My family and I are so excited for Sacramento's annual St. Patrick's Day block party, and we hope that every year we can create a better experience for everyone.   After a year of reflection and many debates, we have decided to add a charitable aspect to our block party. We felt that we had a wonderful opportunity to bring Sacramentans together for St. Patrick's Day, and that we could do so while giving back to the community that has been so supportive of us. This year we have two charity events that take place during our block party on March 17. The 20/30 Club will be raising money for the UC Davis Medical Center Children's Cancer Center, and local firefighters will be cooking the e

Sacramento, Calif. — In an employee-led initiative, Voyage Home Loans donated over eight hundred dollars to UNICEF’s ongoing humanitarian relief effort for children in Haiti. The donations were collected by members of a team from KDND 107.9 “The End” in Sacramento. The contributions were a part of Voyage’s new Social Good Directive, which hopes to promote local, regional, and global Social Good awareness through Facebook in 2010. The project was led by Voyage’s Carly Harrington and Corinne Blackney, who quickly and efficiently brought the employees together and organized the donations in slightly over an hour’s time after hearing about The End’s efforts via the “Wake Up Call” morning show

Continued from Part 1 A limited number of $150 tickets will be sold for a $1.7 million dollar, 4,900 square foot custom Mediterranean Villa situated in beautiful Granite Bay. The grand prize winner may also choose to take home $1.2 million dollars in cash as opposed to the House. The proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California, providing support and housing to families whose children face life-threatening illnesses. The Grand Prize Drawing for the Raffle will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Tickets will not be sold after May 14, 2010. Tickets may sell out before that time. An independent raffle auditor will supervise the drawing. The drawing for prizes is open

With the unparalleled devistation in Haiti, people have been coming up with creative means to raise money for relief efforts despite our dire economic times.  People like Charlie Simpson, 7, from Fulham, west London who set out to raise £500 ($812.25 US) by organizing a bike-a-thon has amassed over £110,000 ($162,450 US) and Lexi Caruthers, 10, from Encinitas, CA who hoped to raise $10 selling hand painted rocks that she gathered over the weekend raised $124.81.  In Sacramento, things are no different; nightclubs such as Punchline Comedy Club and Marilyn's on K have organized benefit shows, Sugar Plum Vegan Cafe has organized a bake sale and now The Coffee Garden is hosting an artwork raff

From October to December 2009, volunteers contributed over 13,800 hours of service at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One of the top contributors during the busy winter season was volunteer Chris Suter. “He worked basically as an un-paid staff member for two weeks,” says Genevieve Deignan, Director of the Saca Community Learning Center (Saca CLC). She is referring to the last two weeks of December, when the Saca CLC collects donated gifts from the community and matches them to families in need through the annual Adopt-a-Family program. Chris organized the distribution of gifts to over 200 families who participate in programs at SFBFS. Chris volunteered every day for the las

Get ready for the 22nd Annual Winter Wine & Food Fest benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Sacramento Convention Center. This premiere food & wine event will once again showcase over 60 exceptional local restaurants and food purveyors and 60 of the finest wineries and top area microbreweries. The general admission tasting and extensive silent auction begins at 5:00 p.m. and continues until 7:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by the Over The Edge Band. For an additional cost, the evening continues on with a special VIP Program that also includes an exclusive live wine auction and runs from 7:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event is attended by more than

In response to the recent 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, the United States has reacted quickly to raise funds and send assistance. There are organizations across the country providing assistance and Sacramentans are also responding quickly to the devastated country's call for help. On Friday, Jan. 15 Sutter Health Systems announced that it will be donating $1.25 million to Haiti relief. The majority ($1 million) of the donation will go towards Doctors Without Borders and the rest will be used to fund medical supplies and fill cargo boxes with supplies. Another large company, has made it easy for customers to donate by setting up collection boxes at check stands throughout the company

As the rain came in with the cold front, News 10, Swansons Cleaners and The Salvation Army were on hand to deliver coats to those without. Wednesday marked the 19th annual Coats for Kids, and this year's drive raised over 33,000 coats that were handed out all over the region. Eight distribution centers were scattered from Stockton to Lodi, Fairfield to Roseville and Cal Expo. 15,000 coats were handed out at the Cal Expo distribution center alone. "This is our largest center by far," Sacramento County Salvation Army Coordinator David Bentley said. "By comparison, the Roseville center will only hand out approximately 1,500 coats." Long lines wrapped around makeshift rows at Cal Expo buil

Danny Glover, Bobby Jackson, Mark S. Allen and Deon Taylor spent their Sunday spreading holiday cheer to families at the Country Club Plaza on Watt Avenue. They were among volunteers distributing holiday bags, complete with turkey and stuffing, to 500 single-parent families. Glover is familiar with Sacramento, having grown up in the Bay Area. The actor and activist said his parents always worked two jobs when he was growing up to provide for him and his brothers. "It feels good to hand out the meals," he said as he handed a turkey to another family. Glover has starred in over 40 movies. "More and more families are struggling, living off of credit, hoping for a period of prosperity. This

This is it... Sacramento's hottest party of the season is happening tonight! With all this party has to offer, it truly is an extravagant affair that will NOT disappoint. If you don't have a ticket yet, buy it now! 23rd Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza to benefit Diogenes Youth Services TONIGHT Thursday, December 17, 2009 7:30pm - 11:30pm Show: 8:30pm Niello Audi Dealership 2350 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento Tickets: $60 in advance, $75 at the door Buy Tickets Online ***Formal attire please*** FEATURING: Live Music by Utz! and the Shuttlecocks, covering decade hits from artists like Madonna, Dr. Dre, The Killers, and J.T. Gourmet food provided by local restaurants Tuli, Zocalo, Kru, Rail

The 23rd Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza benefiting Diogenes Youth Services is made possible by generous contributions from the following sponsors and partners. Event Sponsors brought to you by Sacramento Press Gold Donation Level: Hefner Stark & Marios Scott Gregory Scott Mullan Baird Wealth Management Sevey, Donahue and Talcott Personal Injury Attorneys Finish Line Mel Rapton Honda Silver Donation Level: Bicker, Castillo & Fairbanks Porter-Scott Culinary Contributions: Railbridge Cellars Tuli Zocalo Hot Italian Kru   All proceeds from this event go to Diogenes Youth Services. For more than 40 years, Diogenes Youth Services has cared for runaway, homeless and

Danny Glover and Bobby Jackson are teaming up to help feed hungry families. All over our region, families are faced with the possibility of spending the holidays without a holiday meal. This weekend, 500 single-parent families have the opportunity to receive a free holiday meal. On Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Country Club Plaza. Along with Glover and Jackson will be TV personality Mark S. Allen, distributing meals for each family will be able to take home and enjoy. Meals include turkey, green beans, stuffing, and other side dishes. The meals will have to be cooked at a later time by the families who receive them. According to Diana Erwin, representative for Deon Taylor Enterprises, t

The 23rd Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza will feature free food from a multitude of hip Sacramento restaurants and establishments.  Tuli, Zocalo, Hot Italian and Kru will all be at the party serving delicious appetizers plus, Rail Bridge Cellars will offer wine tastings. This is heaven for the gastronomically inclined! If you just want to fuel properly before you hit the dance floor, that can be easily accomplished too. Do not miss this unique opportunity to sample so many culinary creations in one place, knowing its all for a good cause. Food is included in the ticket price ($60 in advance, purchase online) and proceeds benefit at-risk youth in Sacramento.          

Here at Diogenes Youth Services we believe that every youth deserves a Merry Christmas. While other teens her age will be enjoying the season with their families at home, Sarah finds herself literally “left out in the cold.” Please take a minute to read Sarah’s Story. Forced to leave an abusive and violent family environment, 15 year old Sarah had no place to turn. She eventually landed on the streets of Sacramento, homeless and frightened. Although living at home had become unbearable, she soon learned that life on the street was far worse than expected. Her life quickly began to spiral downward, she dropped out of school and soon she became victimized and exploited. She was severely ma

You're invited to the 23rd Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza benefiting Diogenes Youth Services. One of Sacramento's hottest holiday events. Whether you want to meet new Sacramentans, celebrate the holidays in style, or help at-risk youth in the Sacramento area, this event is not to miss. The party includes: Catered Appetizers from Tuli, Zocalo, Hot Italian and Rail Bridge Cellars Live Music by Utz and the Shuttlecocks Valet Parking A Full no-host Bar Fashion Show presented by A&A Music Events Special Performance by Sacramento Kings Dancers When: Thursday, December 17, 2009 7:30pm - 11:30pm Where: Niello Audi Dealership (2350 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento) Tickets: $60 in advance,

About 60 community members gathered at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services last night to make the holidays a little bit brighter for Oak Park's children.   The Oak Park Neighborhood Association has collected 300 toys for its Oak Park Toy Give-Away, which began Nov. 22 and will continue until Dec. 18. "Imagine knowing that you may not receive a gift...Kids everywhere look forward to the thrill of opening gifts and we want to make sure that kids in Oak Park get to experience the excitement," said board member Michael Boyd, "Even more importantly, we want them to know they live in a community that cares about them; a community that values them, and a community that will help them."

There is no doubt that businesses in general have suffered through our ever-changing economy. Businesses on multiple levels have had to make sacrifices; downsizing, cutting salaries, furloughing, laying off, and certainly cutting expenses.Small business, especially in Sacramento, is no exception. One expense that seems to be a commonality, is the Company Holiday Party. Historically, no matter how large or small an office or business is, company's have celebrated the holidays and their accomplishments with their partners, employees, and sometimes, vendors and customers. It is a time when people put work aside, and come together over food, drinks, entertainment and memories that often survi

With 6,592 turkeys collected, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services 2009 second-annual Turkey Drive will make Thanksgiving for many Sacramento families' a bit brighter. Despite heavy rain and winds, volunteers collected turkeys and directed the lines of cars that pulled up to the food bank Friday. As the rain fell continuously, donors stayed dry in the drive-through drop-off while volunteers retrieved turkeys. "I knew I had to donate this year because there are so many people out of work and struggling just to pay their bills," said Roseville resident Karrin Segur. "Everyone deserves to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families, and shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their fami

On Saturday, over 30 Democrats and friends helped build a house for a Sacramento family. When the team arrived, they found an empty lot, with only a concrete foundation and piles of lumber that would soon become the walls of a home. By the end of the day, the structure of a home had replaced the empty lot. Event organizer, James Schwab said, "We helped to build a house but we also built friendships and relationships that will help us build a better Sacramento in the future." The cold, foggy morning did not dampen the volunteers' spirits. After touring a recently completed nearby home, the team received instructions from site supervisor, Terry Hardin and set to work building a new, LEED c

Three local non-profit organizations were featured in a Sacramento Social Media Club panel on Tuesday evening hosted by the Sacramento State College of Continuing Education. The panel included Celia Cortez, Projects and Event Manager for the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Jordan Blair, Board Member for River City Food Bank; and Jon Benorden, Program Coordinator for the Center for AIDS Research, Education and Service (CARES). Lesley Miller, Media Director for 3Fold Communication, also sat on the panel. Moderator Josh Morgan, principal at Morgan/Dorado and program director for the Sacramento Social Media Club, focused the discussion on how non-profits are using social media to educ