Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "charity"

Eateries and "Drinkeries" wanted for Sacramento Chef Challenge

2012-01-18T19:00:41Z

2012 marks the tenth anniversary of our region’s premier culinary competition the Sacramento Chef Challenge, and organizers are inviting local restaurants, wineries, breweries and specialty shops to showcase their fare at the June 23rd event.

The Sacramento Chef Challenge is a culinary extravaganza featuring two live cooking competitions, lavish food, wine and beer sampling, live music, raffle prizes and more. The event is expected to draw a crowd of over 1000 guests in celebration of INALLIANCE, a local nonprofit that has provided support to people with developmental disabilities for 60 years.

“Our vendors draw a huge crowd each year by providing a variety of samples to our guests,” says INALLIANCE Executive Director Diana DeRodeff, "It is a great way for both fledgling and established companies to connect with community members, while supporting the organization.” Most event booths are free of charge, and vendors have the opportunity to win prizes.

The Sacramento Chef Challenge will see some exciting changes for 2012, including live entertainment and a new venue. The event will be held outdoors at INALLIANCE, where both vendors and guests will have a little more room to move. “We have just outgrown our old venue,” says DeRodeff, “And, we are eager to share our beautiful campus with the community.”

INALLIANCE has been in the Sacramento area since 1952, but few people know about the nonprofit’s work, because they tend stay in the background promoting the abilities of their participants. The programs INALLIANCE provides to people in the community focus on independence, quality of life and choice. “People with developmental disabilities are very capable. When given the opportunity they flourish, and that makes for a happier and a healthier community,” says DeRodeff.

The Sacramento Chef Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 beginning at 4:30pm, and tickets are only $25. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or purchasing tickets, visit www.chefevent.com or call 916-381-1300 x 170.

Disclosure: Jessica Bean is an employee of INALLIANCE

The SPCA & kennels of camp kindness

2012-01-05T23:46:03Z

My long lived neighbor and companion, Timothy Murray, adopted his first dog "Maxwell Smart" from a shelter none other than God's SPCA, Church of Christ. Un doubly he has never needed him more each day. After two years with this special companion; the wired haired terrier and him has never felt more an item.

It was no non-sense considering an adoptive pet request program offered by the little church of Rio Linda. Evidentiary, the Pet Programs were suitable for SPCA torts reform and due process; because it was easy to cleave to dog repair and salvation. I welcome those opinions of who maintain advertising still is needed in this system to keep a steady and consistent draconian function.

At camp kindness adults, seniors, and the disabled have opportunities to enrich their experiences through Hodge podgy with animals so they can draw on the natural qualities of interbreeds.. Yes, open door shelters are continually seeking animals in need. Liberally avoiding euthanasia they are more than a kennel; they’re a home.

The society for the prevention of cruelty to animals surely made me thoughtful. At last there were animals that found placement in counties of Sacramento; including Placer, Yolo, & El Dorado and even stories of success of its adopter’s over our charitable networks.

My Deacon has auspiciously prepared me to choose from an established variety of Pets required by the SPCA to offer more hope for the way of the world and the perfunctory of evidence of co-commitments during dog redemption. But, success of matching recipients to adoption pet programs is the best way to foster and alert children to the benefits of learning with animals.

The Business of Animals
Animals out in Flock
Seek out only stares from dark
Hoping for a Knowles too fake
There Business is keeping their Tone.

Many people today, have trouble communicating without the help of “salt”, implicitly meant to add seasoning to our filtered lenses. My Medical Doctor, Bill Eng M.D., states though rather subjectively, “all pets enhance the sense of well-being and in many people with health related issues.”

Truth of the matter, Life is always fair and it always matters. That’s why we should fix to stay in important company. I do notice the change in wealth associated in a Pet Companion! For practical purposes, the dog is a good listener.

In only 2012, we will have more access to Estate Planning, Micro chipping, Licensing, Spaying, Neutering, & even Vaccinations; a quandary begins in estate planning. Aggressive animals can’t be micro chipped, licensed, or vaccinated. But animals which are altered as though spayed or neutered are to be tagged for census practical purposes. A Cornell University Lab suggests that some vaccinations help protect dogs from kennel cough.

Love is defined as in wikipedia as a emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. Love is also a virtue representing all of human, kindness, compassion, and affection; and "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another." Animal nabbing is safe, innocuous, and like the kennel cough; it’s a notice to revelation in a troubled mind.

With the abridging of the gap between virtue and kindness; my perspective is maintained through the objectivity of my lens often placed in authority by an Administrative Law Judge, henceforth Joseph L. Russell, Sr. I can willingly give value when I say “He as a church Deacon provides services for our social climate and engineers miracles pursued by the pet return, pet kindness, and pet repair fortunes.”

Disclosure: I have several friends with adoptive pets and take value of the reward they receive from the fellowship of great companion love fettered by the mate of a phyla breaded.species.

Limitations not stopping their bell ringing efforts

2011-12-10T17:36:46Z

“It’s getting cold out here.”

Kelsey Cottle uttered this while ringing The Salvation Army bell outside Macy’s at Sunrise Mall. Yet her fellow bell ringers did not care--they were having the time of their lives.

“Yeah, they’re having fun,” Cottle said.

Meet Carl Virgin and Eulogio Lizarraga--the jubilant bell ringers. Both have cerebral palsy and are confined to wheelchairs, but they do not let it deter their efforts to give back.

“It just a good time for them to get out and people to see them,” said Cottle, who is Carl’s personal attendant through S.T.E.P. (Strategy To Empower People) services. “It’s great that they get to see them so happy and that they can do this (volunteer) like everybody else.”

Cottle recruited Carl for the bell ringing opportunity last year.

“My church talked about a need to volunteer in your community,” she recalled. “So I thought of him (Carl). I came to him and his roommate at that time about ringing the bell, and they were very receptive to that idea. I talked to their families and the people from S.T.E.P., and they all agreed that this would be a good thing for them to do.”

This year, Carl recruited his current roomate, Eulogio, to ring bells for a two-hour shift, all the time smiling and spreading some holiday cheer to all of those who walked by their red kettle.

“You can tell when they’re happy,” Cottle said. “Even though they can’t use words as much, they can get their feelings across.”

And the donors appreciated their hard work.

“I wanted to come by and say hello to them,” said Theresa, who came with her daughter to donate to the kettle. “It means more to me to see them, with their challenges, volunteering their time. It was great to see (them).”

Cottle said Carl and Eulogio may ring the bell again before the end of this Christmas season. But, without a doubt, they will be back ringing next year.

“We’ve talked about it,” Cottle said. Then turning to Carl and Eulogio, she asked, “Are we coming back again?”

“Sure,” Eulogio said … with a smile.

Disclosure: Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army of Sacramento County. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org or join the facebook page www.facebook.com/salvationarmysacramento

A Dash of Spice and a Hint of Competition Make a Great Holiday Gift

2011-11-30T17:13:48Z

Tickets for Sacramento’s Premier Culinary competition are on sale just in time for the holiday season! The Sacramento Chef Challenge (previously known as the Celebrity Chef Challenge) features a head to head battle between three professional chefs, and tickets make a great gift for the amateur chef, wine connoisseur or food lover in your life.

In 2012, the Sacramento Chef Challenge will be celebrating its tenth year, and in honor of this achievement, organizers are slashing ticket prices, adding new attractions and allowing guests to determine “Whose cuisine reigns supreme!”

Chef Challengers will have three hours to prepare and serve a specialty menu based on a surprise theme. Guests will have the opportunity to sample the dishes and vote for their favorite. The event also boasts a lavish food, wine and beer show, where guests can sample from a variety of regional vendors. If all of this isn’t enough, the 2012 Sacramento Chef Challenge will include a Cake War pastry chef competition, live music, silent auction and raffle.

The Sacramento Chef Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2011 from 4pm-9pm at 6950 21st Ave in Sacramento. Tickets are $25 per person and all proceeds go to support INALLIANCE, a local nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities. For more information visit www.chefevent.com or call 916-381-1300 x 170.

Disclosure: Jessica Bean is employed by INALLIANCE

Photo essay: 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry

2011-11-24T21:27:33Z

Thousands of Sacramento participants toughed out the rain this Thanksgiving morning as they participated in the 18th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The event is benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

For more information and race results visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Photos from this morning's event:

Run to Feed the Hungry Splashes Through East Sacramento

2011-11-24T19:56:33Z

Soaked turkey hats, rain gear and lots of slogging marked the 18th year of Run to Feed the Hungry. It was wet, but it was wonderful.

East Sacramento Preservation set up a camera at the Y—45th and J Streets, where the 10k and the 5k split. The rain thinned out the throngs, and weakened the resolve of some to peel off the sheets, but the turn out was still enormous.

The charity race is a cultural event in East Sacramento. You can’t watch without a smile and a warm heart, even on the wettest, dampest of days.

Sacramento State Student Fashion Association runway show benefits Autism Center for Excellence

2011-11-24T07:43:36Z

The Midnight Masquerade Charity Fashion Show flaunted a cornucopia of fashion designs and styles – from pop art-inspired dresses to “Star Wars” costumes – by Sacramento State students Tuesday at the Sacramento State University Union Ballroom.

More than 200 people attended the two-hour charity event, which helped raised funds for the Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State or A.C.E., a program by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento that provides socialization training programs for children ages 8-12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SFA donated part of the proceeds from the event in the amount of $300 to UCP.

To welcome guests, while keeping with the midnight masquerade theme, the Student Fashion Association (SFA) members donned black clothing, and some of them wore Mardi Gras-style masks. At the ticket booth, attendees bought the Mardi Gras-style masks for $5 and had the opportunity to get their pictures taken at a designated photo booth.

"It's more or less a chance for other people in the club to get to have more fun with it," SFA member Lacey Taylor, a 22-year-old apparel and design marketing student, said about the theme of the fashion show and how everyone got to dress up and show their creative side.

Hosted by Miss Asia America Sacramento Princess Emily Tang, the club holds a charity fashion show each semester, with a new theme each time. This is the first time club members have collaborated with Miss Asia America Sacramento, a pageant that offers scholarships to women ages 16-26, said Tang, 21.

"A.C.E. is on campus, and we wanted to keep it within our community," said SFA President Cassandra Coleman, 23, an apparel and marketing design student. Coleman added that she really liked the nonprofit organization, because her sister has Asperger’s Syndrome, a similar version of autism, and can relate to the need for such program.

Made up mostly of Sacramento State students, the designers featured on the show included: co-designers Lacey Taylor and Samantha Rachele Hansen, Julia Moua, Irma Tchamourian-Zamora, Nikki Khotpanya, Joycelynn Brown and Tamika Bellamy.

For Khotpanya, 21, much of her inspiration came from Laotian culture and architecture, from the soft lines of the monk's attire to the hard lines of the temples, she said.

"The fabric is hard, but it's not chiffon; it's like a hard kind of fabric, but then it drapes easily around the body," Khotpanya said of the taffeta fabric that she used for designs.

The stylists featured at the event were Anakarina Pimentel, Elisabeth Poulos, Adrienne Deloatch, Gina Sanchez, Fiona Lau, and Jennifer Siopongco.

"A designer takes time and design the actual clothing and the stylist they put together the outfit that fits the model and the over all line,” Fiona Lau, 22, apparel design and marketing student said.

Federico Beauty Institute, a cosmetology school, provided hair and make-up for all the models. Some of the model’s make-up were done by the designers and stylists.

Bellamy, 22, SFA vice president, said her line was inspired by pop art.

"I decided to use bright colors coming from pop art pictures, and then I combined it with a little off-white," she said, adding that the five outfits were introduced at the runway.

Sanchez, 19, a stylist for the show, said the event gave her the freedom to put her own twist to Legacy Boutique's apparel, one of three Midtown businesses along with Heart Clothing Boutique and Denim Spot that were featured at the show.

"We have boutiques from Midtown who sponsor us, and we get clothes from them and outfit models," she said.

"We just feel that their styles mix with what we want to showcase this semester," SFA Public Relations Officer Jennifer Siopongco said.

Audio slideshow by John G. Hernandez

Racing for a Reason: Tony Prakash

2011-11-22T19:19:32Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is this week!

Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask a handful of different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.

There is still time to sign up to participate and help keep this the largest Thanksgiving Day run in the country. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register. We hope to see you there!

Name: Tony Prakash
Occupation: Real Estate

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Tony Prakash: It's been four years now.

SP: How many people do you run with?
TP: One to five.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
TP: Yes, I run [regularly].

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
TP: The cause is such a great cause. Just like many others that are out there, [SFBFS] is special based on its beliefs and what it does for the community; helping others who are less fortunate than us. My belief is that everyone should be equal. We should what we can to make [everyone] feel just as important. No one should ever be faced with hunger and experience poverty.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
TP: I cant pick just one, I love every aspect of the event!

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
TP: All of them that I have are fantastic.

SP: If you could make one wish this Thanksgiving, what would it be?
TP: It probably sounds corny, but to end poverty.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
TP: The gift of life!

Local charities welcome all to share Thanksgiving dinner

2011-11-22T07:59:54Z

Thanksgiving is a holiday for community, sharing and, of course, a bountiful feast. Thanks to several local organizations, even those who aren’t able to afford a turkey dinner with all the trimmings this year can still enjoy a free meal. All are invited to come, fill their plates, and be grateful for warm turkey on a cool November day.

Below are nine charities and churches hosting Thanksgiving dinner this week. If you know of any others, please add to the list in the Conversation section. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sacramento Loaves & Fishes

When: Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: 1321 North C St.
446-0874

Sacramento Loaves & Fishes will serve a Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a slice of pumpkin pie.

Everyone who comes to share the meal will also receive a pair of socks.

Loaves & Fishes, a private charity, has provided service to the needy since 1983. In addition to feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless, Loaves & Fishes also offers services including mental health counseling, schooling for homeless children and a medical care clinic.

“This year, we’re serving a lot more meals, so we’re expecting a large turnout on Thanksgiving,” said Justin Wandro, office manager at Loaves & Fishes.

According to Wandro, the event typically draws more than 800 people, but those attending need not worry about long lines. The dining room at Loaves & Fishes holds up to 100 people at a time, and volunteers will be on site to call groups from the waiting area to dinner.

Information about the programs and services offered by Loaves & Fishes will be available at Tuesday’s Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving Dinner/Coats & Blankets giveaway

When: Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Oak Park Community Center, 3425 Martin Luther King Blvd.
452-5052

The Shiloh Baptist Church has been collecting food, coats and blankets for its eighth annual Thanksgiving dinner, which will take place Wednesday.

Last year, more than 600 people gathered for the event at the Oak Park Community Center.

Roosevelt Noble, a deacon and member of Shiloh Baptist Church, said there will also be live music, a puppet show, and performances by praise dancers from the congregation.

“It’s a real fellowship for the community of Oak Park, feeding the hungry and handing out coats and blankets to those who need them,” Noble said.

People to People’s Thanksgiving Dinner

When: Thursday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Pannell Meadowview Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Road
808-6680 ‎

People to People will host a special Thanksgiving event, complete with a restaurant-style meal and live entertainment, on Thursday.

According to Diann Cohen, one of the founders of the nonprofit organization, People to People has served Thanksgiving dinner to more than 10,000 people in 15 years.

Two Elk Grove families came together to create People to People. For their sole annual event, Cohen said the nonprofit enlists the help of the Elk Grove Lions Club to staff the kitchen. More than 50 additional volunteers will be on hand to serve dinner to guests.

Cohen, who is maitre d’ for the event, said that instead of the typical buffet line, the community center will be set up like a restaurant. Volunteer waiters will take orders, and guests are invited to customize their meals.

There will even be a choice of two pies: apple or pumpkin.

Dan Chan the Magic Man, Kat the Acrobat and local performer Bosco will provide on-stage entertainment in the dining room throughout the entire meal, and magic tricks will also be performed in the waiting area.

Cohen, who recalls charity Thanksgiving meals from her childhood, said she wants people to look forward to coming because they’re invited to a special event.

“When you have all these activities going on,” Cohen said, “you don’t feel like you’re there as a charity case. They really make Thanksgiving fun for the kids and the kids at heart.”

People to People plans to cook 40 to 50 turkeys for the 1,250 people expected this Thanksgiving.

The Salvation Army

When: Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Salvation Army's Center of Hope, 1200 North B St.
441-5267

The Sacramento Salvation Army will host a turkey dinner with all the trimmings on Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s an annual event that everyone looks forward to,” said Sydney Fong, a public relations director for the charity organization.

The Salvation Army has a long history of offering holiday meals in Sacramento. It has been a tradition since 1885. This year, they are expecting about 500 people to come and share the Thanksgiving feast.

The event is open for all to attend, and Fong added that the meal provides an important opportunity for community connection.

“I think not only the individuals who receive the meal get something out of it, but also the people who serve the meal – they truly get something out of it as well,” Fong said.

Cordova Neighborhood Church

When: Friday at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Cordova Neighborhood Church, 10600 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova
635-5992

The Cordova Neighborhood Church hosts a free meal on the third Friday of each month. Every November, the tradition falls the day after Thanksgiving.

More than 100 people are expected to share a turkey dinner at the church this Friday, a turnout that church Office Manager Roberta Miller said is only slightly higher than usual for their monthly meals.

“Our church is very community-minded,” said Miller, who explained that the church takes the doctrine “love your neighbor as yourself” very seriously.

“We are glad to feed anybody that’s hungry,” Miller said.

Several churches in the area combine their efforts and resources to make each meal possible, including the First Baptist Church of Rancho Cordova, Cordova Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church of Rancho Cordova.

The following will also host a free Thanksgiving meal:

St. John Missionary Baptist Church
When: Tuesday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: 2130 Fourth St.
446-7198

Saint Philomene Catholic Church
When: Tuesday, at 6 p.m.
Where: Saint Philomene Catholic Church, 2428 Bell St.
481-6757

St. John’s Lutheran Church
When: Wednesday, from noon - 3 p.m.
Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church,1701 L St.
444-0874

St. Ignatius Loyola Parish School
When: Wednesday from 6 - 7 p.m.
Where: St. Ignatius, 3245 Arden Way
482-9666

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

Social Media Best Practices for Charities draws crowd

2011-11-15T15:26:09Z

The Urban Hive was filled with nearly 100 representatives from local charities and non-profits at the Sacramento Social Media Club’s “Social Media Best Practices for Charities” last Tuesday.

The event, hosted by Clay Nutting, director of Concepts 4 Charity and account executive for 3Fold Communications, inspired attendees to use social media outlets, such as Twitter, Facebook and Youtube to spread their message, raise funds and increase public awareness of their cause in order to promote social change.

Panelist Julie Bornhoeft, director of development and community relations for WEAVE, Inc., advised the audience that beginning to use social media is quite simple – you must have a presence, be genuine and have a goal. Panelist Misty Avila, eAdvocacy coordinator for Aspiration Tech agreed.

“When you’re a person online, you get why you’re online. When you’re an organization online, you have to have a goal,” Avila said. “If you don’t have a goal, it’s not a problem, but how do you know if what you’re doing is working?”

When organizations develop social media goals, often their focus is on their number of followers. Panelist Chris Brune, director of creative services at Macer Media (Sacramento Press), for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, said focusing on that is a mistake.

“The quantifiable measure is often how many followers you have. I hate that. Dislike,” Brune said. “We’re saying it’s quality not quantity that matters.”

For panelist Kate Towson, Americorps VISTA with Sacramento Steps Forward, said her main priority in social media use is sharing.
After recently learning the beauty of retweeting and sharing the material of others, Towson said she now shares what other people are talking about and they share what she’s discussing.

“When you congratulate your partners on the work they do, it really reflects well on your agency,” Towson said. “It would come back to me, because folks would share what I’m talking about. It’s definitely karma right there.”

Although it may seem intimidating to begin social media, Brune said you just have to jump in.

“You can’t break Twitter – just start your conversation with whoever it is that will listen,” Brune said. “If you have an inkling of faith in social media, I think you should just go for it. It’s really that simple. You just have to start.”

In an effort to help charities begin or improve their social media presence, the Sacramento Social Media club is hosting a social media tune-up workshop tonight at the Urban Hive from 6-to-8 p.m. At the tune up, 20 local charities will be matched with marketing practitioners and agencies for one-on-one reviews.

For more information about tonight’s tune up, email smcsacto@gmail.com. To see more from the Social Media Best Practices for Charities panel, check out the Sacramento Social Media Club’s Ustream page to view the video.

###

About the Social Media Club: The Sacramento Social Media Club was founded in March 2009 by local social media activists. Its monthly events bring together journalists, publishers, students, communicators and other interested collaborators to facilitate discussions about the key issues facing our society as technologies transform the way we connect, communicate, collaborate and relate. The Social Media Club’s primary mission is to promote media literacy and standard technologies, encourage ethical behavior and share best practices. To find out more, join their groups on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

About the author: Brittany Wesely is the Associate Community Benefit Health Specialist for Kaiser Permanente, and a member of the all-volunteer leadership team for the Sacramento Social Media Club. Follow her on Twitter @brittanywesely.

Racing for a Reason: Melissa Bierer

2011-11-14T18:42:29Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a couple weeks away!

Name: Melissa Bierer
Occupation: Senior Supply Chain Analyst at Vision Service Plan (VSP)

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Melissa Bierer: I was trying to figure that out when I registered this year. I tried to look back at the team pics, but couldn't find them. I think it's been 6 years.

SP: How many people do you run or walk with?
MB: We have a core group of 5-8 people each year that complete the event together. I pull together a group of at least 10 people from work each year, but we typically complete the event at different levels. In the past, we formed teams of more than 20 to participate in the event.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
MB: It depends on who I am doing the event with, but we typically do a run/walk combo, bobbing and weaving through the crowd. Other times, we walk the entire event and enjoy the company and scenery.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
MB: It's amazing how many people take time out on Thanksgiving, which is already a busy time, to help support the community. I believe in what Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services does for the community and am proud to participate in this event each year.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
MB: Pulling together friends to do the run and the feeling of community within the crowd.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
MB: It was cool when we pulled together teams and they put our team names on the back of the shirts. I liked that they changed to micro-fiber last year. I have used that shirt several times as a layer when snowboarding.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
MB: I am thankful for my friends and family, my good health and having a job that I enjoy. It sounds cliche, but those really are the things that matter in life.

Salvation Army seeking donated turkeys for Thanksgiving meal

2011-11-14T17:23:18Z

Wanted: turkeys or ham.

That is what The Salvation Army needs for its upcoming Thanksgiving community meal.

"We need some additional donation so we can feed anyone looking for a hot meal this Thanksgiving," said Captain Hendrk Sumter, Salvation Army Sacramento County Coordinator. "Every bit helps when we are serving a lot of people."

More than 500 are expected to come to The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter in downtown Sacramento for the annual free meal. The donated meat will used for that day and to feed the clients from the shelter program.

Last week, California State Automobile Association of Northern California helped the cause by donating 31 turkeys.

Information about how to donate:

Drop off location: 1200 North B Street, Sacrametno
Days and Time: Donations accepted everyday til Thanksgiving. 6 am to 6 pm.

Information about free Thanksgiving Meal:

Location: 1200 North B Street, Sacramento
Date: Thursday, November 24
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

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.

Racing for a Reason: Laura Smith

2011-11-07T18:19:33Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

Name: Laura Smith
Occupation: In-Home Care Provider and Social Work Student at California State University, Sacramento

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Laura Smith: I have been doing the run for the last four years!

SP: How many people do you run or walk with?
LS: I usually run with four or five people. Last year I ran with my best friend Kristen, her sister Stephanie, her mother Mary, her boyfriend Jairid, and my boyfriend Jeff. The year before that I ran with my mother Veronica and my grandfather Ron.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
LS: Well, I try and run but it is hard with so many people so it is sometimes more fun to walk and talk with family and friends.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
LS: There is so much need in the Sacramento area that it really motivates me to support a good cause and contribute so that more people can have a hot Thanksgiving meal.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
LS: My favorite thing about the Run to Feed the Hungry is that it is the largest Thanksgiving run in the country. It brings thousands of people together to give back to the community. I love being in the freezing cold early in the morning and seeing all the people dressed up festively in turkey hats.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
LS: I loved the brown shirt with the fall leaves on it. I’m not such a big fan of the white shirts, but I loved the material they were made with last year.

SP: If you could make one wish this Thanksgiving, what would it be?
LS: Well, for everyone to have a fresh, healthy, and hot Thanksgiving meal to share with their friends and family.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
LS: I am most thankful to have a home, a job, and be a student in this tough time. I am also most thankful to share another happy and healthy year with my family and friends.

Sacramento Social Media Club to host 'Best Practices for Charities'

2011-11-04T15:29:28Z

Through their use of Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and other social media tools, many local charities have spread their message, raised funds and increased public awareness of their cause in order to promote social change. In the hopes of spreading their stories and inspiring other philanthropic organizations to do the same, four local charities will be conducting a panel discussion at the Sacramento Social Media Club’s “Social Media Best Practices for Charities” on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Urban Hive.

Moderated by Clay Nutting, director of Concepts 4 Charity and account executive for 3Fold Communications, the event will include panelists: Kate Towson, Americorps VISTA with Sacramento Steps Foward; Julie Bornhoeft, director of development and community relations for WEAVE, Inc.; Misty Avila, eAdvocacy coordinator for Aspiration Tech; and Chris Brune, director of creative services at Macer Media (Sacramento Press), for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

The event will stream live on Ustream starting at 7 p.m., and can be followed on Twitter by using the hashtag #SMCSAC. The event is free, but donations will be accepted on behalf of the Sacramento Food Bank and the River City Food Bank. Donations up to $500 will be matched by CGI as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program.

In addition to panel, the Sacramento Social Media Club will be hosting a social media tune-up workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6-to-8 p.m. at the Urban Hive. At the tune up, charities will be matched up with marketing practitioners and agencies for one-on-one reviews of their social media platforms, with specific recommendations on improvements after the consultation. In order to participate, charities must RSVP in advance.

The Urban Hive is located at 1931 H St., Sacramento, 95811. Space is limited for both events. Click here to RSVP for the Social Media Best Practices for Charities panel. To RSVP for the social media tune up, email smcsacto@gmail.com.

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Racing for a Reason: Tonja Field

2011-10-31T19:05:38Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of Sacramento's Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask a handful of different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.

Name: Tonja Field
Occupation: X-ray/CT/Mammography Tech

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Tonja Field: I've participated every year since 2001.

SP: How many people do you run with?
TF: Every year it is different. In the beginning I would run/walk it with two of my best friends, one year I did it by myself because the race started before I could even locate any of my friends and another year I did it as part of The Sacrament Press team.

SP: Do you run or walk at RTFTH?
TF: Lately I've mostly walked it as I find it more enjoyable to enjoy the scenery and a little more difficult to get my legs moving in the cold weather as I have gotten older, but one day I may want to try running it again.

SP: Do you run or walk outside of the event?
TF: I ran a half- marathon for the first time in March and have run only twice since then. I ran again on Sunday [at the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series] and the last time I'll probably run in 2011 is the Run to Feed the Hungry. I'm a Beachbody coach so thankfully those workout programs have kept me in shape so that I can run these sort of events when I want to and not feel like I am going to die for the cause.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
TF: People going hungry has always been something I've been concerned about. I don't have to know why they are without, I just know that no one should be without food. The fact that this event allows Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to provide so much for so many people is just one of the reasons I participate in this event each year.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
TF: My favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry is the fact that I am getting a little exercise before I consume more food than my body probably needs in a week. Also, even if I am just walking it, the fresh air and happiness around me is enough to make me be positive about the whole day.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
TF: I do have a favorite t-shirt design! I can't recall the year *digging up all my millions of t-shirts* but it was the white one with blue & yellow writing - turkey legs in running shoes. FOUND IT! 2005 :)

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
TF: If I could have one wish (I always make wishes!) this Thanksgiving, it would be for me just to come to the CLEAR realization that all I have and all the people I have around me is enough. I don't need anything else and I need to learn to be content and thankful in this moment. I am getting better with this over time, but it still is a struggle.

Handbag auction assisting Salvation Army programs

2011-10-20T00:43:14Z

More than 200 handbags were up for grabs during the October 15 Helping Handbags luncheon and auction.

Hosted by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, a volunteer group made of local business women and retirees, the event had nearly 500 attendees pack the Radisson Hotel grand ballroom to check out the seventh annual live and silent auctions.

“It exceeded my dreams,” said Laurel Speier, Helping Handbags event chairperson. “You could see the ladies here in attendance had a lot of fun.”

More than $75,000 was raised. All of the proceeds will go to Salvation Army’s programs for women and children in the Sacramento area.

“Many of us here are blessed to have (comfortable) lives,” Speier said, “To not give back would be a travesty. “

Some notable items were auctioned off included: Valentino, Coach, and Michael Kors. A handbag donated by singer Linda Ronstandt was also included in the auction.

Sacramento Cat Hospital to Host Third Annual Pet Food Drive on November 19

2011-10-17T23:50:00Z

On Saturday, November 19, the Sacramento Cat Hospital will host its third annual pet food drive, benefiting Titanic's Pantry (the Sacramento Pet Food Bank). All donations of cat and dog food, canned or dry, will help feed hungry animals throughout Sacramento.

The pet food drive will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael. In addition to pet food, donations of leashes, collars, cat litter, bedding, and other pet supplies are welcome.

"If a family is having a tough time paying the bills or feeding their children, they may not be able to feed their pet," said Dr. Billie Bensen Martin, owner of the Sacramento Cat Hospital. "This pet food drive is a great way for our community to help animals in need all over the city. The current economic climate means that the demand is greater than ever."

"The goal of Titanic's Pantry is to help keep pets and their people together," said Gina Knepp, spokeswoman for the City of Sacramento's Animal Care Services. "If we can help feed pets, people who are struggling financially won't have to give them up."

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 63 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. The 2011/2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey shows that the average annual pet food expenditure is $254 for a dog and $220 for a cat. Titanic's Pantry can help decrease this expense by providing cat and dog food as often as once a month.

Titanic's Pantry was launched in November 2009, when local shelters were seeing more and more people surrendering their family pets because they could not afford to feed them. Since opening its doors, Titanic's Pantry has helped thousands of families throughout Sacramento. Titanic's Pantry is 100% volunteer-operated and is sponsored by the Animal Care Partners of Sacramento, a collaboration of the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

The Sacramento Cat Hospital is a quality full-service feline veterinary hospital that celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2009. Three DVMs (including Sacramento's only Diplomate in Feline Practice certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners) and 16 staff members provide expert, loving care to feline patients. The doctors and team at the Sacramento Cat Hospital are committed to charitable and benevolent activities that make a difference for animals in need throughout our city.

For more information about the pet food drive, contact the Sacramento Cat Hospital at (916) 488-4161 or email info@sacramentocathospital.com.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer of charitable events with the Sacramento Cat Hospital, and also volunteers with Titanic's Pantry.

Don't Give Up - Give Back

2011-10-11T19:45:42Z

After an attempt at a hostile take-over by a large pet food chain, the owner Millie of Trends-n-Treats (a local, woman-owned and operated pet supply boutique) took on a don't-give-up, give-back attitude. Now celebrating six months in their beautiful new location in the Promenade Shopping Center, they have joined forces with Sacramento's largest adoption organization, the SPCA, now offering monthly adoptions with the SPCA mobile adoption trailer. "Trends-N-Treats is better than ever...they continue to add value to the community in which they serves" exclaims Llewellyn, resident of Fair Oaks, CA & client of Trends-n-Treats. "We're all very excited to see animals go to great homes. We have great clients and the match up with SPCA is a real honor," said Brie, employee of Trends-N-Treats. When Millie isn't with her clients or doing an adoption-drive, she's donating dog food and toys to homeless shelters in Northern California. “Your business should be a reflection of the community you serve; we take all aspects of our business, including homeless pets and humane treatment of animals, very seriously” states Millie, owner of Trends-N-Treats. Celebrate the gift of giving love and adopt a dog or cat into your home. Mark your calendars!

Trends & Treats with SPCA's Mobile Adoption Trailer
SPCA Adoption Dates: Oct. 22nd & 23rd, Nov. 26th, & Dec. 3rd (more dates to follow)

Where: 8929 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

For more information call 916-536-0000, email millie@trendsntreats.com or log on:

Trends-N-Treats visit: www.trendsntreats.com

Sacramento SPCA visit: www.sspca.org

Disclosure: Written By: Michelle Buller, customer of Trends N Treats

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.

Invited to our first La Quinceañera: coming out party for a zealous debutante named Padilla!

2011-09-29T03:02:36Z

Leonard and Rose Padilla have always been trusted as great civic activist in the regional metropolitan area. Beginning with his commitment as a Air Force Chief. And co-currently as of the earlier 70's they have not just peacekeepingly worked in Bondsmen ships, but founded the Lorenzo Patino Law School on J Street between 11th and 12th in Sacramento, California. With my understanding Leonard served the public to finally establishing succinct work patterns performed by him to bring justice to law. Their likes include water skiing and river rafting, picnicking, politicking, and gerrymandering, because they have always lived beside the levee' up the Sacramento River. But what comes first?

When I first meet the family I was probably fourteen. They had four children. Two boys; Alejandro & Greg, and one sister my age named Julie, in between. And even at fifth-teen everyone knew she was going to live exceptional. I loved Julie for her directness. She was a character. She knew in advance what was going where, in when to put it there! We became on good terms as I admired some things she would say about me too. Like I like your dialect and your courtesy drawing improving watchtower of malaise!

Two years later, she sent me a beautiful announcement invitation to participate in her La Quinceañera. And that I would be one of several young men that would require rehearsal for a ballroom dance we would fulfill on her birthday at the Red Lion Inn, one evening night in 1983. But carefully until then I was on my talent. I would follow all of my mother’s rules of etiquette and still consider my deportment. I still do remember going to practice twice a week at the Catholic Cathedral downtown on K Street. Back then I was just old enough to drive my father’s car, and park it in the garage across the alley.

One thought I more recently found cherished was my youthful frame of age sixteen which was somehow measured up to be worth pinches and smirks of the ballroom partner I drew attention from. Smile it's me Cindy, long time for you to remember just see if I can fathom to walk in step with you for a while. As I attended rehearsals I unfortunately was rather shy, and only took time out to know my dance partners wishes. But for now I'll say so far who couldn't be as light as I, on your weary toes. My parents were glad to see I had learned so how to bend and not take the Quinceañera halfheartedly, simply because all of the guest in the party were aware that her father was going all out and ravishing her with a classic ‘57 Thunderbird.

Yes, inspite of your days inpiration we were as glad too. You had a way of making everyone in their natural selves and making them feel they matter. Has there ever been a discussion about a Reunion of the Quinceañera and Ballroom dancers. Thanks for your sympathy. It seems like a long time.

People with mental illnesses viewed as America's throwaways underneath the Capital City Highway!

2011-09-26T20:56:27Z

Sacramento's assited adults and thrit frequently dine here at the Loaves and Fishes lunch program known to feed the hungry of Sacramento County. This rose hand has come to provide resources from sheltering to payee compensation since 1984, But not far from Friendship Park in the news this past March of ‘11, the Sacramento Correction Peace Officers have had a problem enforcing loitering of homebound individuals without any shelter. And yes, it was fair to campaign this discussion with a California Highway Peace Officer whose opinion was to protect and serve the majority of its states citizenry. But he honestly demonstrated he didn’t have two righteous points to coffer with his pejorative experiences.

This goes to show you tricky Richard Nixon really was into his House partisanship file. Trust me, when I coincide that I was of the opener, that caring had somehow been demeaned in this justice order and the conviction to serve justice was upheld. Though there are American throwaways, people neglect to tell how and why they continue to lose their individuality which purposefully affects others.

Interestingly today it is bequest to have been maintained, myself useful and not just be a throwaway to America requires my goals to be placed above and beyond most of their limits. Shouldn’t this test fend well in our great country of opportunity land of the free home of the brave? To be unable to network, develop, and maintain friendships because of our element; the need to survive and the need to be seen some one, is telling.

After further consideration of a dog’s self-worth, I have a decided that this news only was lamented by city dwellers, squatters, and people concerned about frequently finding a home. But in noways could a judge and jury in thirteen day make a critical opinion about the trust that I may have unwarranted with the authorities over my life’s span. The question out of the mouth of Sacramento’s finest is “Do you want to build your church on a solid rock that your Christ stand” or “other foundations which are like sinking sand”

With help dissipating from the north to the south, and the Lords breezes in the wind, there is a way to clean up the stench of the shelter left behind by the beggars tending. Carrying on in a step of motivation, I am as wreaked as you too. There is a reward for distinct & contained symptoms. If I am fallen to close to your bubble please don’t let others watch each of us (Schizophrenics) go in into your façade of your faultless America.

Salvation Army opens housing complex for homeless families

2011-09-22T00:42:04Z

The Salvation Army officially opened its new E. Claire Raley Transitional Living Complex on September 20. The 35-unit center, located near I-80 and Watt Ave., will house families who were homeless.

Each family had qualified for this housing program through The Salvation Army’s Family Service Department. All participating families may live in the units from six months to two years. Case workers will work constantly with each program participant to find permanent housing and employment.

The living complex is also a clean and sober program. For those who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, recovery and prevention meetings will be available to them.

The new program is a blessing for 32-year-old Sunnie. She, along with her two children, recently moved into the housing complex. Prior to her participation in this program, Sunnie struggled with drugs and hopping from one shelter to another.

“They’re (Salvation Army) giving me a chance to get myself together,” Sunnie said. “It’s a way to not go down the same road I went through before. I can get my education, get a job, and get back on my feet and not worry about having a place to stay.”

More than $3 million was raised to purchase the property and start the housing program.

“The need for transitional housing for families in Sacramento is huge,” said Major Douglas Riley, Salvation Army Del Oro Divisional Commander. “To keep families together is critical these days. To help them in times of trouble and turmoil, that’s why we are here for.”

Joyce Raley Teel, Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Raley's Family of Fine Stores, donated $2 million toward the project’s capital campaign. The living center is named in honor of Mrs. Teel’s late mother, E. Claire Raley.

“I think it’s going to be a wonderful experience for these people who had such a difficult past,” Teel said. “I’m very proud of this program. I’m glad my family could make a difference, along with many other donors.”

The donation was also made to recognize the work of The Salvation Army, who assisted E. Claire Raley’s family when she was a youth.

“My mother told me that The Salvation Army helped her family out when times were tough,” Teel said. “For some reason, I never forgot that. I just have a great admiration for them. Any disaster, they’re there. It impressed me, and here I am, trying to do my part and give back.”

Seventh annual Suits and Slippers raises money for children's center

2011-09-15T04:58:31Z

Nearly 300 people arrived at Arden Mall’s Market Square at 7:30 a.m. dressed in their business suits and slippers. They had come to enjoy a plethora of breakfast cereals for the seventh annual Suits and Slippers event hosted by the Roberts Family Development Center. Guests were provided with bowls of cereal along with Starbucks coffee, muffins, bananas, yogurt and orange juice.

People marvelled over creative cereal sculptures and enjoyed their breakfasts as Derrell Roberts, co-founder and CEO of the RFDC, mingled with the crowd.

“It’s made people think of the center as a place for kids to grow,” Roberts said, referring to how the event has impacted the RFDC.

Roberts said that the RFDC provides family-oriented services to more than 200 students in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, including ones in North Sacramento, downtown and the River District. They provide everything from after-school tutoring for schoolkids to parenting workshops for adults.

Three school districts, Twin Rivers, Robla and Sacramento City Unified, also work with the RFDC. “We work with (these) three districts very closely,” Roberts said.

People walked around talking with each other and participating in the silent auction, which sold everything from collector comic books to signed sports jerseys. The floor was an array of brightly colored shoes and shapes, with everything from bright pink cats to large racecars appearing on people’s slippers.

Few people were aware that judges were secretly walking among them, looking to find three pairs of slippers to award as the most worn, most creative and the best-looking animal slippers.

The RFDC Youth Choir performed “Uma Familia” as people settled into their seats with their breakfasts.

“Since 2005, this event has netted the RFDC over $350,000,” said Debbie Hammond, who along with Hayes Bernard won last year’s cereal-eating contest and served as MCs at this year’s event.

Roberts said that even more money has been raised indirectly because of the event.

“(Suits and Slippers) has raised another half million dollars in terms of relationships that have developed with the people who have attended,” he said.

But Roberts also said that he believes Suits and Slippers has done much more for the center than just raise money. It has brought visibility, which he said is what the center needs most right now.

Roberts credited the creation of Suits and Slippers to Sharon Gerber, president and founder of Six Degreez, Inc., an event planning firm.

Gerber said she got the idea seven years ago from a restaurant in Los Angeles called “Cereality” that served cereal for every meal of the day. She adapted the idea to fit a fundraising event and pitched it to Roberts, who thought it was great.

Through her many connections, Gerber was able to secure use of the Arden Mall’s Market Square and was able to get General Mills to donate all of the cereal. The milk was donated by Crystal Cream, and Raley’s provided the rest of the food. These donors have been consistent over the years.

The cereal-eating contest has been a staple for several years. The contest involves prominent Sacramentans racing to be the first one to finish a bowl of cereal – milk and all. The winners get their pictures placed on boxes of Wheaties.

“It’s really fun because you’ve got pretty important people in town with milk dribbling down their chins,” Gerber said.

After the Youth Choir performed a rendition of Alicia Keys’ “No One”, the cereal eating contest was ready to begin.

This year’s contest had many of the Sacramento area’s most visible people vying for their place at the top. For the girls, Annale Penny of Fox 40 won the contest with Kix as her choice of cereal, while Leroy Tripette from Intel took first place for the boys, eating Cookie Crisp.

After the cereal-eating contest, the winners of the best slippers awards were announced. Michael Smith was recognized for having the best animal slippers. His slippers were rabbits that could bite down on things. Paula Swayne won most creative with her purple and mop-like slippers, while Patty Cota’s long-loved slip-on slippers earned her the award for most worn. These three winners will also be put on a box of Wheaties.

The cereal sculpture contest was the event everyone had been waiting for. Introduced last year, the contest required contestants to build sculptures made mostly out of cereal. The theme this year was the 10th anniversary of the RFDC.

In third place, “The Loving Garden” by Joy Gee.

In second place, “Mended Hearts” by Arabella Grayson.

In the end, Daphne Burgess won First place with “Stay Faithful and Stay Focused.” Burgess also won last year’s contest.

The RFDC also awarded companies and individuals who have had a significant impact on the center. Recipients included the Friedman Family, General Mills, Jack and Jill of America, City Councilman Rob Fong, and Kathy Henry, a devoted volunteer at the center.

The future of Suits and Slippers is uncertain.

“Sometimes I think events run their course,” Gerber said.

“Every year since the fifth year, we’ve said, ‘We’re not gonna do it. This is the last (one),’ ” Roberts added.

But Gerber did not rule out continuing the tradition for at least another year, saying that it is something that has yet to be decided.

Youngsters help to clean up Salvation Army playground

2011-08-30T23:59:35Z

“There was a lot of weed growing. It was really dirty.”

That is the way 16-year-old Brianna described the playground area at The Salvation Army Oak Park campus.

“Just didn’t look good,” she said.

But that changed on Saturday when Brianna and nearly 20 other youngsters from The Salvation Army youth, church and education programs volunteered to help spruce things up.

In a community event called “Together We Grow”, the kids, along with Salvation Army staff and other volunteers, worked collectively to take out the weeds, plant vegetable seeds and clean up all of the playground area.

“We’re giving young people a good example of working together,” Luisa Lose, Salvation Army community center coordinator. “It’s also great that they’re learning about growing plants in the garden and healthy eating, as well.”

In all, the project took more than three hours to finish, with the youth doing the lion’s share of the work.

“These kids were amazingly focused,” said Rosella Shapiro, master gardener from the Sacramento County UC Cooperative Extension Service. “I was stunned at how interested they were in pulling up weeds and (discovering) the bugs that came from the ground.”

For Brianna, however, this day was much more than just a volunteer project.

“This brought people together and kept them out of trouble. It was also very spiritual because it really brought us closer to God.”

Pour for Prevention benefit for CAP Center

2011-08-29T04:01:30Z

A child is reported abused or neglected every minute in America. The Child Abuse Prevention Center is working to change that.

The CAP Center serves more than 140,000 children annually and manages the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Inc., Safe Kids California, Lift the Children and Prevent Child Abuse California.

Pour for Prevention was a benefit held for the CAP Center that incorporated food, art and, of course, lots of wine, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward preventing child abuse. Over 16 vintners and eateries participated, and 15 artists displayed works in Jon Stevenson's historic three-story home/gallery/special events venue located on 1724 N St.

“Eighty percent of the photography I do is for donation, in order to benefit causes like the CAP’s” said Darrell O’ Sullivan, whose nature photographs of Lake Tahoe and Death Valley were on display.

Outside the home, individuals were given empty wine glasses and encouraged to stroll from table to table in order to fill it.

To complement the red wines, Capital Confections offered chocolate truffles. To accompany the whites, Mama Kim’s served chicken skewers and salmon banh mi.

“It’s been a great time,” said guest Melissa Pagluica, holding up her half-full glass of wine, “for a wonderful cause.”

Walt Gray rides for charity

2011-08-28T18:42:30Z

On August 28th, 2011 Walt Gray and Hope Productions revved-up their engines, at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort for the ninth annual Walt Gray Ride for Kids. Starting at 8:00 am thousands of motorcycles lined-up in the Thunder Valley Casino parking lot in Lincoln, CA and prepared for a beautiful ride to the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

With over 3000 riders raising money for charity it was another fantastic turn-out for the annual event. With a new venue, Thunder Valley Casino and Resort, and amazing weather the event started off with a bang. Walt walked around greeting the riders and making sure to thank everyone for attending. Like in years past, you can tell that this is an event close to his heart.

Over the past eight years the Walt Gray Run has raised over $350,000, with all proceeds benefiting children’s charities. This year, the recipients were: Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, Bikers Against Child Abuse and Hope Productions Foundation.

Hope Productions and Walt Gray would like to thank all of the sponsors and participants of the 2011 Ride for Kids. Without the generous support received throughout the community this charitable event would not be possible.

For more information on helping out or contributing to the listed charities, please click on their link below.

Hope Productions

Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento

Bikers Against Child Abuse

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press.

Volunteers needed for set up new transitional housing

2011-07-27T18:07:14Z

The Salvation Army of Sacramento County is looking for volunteers on Friday, July 29 and Thursday, August 4 to help with the set-up of its new transitional housing facility. The 35-unit complex, located near I-80 and Watt Ave., will provide reduced-cost transitional housing for working families with children.

Volunteers are needed to help unload boxes of furniture, move them into the units, assemble beds and tables, and collect packaging for recycling.

The weather will be warm, but there is a lot of shade outside and air conditioning inside!
Lunch will be provided along with plenty of cold water.
Dress: Volunteers must wear closed toed rubber soled shoes. No flip flops or sandals, please.
Equipment: If you have your own furniture moving dolly, that would be very helpful.

The greatest need will be...

This Friday July 29, 2011
Morning Shift:
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon Shift:
12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Another shipment of furniture will be coming ...

Next Thursday, August 4, 2011
Morning Shift:
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon Shift
12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location:
Salvation Army Transitional Housing for Families
3845 Annadale Lane
Sacramento CA 95838

IMPORTANT: The property does not have signage that indicates Salvation Army.
Look for "Renaissance Court Apartment"

Driving Directions:
Interstate 80 at Watt Avenue
East on Edison , then left (north) on Annadale Lane (map)

To register as a volunter, please visit Hands On Sacramento's website.

A little perspective on Sacramento's Homeless Vets

2011-07-02T03:28:37Z

Ten year old Rachel lives in Sacramento with her parents, Michael andTamera Buller. Rachel loves math, singing, sports, and dancing; practicing and perfecting her dance routine. Rachel has also learned to be giving when it comes to the homeless. “I just tell myself to be thankful that I get to have a nice life” says Rachel.

Rachel's biggest challenge wasn't the desire to help, but her lack of money. Rachel decided to team up with her older sister Michelle Buller, the founder of Robinhooding for Homeless in Fair Oaks, a group that collects and sort travel-sized hygiene items then donates them to local shelters. The hygiene items include soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes and toothpastes; basically anything that you might grab out of your hotel room while travelling. So far, both sisters have been surrounded with support and encouragement from friends and family.

“I started working with Robinhooding for Homeless because I want make things better,” explains Rachel. When Rachel heard that her older sister was doing something for the homeless she started wanted to join her. "All you need is to be mindful of the problem. I want to help the homeless so they can do the things I enjoy doing”

One June 29th, Rachel visited the Sacramento Veteran's Resource Center for a pre-4th of July thank you. Instead of saying it, she showed it. Rachel Buller, with her older sister, Michelle Buller, delivered over 50 pounds of toiletries and hygience items to the shelter. It was an unexpected visit by the young philanthropist who co-runs a small grass-roots movement they call Robinhooding for Homeless. The Buller duo has been collecting these items and donating them to shelters such as Loaves & Fishes, Peace for Families, the Salvation Army, WEAVE, Gathering Inn for, and other local shelters over 4 years now.

"Great program for the young and old to collect the (toiletries), it's easy as cleaning out your cabinets!" exclaims Rachel.

Associated with: Robinhooding for Homeless

Written For: Rachel Buller, we are so proud.

For More Info.

Robinhooding for Homeless: Call 916-342-7807 to arrange pick-up of travel-sized toiletries & donations. Mail them to: 5351 Nugget Rd, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. Email Robinhooding1@gmail.com Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=896#!/pages/Robinhooding-for-Homeless-R4H/132387186833251

Sacramento Veteran's Resource Center: http://www.vietvets.org/svrc.htm

Disclosure: Michelle Buller is the founder of Robinhooding for Homeless

German delegation volunteering at The Salvation Army

2011-07-01T22:47:42Z

A German delegation came to volunteer at The Salvation Army’s Family Services facility in Sacramento on June 30. The visit was set up by the Northern California World Trade Center, which is hosting the three member party.

The group is made up of two state parliament members, Markus Blume and Roland Theis, and the mayor of the town Monheim am Rhein, Daniel Zimmermann. They, along with nine other volunteers, spent nearly two hours creating 342 food boxes in the Salvation Army warehouse.

“People here (the volunteers) are really excited to contribute and help others,” said Blume, member of the Bavarian State Parliament. “We’re really happy to come out and help in some way.”

Sacramento was the group’s latest stop through the United States. The delegation was invited to America at the auspices of the Department of State, under a themed program entitled “Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges in the Wake of the Financial and Economic Crises”. The program encompasses the party visiting five different cities during this tour.

“We see that many in California need the strong work of The Salvation Army,” Blume said. “The Salvation Army does a fantastic job in assisting and supporting the poor and underprivileged.

For Doreen Abbott, a longtime Salvation Army volunteer, spending time with the German politicians was inspiring.

“They’re interested in what we’re doing,” Abbott said. “It was fun for us to share what it is like to give back to the community. They seemed to understand that (concept) and they wanted to be a part of that. It made our time together a lot of fun.”

Blume has also found some encouragement from the tour of the United States.

“We realize that the DNA of America is an attitude of not giving up,” he said. “I’m pretty sure that you’ll see a strong economy recovery sooner or later, regardless of what Washington is doing. That’s because I believe in the people of the United States.”

Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army of Sacramento County. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org or join the facebook page www.facebook.com/salvationarmysacramento

Stuart Little Comes To The Salvation Army

2011-06-29T22:55:03Z

Today, the kids from The Salvation Army’s day care and summer day camp programs had a chance to see Stuart Little. Not the movie, but an actual live production, performed by the American River College Theatre Arts Department.

The performance took place at the Salvation Army’s Oak Park campus.

“It’s great that we can bring this to a warm and friendly environment,” said Tracy Martin Shearer, director of the play. “That’s the thing about the arts; it brings joy, entertainment, education and excitement. We often find that more than half of children watching had not seen a play until our performance."

The latest presentation was part of the theatre arts department’s “Children’s Theatre Tour” in which the performers (consisted of nine American River students) take the show to a local elementary school and education program. Most times, the schools are charged a small fee for the performance, but Shearer wanted to do something different for The Salvation Army.

“We wanted to donate the show for the kids this morning,” Shearer said. “It looks like The Salvation Army is doing a great thing for the neighborhood and for the children involved."

The 50-minute play of the classic E.B. White children’s novel was not your typical show. It was very interactive. Some of the children in attendance were asked to participate on stage or interact with the characters during the play.

“This was a great way to expose our children to the arts and for them to see a live theatre production,” said Sonja Stires, Salvation Army’s Director of Programs for the Oak Park campus.

The ARC students will continue performing “Stuart Little” at least four more times in July at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse. All of those performances are open to the public.

Syd Fong is the director of public relations for The Salvation Army-Sacramento County Operations. For more information about The Salvation Army in Sacramento, log onto www.salarmysacto.org. For more information about the Stuart Little live show, you can call (916) 224-7947.

Grand Opening For New Salvation Army Education Facility in Oak Park

2011-06-23T00:14:06Z

After nine months of construction, The Salvation Army opened the doors to its new Child Development Center in Oak Park today.

The education facility is two stories high and nearly 14,000 sq ft, and it is the home for The Army’s day care and after-school programs.

“To see this come into reality is incredible,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County Coordinator. “We have a new education building that can make a real impact for many families in our area.”

The Child Development Center replaces an old 2,400 sq ft modular building that used to house the day care program for 24 years. A capital campaign was started in 2008 to raise the necessary funds for the construction of a new facility.

“It was not the best time for a capital campaign three years ago,” Bentley said. “But we needed to move forward because of the need in the community. We were very blessed that so many stepped up and assisted us with this project.”

In all, the construction cost $3 million.

The more spacious facility allows The Salvation Army the opportunity for expansion in both education programs. According to Salvation Army officials, the plans are to double the day care and after-school capacity.

“I’m really excited about the possibilities,” said Isa Losè, a mother of two children in the after-school program. “There’s just more room for the kids and more tools for them to learn.”

Since the start of the construction, the day care and after-school programs have been operating within The Salvation Army Community Center. The students will transition into the new building by the first week of July.

Disclosure: Syd Fong is the Public Relations Director at The Salvation Army Del Oro Division, Sacramento County Operations.

Wash Away Domestic Violence

2011-06-21T21:54:08Z

Many of the women staying at WEAVE’s Safehouse have left their homes with only the clothes they are wearing. In their rush to escape they rarely have time to pack essentials like shampoo.

Please help WEAVE provide comforting essentials to the women seeking refuge at our Safehouse.

Help WEAVE Wash Away Domestic Violence. Purchase low-cost shampoo, conditioner, and lotion (an entire set of three is only $12! including tax and processing fee) through our Avon drive and you help in two ways:

1) Provide comforting essentials to the women and children in the Safehouse,
2) Fund life saving programs, because 30% of every sale is donated back to WEAVE by Avon.

300 bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion will meet the needs of WEAVE’s Safehouse families for one year. Please help by making a purchase today. The products will be sent directly to WEAVE.

If you would like to purchase additional products for yourself, please click here.

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Getting Ready to Run

2011-06-07T21:23:22Z

Runners, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts will take to the trails on Saturday, October 8, 2011 when local nonprofit InAlliance hosts the 3rd Annual Gold Rush Fun Run & Walk fundraiser on the El Dorado Trail beginning in Placerville. Participants will weave their way through the Sierra Nevada Foothills in 10 mile, 10K, 5K and 1 mile races along what used to be the Michigan California Lumber Company railway corridor. Following the races, guests will enjoy a Finish Line Celebration featuring refreshments, music, vendors, raffle prizes and awards ceremony. The races will all be chip timed by Synergy Race Timing and all race winners will receive custom medals.

The event is an annual benefit for InAlliance, a local nonprofit that has been serving people with developmental disabilities since 1952. All proceeds will go towards the work and life skills, supported employment and supported living services InAlliance provides to people with developmental disabilities in El Dorado and surrounding counties. Last year, 300 participants finished the race to raise over $8,000; this year organizers hope to double that amount.

Registration is now open online, in person or by mail. Races are open to people of all ages and InAlliance is offering a discount on registration, free raffle tickets and a free eco tumbler to everyone who registers by September 17. For more information visit www.goldrushfunrun.com or email jbean@inallianceinc.com.

Charity Happy Hour Aboard the Delta King

2011-06-06T19:11:41Z

Join WEAVE and TheGridLife.com on June 9th for a charity happy hour aboard the Delta King! Enjoy your favorite drink in a great atmosphere and meet some of this seasons Sacramento Mountain Lions Cheerleaders! There will be LIVE music by Hans Eberbach. This is going to be a good time for a great cause!

Event Info:
1000 Front Street
Sacramento, CA
Thursday, June 9th 2011
6:00PM-8:30PM

Hosted by: TheGridLife.com
Featuring: Sacramento Mountain Lion Cheerleaders and live music by Hans Eberbach

Watch the video on YouTube

Share the event on Facebook

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Rock out for Big Brothers Big Sisters

2011-05-25T03:49:04Z

On Sunday, May 29, more than 6,000 community members will be walking and rocking out to KISS, all in the name of charity. The third annual Walk ‘N Rock, being held at Raley Field, will split all funds raised between their 2011 non-profit affiliates (see bottom).

Last year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento participated in Walk ‘N Rock for the first time and raised $26,000 through the event. This year, they hope to top that and raise $40,000.

Founded in 1963, BBBS Sac currently has 282 active matches and operates on a staff of only 14. Matching Bigs and Littles and providing training to the mentors would not be possible without donations and successful fundraisers like Walk ‘N Rock.

The Sacramento Press talked to President and CEO Rhonda Staley-Brooks to find out why you should rock out on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento this weekend!

The Sacramento Press: Tell me a little bit about your background and how you got involved with BBBS.

Rhonda Staley-Brooks: I was attending school at CSU Sacramento and needed to find a job because my father would not support my social life. Found BBBS on the job line and applied. I started in 1993 as a Case Work Assistant and worked my way through all Program positions to the current position as CEO.

SP: If you had one minute to explain the organization and its mission, what would you say?

RS: Changing the way children grow up today by providing positive adult role models in their lives. These children are less likely to do drugs, drop out of high school or become a teen parent due to the influences we place in their lives.

SP: How did BBBS become involved with Hope Productions/Walk 'N Rock?

RS: We applied the second year of the organization and become one of the partner agencies.

SP: Are there any notable teams of BBBS staffers or volunteers participating in Walk 'N Rock?

RS: VSP was a huge supporter of Walk ‘N Rock last year. This year, “Walk N Rollers,” led by one of our board members, Lynn Matsuda, is making their way up the leader board.

SP: What are the biggest annual fundraisers for BBBS? How much money is raised, on average, during each?

RS: Bowl for Kids’ Sake raises over $55,000 each year and we are still calculating the books for this year and for sure will surpass that amount. Wine on the Waterfront raises an average of $20,000. Big Disco raises an average of $55,000

SP: Why is it so important to raise funds for BBBS?

RS: The funds are critical to our success. It ensures the safety of our children as we put trained professionals in positions to recruit, screen, match and support every child that enters our program.

SP: Why is it so important for Littles to have mentors in their lives?

RS: As mentioned earlier, they are less likely to do drugs, drop out of high school or become teen parents when they have positive mentors in their life. Currently, we have 139 boys and girls waiting for a BIG.

SP: What is something about the organization that the public might not realize but should?

RS: How many part-time employees (six full-time and eight part-time) are employed to keep this size agency functioning. Also, that we are not funded by the national organization. Each affiliate pays local dues to the national headquarters to receive support, marketing materials and other branded materials so that you don’t have to recreate the wheel.

SP: Besides donating, how can community members get involved?

RS: Volunteering in several capacities: Become a Big - 4-6 hours every week or every other week - matched to a child. Volunteer at a special event: As the need arises, we use a database of more than 300 to call upon when we need volunteers for our special events. Become a Board Member: The board is responsible for the oversight of the organization.

It’s not too late to sign up and start fundraising for your own team! Register here.

Read about Hope Productions here.

2011 Walk 'N Rock non-profit affiliates

* Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, Inc.
* Cristo Rey High School
* Keaton Raphael Memorial
* Okizu
* People Reaching Out
* River Cats Foundation, Inc.
* Wind Youth Services

Volunteers Needed at the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival

2011-05-25T00:41:05Z

4,500 women will race in the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival benefiting WEAVE on Sunday, June 5th to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Now in its seventh year, the event is the largest women’s-only run in the region and runners travel from the Bay Area and the central valley to compete. WEAVE needs volunteers! Sign up now!

All volunteers are required to attend a Mandatory Volunteer Training on Wednesday, June 1st from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at WEAVE.

Volunteer shifts run in 3 – 5 hour blocks from Thursday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 5th. Questions? Contact Ashley.

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Nearly 1,000 Attending 4th Annual Homeless Connect

2011-05-24T00:40:10Z

“This suit is not bad.”

Theoplus Dubose-Harvey was searching for some new work clothes on Saturday. He hoped to find the right business suit for the next job interview.

“See, I got some shoes to go along with that,” he said.

Dubose-Harvey believes the new attire will help change his life. Because right now, he is unemployed and homeless.

“Times are tough, “said Dubose-Harvey, a 55-year-old former state worker. “That’s why I appreciate the help I got here.”

The assistance he is speaking of was the fourth annual Homeless Connect on May 21 at Sacramento City College. Dubose-Harvey was one of nearly 1,000 homeless individuals and families who attended this direct service fair.

“I’m thankful for the suit and shoes I got from here,” he said. “This event shows that even under tough circumstances, I’m not alone.”

More than 60 different service agencies and organizations, along with over 400 community volunteers, provided the homeless with access to housing referrals and services; health screenings, including dental and vision screenings; mental health services; Social Security benefits; HIV and STI testing; California identification cards; foot washing and haircuts; bike repairs; veterans services; legal assistance; job readiness and clothing closets.

Homeless Connect was organized by Sacramento Steps Forward.

“We’re delighted that we can make difference in our community,” said Tim Brown, Sacramento Steps Forward executive director. “I appreciate all of our agencies and volunteers coming together and making a difference with our homeless neighbors.”

According to Sacramento Steps Forward, since January 2007, chronic homelessness in Sacramento County has decreased by 50.8%. Since January 2009, overall homelessness has decreased by 15.8%.

“It’s our goal, through efforts like Homeless Connect, that we, as a community, can once and for all end homelessness,” Brown said.

The Salvation Army was the presenting sponsor of the event, providing lunch, food bags and new socks to all of the event attendees.

“It’s an honor to be part of the Homeless Connect event again,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County Coordinator. “We know ending homelessness is not easy, but this collaboration of all the agencies and volunteers shows that the Sacramento community is stepping up to find that solution.”

Tessie is Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-05-19T23:54:57Z

This week’s interview is with Tessie Ernst, who has worked for the Xerox Corporation for 24 years and is currently on a one year Social Service Leave of Absence volunteering her time at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. She enjoys the outdoors, especially playing golf!

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My favorite piece of jewelry is a diamond ring that my mother gave me when I graduated from high school. It was my Grandmother’s ring that she gave to my Mom when she graduated from high school so it holds a lot of sentimental value since my Grandmother passed away in 2005.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Yes, but only as part of the committee that is organizing the event. Next year I plan to participate because I LOVE the Amazing Race.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
It is a fantastically fun event for a wonderful cause. It allows teams, business and companies to all be part of helping the community in a creative way.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
I did not participate but I did see all the great footage of the event and looked like everyone enjoyed themselves.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family services for the year as the Volunteer and Communications Assistant and part of the Race for the Ring committee.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is so much more than food!

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Everyone should come out to participate in the Race for the Ring event. It is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise and be part of the entire experience. Whether you participate in the race or you volunteer, there is still plenty of time to sign up for either one. There will also be a silent auction at the after-party with some awesome items that participants can get at a screaming deal. You can bid on the items and if you win, we can hold the item for pick up at a later date. Don’t let anything hold you back. Going once, going twice,…SOLD!

Volunteers Needed at the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival

2011-05-19T00:10:34Z

All volunteers are required to attend a Mandatory Volunteer Training on Wednesday, June 1st from 5:30 - 6:30 PM at WEAVE.

Volunteer shifts run in 3 – 5 hour blocks from Thursday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 5th. Questions? Contact Ashley.

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Sacramento Cat Hospital Hosts Third Annual Arts & Crafts Fair to Benefit Felines in Need

2011-05-17T22:30:30Z

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend that will also help kitties in need, please stop by the Sacramento Cat Hospital's Third Annual Cat’s Meow Arts & Crafts Fair.

Fair hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael.

All fair proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Cat Hospital Foundation Benevolent Fund, established to provide treatment for injured, sick, and feral cats. Some of these cats require extensive and costly treatment to save their lives. The Benevolent Fund also provides routine physicals, vaccinations, viral screening, food, water, and shelter to the hospital’s foster cats until they find forever homes.

One such kitty is Charlie, who was brought to the Sacramento Cat Hospital after being shot twice; one of the bullets had shattered his left rear leg. Charlie was in need of costly surgery to repair the breaks. Through its Benevolent Fund, the Sacramento Cat Hospital worked hard to raise the money needed to cover the cost of Charlie's surgery with a specialist. Funds were also needed for post-operative care and preventative medicine while Charlie was fostered at the Sacramento Cat Hospital. After being treated and nursed back to health, Charlie was adopted into a loving home.

Attendees at the fair can purchase many handmade, artisanal items including jewelry, beaded purses and clothing, quilts, tote bags, aprons, pillows, etched wood jewelry, cat trees, dog clothing, children’s books, soaps and lotions, scrapbooks and accessories, pet video services, cat dolls, candles, book covers, Tupperware, and much more.

Fairgoers can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win great prizes, including an autographed picture of Tony Shalhoub (star of the hit TV show "Monk"), gorgeous cat trees, feline exam and labwork from the Sacramento Cat Hospital (a $270 value), and more. Winners need not be present.

For more information about the Fair, call (916) 488-4161 or visit www.sacramentocathospital.com. You can also find the Sacramento Cat Hospital on Facebook.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer of charitable events with the Sacramento Cat Hospital.

Sacramento Law Enforcement 5 K Foot Pursuit

2011-05-12T22:39:00Z

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Registration is open now! Click here to get started!

Foot pursuit in progress. Suspect is wearing running shoes and shorts and was last seen at the corner of Broadway and Marina View Dr. near Miller Park. Suspect is on the run and is going the distance heading East on Broadway. Suspect was last seen suspiciously running down the middle of the street. Suspect is unarmed and traveling at high speeds on foot. The suspect is unidentified but has been accused of public enjoyment of running and raising funds for charity.

Come join us for the 5K Foot Pursuit and kids’ ½ mile fun run happening Saturday, June 18th at Miller Park to benefit the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Sacramento. We will have post-race snacks, a law enforcement expo, and an awards presentation for age group winners (top 3). The course utilizes the new bike trail bridge between 2nd St. and Front St., the Riverfront Promenade, the tunnel on K St. between Old Sac and downtown, a touch of Downtown Plaza, and Old Sacramento.

5K Foot Pursuit been added to the Buzz Oates Run Sac Race Series for 2011. Get registered and race your way into the top 10 age graded standings and you can earn some prize money. See all the details here: www.runsacraceseries.com

5th Annual Quattro Cup benefiting Diogenes Youth Services

2011-05-12T05:21:38Z

Niello Audi is proud to present the 5th Annual Quattro Cup, the world’s largest Amateur Golf Tournament.

Date: Monday, June 27, 2011
Location: Catta Verdera Country Club, Lincoln, CA

Time: 10:00am Registration, 11:00am Shotgun Start
Pricing: $160 Single, $300 per Twosome, $575 per Foursome
*** Register at www.nielloquattrocup.com ***

Your registration includes:
• 18 holes of golf at Catta Verdera
• Winner advances to National Final at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Kohler Wisconsin
• Catered Lunch and Dinner
• Complimentary Course Beverages
• Tournament Gift & Fabulous Gift Bag
• Dinner Reception & Awards

This event locally benefits Diogenes Youth Services, a non-profit organization which provides emergency shelter and counseling services to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in Sacramento.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available!

For questions, please contact Cynthia Jamison at 916-752-5991.

Disclosure: Whitney Chamberlain is on the Board of Directors for Diogenes Youth Services.

Fashion and Philanthropy Join Forces During “Girls’ Night Out” Event

2011-05-11T21:47:09Z

Wellspring Women’s Center announced today they are launching a new fundraiser to raise money to support the organization and its mission to provide community services to women and children.

Wellspring’s first annual Girls’ Night Out event will be held on June 16, 2011 at Plaza Five Fifty Five at 555 Capitol Mall in Downtown Sacramento from 5:30pm to 8pm. Event attendees will catch the latest in hot summer fashions with a fashion show courtesy of local Sacramento area boutiques like Serendipity Boutique, Sequels Consignment Boutique, and Runway Boutique.

“We are very excited to introduce a new fundraising event to benefit Wellspring Women’s Center,” said Sister Judy Illig, Executive Director, Wellspring Women’s Center. “We believe we are Sacramento’s best kept secret in the nonprofit community, and with this new event our mission is to educate the community at large about the critical community services we offer to women and their children, as well as raise funds for our important cause.”

The event is also being supported by local businesses that will feature exclusive shopping opportunities in health, beauty and wellness. Attendees will find unique buys from The Pink House, Time to Be Fit, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Nerdy Dog, Lisa Silva Jewelry, Mellow-Me-Out, To Jewels With Love, Maribou Boutique and Salon, Bags U Love and more! Each item sold will help benefit Wellspring.

“AT&T is proud to be a sponsor of Wellspring Women’s Center Inaugural Girls’ Night Out event,” said Tim Ray, Executive Director, AT&T External Affairs. “AT&T has been a long and proud supporter of nonprofit organizations, such as Wellspring, who work tirelessly in our local Sacramento community to provide much needed community services to those in need. With the help of supporters and event attendees, we’re excited to further assist the organization as it transforms women and their children to flourishing members of society.”

Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased online at www.wellspringwomen.org or by calling 916-454-9688 x 205. In addition to the fashion show and shopping, the ticket price also includes access to wonderful raffle items, tasty appetizers from House Kitchen & Bar and much more.

For 25 years, Wellspring has been a beacon of light in a neighborhood known more for its troubles than its triumphs. Programs include a warm and nutritious breakfast meal served five days a week from 7:30 through 11:30 a.m. During 2010, over 45,000 meals were prepared and served largely by a volunteers who travels from neighboring suburbs as far as Roseville, Rancho Murieta, and Folsom, drawn by the unique program which treats people as ‘guests’ instead of ‘client numbers’.

For More Information Online
Web Site Links
www.wellspringwomen.org

About Wellspring Women’s Center
Founded in 1987, Wellspring Women’s Center is a community agency that helps women and their children get from simply surviving to thriving. Services include free counseling and case management, yoga classes in English and Spanish, parenting classes, domestic violence workshops and much more. Follow Wellspring Women’s Center on Facebook for more details.

Dora Lorenzo is a member of Wellspring Women's Center Board of Directors and the Event Committee Chair.

Jackie is Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-05-09T21:58:09Z

This week’s interview is with Jackie Goree, the Database Manager at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. She has been an employee with SFBFS for a year and a half. This enthusiastic and compassionate woman is also a massage therapist who is passionate about travel, recently visiting Paris with her mother.

Participants will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My Tanzanite earrings from Mazatlan, Mexico.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Unfortunately, it's the same day as my niece's graduation so I can't volunteer, but I wish I could be there! I loved meeting all of the participants and the After Party was a hoot!

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
It’s a great way to raise funds and awareness for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The organization continues to impress me with the scope of programs and the number of individuals served each month.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about Race for the Ring?
Last year I volunteered at the After Party distributing water and goody bags. It was fun to see everyone's excitement as they entered the After Party. Everyone was discussing the clues and how much fun they'd had racing around downtown Sacramento. They seemed very greatful to take a break, enjoy lunch and rest a bit.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
As Database Manager at SFBFS, I oversee the tracking of donors, volunteers and clients in our database. I work closely with donors and volunteers to thank them for their support.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
How dedicated each employee and volunteer is to the organization's mission and the clients we serve. The compassion is extraordinary and I love seeing volunteers and staff members going the extra step to make sure families are really taken care of when they ask for assistance.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Race for the Ring is fantastic and I hope there's a great turnout again this year. Please tell your friends and family to sign up!

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

Camellia Symphony: Great Food and Wine for a Great Cause

2011-05-06T04:17:57Z

The Camellia Symphony will wrap up its 48th Season with a “Toast to Music” - Food and Wine Benefit taking place at the Old Sugar Mill Clarksburg on Saturday, May 7th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Funds raised will provide program development support for the 49th Season which begins in September, 2011.

Participating wineries include: Carvalho Family Winery, The Solomon Wine Company,Three Wines, and Brew it Up just to name a few. Participating restaurants include: Entoria Restaurant & Wine Bar, Tuli Bistro, River City Cakes, Capital Confections and many more.

Admission at the door is $40 per person- if you cannot make it to the event, The Sacramento Press will be live-streaming photos of the event from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Photo stream of the event will be through Liveshare, a photo-streaming application available for download to your iPhone or Android smart phone. Photos of the festivities will be uploaded throughout the evening on The Sacramento Press, (www.sacramentopress.com). The photos will appear in this article starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and continue until the end of the event.

2nd Annual Red Shoe Crawl to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities

2011-05-06T00:02:36Z

Midtown and Downtown Sacramento, get ready, as Ronald McDonald House Charities® Northern California will be painting the town red for the second annual Red Shoe Crawl.

Participants can pick out a pair of red shoes, in honor of Ronald McDonald’s trademark footwear, and join the event on June 26 for the premier gourmet food crawl in the Sacramento culinary district. Not only will participants have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of culinary delights from the best restaurants in the Sacramento region, they will be supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

One ticket allows each “crawler” to sample the best of what each participating restaurant has to offer. Registration begins at the Sheraton Grand, and home of one of our favorites, Morgan’s Central Valley Bistro.

After trying what Chef Russel has created for this year’s event, participants are free to venture off at their own pace for four hours. Each contributing restaurant will be offering different combinations of a either a food item and/or an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage designed specifically for this event.

The restaurants in this year’s crawl include 3 Fires Lounge, Buckhorn Grill, Lounge ON20, Lucca, L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen, Mini Burger Truck, Morgan’s Central Valley Bistro, Rubicon Brewing, Sapporo Grill, TreyBcakes, Yogurtagogo, Zocalo and Mama Kim on the Go.

With the combination of places to visit, there is surely something for everyone. For those who have a meat craving enjoy a stop at the Buckhorn Grill, as they are known for their incredible uses of tri-tip, serving great chicken and salmon dishes. Maybe it is a menu that draws inspiration from Europe and Asia, enjoy then a visit at 3 Fires Lounge. To cure that sweet tooth, Yogurtagogo offers a fun way to create frozen yogurt perfected just the way the customer pleases.

Don’t be surprised if the Mini Burger Truck and Mama Kim on the Go make an appearance along the walk. Both are recent additions to the Sacramento area, and now is the chance to take a taste of their delightful menu items.

Each of the restaurants varies in food style and atmosphere, yet they all share their common thread of location and excellence. Although the crawl ends at 5 p.m., it doesn’t mean the celebration has to stop.

An after-party following the crawl at the L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen kicks off at 5 and will continue until 7 p.m. that evening. The L Wine Lounge offers a vast assortment of wines, and finding one (or 10) that suite your palate is an effortless and enjoyable endeavor. Partner this with live music and a silent auction, and this is the perfect end to a perfect day.

Don’t miss out, as this event will sell out. Ticket can be purchased at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California website. Single tickets are $50, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The Sacramento Ronald McDonald House is devoted to providing comfort and support for families who desperately need assistance as they try to maintain strength and hope in the face of medical crisis. Each of these families come from a different background and has children suffering from a multitude of illnesses and injuries.

Regardless of the situation that led them to their stay at the House, the common thread among these families is that they each need a safe and stable place to rest and regroup.

The benefits received from their stay at the House allow them to focus on the care of their child and the relief of the pressures of searching for temporary housing and the costs associated with them. The interaction that families have with one another is also extremely powerful, as they find strength with their “neighbors,” as they are experiencing similar situations.

All proceeds benefit the children and families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California.

Please contact Stephanie Spees at (916) 734-4230 or sspees@rmhcnc.org for further information.

*Disclosure Stephanie Spees is the Community Relations Coordinator for the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House.

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'!

Pat is Racing for a Reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-05-02T19:29:58Z

The third annual Race for the Ring is coming to Sacramento on May 21, 2011. This text messaged based treasure hunt on bike through downtown Sacramento is sponsored by Rogers Jewelry Company 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.

Today's interview is with Pat McManus, a volunteer from last year’s event. Pat was born in the Midwest, but moved to Sacramento in 1987. She and her husband began volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in 1989. Upon retirement, the pair became very involved with programs such as Sunday Lunch with her husband volunteering five days per week for 10 years until he passed away. Pat came back to volunteer on her own in 2006 and has been helping in Food Assistance and with other volunteer activities ever since. Not even two hip replacement surgeries can slow her down. This canning pro and baker extraordinaire helps families in need several days a week as a regular volunteer at SFBFS.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
Oh my, I have a lot (chuckles). The pearls my daughter gave me 20 years ago are probably my favorite. I wear them a lot. They are very special to me.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Well, kind of, but not as a racer. I'm going to be a clue! Last year, I volunteered as a clue about SFBFS for the racers and I enjoyed it so much, I’m looking forward to doing it again this year.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Many things. Mostly giving back. I’ve been blessed through my whole life and I am so thankful I can give back through Food Assistance at SFBFS. I strongly support SFBFS in all aspects.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Being a clue! All the participants raced up to me (I was hidden along the course) and asked me information about the Mother-Baby program at SFBFS. Everyone was very enthusiastic and excited!

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
I currently volunteer at SFBFS and I’m excited to be a clue for this year’s Race.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services (SFBFS)?
The public should be aware that SFBFS does not only provide food to the needy, but we provide additional services such as PlayCare, Youth Academy, Computer Clubhouse and Adult Education. These services can help everyone.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Come on down, a fun time awaits! Look for me as a clue!

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

Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief

2011-04-26T17:50:32Z

Please join us for the announcement of the Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief and presentation of the investigative field report of the disaster in Japan on Wednesday, April 27, 2010.

Historic Elks Tower
921 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Refreshments 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Presentations
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

--Supervisor Nottoli & Councilwoman Ashby --

Failures and Successes Observed in 2011 Tohoku Japan Earthquake
A by Dr. H. Kit Miyamoto, Ph.D., S.E.

Social Hour
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief is a nonprofit technical organization that supports disaster mitigation response, relief and reconstruction effort. We are the only professional nonprofit expert organization in the world that provides an immediate and long-term support system for all major disasters. This organization provides internationally recognized engineering, construction and management expertise at the critical phases of disaster. We work with national governments, United Nations, and nongovernment organizations to strategize and implement disaster mitigation programs.
Our staff and consultants have responded to more than 100 earthquake and hurricanes. We provide crucial post-disaster activities, including structural safety assessment, damage assessment, damage data collection, debris management, human capacity building, establishing of building code technical platform, and relief material logistics.

Making the world a better place is our passion, and it drives our disaster relief practice. We devote our world renowned structural engineering expertise to disaster-affected communities and countries. We provide safe build environment and help to build human capacities around the globe. This is the legacy that will last for generations after reconstruction has been completed. Please join us at this event, open to the public http://savelivesmiyamotodisasterelief.eventbrite.com/

Disclosure: Michelle Buller is employed by Miyamoto Global Disaster Relief.

Chris is racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-25T18:51:49Z

Interview with Chris Wallis, a participant in last year's event and a member of the 2nd place finishing team in the 2009 event. Chris is a researcher and grad student at UC Davis. He has lived in Sacramento for most of his life yet admits he still doesn't know where anything is. However, he believes it's still more pleasant to be lost here than to be lost in most other places.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
I swallowed an earring when I was 5 and it never came out. You could say it's near to my heart, pending x-ray confirmation.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
A full day of good, clean, safe, wholesome fun. And winning, duh.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Some combination of good times, good causes and the opportunity to collect shiny things.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Doing arithmetic in the dirt when we didn't have a pen or paper.

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

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services (SFBFS)?
It's not an acronym, it's just pronounced "sfbfs".

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
I'm looking for a replacement main wiring harness for a '97 Toyota Avalon, if anybody is letting one go on the cheap.

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.

Feast for the Streets comes Wednesday, honors Bunker

2011-04-23T00:37:25Z

Francis House’s Feast of the Streets on Wednesday will be a bittersweet celebration of both the 20th anniversary of the event, and the life of former Executive Director Greg Bunker, who died in December.

“About 1,000 people came to his memorial service, and this is sort of our memorial for him,” said Forrest Reed, program director for Francis House.

The banquet will kick off with a four-minute video of Bunker’s life.

Francis House is a nonprofit organization founded in Sacramento 40 years ago that offers counseling services, hotel vouchers and help getting California identification to people in need, such as homeless people.

Feast For the Streets is the biggest fundraiser for Francis House, and $56,000 has already been raised in corporate and private donations. About 750 people are expected to be at the event, with ticket prices at $50.

“We’ve managed to keep the ticket price steady,” Reed said. “It really is one of the premiere food events in Sacramento, but it tends to fly under the radar.

Lining the walls of the Scottish Rite Center Wednesday night will be 40 restaurants and six wineries, including Mimi’s Cafe, Mulvaney’s B&L, Ettore’s European Bakery, Thai Basil and River City Brewing Co.

According to Lisa Schulze, office manager for Mulvaney’s B&L, co-owner Patrick Mulvaney has been working with Francis House and the Feast for the Streets for the past several years.

“I think what’s important to him and his wife, Robin, is they’re helping to get resources to people who don’t have basic resources – like education and counseling to get out of poverty,” she said.

“I think the importance of it is that if you help these types of organizations, you help break the cycle of poverty because people get stuck in poverty and have no way out without help,” she said.

Reed said that increasing numbers of people have come to Francis House since 2007 asking for assistance, and a small core of 5,000 donors have been able to keep the needed aid flowing, but help is still needed.

“We have two full-time people and three part-time people, and we’ve managed to touch 30,000 people, but we’re still having to turn some away,” he said.

Just over 81 percent of every dollar received goes directly to those in need, Reed said, adding that it’s a number he feels very good about.

Carla Meyers is a volunteer co-chairing the organization of Feast for the Streets, and she said she started as a volunteer several years ago.

“I’m retired, and I wanted to do something where I could interact with people and not stuff envelopes,” she said. “From the beginning at Francis House, you sit with clients and do resource counseling, help with getting a California ID and send them to various resources. I just thought it was a really great way to give back.”

Attendees will be able to eat their fill around the tables at the event Wednesday, Meyers said.

There will also be a silent auction in a room adjoining the banquet area as well as a live auction on the stage.

“We get 700-plus people,” Meyers said. “It’s great food and great entertainment, and you get to give back to those less fortunate.”

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Francis House, 1422 C St. Reed said tickets will be sold at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m., but the event is expected to sell out.

The Scottish Rite Masonic Center is located at 6151 H St.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Lily is racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-18T18:36:14Z

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Yes, but I need to borrow a bike! I love getting outdoors, walking around and being out in the sun. Sacramento is a great place for a treasure hunt!

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
I love the significant impact that Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services has on families in our community. I am motivated because of the people I work with at SFBFS. I enjoy everyone from the clients to the volunteers to the staff. I like to think I’m making a real difference in people’s lives.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Last year I got to spend a lot of time with a friend I don’t get to see very often, which was really nice. This is a really great event to do with a close friend who can finish your sentences and knows how you think - a great recipe for an efficient racing team!

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
I am a current volunteer in Clothing and Women’s Wisdom Art programs at SFBFS and a 2011 Race for the Ring hopeful!

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
I wish people knew about all of the other services the organization provides, not just food. A lot of people don’t know that, but they should! Every time I mention the organization, everyone thinks it’s just food, but it’s so much more!

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
I challenge everyone to come out for a day of fun to support a great cause!

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

5th Annual Women in Brewing

2011-04-15T20:04:09Z

Stop by Rubicon Brewing Company tomorrow, Saturday April 16th, for the 5th Annual Women in Brewing Festival!

Many talented female brewers have been invited to showcase their special recipes and hard to find brews at this event. Featured beers include special brews from Sierra Nevada, Lost Coast, Auburn Alehouse, Stone, Santa Cruz Mountain, Blue Frog, Moylan's, and more! There will even be a silent auction with amazing prizes donated by local businesses.

In 2007, the Rubicon Brewing Company established the Women in Brewing Festival in an effort to honor the hard working women, yes WOMEN, of the brewing industry. Rubicon Brewing Company is deticated to supporting WEAVE and raising awareness about sexual assault . The proceeds from Women in Brewing go directly to support WEAVE's vital sexual assault programs.

Saturday, April 16th All day! (11am - 'til the cows come home)
Rubicon Brewing Company
2004 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

V-Day Sacramento 2011

2011-04-15T02:24:59Z

WHAT is it?

V-Day Sacramento 2011 refers to the 2011 Sacramento community production of The Vagina Monologues that will be held in April 2011. It is a project of Northern California Association for Women Take Back the Night based in Sacramento (Sacramento WTBN).

In addition to bringing the local and international plight of women and girls to the forefront, the goals of V-Day Sacramento 2011 are to raise money to benefit local anti-violence organizations and to channel awareness into action. In 2011, the proceeds from the V-Day Sacramento 2011 production of “The Vagina Monologues” will benefit WEAVE, Sacramento Women Take Back the Night, and My Sister’s House.

Learn more about V-Day, V-Day Sacramento 2011 and Women Take Back the Night at vdaysacramento.org.

Join V-Day Sacramento 2011 on Facebook

Follow V-Day Sacramento 2011 on Twitter

Sacramento Women Take Back the Night is proud to host the first annual Sacramento benefit production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” We have an incredible cast ready for two wonderful nights!

WHEN / WHERE?

Performances are as follows:

The Guild Theater:
Friday, April 22
Doors open at 6:00pm (silent auction at this time)
Show at 7:00pm
Tickets can be purchased through EventBrite here

The Crest Theatre:
Tuesday, April 26
Doors open at 6:00pm (Reception and silent auction at this time)
Show at 7:00pm
Tickets can be purchased through tickets.com here

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Jason is racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-11T21:27:54Z

Interview with Jason Hone, who placed in last year's event with his wife Stephanie. Both Jason and Stephanie hail from Southern California’s Inland Empire. Jason grew up in Redlands and Stephanie was raised in nearby Riverside. The pair married, moved to Sacramento and Jason started a new job all in the same week. After living downtown for nearly five years the Hones recently moved into a home in West Sacramento – so they are definitely excited that the race is headquartered on the westside . . . of the river.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
The Tissot watch I won in last year’s race. Oh, Stephanie might be reading this, definitely my wedding ring! For me jewelry is best when it is reminiscent of something - so whether it’s a hard won prize or a symbol of commitment, I like having a reason to wear it.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
You bet! And I’m looking forward to out-smugging certain Land Parkers this year. But failing that, at least toasting the hallowed afterbeers with good friends.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Where else can you find such an “amazing race” experience in Sacramento? As for the cause, I’m definitely impressed by the committed people and the good works you find at SFBFS. I’ve volunteered in their warehouse, tutored in their afterschool programs and helped out at special events like the Turkey Drive. It’s a great feeling to be part of something special like this and to have fun doing it too!

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
The thrill of solving a puzzle and the frenzied dash to the next clue. That’s two things.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
We’re going to be racers and hopefully winners.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
It’s way more than a food bank! Not only do they distribute food and clothing to Sacramentans in need, they have programs serving children, expectant and new mothers, English language learners, and teens, just to name a few.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
This may be the only time this year I ride a bicycle. The only legitimate reason for not racing is not knowing about the race.

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

Laughing really does matter

2011-04-11T01:07:22Z

On Saturday April 9th, at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, Fox40 and BloodSource hosted a fundraiser to benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital, (specifically the expansion of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and the Foundation for America's Blood Centers (FABC). This first time fundraiser included Paul Robins (Fox40) as the Master of Ceremonies, local comedian Jack Gallagher as the featured act and Dave Coulier as the headliner. Dave is probably best known for his role as Joey in the 1980's sitcom 'Full House' and for hosting America's Funniest People. However, you have probably heard one of his many voices in cartoons and movies.

The fundraiser brought together many local Sacramentans that came to support these wonderful causes and share a little humor and good times with their friends and colleagues. This spirit was evident from the pre-show meet-and-greet (with Dave and Jack) to the performances themselves. Since the evening was devoted to helping those in need by making others laugh it would seem the show was a raving success.

Before the show The Sacramento Press (SP) had a chance to sit down with both Jack Gallagher (PG) and Dave Coulier (DC); here is an excerpt from those interviews.

SP - Dave, what made you get involved with BloodSource and the Children's Hospital?
DC - It was a simple phone call from an old friend named Lynn Stobener who we used to work with at Laughs Unlimited in Old Sacramento; when she called me up and asked it was simple -- "no problem."

SP - What are you expecting to get or do for the organization?
DC - Money, it is all about money. Money drives this whole machine. I was at the hospital yesterday visiting these kids in the pediatric ward and when you see the work these people are doing it is just heartwarming. It is one thing when we can come here and perform and make people laugh, it is another when you can meet the people who really make a difference. Yesterday we saw a kid who was born on March 19th and was just a little over a pound; you are seeing this baby that is smaller than your hand, hooked-up to all these apparatuses, and in the room is this amazing team of people around who are taking care of her. At that moment, you realize that this is exactly the right thing to do.

SP – Have you had the opportunity to work with BloodSource before?
DC – No, I have not had the opportunity to work with them before. In fact, I had not been to UCD before and I wanted to see the new facility and see what they were doing; seeing it suddenly made things very tangible. Something I didn't know was that BloodSource has been around since 1948 and the sheer amount of people they have helped is amazing. If I can be the conduit that brings money to fuel something that cool then everyone gains something. For me, I gain the knowledge of something I did not know about before and also getting to meet some really cool people. It is all very rewarding for me; we are all here to celebrate and laughter is a great way to do that. If I can help people laugh and forget about their daily troubles than I am happy to do that.

SP - Does this cause touch your heart a little more since you are a parent of a preemie?
DC - How can it not! I do a lot of work with kids and I had a foundation for ten years in Detroit that raised millions of dollars for the Children's Hospital of Michigan. It is easier for me because I know the psychology of what these parents are going through. There is a common bond between parents who have gone through this. As I said earlier, it was a simple phone call by Lynn (Strobener) and the answer was yes.

SP - Does Sacramento still hold a special place in your heart after performing here for all those years?
DC - Yes, yes it does. I came here for the first time in 1981 for a show with Bob Saget and George Wallace. At that time, Laughs Unlimited was downstairs in a banquet hall and the hotel was across the river. Those memories are always a part of your show and the comedian you are. So, yes, it will always hold a sort of fondness for me.

SP - Jack, let's ask the same questions of you.
JG - Same thing, Lynn called me and since I have known her forever the answer was yes. She quickly explained what the benefit was for and how it would help the kids and there was no other answer to give. If it had been someone else who asked, it may have been harder to say yes with my schedule but when someone like Lynn calls - you stop and listen.

SP- Do you have any personal connection with the cause?
JG - My son was not a preemie, but when he was born he spent some time in the ICU; he stopped breathing. In fact, he is still lazy that way. Then, I have a lot of connections with UC Davis because I do a lot of work with the MIND institute. Living in a community changes how you look at kids. I told Dave earlier that it’s like being in a plane and hearing a kid cry, you wonder why they don't quiet them down. Then you have kids and it is a whole different ballgame; you sit there and hope that it is not your kid screaming. Once you have kids it changes your mind about everything. So, when you see kids that are in these dire conditions it just tugs at your heart.

SP – Do you think going to the hospital gave you a different perspective on what these organizations do?
JG – Unfortunately, I was not able to go with Dave. However, as I stated before, I spent a lot of time with the MIND institute, which is a different section of the hospital and circumstances, so I see the work these people do. Everyone is cash strapped right now and if we can help that is what we should do.

SP – Do you have any goals on what you would like to see raised here tonight?
JG – As much money as possible, I know there are some corporate sponsors and everyone is thankful for that. People ask you for money all the time and, you know, if you can give them something in return for their donation then you they should be seeing a great show. I think everyone will have a great time; we will make a lot of money and then call it a day.

SP - If there was one thing you would like the people supporting this cause to walk away feeling or knowing what would that be?
JG – Anybody who has kids and understands the position these kids are in, and the amount of money it takes to treat these kids, can’t help but walk away thinking “I had a good time and donated to a good cause.”

If you would like to donate to BloodSource you may contact them at:

BloodSource
10536 Peter A McCuen Blvd
Mather, CA 95655-4128
916.456.1500
800.995.4420

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press.

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.

Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-31T18:45:34Z

Fans of TV’s globetrotting race game can now test their game play right here in Sacramento! Rogers Jewelry Company is preparing to host the 3rd annual Race for the Ring on May 21, 2011 to benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). 2,000 Sacramento area residents are expected to turn out for this exciting, location-based game where clues and answers are sent via text messages. Participants race from location to location in Downtown and Mid-town on foot and bike solving riddles and challenges while earning points. The team with the most points at the end wins! Prizes include over $30,000 worth of jewelry from Rogers Jewelry Company.

The $40 registration fee for any team includes two race shirts, entrance into the after-party, lunch, a chance to win amazing prizes and a guaranteed day of fun. 100% of the proceeds benefit SFBFS to help in their efforts of serving families in need.

What: Race for the Ring
Where: Downtown Sacramento (kick-off and after-party at Raley Field)
When: May 21, 2011, 10 am
Who: Anyone age 18 and up
Why: To support Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Registration is now OPEN! For more information, including video from last year’s event, please visit www.raceforthering.com

Interested in sending many people from your company or becoming a sponsor? SFBFS is looking for sponsors to help brighten the future of families in need. Please check out this sponsorship flier to see if your business would like to be part of the Race for the Ring as a sponsor. Sponsors will receive booth space at the kick-off event and after-party held at Raley Field, logo placement on participant t-shirts, complimentary registrations and scavenger clues with information about your company!

Know others who might want to participate? Please consider posting this participant flier where customers, friends, neighbors or fellow employees can learn about this fun event and encourage them to form a team.

About Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, a local non-profit organization serving families and individuals in need since 1976, offers eight diverse programs at two facilities in Sacramento. A staff of 40 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, including how to volunteer or lead a donation drive, at www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

About Rogers Jewelry Company
Rogers Jewelry Company 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 nine stores stretching from Bakersfield, CA to Reno, NV. For more information about Rogers Jewelry Co, visit www.thinkrogers.com.

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.

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

2011-03-28T16:53:54Z

Interview with Peter Skipper, a finisher in last year's event. Peter teaches 5th grade math in Brooklyn, New York. In his free time, Peter writes screenplays, plays guitar and travels as far away from home as possible.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
I have a watch from Rogers Jewelers that I won at last year's Race for the Rock, and it brings me good fortune whenever I wear it.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
I wish! This event is so fun, but NY is a bit of a bike ride for me this year.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
People shouldn't go hungry in the richest country on earth.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Challenging our friends Chris Suter and Chris Wallis and beating them significantly.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Race participant/Sacramento enthusiast/stand-in for all Tobey Maguire look-a-like related emergencies.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
It's more than just food. Everybody forgets the Family Services part.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
Please come out! It's the most fun you'll have volunteering all year.

Students Weatherize Salvation Army Shelter

2011-03-26T00:31:01Z

Spring break is usually associated with traveling and having fun.

Well, a group of college students took that concept to a whole another level.

Twenty-five students from the Energy Service Corps spent their time off to help weatherize different facilities throughout the state of California. The latest was a stop at The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter in downtown Sacramento on March 25.

“We decided to come here because they (Salvation Army) have done so much for the community,” said Abbygail Williams, Energy Service Corps member and UC Davis student. “The students just wanted to give them back something in return.”

This weatherization event was part of the Energy Alternative Spring Break Service Trip, a new program in California to train students from all across the state to help their communities reduce energy use. The project was spearheaded by the Energy Service Corps, a joint venture between the statewide public interest group CALPIRG (California Public Interest Research Group Foundation) and AmeriCorps.

“We are showing some simple steps to be more energy efficient,” Williams said. “It’s a good message to promote. And we hope the money saved can then be used for The Salvation Army to continue its good work.”

At the event, the students caulked around windows, weather stripped doorways and installed CFL light bulbs. Interns from the UC Davis campus did some fundraising for the materials used at the shelter.

“This was a tremendous effort by all of the Energy Service Corps,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County coordinator. “To see these students take time off to improve the conditions of this shelter was absolutely encouraging.”

The students from the Energy Service Corps represented various colleges in California, including UC Davis and UC Merced.

Sacramento was the final destination of the Energy Alternative Spring Break Service Trip. The students also helped weatherize facilities in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Merced and San Francisco.

For information about the Energy Service Corps, log onto www.energyservicecorps.org

Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army-Sacramento. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org

Changing Stereotypes about People with Developmental Disabilities One City at a Time

2011-03-24T21:26:30Z

There’s something unusual happening at the Orangevale Recreation and Park District. It’s not ballet classes or a magic show—although those things are happening. It’s something that has grown behind the scenes and yet is a key part of the parks we enjoy.

For almost 13 years, Orangevale parks have benefitted from a crew that does everything from waxing the slide at the pool, to chalking the baseball diamond. What’s unique about this crew is that it consists of three individuals who have a range of developmental disabilities.

You might not normally think that people with developmental disabilities would be shredding almond branches through a wood chipper, or driving giant lawn mowers across fields, but these guys do that and much more.

The crew was originally hired by Orangevale parks through a work and life skills program run by the nonprofit organization called InAlliance. Since 1952, InAlliance has partnered with local businesses to fully integrate and include people with developmental disabilities in their communities through work.

What would cause a large public agency like Orangevale Recreation and Park District to hire a crew of people with disabilities? According to Park Superintendent, Chuck West, he was hesitant at first for a variety of reasons. He had no knowledge of what developmental disabilities looked like, and was concerned what it would cost the parks in terms of additional energy and manpower to supervise a crew with developmental disabilities.

After watching the crew excel in every task they were given, West quickly changed his own limited expectations, and committed to giving the crew the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of maintaining and operating the parks.

According to West there has been no downside. He regularly gets compliments from park visitors and class instructors alike on how great the parks look. He attributes this to the incredibly detailed work performed by the InAlliance crew. “They show up everyday, rain or shine, and do their work with an incredible amount of commitment,” said West.

Crew supervisor, Fred DeLeon, is provided by InAlliance to ensure that West doesn’t have to worry about managing or overseeing the crew. According to DeLeon, “The crew hasn’t changed in 13 years, but the individuals have grown a lot.”

The men on the crew all live in the area, and thanks to their work at the parks, feel like they’re a real part of the community. Over time West has realized how important it is to include people with developmental disabilities in their communities. “I really think that public agencies have a duty to participate in these types of programs, after all, it is your community,” said West.

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

2011-03-21T23:19:51Z

Interview with Cristina Stoyle , a participant in last year's event. Cristina is the Veterinary Advocacy Coordinator for Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

A bit about our racer

I've lived in the Sacramento area most of my life and, despite what some might say (I'm talking about you, Forbes magazine!), I think it's a pretty great place to live. Since graduating from University of California-Davis in 2004, I've turned my passion for animals into a career and have been lucky to work for two incredible animal protection organizations. In my spare time I volunteer for a few causes (including waking up bright and early each Thanksgiving morning to volunteer for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' Run to Feed the Hungry), support the thriving performing arts community in Sacramento and enjoy hanging out with my my trio of rescued/adopted pets: Cooper the much-loved Pomeranian, the grumpy-but-lovable Serendipity and goofy-but-lovable Buster (both cats).

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelery Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

My watch; my wrist would be naked without it.

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

Definitely, I wouldn't miss it! I'm most looking forward to learning how much I don't know about my hometown.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a much-needed resource for people in need, and Race for the Ring is a great way to support the amazing work they do while having fun!

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

Seeing all the participants madly dashing around Downtown on bicycles, scooters and skateboards--and the confused bystanders trying to figure out what was going on!

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

This will be my third year in a row racing with my friend Alexis Raymond (perhaps the third year's the charm?) and I have volunteered for SFBFS' Run for the Hungry for the past three years.

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

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provide much more than food to individuals and families in need; they also provide clothing, support to new mothers, after-school programs, adult education, creative opportunities and more.

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

Go Team Rolling Groans (we need to work on a new team name)!

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®

2011-03-21T19:35:15Z

Calling all men! It’s time to strap on a pair of heels and Walk a Mile (or just down the block) in Her Shoes. Join Bob Shallit, Patrick Mulvaney, and other local media men, business owners, and leaders. They’re walking because they know that sexual assault affects women, the men who care about them, their families, friends, coworkers, and our communities.

Statistically, someone you know could be a victim: your mother, grandmother, wife, sister, co-worker or friend. We invite the men of Sacramento to throw on a pair of high-heels and walk in an effort to increase awareness about sexual assault in our community.

REGISTER NOW >> (Registration closes April 8th.) Or learn more here >>

The walk is for men, but the block-party at Zocalo and Paesanos is for everyone! Find out how you can walk, sponsor, and join the fun!

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® Sacramento is licensed by Frank Baird and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, a Venture Humanity, Inc. Project (www.walkamileinhershoes.org).

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Francis House features Victoria Vox in benefit concert at The Guild Theatre

2011-03-21T05:50:01Z

Francis House held a benefit concert from 7 - 10 p.m. Friday night at The Guild Theatre. The concert featured Victoria Vox and The Boulder Acoustic Society.

The concert was held in memory of Greg Bunker, former executive director of Francis House, who passed away unexpectedly days after Christmas last year. About 100 people attended.

The music was an old-fashioned folksy blend of eclectic sound. The Boulder Acoustic Society opened with keyboards, drums, upright bass and banjo. The keyboardist switched to accordion and the drummer to a marching band bass drum.

Victoria Vox, 32, lives in Baltimore, Md. She sings and plays ukulele. She said she finally quit her day job in 2003 to tour and perform full time.

She attended the public memorial service for Bunker in January, held in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, which was full to capacity. Forest Reed invited her to make a stop in Sacramento for the benefit concert.

“It was amazing being at the memorial and seeing how many people were there,” she said. “It was packed,” Vox said. “It was really moving to be there, and I know that Francis House does a lot of great things for people,” she said.

“I can only imagine how many people they’ve helped.” Vox said. “I’m honored more than anything to be invited to perform.”

Francis House is a counseling and resource center for poor and low-income families in the Sacramento area. Forest Reed is the new executive director of Francis House.

“Francis House is a cornerstone agency in the social service fabric in Sacramento,” Reed said. ”We touch 30,000 people every year on a first-come, first-serve basis.”

Reed explained about the important services Francis House offers.

“Without identification, you’re stymied and roadblocked,” Reed said. “We put people in motion to get out and handle those things. We provide support for getting California IDs, driver licences and birth certificate,” Reed said. “We’re a connection, a conduit to the rest of the agencies in Sacramento.”

“So many new people have dropped into poverty and homelessness in Sacramento over the last three years,” Reed said. “We help people move forward and get back on track. We ignite change for people.”

Bunker spent his last 21 years as director of Francis House. Reed had only praise for Bunker.

“He was accepting on a very human level,” he said. “He always sought to find how he could help. He loved everybody and didn’t judge people and accepted people as they were. He had a tremendous amount of kindness,” Reed said. “It’s a great loss for us because he was a mentor, a leader, a great friend and a funny guy at the same time.”

A reveler's guide to the de Vere's St. Patricks Day Party in the Park

2011-03-16T19:00:30Z

The weather forecast for Thursday is clear and sunny and Sacramento is counting down the hours to this year's biggest St. Patrick’s Day party.

The de Vere’s Party in the Park kicks off at 10 a.m. on Thursday March 17th at Cesar Chavez Plaza in Downtown Sacramento for 12 hours of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, music, pipes, dancers, food, and drinks. 9th street between I and J streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 5 am to make room for all of the St. Patrick's Day festivities happening in the park. The street will reopen to traffic after midnight.

Advance ticket sales for the Party in the Park available at deveresderules.com end at 11:30 a.m. on March 16, but tickets are available for purchase at the door on Thursday. Party proceeds will benefit Maryhouse, a daytime women and children’s homeless shelter at Loaves and Fishes. You can also purchase raffle tickets to win a trip for two to Ireland for $1 either online via the "Tickets" link at deveresderules.com or on site during the Party in the Park.

Good Eats
Stop by the Party in the Park during your lunch to purchase your ticket to the event and pick up some good eats. Downtown restaurants including de Vere’s Irish Pub, Grange, Café Soliel, Tuli Bistro, and Shady Lady will be serving up great food with menus ranging from pizza, pulled pork sliders, corned beef, and beer brats. Ins and outs are allowed up until 2:00pm, allowing downtown workers the opportunity to take a long lunch at the park, have some wonderful food, and catch Nine 8ths Irish at 11:30am, and Irish Dancers at 1:30pm. Just make sure you leave the park before 2:00pm if you want to gain re-entry later in the afternoon or after work!

Live Entertainment
Live entertainment will rock the park throughout the day featuring traditional Irish entertainment from the Kennelly School Irish Dancers and Sacramento Firefighters Pipes and Drums. 106.5 The Buzz and Radio 94.7 will be on site all day, with appearances by Andy Hawk of Jaime White Mornings on The Buzz, and Casey & Alicia from Radio 94.7. Live musical performances begin at 11:30 am with Nine 8ths Irish, and continue through the day with Whiskey & Stitches at 2:30 pm and the Black-Eyed Dempseys at 4:30 pm. Headliner and San Francisco U2 tribute band, Zoo Station takes the stage at 7:30 pm.

Getting around
If you’re planning to party in the park, make sure you plan ahead to get home safe by having a designated driver, taking public transit, or spending the night Downtown.

Party-goers have a variety of transit options available for the event. The DSP has partnered with Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) to provide complimentary bike valet service at the Party in the Park. For those driving to the event, a discounted parking rate of $5 after 5 p.m. is available at the City Hall Garage located at 10th and I streets.

Last Call Sacramento will also be onsite to prevent buzzed and drink drivers from getting on the road. The local company will provide complimentary safe rides for event attendees and their cars courtesy of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

Local hotels are also offering special discounts on St. Patrick’s Day for party goers. The Hyatt Regency Sacramento is offering a $99 rate on March 17 with promo code “BFFE Rate Plan.” The Citizen Hotel is offering rooms for $109/night online using promo code “CLOVER” for stays March 16-20.

Keep the Party Going
If your evening isn't over at 10pm when the de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Party in the Park comes to a close, there are a variety of St. Patrick's parties continuing into the wee hours. The de Vere's Pub Party will continue til last call, and is within walking distance. Buy your tickets in advance at sacstpats.com to make sure you can get in after the Party in the Park. Events at Brew it Up!, Gallaghers, Dive Bar, Vive!, Parlare, and District 30 are also very close by. If you're ready for fourth meal, de Vere's has got you covered for amazing Irish food, and Wayside Noodles, Ambrosia Cafe, Pizza Rock, and Cafeteria 15L are all close by and open late with delicious grub to fill your belly.

For more event details, visit deveresderules.com. or sacstpats.com Don’t forget, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (@DowntownSac) be tweeting live from the park all day on Thursday. Follow the conversation on Twitter by searching the hashtag #SacStPats.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is the Marketing Manger for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

Dave's racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-03-15T17:36:33Z

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 Dave Katten participant in last year's event.

A bit about our racer

Former Sacramento resident and connoisseur of fine Californian burgers. Oh Squeeze Inn, how I miss your cheese skirt.

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

No, sadly I'm no longer in Sacramento, which is a bummer since the Race is literally my favorite event of the year.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services does so many great things for the community, that the Race is really a privilege to participate in. Sure the prizes are great, but it's such a fun morning, and it's for a great cause. There is absolutely no downside to this race - it's fun, it's good exercise and it helps people who do great things for the the Sacramento area.

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

Easy - me and my buddy had only lived in Sacramento for 2-3 years, but our friends were lifelong residents and knew midtown back and forth. On top of that, neither of us biked much at all, and our friends were supercyclists. Like, Ironman-quality. Heck, those guys even scouted potential locations and questions. So when we won something and they finished just outside of the prizes...oh man, that was sweet. But even before I found out we did well, it was just a great, fun adventure around the city. With the added bonus of a competitive spirit :)

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

I know a few staff members and volunteers at SFBFS who who told me about the Race.

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

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services does so much more than distribute food. It offers adult classes in many areas, computer courses and clothing. SFBFS is there to help the community in myriad ways, and it's run by top people; really, the folks that volunteer and coordinate are just top notch.

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

Best. Event. Ever. Defitely the most fun I had in Sacramento.

"Your Cuts Are Way Too Big, Your Cuts Are Way Too Deep!"

2011-03-14T22:55:29Z

Chants and cheers from nearly 800 concerned citizens filled the Downtown Sacramento streets on February 22 as the “Mommy Tsunami” protest walk finished its final leg from Caesar Chavez Park to the California State Capitol. The walk began on February 19 in Yuba City, where a group of Generation Y moms began a 60 mile journey to the Capitol in protest of Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed $1 billion budget cut to services for people with developmental disabilities.

Participants, families, employees and volunteers from disability advocacy and support groups joined in the rally sporting bright red t-shirts baring a large target that read “A Budget Target Again?” Their message is that the proposed budget cuts are simply too severe, come on the heels of significant previous cuts, and will devastate the entire system. “This cut would effectively dismantle the Lanterman Act,” said
one protester. Over 240,000 Californians currently receive services under the Act and are at risk of losing their services for in-home support, Medi-Cal, dental care, and other services.

Assembly member Jim Beall was the only legislator to come out in support of the rally and told the group that he understands the importance of the Lanterman Act and would take their concerns directly to the Governor. Many service providers argue that the proposed budget cuts hurt the most vulnerable Californians and won’t save the State money. A fact underlined by the $340,000 a year it costs to
institutionalize a person with a developmental disability in a State Center, versus an average cost of around $15,000 per person to provide
community-based services.

In addition to losing health and support services, Californians with developmental disabilities will likely lose their independence, jobs and businesses. Without needed support, these individuals may be forced to move into costly group homes, nursing homes, or State-run Centers. Protesters vowed that this was just the beginning, and their message was clear, “these are hard won rights and we will not let them go without a fight!”

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

2011-03-07T19:10:01Z

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!

Hearts Are Not for Breaking!

2011-02-22T19:31:39Z

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 1 in 4 teens report verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from the person they are dating. WEAVE has partnered with local businesses to raise awareness of this growing problem. During the month of February, make a donation at one of the participating businesses and receive your "Hearts Are Not for Breaking" button. 100% of funds raised through the “Hearts Are Not for Breaking” campaign will support WEAVE’s services and programs. Join our "Hearts Are Not for Breaking" campaign and help raise awareness of the important but often overlooked issue of teen dating violence. For more information visit http://www.weaveinc.org/just-teens today.

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We are grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

2011 Walk 'N Rock for Kids

2011-02-17T18:39:03Z

“Walk ‘N Rock for Kids” Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Thousands gather to support local children’s charities at Raley Field
8 a.m. — 5 K walk
7:30 p.m. — Benefit concert

On Sunday, May 29th Sacramento comes together to support children and youth charities for the 2011 Walk ‘N Rock for Kids (www.hopeproductions.org). Walk ‘N Rock for Kids is presented by Hope Productions™ Foundation— a Sacramento-based nonprofit providing support and training at no cost for charities serving children and youth.

The day’s events kick off at 8:00 a.m. with a 5K walk featuring individuals and teams from throughout the Greater Sacramento area http://walknrock.org. In the evening, a benefit concert under the stars at Raley Field will entertain the community and guests.

Hope Productions provides training, resources and funding for seven local children’s charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, Cristo Rey High School of Sacramento, Keaton Raphael Memorial, Okizu, People Reaching Out, River Cats Foundation and Wind Youth Services. An additional 15 children’s charities will also benefit from abbreviated training and the event. With continued support from the community, the Foundation has distributed over

Disclosure: Taryn Grows is a representative of Modamedia Communications

Click a Button & Your Favorite Charity Could Earn $10,000

2011-02-16T20:16:08Z

Want to help end violence against women in our community? Maybe you want to help feed the hungry? Right now, it’s as easy as clicking a button.

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento created an innovative campaign in honor of their 10th anniversary to help raise $10,000 for a deserving charity. 17 nonprofits are vying for the prize. Among them are WEAVE, River City Food Bank, Society for the Blind, and a host of others. By clicking a single button to cast your vote online, you can help your favorite charity earn this critical grant.

You can make a difference in three easy ways: 1) cast your vote online; 2) tell all your friends to vote; and 3) share the voting link on your Facebook and Twitter pages.

Hurry! Voting ends tonight (February 16) at midnight!

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes that you’ll pick YOUR favorite charity. I very much appreciate having a public forum to spread the word. If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, you can click the link to the voting page over and over and over and (you get the point) again! Go vote and help change our community!

No time to spare: Bowl for Kids' Sake this month!

2011-02-02T01:49:06Z

Bowl for Kids Sake has been raising funds and awareness for all Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations throughout the country for over 25 years. It is one of their largest and most important fund raisers. With pledges from individual bowlers and teams as well as corporate sponsors, they are able to serve children and families in our communities through quality mentoring programs.

Area businesses, church and civic groups, schools, community groups as well as individuals and families are invited to join Big Brothers Big Sisters for a this year’s event scheduled for February 26th at Country Club Lanes in Sacramento and March 19th at West Lane Bowl in Stockton.
This event is not for the serious competitor. It’s just for fun and to help create a little magic in the life of many children still waiting for a big brother or sister. It’s easy to participate in Bowl for Kids' Sake. Bowling teams can be made up of co-workers, students, church members, friends, family and club members.

Highlights include:

-Two games of bowling and free T-shirts for every team of five to six bowlers raising pledges of $100 or more per bowler
-Lunch and light refreshments provided throughout the day.
-Non-stop prizes and entertainment

Sponsorships are also available at various levels and benefits including recognition in print, signage, audio announcements and interviews, and VIP lanes at the event.

There’s no time to spare! To register a team or as an individual, make a pledge, or become a sponsor, call (916) 646-9300 or (209) 957-0257 today.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbs.org  . For more than 47 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento has helped volunteer mentors to bring a little magic to the lives of thousands of children in Sacramento, South Placer, Yolo, Yuba, Sutter and San Joaquin Counties.

See last year's event: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/24056/Bowl_for_Kids_Sake_a_BIG_Success

 For information:
http://www.bbbs.-sac.org or
 Contact: info@bbbs-sac.org 
Phone: 916-646-9300 or 209-957-0257

Disclosure: Rhonda Staley-Brooks is the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Chic for Change – Becoming a Force in the Community

2011-02-01T07:32:58Z

I live in the ‘burbs and I can get to feeling pretty isolated from my neighbors. Okay, I have that feeling a lot of the time. It’s mostly my own fault – I don’t always make the effort because I’m kinda shy and different… I don’t always know where to start. Give me the right setting and a reason to chat, well that definitely helps. I’ve discovered one such setting and no, it’s not a support group (though I could probably use one of those). It’s a new shop near El Camino and Fulton called Chic for Change.

Teshala Paradiso, who everyone calls “Tesh,” is working to realize a vision that came to her during a year-long turn with a very serious illness. She described how on one particularly bad day, “I was laying in bed and thought, ‘If I ever get better, what would I do next?’ I knew I wanted to do something more." She continues explaining, "I liked to shop, loved thrift stores and had a great interest in building community, and this idea formed.” Tesh, who is married with two young children, realized her vision on January 3, 2011 by opening a unique high-end second hand store, which just so happens to be large enough to also serve as a community gathering place.

Chic for Change also benefits several local area nonprofits. 20% of every purchase goes directly to either Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center, or Wildlife Care Association. The customer gets to choose which one. It works like this: you purchase $40 worth of items; $10 of your purchase goes to one of the three nonprofits, providing each with a steady stream of financial support. But this is about more than just money.

Tesh explains that she wants Chic for Change, “…to be a place where people can come and get nice things they can afford and at the same time support their community - and also as a place where people can socialize, collaborate and build friendships.” The large store encourages this by having a homey area with a couch, chairs, coffee table, and pillows providing an area for customers to sit and chat, wait for a slower shopping partner, or enjoy a mocha from the coffee bar, which will soon offer a full menu of espresso drinks.

I went in for a visit myself last Saturday afternoon. I walked into a large store with high ceilings, still a bit sparse and still a work in progress but looking visually appealing. Toward the back of the store, local singer/songwriter Christian DeWild and percussionist Mike Pavisch played a two-hour set for customers while the store offered free refreshments, a 50% off clothes sale, and a big discount on the cost of a Disaster Survival Skills class.

While others shopped, I kicked back on the couch with my coffee, turkey sandwich roll and brownie and listened to Christian’s ear-pleasing, gravelly roots-rock sound. I did a little shopping too, picking up a nice Crate and Barrel tablecloth for $5, a set of three heavy duty stainless steel pots and pans for $20, a nice Fossil handbag for $10 and, of course, some clothes. A huge calendar behind the counter provided sale dates, classes and special events such as fundraisers, and said I wanted my donation to go to Wildlife Care Association (I do some volunteer fundraising for them, and this is how I found out about the store).

Chic for Change aims to be a higher end thrift store with reasonable prices. To accomplish this, Tesh has to be a little picky bit about the items sold in the store. Those that can’t be sold are donated back to the partnering nonprofits, especially the Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center who benefits from clothing, blankets, linens, furniture and kitchen items and more. As put so very well by Ms. Paradiso, “There is no reason for any of us to stand alone.”

About the nonprofits:

Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center (SAEHC) - This program started as a family shelter back in 1972 and now serves over 500 homeless people. Their website explains, “SAEHC runs one of only two shelters in Sacramento that accepts two-parent households, single fathers, and sons over the age of 14.” They also recently received funding to start a program for homeless seniors. Their goal is to help these struggling families and individuals to learn the tools needed to become more self-reliant.

Wildlife Care Association (WCA) –For the past 29 years, WCA has been providing medical and rehabilitation services to over 6,000 injured, ill, orphaned, injured and displaced wild animals each year. Hundreds of baby birds fill the nursery every spring but critters are brought in year-around to the facility, which recently located to McClellan Park. Once the animals have recovered or have grown and learned to fend for themselves, they are released back into the wild, giving them a second chance at life.

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) – Since 1977, CASA has trained volunteers to advocate for foster children in the juvenile court system. These children only end up in court as a result of having been abused, neglected or abandoned and in the child welfare system. The volunteer gets to know the child and helps to avoid any additional trauma by ensuring that each child has a voice in the system. The CASA volunteer works closely with the child to understand, for example, does the child want to be reunited with his or her parents, or would she prefer to stay in foster care or to be adopted, and then speaks up for them in court, ensuring the child's needs and wishes are heard.

Local Cafe helps ex-cons with employment

2011-01-29T01:26:43Z

The kitchen at George Karyszyn’s Uptown Cafe serves plenty of eggs, chicken fried steak and vegetarian sandwiches, but has also served ex-convicts by giving them a place to work for the past 14 years.

“No one gives them a break,” Karyszyn said, “so we do.”

Some of the employees he has hired have been convicted of murder or petty larceny, but that isn’t a deal-breaker for Karyszyn.

“People stay till their paroles are up. They’re good workers and loyal when given a chance,” he said.

Shane Eck, 37, has been working at Uptown Cafe for two months. Eck lived at the Safe Ground tent city for 11 months after being released from prison. He said he heard about Uptown Cafe from Safe Ground leaders.

Working as a cook at Uptown Cafe enabled him to move into an apartment in December, Eck said. He reached the one-year anniversary of being out of prison on Jan. 23.

“What’s worked for me is that I’m honest and a hard worker. There’s work out there – you just have to look hard for it,” he said. “Stay motivated, stay focused, and people will be inclined to help you.”

Because of the economy, Karyszyn has had to cut back on employees. “I usually had 12 to 14 employees, now only four to five,” he said.

One of his former employees was convicted of accidental murder.

“Now he has his contractor license, got married and has kids. Some make it through parole and get a good life going” Karyszyn said.

Tia Helm was unemployed and started working at Uptown Cafe a month ago as a dishwasher. “I love working here,” she said.

Uptown Cafe is open Tuesday - Friday, from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m and Saturday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is located at 1121 Del Paso Blvd.,

1,600 Local Families Receiving Food Assistance at Distribution

2011-01-19T23:50:36Z

“This helps me a lot.”

Charmar Randle was grateful for the assistance she just received. She was one of 1,600 families to receive food and other essentials from the January 18 Feed The Children distribution at Cal Expo.

“The economy is so bad and that’s why you see so many families out here,” said Randle, a Sacramento resident. “It’s good that they are having this (distribution) right now in order to help those who are in need.”

Feed The Children, an international relief organization, delivered four semi tractor-trailers full of food and other products to the event. The distribution was part of Feed The Children’s Americans Feeding Americans Caravan, which has helped more than 200,000 families across the country since it began in 2009.

“We got to see a lot of families getting blessed today,” said Aaron Wynn, Feed The Children event coordinator. “What we’re trying to do is show them that someone cares and that someone understands the hard times they are going through.”

Feed The Children agency partner, The Salvation Army-Sacramento, identified the recipient families. Each family received a 25-pound box of food, a 10-pound box of personal care items and a box of Avon products. The boxes are designed to help a family for up to one week.

“With the toiletries I got,” Randle said, “it means that I’m saving some cash. The extra money you have left can go for gas or bills or whatever else.”

Nearly 50 volunteers helped out with the distribution, including several members of the Sacramento Kings. DeMarcus Cousins, Hassan Whiteside, Pooh Jeter and Carl Landry assisted with delivering the donated items to each recipient.

“When I heard about this event,” Kings forward Landry said, “I said count me in (to volunteer). It’s all about giving back to the community and giving back to those who support you. These folks (recipient families) are so sweet, so humble and so grateful for the little things. It just makes me happy to be around them.”

This was the second consecutive year in which Feed The Children and The Salvation Army partnered together for a food distribution.

“We were very pleased to be part of this event again,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County coordinator. “This was a tremendous partnership we had with Feed The Children and the Sacramento Kings. I hope we were able to provide some joy and hope to all of the families we served today.”

Syd Fong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army-Sacramento. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org

Harlem Globetrotters – so much more than basketball

2011-01-18T20:43:28Z

Before tipoff you had a smoke machine introduction, a choreographed dance routine, a head couch riling-up the audience, trick shots and amazing dunks – now that is the way to start a game of basketball. The Globetrotters bring more of a sense of purpose in the first five minutes of being on the floor than many sports do the entire night. Although you know the night is choreographed, it’s obvious that it is about the kids and about making those kids believe in who they are.

For 85 years the Globetrotters have brought their fast-paced, high-flying and antic filled game to the world and what a world it is. As approximately 5000 thousand young kids and their families packed Arco Arena, the Harlem Globetrotters strutted their stuff up and down the court to their delight. Without a doubt, it will be a night that many will never forget.

As the game started it was obvious that the 10 minutes quarters were anything but 10 minutes. Numerous times the clocked stop so the refs and players, especially Special K, could banter back and forth. With players being sent for time-outs, running around and playing numerous games on the court, other than basketball, 10 minutes usually stretched to 25 or more.

Although the Globetrotters put on a tremendous show, their off-court charitable contributions are by far their brightest accomplishment. The organization sends players and/or the entire team to hospitals, charity events, schools and local media events to drum-up support for charitable causes. Many times these players make a direct and lasting impact on the kids they touch; for that reason the team is known as the “Ambassadors of Goodwill.” This title has earned them a place in the heart of many families and is the real reason they are so successful.

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press. Photos courtesy of Marc McLaughlin.

Charities team up to feed the hungry

2011-01-15T09:20:27Z

Volunteers are still needed for the second annual Feed The Children event at Cal Expo, which will provide 1,600 families in need with food boxes on Tuesday.

The event is part of Feed The Children’s “Americans Feeding Americans” truck tour, and the Salvation Army and Sacramento Kings will be helping out on the local level.

“It’s something we did last year at the same site, and when Feed The Children contacted us again, we thought it would be a great idea,” said Salvation Army spokesman Syd Fong.

“We just came off our Christmas distribution, but the need doesn’t stop after the holiday season – it goes on throughout the year,” he added.

Fong said volunteers are needed to fill slots in the early shift, which is from 8:30 - noon, and people can sign up through the website.

“Basically, we need people to pick up boxes and drop them off in a person’s car,” he said. “That is the extent of what they’re doing.”

About 50 total volunteers will be helping Salvation Army staff.

The families to receive the food have already been selected, and they came from the Salvation Army’s social services department database.

The Oklahoma City-based Feed The Children was founded 31 years ago, and spokesman Tony Sellars said the organization partners with local groups to identify the families in need.

“We can’t be experts on all the regions we visit, so we rely on the local experts,” he said. “There’s no guesswork involved. We know that when we hand a box to people, it is going to someone who needs it.”

While Feed The Children trucks have been criss-crossing the country for three decades, Sellars said the need increased dramatically once the recession hit.

“Sacramento was one of the cities we featured last year, and we felt compelled to return this year because of the number of children who are in poverty in the area – 67,000 in the county,” Sellars said. “That can fill the Kings’ arena four times over.”

Sellars said the face of poverty and homelessness has changed in the past few years, with 40 percent of the homeless in the country being under the age of 6.

“It’s not the guy living under the ridge drinking out of a paper bag,” he said. “These are kids and families, and a lot of them are asking for help for the first time in their lives.

Each of the nonprofit organization’s 55 semi trucks carries 400 25-pound boxes of nonperishable food items, which provide meals for a family of four for a week.

Also carried on the trucks are boxes of hygiene items such as shampoo and cleaning supplies.

“People are cutting these things out so they can put food on their tables, but in reality, they’re a necessity,” Sellars said. “We give these out so people can go to job interviews and that sort of thing.”

All the food and supplies are donated, either by citizens or corporate partners, Sellars said.

For an interactive map of the cities Americans Feeding Americans visits, click here.

Photos of last year’s event courtesy The Salvation Army.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

A Unique Valentine's Day Gift

2011-01-12T00:39:14Z

While most of us are still recovering from the delights of the “holiday season,” retail stores across the country are decking the halls with red ribbons and pink hearts. That’s right, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means men and women of all ages will begin their annual hunt for the perfect gift!

If flowers and candy aren’t enough for your special someone, the nonprofit organization InAlliance has a unique gift that will temp your taste buds, tickets to the Celebrity Chef Challenge. This culinary extravaganza features six professional chefs in a live culinary competition with surprise ingredients ala the “Iron Chef” Television show, and tickets will get you and a guest front row seats for all of the action.

As, chefs battle to see “whose cuisine reigns supreme,” guests tour the California Automobile Museum enjoying samples of food, wine and beer from over 100 regional vendors including Morgan’s Central Valley Bistro, Sinful Treats, Mount Aukum Winery and River City Brewing Company. So, whether you are shopping for a food lover, wine connoisseur, beer aficionado or just looking for an enticing evening with your loved one, Celebrity Chef Challenge tickets are the perfect gift.

The 9th Annual Celebrity Chef Challenge will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the California Automobile Museum from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door and 100% of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit programs InAlliance provides for people with developmental disabilities. So, as you wine and dine the night away you will have the added bonus of supporting a wonderful cause!

More information can be found by visiting www.chefevent.com, by calling 916-381-1300 x170 or emailing events@inallianceinc.com.

The Celebrity Chef Challenge would not be possible without the support of our incredible community partners including: American Roland Food Corp., Cabot Creamery Cooperative, California Automobile Museum, Capitol Partners, General Produce, GFBB Benefits, Mani Imports, Pacific Seafood, Preferred Meats, SacDine.com, Sacramento & Co., Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce News 10, the Downtown Grid, and Yelp.com.

Disclosure: Jessica Bean is employed by InAlliance

Coats for Kids warms Sacramento residents

2010-12-31T01:06:35Z

The 20th annual Coats for Kids coat giveaway was held at Cal Expo today. Swanson’s Cleaners, ABC News 10, The Salvation Army and a local The UPS Store partnered to collect and distribute the coats.

Sacramento resident Mike Hainline attended the event to get a new coat. He has been collecting unemployment for almost two years.

“The economy has a lot to do with it, that’s why I came out here,” Hainline said. “I’ve donated coats in the past. I actually received one this year. It helps out to have an extra jacket, plus I got a waterproof one now,”

JoAnn Lemmon is the governor of the North Sacramento Rotary Club. She volunteered her time to help at the event. 

“I wish we had more coats. I think the part that people probably don’t realize is that we need coats for adults as well,” she said. “We have a lot of adults in need of coats, especially larger sizes. It’s something to remember for next year.”

Syd Fong is the public relations director of the Sacramento Salvation Army. He said the nonprofit organization had collected more than 27,000 coats, surpassing its goal of 25,000. Coats are being distributed at locations around California in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, Roseville, Antioch and Fairfield.

“In the 20 years that the Coats for Kids program has been going, we’ve collected and distributed over 500,000 jackets,” Fong said.

Brian Levingston, a cadet in Natomas High school’s Airforce JROTC program, came out with other members of his unit to help with security.

“It makes us realize that we really are blessed,” he said. “I like getting out to meet other people, to help them, you know. To let them know that this is a place that they can come and that people care.

“That’s the reason why I like the event: because it shows that people do care and that when there’s times that are hard, like now, you can go somewhere and find refuge if you need a coat,” Levingston said.

Greg Higley is the owner of The UPS Store at Elk Grove and Stockton Boulevard. This was his first year helping to sponsor the event.

“It’s a good event. We’re in partnership with channel 10,” Higley said. “We will be doing this again. We’re going to try and get more coats and more people involved next year.”

Cindy Cain volunteered at the event with Hands on Sacramento.

“It’s my first year,” Cain said. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I usually donate coats. It’s great to see were the coats go.”

News10 and Swanson’s Cleaners created Coats For Kids in 1991. Since then, more than 500,000 new and used coats have been distributed to children and families in need.

Today: Change a child's life for just $10

2010-12-28T19:03:37Z

Today, in the spirit of the holiday season, Deal Ticket and The Sacramento Press are excited to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento to offer you a chance to change a local child’s life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs to raise significant funds to keep the program going and asks for your support with a tax-deductible gift.

See David and Chester’s inspiring story here

For today only, you can visit the Deal Ticket website and donate $10 or more directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento. Many children have already been matched to Bigs, yet there are still many others waiting to be matched.

One hundred percent of the donation will go directly to the program and your support may determine whether these children get the help they need and assist in matching Littles waiting for Bigs.

All donations are 100 percent tax-deductible, and all donors will be issued vouchers that serve as receipts and include tax ID numbers.

Today, your generous donation of $10 can provide one of the following things:

* Recruit more positive role models
* Assist with background screening checks
* Provide mentor training

At-risk kids with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more likely to:

* Show improvement in school performance
* Enjoy better relationships with family, adults and peers
* Gain a new and positive perspective on life

and are less likely to:

* Start drinking alcohol
* Start taking drugs
* Lie
* Use violence to resolve conflicts

If you are unfamiliar with Deal Ticket, here’s a quick rundown. Every day, we feature a fantastic deal from a local business. That deal is featured for one day only. You click to buy the deal and save money (51-90 percent to be exact) by doing so.

To receive deals directly in your e-mail inbox, all you have to do is sign up for the daily Deal Ticket e-mail so you don’t miss out on deals you’ll love. Just visit our Deal Ticket website to sign up.

All it takes is one click to help a child that will greatly benefit from mentoring in their life.

This special Deal Ticket only lasts one day and we’re asking for your help in making this donation drive a success. Spread the word to your friends, family, coworkers, everyone!

Read about Big Brothers Big Sisters on The Sacramento Press here

Photos courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento

Sacramento's Charitable Side

2010-12-24T01:55:35Z

It’s that charitable time of year again. During the holidays, many feel compelled to share with those around them. In the spirit of the holiday, The Sacramento Press set out to find people who do give back and where they do it.

A few givers wished to remain anonymous. One man shared that his family adopts a couple of families for the holidays, buying gifts for them instead of each other. A woman said she donates to the local county animal shelter and the Best Friend Animal Society, a no-kill animal shelter. Another man said his family donates to an organization that provides animals to families in Africa. A couple said they donate to Sacramento Loaves & Fishes and the Salvation Army in downtown Sacramento.

Jeffery Cross works for the Board of Equalization as a space planner. He is pursuing a doctorate in health-care administration online at the University of Phoenix. He gives monthly to the Sacramento Food Bank.

Gail Betty works at the American Red Cross as a part-time instructor. She said she was being charitable toward herself this year. She said, “I’m working on forgiveness and letting go of expectations.”

Megan Emmerling works for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. She helped clean a property at 11th and J streets this year for the DSP’s volunteer day.

Henry Harry, who ran for City Council, supports local Oak Park correctional officers. “I was there and knew some people, so I donated about 50 bucks. It’s because I knew they had made a big effort.” He also gave to the Black Parallel School Board.

Eric Love lives in Land Park and works as a structural engineer. “We mainly give through our church, Fremont Presbyterian,” he said. The church sponsors a team that goes to Ethiopia every year, and it also has missions to Jamaica and Haiti.

Roderick Campbell is a political consultant. He donates to the New Millennium Foster Family Agency in South Sacramento, the Sacramento Food Bank and local churches in the Oak Park Area.

James Hinsman is from Citrus Heights and has been in the Army for two years. He donates to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Christmas Party Extravaganza

2010-12-19T01:27:29Z

The 24th Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza took place on Thursday, December 16, at the Niello Audi Dealership on Auburn Boulevard. Greg Schmidt has hosted and seen this event grow each and every year. Thursday night’s event was another successful and fun evening for those that attended the event.

The Christmas Party Extravaganza was more than just an evening for people to get together and enjoy this event. For the past decade Greg Schmidt has donated the profits from this extravaganza to benefit the Diogenes Youth Services.

The Diogenes Youth Services has been around since 1969 when it started as a counseling and crisis intervention center. Since then it has grown to be one of the only local non-profit agencies that continues to offer free comprehensive services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth in our area.

The Diogenes philosophy has been to actively involve troubled teens to become involved in the process of solving their conflicts and problems in order to become responsible, contributing members of society.

The event included live musical entertainment, a fashion show and a live auction. Designers Naomi May and Jason Powers exhibited their designs early in the evening. Members of a local Sacramento based photo group, Northern California Portrait Photographers, attended the event and were able to document the occasion. Photographer group organizer, Mark Behrens, coordinated access for the photographers group and offered valuable tips to make the evening a success for the group.

As the evening’s live auction began, David Sobon Auctions provided its amazing services and encouraged many of the guests to partake in the auction bidding. There were many items to bid for and several of the items went for more than a thousand dollars.

Tainted Love, a San Francisco based band, provided entertainment for the many guests. They play 80’s type music and it appeared they were a popular choice as the many guests danced to their tunes.

Greg Schmidt has been instrumental in partnering the Christmas Party Extravaganza with Diogenes Youth Services. Proceeds from all party profits are donated to this organization. This makes Greg the largest individual donor to Diogenes Youth Services.

Sponsors for the formal attire event were Audi Niello, David Sobon Auctions, Wells Fargo, Michael Greene and Co., and Allure Salon and Spa. Number of guests continues to grow and next year will be a milestone year for this event. 2011 will be the Greg Schmidt’s Silver Anniversary year as host of the Christmas Party Extravaganza.

Shedding convenience for military families

2010-12-17T02:25:16Z

Rodney Stanhope is living in a shed at Arden Fair Mall, and he isn’t there to shop.

The shed lacks running water or kitchen facilities, and he “showers” with baby wipes. His living space is just big enough for a cot, a couple of camp chairs and a small shelf for his computer.

Stanhope, a Navy veteran and small business owner who normally lives in Placerville, has one mission this holiday season: collecting toys for military families with one or both parents deployed overseas.

“We can’t bring mom or dad home, but we can make sure they have a happy Christmas,” Stanhope said. “Their parents are out there fighting for our freedom and putting their lives on the line.”

Though he partners with the National Guard, he said toys go to children from all branches of the military, and they’re used all across California, distributed through military personnel tasked with helping families of deployed service members.

Stanhope said that after doing this annually for six years, he was ready to call it quits last year, but something changed his mind.

“Travis Air Force Base had a whole division coming home, 1,200 men,” he said. “(A program called Welcome Home Warrior) had Santa, and he had a sack, and the kids each got a toy. Then, when it was all done, they said, ‘And now there’s one more gift,’ and doors rolled up and their parents came out.”

After only being able to collect 300 toys, Welcome Home Warrior turned to Stanhope for the rest.

Witnessing the surprise Christmas gift for the children made Stanhope vow to keep doing it.

“It still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it,” he said.

Last year, he and other volunteers collected 15,000 toys and enough money to purchase 10,000 more toys, but this year has been difficult.

He has been at the shed since Dec. 10, and will stay there until Dec. 22.

“We have a big hole to fill,” he said.

Last year, Stanhope received a lot of media attention after his generator was stolen, but he said he has had trouble getting the word out this year.

Most-needed are toys for toddlers and kids over 14, but everything helps.

To make it easy for people to donate, Stanhope said anyone can bring toys, money and gift cards to the shed, located in the Best Buy parking lot across from Cheesecake Factory, or make monetary donations online.

Stanhope works through Yellow Ribbon America, a national nonprofit organization, so donations are tax-deductible.

The shed is technically open from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., with uniformed service members on-hand until 1 p.m., but Stanhope said it’s effectively available 24 hours per day.

“I’m used to lack of sleep,” he said with a laugh.

The hardest part, he said, is being away from his wife for 12 days, as they will celebrate their first anniversary at the end of the year. And the cold.

“But that’s nothing compared to the military,” he said. “Some of them are deployed for over a year without seeing each other.”

Jayma Valentine, who spent 20 years in the Air Force as a nurse, brought a gift card to the shed Thursday afternoon.

“I come every year,” she said. “I don’t have kids of my own, so I figure I can give to them and help them get some decent Christmas presents.”

In addition to donations, volunteers are needed.

Nicolas Brown of El Dorado Hills was helping man the shed Thursday afternoon, and he said he came down to support a good cause.

“I’m a big military supporter,” he said. “They’re protecting basically everything we hold dear.”

To contact Stanhope directly, e-mail him at yellowribbonamerica@yahoo.com.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento Culinary Competition: Tickets Make Great Holiday Gift!

2010-12-08T00:21:26Z

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the Celebrity Chef Challenge will be rolling into Sacramento for its 9th annual edition in April of next year.

The culinary event that pits local professional chefs in a whisk to whisk battle to determine “whose cuisine reigns supreme” will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at the California Automobile Museum from 5:30pm-9:30pm and you won’t want to miss a minute of the action!

Six challengers will have 45 minutes to turn five secret ingredients into three power-packed dishes, all under the watchful eye of one live audience! Guests will have a front row seat for the culinary extravaganza, but that’s not all; ticket prices include a tour of the 72,000 square feet of automotive excellence housed by the California Automobile Museum and samples of food, beer and wine from over 100 vendors from throughout Sacramento and beyond including: Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Marin French Cheese Co., Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Table 260, Pyramid Alehouse, King Andrews Vineyards and many more!

If that isn’t enough to get you running to buy tickets, 100% of proceeds will benefit InAlliance, the nonprofit that has been providing supported employment and work and life skills training to people with developmental disabilities throughout the Greater Sacramento area since 1952. InAlliance believes all people have the absolute right and responsibility to be fully participating members of society and offer that opportunity through a variety of community programs. So, as you wine and dine the night away you will have the added bonus of supporting a tremendous cause!

Celebrity Chef Challenge tickets are on sale now and make a great gift for food lovers, aspiring chefs and restaurateurs alike. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door and include entrance into the museum, viewing of the challenge and all sampling from restaurants, wineries and breweries. More information can be found by visiting www.chefevent.com, by calling 916-381-1300 x170 or emailing jbean@inallianceinc.com.

The Celebrity Chef Challenge would not be possible without the support of our incredible community partners including: American Roland Food Corp., Cabot Creamery Cooperative, California Automobile Museum, General Produce, Mani Imports, Pacific Seafood, Preferred Meats, SacDine.com, Sacramento & Co., News 10, the Downtown Grid, and Yelp.com.

Winter Rollerland

2010-12-03T18:42:47Z

WEAVE has been selected as the beneficiary of an up and coming local hot spot. Winter Rollerland will open to the public on Friday, December 3rd at 1630 I Street - right in the heart of Midtown Sacramento. Winter Rollerland promises the Second Saturday appeal of the Midtown Bazaar and the classic entertainment of a good old fashioned roller rink.

Get your skate on with the Sacred City roller derby girls! Meet Slamson, the Sacramento King's mascot on Saturday, December 4th. Enjoy the ambience of holiday lights, disco balls, and hay bales covered in snow. And after you've skated your day away, it's just a short stroll to the Midtown Bazaar - featuring arts, crafts and delicious foods. Have fun and support a great cause!

WHEN: Opening Day is Friday, December 3 at 5:00pm. The roller rink will then be open each Friday 5 -10pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 6pm in December.

WHERE: 1630 I Street, on the corner of 17th & I Streets, Sacramento

COST: $5

In full disclosure, this article was written by a WEAVE employee in the hopes of spreading the word far and wide. We're grateful to Sacramento Press for this forum to get the word out!

Local Charities Wish for “Regifting” this Christmas

2010-12-02T21:05:37Z

Sacramento CASA is a local nonprofit that helps children who have been removed from their homes because of neglect or abuse and placed in foster care. They are one of more than 1,000 cause-based organizations registered on The Giving Effect that are hoping to connect with new donors this holiday season.

Sacramento CASA is hoping people will donate gifts this holiday season that can be distributed to the children in their care. Kimberly Loya, the organization's Development Coordinator, writes, "These supplies are for school and the holiday season. Some of these children do not have a support system that can provide them with all of the items they need for school. They also may not receive gifts at holiday time. These items will help them feel well prepared and cared for and bring great happiness to them."

Donors use The Giving Effect to connect with charities that need pretty much everything you can spare, from clothes, food, books and shoes, to cleaning supplies, cars, fencing and lumber.

“We are working to create a greater awareness of people in need, which is especially urgent during the holidays,” says Mitchell Silverman, co-founder of The Giving Effect. “Each donation on our site becomes a living story that can be shared on Facebook or Twitter to spread the holiday spirit, encouraging friends to follow your lead.”

Other local organizations registered on The Giving Effect include the Sacramento County Animal Shelter and the Tubman House.

Donating is easy—browse the site by needs, location, and categories to find causes you’d like to connect with. Then, complete a simple form to arrange a pickup, drop off, or shipment. Tax receipts are issued via email when the items are received.

About The Giving Effect

The Giving Effect uses social media to help donors discover and connect with organizations that need items such as clothes, shoes, and food. It’s the first website to create stories around each in-kind donation that can be easily shared online to inspire others to give. The goal is to create a national movement to get food, gently-used items, and more to people in need. The Giving Effect is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY.

About Sacramento CASA

Sacramento CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates for children – trained community volunteers appointed by a judge as Officers of the court to speak up for children in juvenile court, and to help to humanize the often frightening and confusing child welfareand legal systems for these children.

Disclosure: Mitchell Silverman is the Founder/CEO of The Giving Effect

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.

Happy hour with a heart

2010-12-02T01:29:20Z

As the 2010 holiday season goes into full swing, the Sierra 2 Center offers the Curtis Park and Sacramento community at large a truly unique way to combine its indulgence in merriment with its interest in sharing with those in need.

On Friday, December 3rd, the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts & Community presents Best Friend Friday, an ongoing social gathering at which attendees get to meet new people, enjoy terrific food and drinks, and learn something they didn’t know about their own community. This Friday attendees will get the chance to meet Harvest Sacramento, an amalgamation of area residents, non-profits, community groups and businesses who work together to gather uneaten fruit and vegetables from backyards and small orchards and donate them to people in need.

Best Friend Friday is the brainchild of Terri Shettle, Executive Director of the Sierra 2 Center and Neighborhood Association. The Sierra Center for the Arts & Community was formed in the 1970’s when hundreds of Curtis Park neighbors came together to rescue the old Sierra School from demolition. Since then, the restored Sierra 2 Center has served as a focal point for artists, teachers, students, parents, children, and seniors, who gather frequently in its dance studios, gardens, performance spaces, meeting halls and classrooms. Except on Friday nights.

“I noticed not long ago that our Center had a lot of availability on Friday nights,” said Shettle. “During the rest of the week, we’re hopping. Our Center is filled with classes, business seminars, community meetings, and lots of other activities. But on Friday nights, most of our tenants aren’t around. Especially in the Garden Room. And I thought, ‘What a shame!’ The Garden Room is such a lovely, sunny space, with views of the trees on the property and a charming courtyard attached to it. It’s a perfect place to have people get together in, when they’re done with their busy day and week!”

But rather than just do a potluck or a wine bar, Shettle decided to think just a little bit bigger. “Like attracts like,” she explains. “The Sierra 2 is a nonprofit, and being in the field, I know there are a lot of other nonprofits who would welcome a place to come and share ideas on what the community needs, and on how their organization is addressing it.”

And Shettle knows her own community. “People in Curtis Park and Sacramento in general are very giving, very concerned. They like to hear about novel ideas to make a difference in the world. And they’re very social. So why not provide them with the story, give them the opportunity to hear about these great ideas and to mingle with like-minded people? Rather than pop in a documentary or read a brochure, they can drive over to an easily accessible Center, come in and have a glass of wine and some good food, and learn about ways that others are working to improve an aspect of their own community. It’s a perfect blend of the social and altruistic.”

It’s also more than reasonably priced. For $5, attendees get a glass of wine and a hot plate of food catered by catered by Sierra 2 Center tenant, La Famiglia Catering. Raffle tickets are sold separately, and games are played during which attendees, Sierra 2 staff and nonprofit regulars get to learn about the organization in a fun way, interact with each other, and win interesting prizes. Sierra 2 Center picks up the tab for the food and drinks, and the guest non-profit takes home the raffle ticket money. And everyone eats, drinks, and talks. It’s fun, relaxing,inspiring networking.

“It’s like the definition of synergy,” quips Shettle. “The nonprofit we host at Best Friend Friday has a built-in group of friends and supporters. They come and mingle with others who are interested in knowing what’s going on and in having a good time. They make new best friends. The two groups overlap, they network, they combine, and they become stronger after the interaction.”

On December 3rd Best Friend Friday will host Harvest America, a local nonprofit that provides a unique opportunity for people to engage in direct and tangible service to their community.

Harvest Sacramento germinated from a seed planted by two area residents, Mary McGrath and Robin Aurelius, who were pained by the sight of rotting oranges piled in the streets of East Sacramento every spring. A grassroots campaign in 2009 to harvest oranges in the McKinley Park area engaged over thirty volunteers and donated about 3000 pounds of fresh citrus to the Sacramento Food Bank.

From this success it was apparent that with more organization and effective outreach, substantial contributions of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the entire year could greatly enhance the offerings of local food assistance agencies.

Harvest Sacramento is a project of Soil Born Farms, who operates two urban farms on over forty acres in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. Soil Born Farms is a nationally recognized center for the promotion of urban agriculture, sustainable food systems and healthy food education. Along with the continued support of its original and new volunteers, Soil Born Farms has taken a lead role in tending Harvest Sacramento, as it lays all of the administrative groundwork necessary to make a difference in the lives of needy Sacramentans.

When Harvest America joins with the Sierra 2 Center for this installment of Best Friend Friday, they will be bringing their own holiday cheer and a special guest along with them. This Friday, Harvest Sacramento will be providing hors d'oeuvres made from produce donated by Soil Born Farms and persimmons gleaned from a local orchard. And all of it will be expertly prepared by Eileen Murray.

Well-known local vegetarian chef and instructor, Murray presents monthly dinners at the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op under the title “Eileen’s Kitchen.” As a nationally-recognized camp cook, baker, entrepreneur and instructor, Murray has been cultivating the art of cooking organic whole food for over thirty years. She is an accomplished macrobiotic cook who trained at the Kushi Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Vega Center in Oroville, California.

Suzanne Flint of Curtis Park is excited that Eileen will be on hand, and that Best Friend Friday is hosting Harvest Sacramento. She’s one of the volunteers for the organization, and she’s been inviting everyone she knows to come to the Sierra 2 Center on December 3rd. “Harvest Sacramento” she says, “is a simple and lovely way to give back to our community.”

Begun in September, Best Friend Friday so far has hosted the Sacramento Tree Foundation and KCRA’s “Coats For Kids.” Harvest Sacramento is next, and Shettle has been in conversation with many other nonprofits. “Best Friend Friday is a social networking model,” she says. “But instead of Facebook and Twitter, where my two fiends meet your two friends via the Internet, we do it in person.”

For more information on Best Friend Friday, contact the Sierra 2 Center at (916)452-3005, www.Sierra2.org, or Facebook/sierra2center.

Chilly weather no concern for 17th Run to Feed the Hungry

2010-11-25T22:44:32Z

“R-U-N! R-U-N! Run, run, run!” locals shouted from their lawns, dressed much more warmly than the Run to Feed the Hungry participants flowing through Sacramento neighborhoods. Around 30,000 people ran, walked, or jogged in the 17th annual race, which had 5K and 10K routes, that began and ended at Sacramento State University.

Despite the chilly Thanksgiving weather, participants were in high spirits. Friends, family and coworkers spent the morning huddling in the sunlight or by heat lamps, drinking Peet’s coffee and eating fruits and donuts for pre-race fuel. Classic rock music filled the air and pumped energy into the crowd as the race time approached.

“This is perfect weather,” Sarah Doyle, a CSUS student, said before the race, rubbing her hands together. “I try and run the whole thing—the 10K—and after about a minute I can’t even feel the cold.”

Major Kevin Johnson and event coordinators thanked everyone for participating and initiated the countdown to the start of the run.

The 5K route (roughly 3 miles) followed J Street, took a left on 45th, a right on Folsom Blvd., then followed 41st back to H Street and ended up back at Sacramento State.

The 10K route (roughly 6 miles) took J Street to 30th to McKinley Park, where it stretched down to 24th and came back to follow E Street to Elvas Ave. and down Coloma toward H Street, where it returned to the campus finish line.

Whether seeking the comfort of a nice walk with good company or running to beat last year’s time, everyone was friendly and cooperative, no matter what speed they preferred.

Locals lined the roads and cheered, barbequeing, playing music and clapping to motivate participants forward while news helicopters idled overhead to watch the crowd weave through the city. A plethora of funny hats, turkey balloons and costumes brought unique charm to the event, which culminated with live music from the band On Air as participants crossed the finish line.

“It’s always been a great way to help the community,” George Dunn said, adding that he and his wife have walked the 5K route for the past 6 years. “It’s a good start for Thanksgiving.”

Click here to view the Liveshare collection of photos from the event.

Photos by Colleen Belcher.

Video below taken by Michael Ftizgerald.

Racing for a Reason: Chris Suter

2010-11-23T20:52:32Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only two days away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) encourages you to be part of a Thanksgiving tradition. The 5K and 10K fun run and walk launches from Sacramento State, 6000 J St., on Thanksgiving morning. With 30,000 participants expected to be involved, you are guaranteed a morning of fun with family and friends.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Chris Suter
Occupation: Fire Protection Engineer for the Sacramento Fire Department

SP: How many years have you been doing the run?
CS: My first year was 2006, so this will be my fifth year.

SP: How many people do you run with?
CS: I can usually roust a sibling and cousin or two to run with me.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
CS: Every possible chance I get.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
CS: Having volunteered with SFBFS for several years, I’ve seen firsthand the beneficial effect that the organization has on those that they help and the community as a whole. Being a part of so many people working toward such a positive goal is really a wonderful feeling.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
CS: Who doesn’t love seeing all those thousands of people pounding down J Street? It’s phenomenal. That and the fact that because of this event, Sacramento Food Band & Family Services is able to provide so much to people in need.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
CS: The brown shirt with the turkey legs in the New Balance shoes (2006) is my favorite. I wear it all the time.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
CS: I think the Run getting 30,000 people this year would be pretty cool.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
CS: family and friends. They really are truly wonderful.

Racing for a Reason: Paul Kessler

2010-11-22T20:51:01Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a couple days away.

There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Paul Kessler
Occupation: Student, Sacramento Country Day School

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Paul Kessler: Since I was six or seven (I’m 18 now).

SP: How many people do you run with?
PK: I usually run with a friend or two from school.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
PK: I play soccer and basketball so I run a lot.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
PK: Just helping the community; SFBFS is a great organization.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
PK: Joining with thousands of other people who want to see hunger come to an end.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
PK: I don’t know.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
PK: That everyone could get a hot Thanksgiving dinner (and that I get into the University of Maryland).

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
PK: The people who have helped me with my college applications, like late nights working on essays and people who wrote recommendation letters for me.

Below is a statement from Paul's college application about Run to Feed the Hungry and his school’s fundraising team.

“Paul, it’s 5:45, time to get up.”

Thanksgiving morning always starts early with a 5K run. My family and I participate in the Run to Feed the Hungry with thousands of fellow citizens in support of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

In eighth grade, I pitched the idea of a Sacramento Country Day fundraising team to Student Council by stressing the importance of helping our community.

Our first year, we raised over $5,000, the most in the Sacramento area, as the first school-based team ever. We responded with three more excellent years, winning the fundraising trophy each year and raising $34,000 in total.
Our impressive results spurred fifteen other schools to form teams. The local NBC affiliate even interviewed us.

In addition to fundraising, this year’s goal is to ensure continuity. I have stepped aside as captain to mentor another student so our team keeps the chalice for years to come.

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.

Racing for a Reason: Joan Miller

2010-11-15T21:58:04Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a couple weeks away.

Every week up until then, we will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry runner. We will ask six different past and present runners the same questions. We have found that people are motivated by many different reasons to be involved in this incredible event.
There is still time to sign up to participate. Go to the Run to Feed the Hungry website for more information and ways to register.

Name: Joan Miller
Occupation: Child Welfare Social Work Supervisor.

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Joan Miller: 2010 will be my family’s third year doing the Run to Feed the Hungry.

SP: How many people do you run with?
JM: I run with several people on a regular basis, but this run, I run with my family; my partner and our two children, ages 21 and 22.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
JM: I run weekly about three times per week, with a long run on the weekend. I also do many races every year, but the Run to Feed the Hungry is my favorite race and the race that means the most to me.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
JM: In part because of what the race represents and in part because I get to share it with my family.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
JM: I love what this race represents. I love that I get to start my Thanksgiving Day running with my family for a cause that is so relevant to our community and to our society here in America. I think the Sacramento Food Bank is a wonderful organization and I am awed and motivated to be a part of this event because of how many people show up to run for this cause and I know that my family is fortunate and to be able to spend the day with many others supplying food and money for an organization that provides families with what they need is an honor. Until we started running this race, we would stay home and eat dinner. When you juxtapose that with being able to be a small part of something so much bigger, how could we not participate?

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
JM: I don’t necessarily have a favorite shirt design, but I do like they are long sleeved and I do prefer the shirts that are not white. All the designs are well done and well thought out.

SP: If you could make one wish this Thanksgiving, what would it be?
JM: My wish for this Thanksgiving is that more cities/counties/organizations be able to organize runs of this magnitude to supply food and money for what families and children need in America. It is obviously a huge success for the Sacramento region. A friend of mine and I would like to start something similar in our county and are making preliminary plans to start finding out how we can make that happen.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
JM: Although it sounds cliché, what I am most thankful for this year is wonderful children, good health, and someone who loves me more than words can say.

Photo courtesy of Joan Miller

Holiday Inn Fundraiser

2010-11-15T19:03:19Z

Sierra West Consultants of Fair Oaks is pleased to join the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce in a charity fundraiser for local children & women organizations. Excellent food & entertainment will be provided -- professional Tina Turner & Michael Jackson impersonators. Fun for all!
$5 entrance fee or FREE with donation of diapers, bag of groceries, or unwrapped toy.
Date: December 3rd, 2010
Time: Noon to 5pm
At: Holiday Inn, 11269 Point East Dr, Rancho Cordova.
Call: Jeff Bensch, Sierra West Consultants for more information (916) 863-3220

Salvation Army Receiving Large Turkey Donation

2010-11-12T00:41:00Z

The Salvation Army in Sacramento received more than 700 pounds of frozen turkeys from California State Automobile Association of Northern California on November 11. The turkeys were delivered to The Salvation Army’s B Street Center of Hope emergency shelter in downtown Sacramento.

The donation was part of AAA’s annual Thanksgiving turkey delivery project, an effort to help meet the needs of various communities during the holiday season. More than 10 tons of turkeys were distributed by AAA to 26 Northern California, Nevada and Utah non-profits.

“Our point of view is to give back to the communities we’re serving,” said Greg Jennings, AAA district sales manager. “The Salvation Army does a very good job of taking care individuals who are less fortunate, and that’s why we are a proud partner with them every holiday season.”

The turkeys donated in Sacramento will be prepared and served for a free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, November 25 at the Center of Hope shelter. Anyone from the Sacramento community can be served a meal from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day.

“We are blessed to receive this incredible donation from AAA,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County coordinator. “They are a major reason why The Salvation Army has been able to feed hundreds of individuals every Thanksgiving.”

This is the 14th consecutive year AAA has donated turkeys to The Salvation Army. Last year, the donation helped more than 600 individuals receive a Thanksgiving meal.

SydFong is the public relations director for The Salvation Army of Sacramento. For more information about The Salvation Army, log onto www.salarmysacto.org

Do Something Special While You Shop For Your Special Someone

2010-11-10T01:23:47Z

In the true spirit of the Holiday Season, Rogers Jewelry Co. is hosting a benefit for the Sacramento Muscular Dystrophy Association in their newest store, located in Granite Bay Pavilions on the corner of Sierra College Boulevard and Eureka Road in Roseville.

On Sunday, 100 percent of the proceeds of all sales will be donated directly to the Sacramento Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The MDA helps provide care and treatment of individuals with neuro-muscular and skeletal dysfunctions as well as funds research into diseases of the spine and central nervous system. Most people know the MDA from their main fundraising effort, the Labor Day Telethon hosted by comedian Jerry Lewis.

Rogers is opening the Roseville store, typically closed on Sunday, exclusively for this special event. In addition to donating all the proceeds from this one-day sale, there will be champagne and wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and special pricing for the day on nearly everything in the store.

Rogers has been a part of the Sacramento landscape for nearly 70 years and believes that it's important to give back to the community in meaningful ways.

"We have a duty to support the cities and towns where we do business" said Robert Marks, president of Rogers Jewelry Co. and grandson of the founder. "Rogers was founded on the principals of service and integrity, and we're extremely proud to support the Sacramento MDA and their important work."

The event to support the Sacramento Muscular Dystrophy Association is being held at the Rogers Jewelry Co. store located at 9217 Sierra College Blvd. in Roseville from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 916-782-1505.

Disclosure: Calvin Curtin is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Rogers Jewelry Co