the turkeys that are collected on Friday, November 18 during the annual Turkey Drive with KCRA. Any turkeys collected over the goal will be shared with other pre-determined charities.

The line to receive a turkey moves very quickly and there is no advantage to arriving at SFBFS before 8am. Some individuals who arrived around 10am or 11am last year to receive a turkey reported only waiting in line for 15-20 minutes and that the line moved the entire time. While there is no specific amount of time an individual may stand in the line, SFBFS' primary goal is to serve famlies in need as quickly as possible.

No camping will be allowed overnight, please do not arrive to line up before 6am. No preference will be given for any family or individual over another, everyone must wait in the same line. There are no pick-ups allowed on behalf of other family members, neighbors, friends, relatives, etc. - families must be present to receive a turkey and fixin’s. It is recommended that individuals bring a cart to transport one turkey and two bags of fixin’s. Every family will receive the exact same items and turkeys will be passed out in random order - household size does not determie turkey size. Parking is very limited so please be prepared to park and walk a few blocks to reach the distribution line. It can be very cold so please bundle up, but remember to removed your gloves at the front of the line to receive a hand stamps. The event will take place rain or shine.

Volunteers from PG&E along with SFBFS staff and volunteers will be working to serve as many families in need as fast as possible. SFBFS strives to create a positive atmosphere and serve all families with respect and dignity. This is a fun day filled with music and greetings from a turkey mascot!

It is very important that all families have the opportunity to be together on Thanksgiving with a meal. If anyone is unable to attend SFBFS' one day distribution on Monday, November 21, they are encouraged to contact InfoLine Sacramento by dialing (916) 498-1000.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Servieces

Turkey Drive 8,000

2011-11-09T00:43:32Z

The morning air is crisp and cool. The signs of fall are all around and one of the most exciting and busiest seasons is fast approaching for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

KCRA and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services are hosting the 4th annual Turkey Drive on November 18, 2011. Last year, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services collected 7,053 turkeys thanks to the generous support of local residents. The need is even greater this year and the goal has been set to collect 8,000 turkeys from individuals, families, classrooms and local businesses in a single day.

The Turkey Drive will take place at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' Oak Park facility (3333 Third Ave - near 34th & Broadway) between 4:30am and 7:00pm .

Please consider dropping off a donation of a frozen turkey or packaged side dishes during the day. Representatives from Papa Murphy’s, Wells Fargo and SaveMart will be onsite to assist SFBFS' staff and volunteers to thank donors and unload turkeys.

This is a great opportunity to bring kids downn and show them the benefits of helping someone less fortunate. Consider posting this flyer at your school or office to let others know they can participate.

KCRA will be onsite broadcasting throughout the day. Smile for the camera as you drive through and drop off your turkey. No need to even get out of the car!

Every donated turkey will be distributed the week of Thanksgiving to a local family in need.

Event details :
Date: November 18
Time: 4:30am-7pm
Location: 3333 Third Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Corbett's House of Horror Benefits SFBFS

2011-10-11T17:22:32Z

The spookiest month of the year is here! Get in the spirit by attending opening night at Corbett's House of Horror. Today, October 11, bring canned goods to receive $5 off admission. Corbett's House of Horror will pass on the canned goods and also donate $5 of each admission ticket directly to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services! Check out www.sacramentohaunt.com for additional information. Please note, they only accept cash.

Corbett’s House of Horror is located at1120 Galleria Blvd, Roseville CA 95678. Conveniently located right across the street from the Galleria, nearby many shops and restaurants. Enjoy plenty of free parking in a well-lit lot. Don’t worry about rain, if it’s storming outside, there are lots of indoor activities.

Questions? Contact Corbett’s House of Horror at corbettshouseofhorror@gmail.com or (916) 905-7822.

Gather your friends and family for a spooktacular evening! Thank you for supporting

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is featured on Groupon

2011-10-03T19:55:19Z

Groupon, the popular daily deals and discount site, selected Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services as TODAY’S FEATURED CAMPAIGN from October 3-October 6, 2011!

What does that mean for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
This is a wonderful opportunity to share our mission with a wider audience in Sacramento. Not everyone in our community is aware that Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services distributes fresh fruits and vegetables 16-20 times per month at various locations around town to combat hunger, as well as poor nutrition.

What’s offered by Groupon?
G-Team, the local philanthropic arm of Groupon, is offering a deal of $13 to purchase four days worth of healthy groceries for a family in need.

How much of the daily deal supports Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
100% of your donation ($13) directly purchases food for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ Food program.

How can you be part of this exciting deal?
Click on this link to make a $13 contribution. Make 1, 2 or 3 donations! 40 donations must be made through Groupon to trigger the tipping point. Please help us reach our goal of at least 40 donations to make a difference in the lives of families in need. Once you’ve made a donation, share information about your good deed with friends! A tweet or Facebook post is really helpful.

Thank you to all who are able to give a donation and share this offer.

How do I donate through Groupon?
1. Go to http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-sacramento-food-bank-family-services
2. Click BUY and select quantity. 1 = $13, 2 = $26, etc
3. Complete your order

How can I help spread the word about this great deal?
1. Go to Facebook and share this link:
http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-sacramento-food-bank-family-services
2. Follow us on Twitter and retweet about this great deal:
@SacFoodBank

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Eat at Joe's

2011-05-03T17:17:24Z

What do Joe’s Crab Shack and Cinco de Mayo have in common? Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' fundraiser night, of course! Please come out and join the fun on Thursday, May 5 between 5:00pm and 11:00pm. You can enjoy a delicious meal while helping raise funds for a worthy cause. Simply bring THIS FLIER with you to dinner and present it to your server. It is that easy. At the end of the night, 10% of your evening’s total will be donated to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. We included three coupons on this flier so you can post a few at work, give one to a friend or share with a fellow diner.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services has been making a difference in our community since 1976. Eight diverse programs at two sites, along with mobile distributions, are designed to combat hunger, improve literacy, strengthen families, educate youth, foster technological skills,m entor parents, build self-esteem and provide hope.

Not able to join us for dinner on Thursday? Consider being part of the exciting Race for the Ring coming up on May 21. This text message based scavenger hunt on bicycle promises to be the most fun time you'll have helping a local charity. Visit www.raceforthering.com for more information.

Ole'!

HEALTH-CHALLENGED, LOW-INCOME POPULATION GOES PLANT-BASED TO LOSE WEIGHT AND REVERSE DISEASE

2011-04-05T22:50:28Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) embarks on a new partnership with the EarthSave International, a non-profit organization that will launch an exciting new program called Meals For Health (MFH) on April 8, 2011. MFH is a 30-day intervention that provides low-income families with education and support to eat a healthy, low-fat, plant-strong diet in order to dramatically improve their health. There is no cost to participants and all support, food (donated by Whole Foods) and materials will be provided. MFH participants are individuals who currently receive services from one of SFBFS’ programs such as Adult Education, Mother-Baby or Women’s Wisdom Art.

Health improvements, weight loss and disease reversal of MFH participants will be measured and tracked under medical supervision of physicians throughout the 30-day program. Local food coaches and dozens of volunteers will assist participants in completing their journey. Food coaches provide regular support, ongoing education, potlucks and video presentations.

MFH is a health program which has been shown to reverse high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Experts on the MFH team have run similar programs and seen results in tens of thousands of participants. However, this pilot program is the first of its kind in a low-income population. The groundbreaking intervention takes a selected group of very low-income clients from SFBFS who suffer from serious health problems and turns them into plant-strong eaters. Participants learn about healthy nutrition, easy food preparation, exercise options and low cost shopping strategies in order to successfully transition their families to a healthy, unprocessed, whole food plant-strong eating style.

MFH will plant seeds and spread sensible nutrition to interested families and individuals across the Sacramento community and has the potential to significantly decrease health problems while increasing energy and self esteem, across this challenged population.

The participant roster for this MFH pilot program is complete, but we invite you to SFBFS and see what new and innovative steps are being taken in our community to improve the health and wellness of those in great need. A list of seminars, exercise classes and group meals is available for members of the media interested in covering the program. Participants are also available for before and after interviews/photos. Dramatic results in blood pressure, weight and medication intake is expected by the end of April. EarthSave plans to grow MFH in the Sacramento community with subsequent waves of increasing size, as members of this early intervention groups may go on to become plant-strong leaders and coaches.

For more information about EarthSave International, please visit www.earthsave.org. For more information about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

SFBFS - Serving our community since 1976

2011-03-31T18:34:27Z

Father Dan Madigan founded Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in the basement of his Oak Park church in 1976. Pained by watching so many people go hungry on the streets of Sacramento, he called together a small cadre of compassionate volunteers to tackle the problem. Over time, the number of facilities, staff and volunteers grew to meet the ever increasing need in Sacramento. His passion for helping individuals and families in need is still alive and well in the wide array of programs and services offered by SFBFS.

SFBFS currently operates two large facilities, in Oak Park and in North Sacramento, serving neighborhoods with families experiencing some of the highest rates of poverty, unemployment and child abuse in the Sacramento area. Over three decades, the number of programs and services offered by SFBFS grew from food and clothing to include adult education, child development and technology.

SFBFS runs a very lean, grassroots organization with an incredibly efficient, professional staff of 40 and a volunteer workforce of over 4,000 annually. SFBFS continues to meet the increasing demands for services by leveraging donations when purchasing food, baby supplies and reading materials for pennies on the dollar.

SFBFS provides free emergency goods and services to nearly 20,000 men, women and children each month. All programs at SFBFS are offered free of charge.

Food Assistance - Provides a five day supply of emergency, take-home groceries to thousands of clients every month. Individuals and families in need can receive fresh produce, dairy, grains and canned goods at mobile distribution sites throughout the Sacramento area.
Clothing - Distributes donated men’s, women’s and children’s clothing items to those in need at no charge. Clothing articles include suits for interviews, school uniforms and seasonal weather attire.
Mother-Baby - Guides parents in raising children in a healthy and supportive manner. Diapers, formula, food and clothing are provided for parents attending educational workshops.
Adult Education - Provides one-on-one instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, computer skills, resume building and English.
Women’s Wisdom Art - Offers a variety of art classes to women overcoming loss or depression, surviving cancer and helps build self-confidence.
PlayCare - Offers an enriching daycare for toddlers of parents attending classes through Adult Education. This co-operative program encourages parental involvement, interactive games and preparing youth for kindergarten.
Youth Academy - Provides enrichment for elementary-aged youth focusing on literacy and independent thinking. This program encourages academic success, character building, social development and service.
Computer Clubhouse - Encourages junior high and high school students to explore technology classes including web design, animation, basic computer skills and video production.

SFBFS provides these goods and services at no cost due to the generous support of donors through individuals and company contributions as well as special events. SFBFS hosts the annual Run to Feed the Hungry every year on Thanksgiving Day. Nearly 30,000 Sacramento residents turn up on their day off to spend time with family and raise awareness of those less fortunate in our community. This Thanksgiving will mark the 18th year for the Run to Feed the Hungry, an event that generates nearly $1 million to support programs and services at SFBFS. SFBFS also partners with Rogers Jewelry Co. to host an event each spring called Race for the Ring. This scavenger hunt for jewelry uses clues sent via text message to challenge participants to solve riddles throughout Downtown and mid-town Sacramento. Prizes include diamond rings, men’s watches, bicycles and more. Please join us on May 21 for a day of fun to support SFBFS!

If you are interested in becoming involved with SFBFS either by volunteering, leading a donation drive, participating in an event or referring someone in need, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org for more information.

Michelle's Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-07T19:10:01Z

The thrid annual Race for the Ring is coming to Sacrament on May 21, 2011. This text messaged based treasure hunt on bike through downtown Sacramento is sponsored by Rogers Jewelry Co and directly benefits programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Teams of two will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes. Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out why they are racing for a reason.

Interview with Michelle McCauley, contestant in last year's event.

A bit about our racer

Michelle grew up in Southern California and moved to Northern California in 2001 to attend University of California, Davis. While at Davis I was a coxswain on the women's crew team for 4 years and met my husband Scott. In 2006, the pair married, moved to Sacramento and Michelle began working in the fund development department at WEAVE (Women Escaping a Violent Environment) located in downtown Sacrmento. While working at WEAVE she met staff members at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) who introduced Michelle to the wonderful programs and volunteers at SFBFS. Michelle began participating in SFBFS' infamous Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Michelle enjoyed supporting the organization, but her slight obsession with the CBS show Amazing Race drove her and her husband to immediately sign up for the event. The pair had even applied to be participants on the globe-trotting show and Michelle knew they would do well. "It's such a good fundraiser, who would not want to participate?" Last year Michelle and her husband created "Team Rock Solid" and the pair really enjoyed biking around downtown Sacramento. The two hope to participate again this year. Michelle currently works for Media Solutions, a local women owned media buying agency as a Media Buyer. In her spare time, she enjoys serving on public relations/events commmittees for various non-profits in Sacramento, running or biking on the beautiful American bike trail and spending time with friends and family enjoying all Sacramento and the surronding areas have to offer.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelers. What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?

My wedding ring

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?

I would participate if I wasn’t going to be 8 months pregnant. I LOVE this event and can’t wait to participate in 2012!

What motivates you to be part of this cause?

I love knowing that every dollar I give to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services goes directly to Sacramento families in need. I realize all non-profits have overhead cost, however when you give to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services you see exactly where your dollars are being spent. It’s our responsibility to give back to the community we live in...why not have fun doing it? This event is unique, fun, well organized, and most of all provides services to Sacramento families in need!

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?

I love participating with my husband. We had the best time biking around Sacramento and pretending we were on the Amazing Race. The clues were fun and we loved learning more about Sacramento!

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?

I will help out in any way I can! I am sure my friends and husband will participate this year.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?

Anyone in Sacramento County can utelize various services at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. They have a wonderful volunteer program and great staff.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?

I encourage everyone to participate in this event!

For more information about the event or to register to participate, please visit www.raceforthering.com. For more informaiton about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

SFBFS program highlight: Clothing program

2010-12-02T01:41:16Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) offers eight varied programs, including the greatly impactful Clothing program. For more than 20 years, the Clothing program has grown and expanded to provide a wide range of service to over 100 clients every weekday. Having recently undergone some organizational changes, the shopping area now offers distinguished sections for men, women and children’s clothing, plus sizes, active wear, business attire, a small teen department and school uniforms. Additionally shoes, accessories, books and toys are often available. The best part of the Clothing program is that all items are available at no costs to individuals and families in need.

Similar to a thrift store, donated items are arranged by size, season, gender and age and clients peruse neatly organized racks and shelves for desired items. However, all items are available at no cost, which can greatly impact a family facing financial challenges.

Volunteers who share their time in the Clothing program aim to provide each client with a dignified and specialized shopping experience. Clients who access the program may choose from thousands of different items on any given day and if their needs are not met, special requests are always welcome. The Clothing program has been able to provide prom dresses and suits, christening gowns and even wedding dresses to extremely thankful clients. In the back room where donations are sorted, volunteers can be found with a smile on their face when they find a specific item that a client is looking for, often an obscure size. Recently clients have been happily surprised to find that the program can satisfy their need for rollerblades, cleats, suitcases, Halloween costumes, new socks and school uniforms.

Many of the clients comment on the warm customer service they receive and the vast range of items available. And no matter what a client receives, it is always free of charge. Everyone involved in the program prides themselves on that ability, but it would not be possibly without generous donations from our community. Every year the Clothing program distributes more than 450,000 donated articles of clothing. Even with this incredible amount of items, the program desperately needs new socks and underwear, plus sized women’s clothing and big and tall clothing for men to continue to meet our client’s needs.

By providing our clients with clothing, SFBFS is able to meet one of their most immediate needs. However, the program is able to go much further than that by providing integrity and compassion with the warm respectful shopping experience. Volunteers hope to enhance client’s self-esteem and by offering business attire, school clothing and exercise gear, SFBFS can help open up opportunities to clients that can help them move more quickly back towards self-sufficiency. That noble task is possible with the donations of time and items from our community. The program’s volunteers are extremely grateful and thankful for all past and future contributions.

If you’d like to drop off gently used clothing at our facility, lead a donation drive or schedule a volunteer opportunity to assist in the Clothing program, please visit our Web site for more information.

Change a life with mobile giving

2010-11-17T22:11:36Z

Nonprofit organizations are feeling the tightening of belts as much as everyone else, so staying current with giving trends is critical for every charity.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is no exception and now offers an opportunity for supporters to give via their cell phones. Donors can now easily make a $10 contribution by texting SACFOOD to 20222. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance*. In less time than it takes to log on to a website and enter your credit card information, you can help make a difference for a family need.

You might ask, “What does $10 do?” Well, at SFBFS, it can do a lot:

* $10 = 20 articles of clothing for five people – Clothing program
* $10 = 2.5-day supply of quality, healthy groceries for four families of four (40 meals) – Food Assistance program
* $10 = 36 hours’ worth of formula, baby food and clothing for an infant – Mother-Baby program
* $10 = five art classes for two students – Women’s Wisdom Art program
* $10 = one day of technology-based after-school activities for one child – Computer Clubhouse

Due to the great partnerships with local vendors, SFBFS is able to leverage funds to turn every $1 donated into $10 worth of products and services for the Sacramento community. This means your $10 donation quickly becomes $100 worth of goods and services given to families in need at no cost. Want to see your donation in action? Come down to SFBFS for a tour, attend a volunteer orientation or schedule your office to spend a few hours assisting in programs. It’s never been easier to get involved. More information about SFBFS and ways to help is available online at sacramentofoodbank.org Thanks for making a difference in the life of a family in our community. Happy texting!

*All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at hmgf.org. Messaging and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code “20222”; reply HELP to “20222” for help.

We want turkeys!

2010-11-04T22:36:16Z

Start scouring the circulars for good deals on holiday fixings: It’s time for the third annual Turkey Drive.

Each year families visit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) for holiday food assistance to help make their holiday a bit more merry. This year’s turnout is expected to be the largest in the organization’s 34-year history.

SFBFS is anticipating and prepared to provide food for 7,000 families this year. But here’s how you can help. Drop off a fresh or frozen turkey at SFBFS’ location in Oak Park (3333 Third Ave.) from 4:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. You don’t even need to get out of your car. Just pull up, and a volunteer can unload the turkey.

In 2008, SFBFS put a call out to the community to help collect 500 turkeys. Sacramentans donated 2,677.

In 2009, SFBFS raised the bar to try and raise 3,000 turkeys. Sacramentans turned out in full force dropping off 6,583 turkeys.

With more families to feed than ever, SFBFS challenges you to help provide 7,000 families with a holiday meal. In addition to receiving a turkey, every family will receive a large supply of ingredients to prepare the remainder of its holiday meal.

For the price of a turkey, you can dramatically impact the lives of families in our community. Bring one turkey by. Put the call out to your office and drop off a dozen. Bring all the kids from carpool along and share in the experience of helping others.

Out of town on Nov. 19? Donations of nonperishable or fresh food items are always accepted at SFBFS. Visit sacramentofoodbank.org for more information.

Disclosure: Kelly Siefkin is Communication and Devlopment Director at The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Relive Race for the Rock 2010

2010-07-30T23:49:23Z

Watch the action that took place during the second annual Race for the Rock on June 5, which benefited the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Participants pedaled, scooted and wheeled their way through Downtown Sacramento guided by text message-based clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made Race for the Rock 2010 a huge success!

One week left to sign up for Race for the Rock

2010-05-29T00:42:25Z

There's one only one week left to sign up to participate for the second annual Race for the Rock! See the beautiful jewlery prizes you will have a chance to win, including the grand prize Hearts on Fire $20,000 diamond ring, along with $15,000 worth of prizes donated by event sponsor Rogers Jewelry. All funds raised from this exciting text message-based scavenger hunt on bike will go directly towards the programs and services at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Find out more details by watching our interview on News 10 interview this morning:

To register, please visit the official Race for the Rock website.

'Race for the Rock' and race for a reason

2010-05-06T23:23:31Z

Rogers Jewelry Company is preparing to host the 2nd annual Race for the Rock on June 5, 2010 to benefit programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). 2,000 Sacramento area residents are expected to turn out for this exciting, text message-based treasure hunt for over $35,000 worth of prizes from Rogers Jewelry Company.

Teams of two will race through the greater downtown Sacramento area on bike, scooter and foot in search of clues that will lead them to the final prize. The $40 registration fee for any team includes two race shirts, entrance into the after-party and a guaranteed day of fun. 100% of the proceeds will be given to SFBFS to help in their efforts of serving families and individuals in need.

What: Race for the Rock
Where: Downtown Sacramento (kick-off at the Capitol, after-party at House Kitchen and Bar)
When: June 5, 2010, 10 a.m.
Who: Anyone age 18 and up
Why: For a chance to win beautiful Jewelry from Rogers Jewelry Company.

For registration and more information about the event, including video from last year's event, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

About Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization, serving families and individuals in need, was founded in 1976. Over time, SFBFS expanded to meet growing needs and now offers eight diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS' mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

About Rogers Jewelry
Rogers Jewelry Co. has been helping clients celebrate their stories of love, success and commitment for over 70 years. Rogers was founded in Modesto, CA in 1937 by Harry Marks, a young jewelry professional, and Dr. Robert Moon, a partner with equal vision. These two entrepreneurs built Rogers Jewelry Co. on the foundation of honesty, trust and integrity that continues to permeate the company and the communities they serve. Rogers has grown from a single location in downtown Modesto to a chain of ten stores stretching from Bakersfield, CA to Reno, NV. For more information about Rogers Jewelry Co, visit www.thinkrogers.com.

Media Contacts:

Kelly Siefkin (916) 456-1980
kelly@sacramentofoodbank.org

Sarah Pruner (559) 268-9741
spruner@jsaweb.com

Sac Food Bank to host 2nd Saturday art show

2010-02-02T04:05:55Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is proud to host the Women’s Wisdom Teachers’ Art Show throughout the month of February. Teachers and volunteers who lead classes for the Women’s Wisdom Art program at SFBFS will have the opportunity to exhibit their art, a gift that inspires clients in the program year round.

Designed as a uniquely feminine environment that supports the artistic and personal growth of women in all stages of life, Women's Wisdom Art believes that artistic exploration naturally brings greater self-knowledge. Classes are free to clients and include drawing, textiles, clay, mixed media, poetry, gourd crafting, creative writing and painting with acrylics and water color.

Every day, nearly 20 of women congregate in the Women’s Wisdom Art classroom at SFBFS and are guided by a dedicated group of instructors. These individuals spend countless hours planning projects, searching out supplies and creating an environment that supports multi-level art students in one small classroom. This show will focus on the dozen women and one man who inspire our students to achieve greatness.

What: Teachers’ Art Show
Where: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (3333 Third Ave., Sacramento 95817)
When: February 3-26, 2010
2nd Saturday reception February 13, 5-8pm
Who: The teachers of Women’s Wisdom Art

If you know of a woman who would benefit from enrollment in Women’s Wisdom Art program or know of an artist who would like to volunteer their time as a teacher or mentor, please visit http://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/Programs/WomensWisdom.aspx.A listing of free art classes offered by Wisdom Art and needed supplies is also listed on this site.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization, serving families and individuals in need, was founded in 1976. Over time, SFBFS expanded to meet growing needs and now offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

More than 100 families still awaiting holiday adoption

2009-12-16T00:37:10Z

What better way to celebrate the holidays this season than to get in the spirit of giving! Here at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services there are two great ways that families and individuals can contribute to making the season brighter for others in our community.

Adopt-a-Family allows us to get into the spirit of giving by donating gifts specifically selected for a family in need. Contributors recieve the names, genders, ages, clothing sizes and any specific needs of family members and gather gifts for the family or individuals. Families then receive these gifts just in time for the holidays. This project benefits than 500 local families right here in our community who otherwise could not afford to shop for holiday gifts.

Holiday meal baskets are another great way to share in the spirit of giving. SFBFS is accepting donations of holiday meal gift baskets. The composition of the baskets is up to the donor, from hams to rolls, canned goods and pies. This project will benefit an additional 500 families this season!

Make the season brighter for a local family and share in these projects. Consider collaborating with friends, family or co-workers to adopt-a-family or create a holiday meal basket! If you are intereseted, contact Genevieve Deignan at gdeignan@sacramentofoodbank.org or by phone at (916) 648-8736.

A Big Thank You for your continued support this holiday season!

Happy Holidays from SFBFS!

Originally written by Rachel Marine on the SFBFS blog

Gift drop-off location:

Saca Community Learning Center
2469 Rio Linda Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815

Final weeks of Raffle for the Rock contest

2009-12-15T21:27:27Z

Individuals wishing to purchase a $5 raffle ticket to win a $25,000 diamond ring have just two weeks left. Rogers Jewelry Co. and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) have tickets available now through December 30, 2009.

In June, nearly 1,000 individuals participated in the first annual Race for the Rock, a text message-based scavenger hunt via bicycle through downtown Sacramento. Participants answered historical clues and tracked down hidden information in hopes of uncovering the amazing prize. The event’s entry fee benefited programs at SFBFS. The winners of Race for the Rock went home with a 1.5 carat diamond ring. Within weeks of the event, the winning couple decided to donate the ring to SFBFS to be used as a fundraiser to help families in need. SFBFS is now hosting a raffle for the ring – Raffle for the Rock.

Raffle for the Rock tickets are $5 each. There is no limit to the number of tickets an individual may purchase, but participants must be 18 years of age to participate. Tickets are on sale now through December 30, 2009.

Tickets are for sale at the following locations. Please stop by to purchase raffle tickets, take a tour or learn how to become more involved with SFBFS:

* SFBFS’ Oak Park location – 3333 Third Ave, Sac, CA 95817. Mon-Fri 8-4 (916) 456-1980
* SFBFS’ North Sac location – 2469 Rio Linda Blvd, Sac, CA 85815. Mon-Fri 9-5 (916) 648-8736
* All Sacramento Rogers Jewelry Co. locations – www.thinkrogers.com

These tickets make great stocking stuffers and holiday hostess gifts as the recipient could win a $25,000 diamond ring. More information can be found online at http://www.thinkrogers.com/rafflefortherock/

The Raffle for the Rock drawing will be held January 4, 2010 at 6pm at Rogers Jewelry Company located at 9217 Sierra College Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661, (916) 782-1505.

Several other prizes from Rogers Jewelry Co. will be raffled off as well. Everyone is invited to attend the drawing. The 2nd annual Race for the Rock is scheduled for June 5, 2010.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

Thanksgiving events at SFBFS

2009-11-18T20:16:55Z

SACRAMENTO, CA – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is preparing for the busiest Thanksgiving season in the organization’s history and invites you to become involved. From donating turkeys to jogging through town, Sacramento residents can help families in need this holiday season.

November 20: 2nd Annual Turkey Drive 3,000
4:30am – 7:00pm
SFFBS Oak Park facility – 3333 Third Ave (near 34th & Broadway)

Please drop off a frozen turkey or any packaged holiday side dishes such as potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie filing, stuffing, etc. on November 20. Last year, Sacramento residents donated 2,766 turkeys to this worthy cause. This year, the need in our community is even greater. Please help us provide holiday boxes for thousands of local families.

November 23 & 24: Turkey Distribution
9:00am – 1pm
SFFBS Oak Park facility – 3333 Third Ave (near 34th & Broadway)

Holiday boxes complete with a turkey and all of the wonderful Thanksgiving trimmings collected on Friday will be distributed to families in need starting at 9:00am each day. For Thanksgiving, SFBFS would like to see every family be able to celebrate the holiday together. Several thousand families are expected to arrive each day. With a new layout to increase distribution efficiency, families should be served holiday boxes from SFBFS in record time.

November 26: Run to Feed the Hungry
8:45am – 11am
Sac State – J Street entrance

Celebrate one of Sacramento’s greatest traditions by participating in the 16th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. A 5K and 10K course are available for participants of all ages and abilities. New race route, staggered start times and a universal finish line are some of the exciting changes for this year. A turnout of 30,000 people is expected. Individuals can sign up to participate, volunteer or join a team at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers nine diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 35 employees and several thousand volunteers accomplish SFBFS’ mission of assisting those in need by alleviating their immediate pain and problems and by moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence. Additional SFBFS information is available online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Second annual SFBFS Turkey Drive

2009-11-13T01:54:37Z

Looking for a way to help this holiday season? Consider donating a turkey (or any Thanksgiving meal fixin’s) on Friday, November 20 for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ (SFBFS) 2nd annual Turkey Drive. Last year, Sacramento residents donated 2,766 turkeys to this worthy cause. This year, the need in our community is even greater. SFBFS helps families overcoming difficult times such as employment layoffs, depression, loss of a family member or loss of a home. Volunteers and donors help provide a 5-day supply of take home groceries to these families at no cost, serving upwards of 17,000 unduplicated men, women and children per month. For Thanksgiving, SFBFS would like to see every family be able to celebrate the holiday together with a traditional meal; turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings.

SFBFS invites you to visit the Oak Park facility between 4:30am and 7:00pm to drop off a turkey. SFBFS is located at 3333 Third Avenue (near 34th & Broadway). KCRA 3 will be broadcasting from the parking lot all day with volunteer stationed to unload cars. Please stop by to meet your favorite TV reporter or new anchor and help families in need. All donated turkeys will be distributed on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week to families in need. For more information, visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Run to Feed the Hungry

2009-11-03T22:28:37Z

Lace up your shoes Sacramento, the 16th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is almost here! Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services encourages you to be part of a Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sac State on November 26. This is currently the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country and this year will be no exception. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

For returning walkers and runners, here are a few changes this year that deserve special attention:

* New Start Time: To accommodate more runners, the 10K will begin at 8:45am and the
5K will begin at 9:05am.

* New Course Route: We encourage you to take in the scenery on our new courses
through mid-town and the fabulous 40s.

* One Finish Line: Instead of 2 separate finish lines for 5K and 10K, all participants will
now cross one finish line. With a larger space for finishing, we’re hoping to
prevent a bottleneck.

Registration is now open. $35 per adult and $20 for children 15 and under. Exciting opportunities for teams as well. Not a big athlete, but still want to help out on Thanksgiving morning? Volunteer! Adults 18 and up are needed to hand out cups of water to joggers, direct traffic, distribute t-shirts and cheer on the participants. 500 volunteers will be needed to assist. Really want to be invovlved in some capacity, but out of town or stuck basting the turkey at home? Be a virtual runner. Receive all of the perks such as t-shirt and knowing you are supporting SFBFS, without breaking a sweat.

Information on registration, teams, volunteering and virtual runners is available online at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

We look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving morning!

History of SFBFS the services they provide

2009-10-27T22:43:58Z

SFBFS currently operates two large facilities, in Oak Park and in North Sacramento, serving neighborhoods with families experiencing some of the highest rates of poverty, unemployment and child abuse in the Sacramento area. Over years, the number of programs and services offered by SFBFS grew to include adult education, child development and technology.

SFBFS runs a very lean, grassroots organization with an incredibly efficient, professional staff of 35 and a volunteer workforce of over 4,000 annually. SFBFS continues to meet the increasing demands for services by leveraging donations when purchasing food, baby supplies and reading materials for pennies on the dollar.

Programs

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides free emergency goods and services to nearly 20,000 unduplicated men, women and children each month. All programs at SFBFS are offered free of charge.

Food Assistance - Provides a five day supply of emergency, take-home groceries to thousands of clients every month. Individuals and families in need can receive fresh produce, dairy, grains and canned goods at mobile distribution sites throughout the Sacramento area.

Clothing - Distributes donated men’s, women’s and children’s clothing items to those in need at no charge. Clothing articles include suits for interviews, school uniforms and extreme weather attire.

Mother-Baby - Guides parents in raising children in a healthy and supportive manner. Diapers, formula, food and clothing are provided for parents attending educational workshops.

Adult Education - Provides one-on-one instruction to adults in reading, writing, math, computer skills, resume building and English.

Women’s Wisdom Art - Offers a variety of art classes to women overcoming loss or depression, surviving cancer and helps build self-confidence.

PlayCare - Offers an enriching daycare for toddlers of parents attending classes through Adult Education. This co-operative program encourages parental involvement, interactive games and preparing youth for kindergarten.

Youth Academy - Provides enrichment for elementary-aged youth focusing on literacy and independent thinking. This program encourages academic success, character building, social development and service.

Computer Clubhouse - Encourages junior high and high school students to explore technology classes including web design, animation, basic computer skills and video production.

Rocket's story and amazing journey

2009-10-26T23:31:57Z

This is the story of Rocket and his journey battling a rare form of cancer called Osteosarcoma. Throughout his diagnosis, surgery and recovery, his Mom, Kelly Siefkin (SFBFS Communication and Development Director) kept her friends and family abreast of his progress. Since his surgery, Rocket has become the unofficial mascot for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. He has had an amazing impact on this incredible organization. Rocket has over 50 visitors a day. Kelly truly believes this has kept Rocket going. This is a heart-warming story about best friends.

Friday 2/8/08

After two visits to the vet to address his persistent, 2-week long limp, Rocket is finally diagnosed with Osteosarcoma – a painful, aggressive and fatal form of bone cancer.

Saturday, Sunday & Monday

I cry endlessly as I struggle with making the decision whether to euthanize him now or amputate his front leg immediately and euthanize later. Neither decision seemed right. Decide to amputate in hopes of temporarily relieving his pain and give us a bit more time together. Prognosis is 3-6 months.

Tuesday 2/12/08

Rocket heads off to the vet at 1:00pm. I receive a call at 11:00pm that he has just come out of 1.5 hours of surgery and did well. He now weighs about 15 pounds less without his front leg.

Wednesday 2/13/08

I receive a call at 9am that Rocket is hopping around at the vet hospital, has already gone for his first 3-legged walk and is now ready to head home. Other than being in complete shock that the surgery went so well so quickly, I’m thrilled. I pick him up to bring him home around 6pm. He has 3 legs, 22 staples, 1 gigantic wound and a lot less hair.

Thursday 2/14/08

Rocket and I worked from home all day. I’m trying to catch up on e-mails as he learns his way around the house on three legs. It is AMAZING how quickly he is adapting to life on 3 legs. He mastered the outside steps immediately and can now lay down easily without falling. Rocket spent most of the day napping outside in the sun and playing with squeaky toys.

I have no idea what the future will bring or how much time we have left together, but our plan is to take one day at a time. We have a few weeks of recovery ahead and we’ll go from there. Rocket and I are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thank you for the phone calls, the deliveries of food, the time to think things through, the squeaky toys, the personal stories you shared, the advice and all the good thoughts. We love you so much! Please keep those good thoughts coming.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Hi family and friends,

Hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd drop you a note to let you know how well Rocket is doing. With three legs and lots of fur, this pup manages to live each day to the fullest.

Last week Rocket celebrated 6 months since his leg amputation. An amazing feat considering Rocket was given only 3-6 month to live. While we know the cancer is not going away and his days are in fact numbered, it's been a pleasure to see him enjoy life as he continues all of the things he loves most in the world - fetching tennis balls, chasing squirrels and going for evening walks, which we now lovingly refer to as "going for hops around the neighborhood." He moves much quicker with three legs than four and my power-walking skills are tested each night as we cruise our favorite one mile loop. I actually heard one neighbor refer to him as "that fast-hopping, three-legged dog." His love for this activity makes me put on my shoes every night and go for a walk - we NEVER miss this time together.

One of the things I feel keeps Rocket going is all the love he receives at work. Within a few weeks of surgery, Rocket began coming to the office with me every day. In addition to the peace of mind I have knowing that he is safe and I can keep an eye on him, Rocket loves the more than 50 visitors (volunteers and staff) who stop by every day to give him a hug and a pat on the head. Rocket actually had to go on a diet because he was getting so many treats in the office! I feel so lucky to work in such a caring and supportive environment and Rocket, in turn, has become somewhat of a mascot and ambassador. We've educated hundreds of people about osteocarcoma and impress many with his ability to jump in the air to catch a Frisbee. At Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Rocket is the newest and furriest volunteer for the youth program. Elementary age children take turns reading books to him each week (check out the attached photo). Additionally, the clients in Women's Wisdom, a program that encourages healing through art, enjoy visits from the tri-pod for one-on-one pet therapy sessions and have even requested him to pose for their still-life drawing class. This dog has a million great friends.

Please come by and visit us anytime, I know Rocket would love to see you. Or we can come to you and I can impress you with my abilities to lift a 94 pound dog in and out of the car.

Thank you for sending your good thoughts our way. You have been such an amazing support to both of us.

February 13, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

It is amazing how time has flown by. Can you believe that one year ago I sent out an e-mail letting you know about the successful outcome of Rocket's surgery? More unbelievable is the fact that he was given 3-6 months to live with osteocarcoma, an aggressive and terminal form of cancer, and here he is, as outgoing and troublesome as ever, one year later!

The past year has been such a blessing. Rocket recovered quickly from his amputation and adjusted to life on three legs faster than I ever would have expected. He soon became a fixture at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), earning the title of unofficial mascot. Having him at work each day is such a joy for me, knowing he is safe and comfortable, but I had NO idea what it would do for him. He quickly rose in rank above me, with people bee-lining to see him each day, leaving me to be the person who takes up space in the dog's office. I'll often come back from a tour of the building to find volunteers cuddled on the dog bed with Rocket or a staff member venting to him about a difficult situation with a client. Lint rollers became as common as staplers on desks and if for some reason the dog didn't make it to work one day (perhaps 3 times total in the past year), I would face the wrath of a upset volunteer. However, the love didn't just permeate adults, it was abundant with kids. Rocket soon became a regular in the After-School program at SFBFS. Elementary aged students that behaved well during the week and completed their homework assignments could earn reading time with the dog, one-on-one.

I'm convinced that the time Rocket has shared at SFBFS has kept him alive and well over the past year. Just like people, I feel animals with incurable cancer can make the most of their situation by surrounding themselves with people they love.

I really want to thank each and every one of you for being so kind and supportive of me and the pup over the last year. I did not think we'd make it this long, but so many of you did. Thank you for your endless good thoughts and prayers. Rocket is the most amazing form of entertainment and joy, thank you for letting me share that with you.

This is an edited version of Rocket's story

Please note: Kelly's last update was February of 2009. It's October 2009 and Rocket is doing great!