Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sfbfs"

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!

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

Running and walking can make a difference

2011-11-15T17:21:58Z

As poor people are starving and searching possible ways to obtain food, thousands of generous individuals are uniting together and doing their best to help by donating and taking on a grueling kilometer path.

“I have been doing this run for many years,” said Ginelle Esperanza. “It feels like I am making a difference not just because I am donating, but because I am running. Seeing the smiles on others really gets to me because I think they smile because so many people run for them and gather together.”

Run to Feed the Hungry is an event that has been popular to many local families and non-local families for about 17 years. The event starts on J Street in Sacramento and the racers can choose to either run about three miles or choose to run about six miles. Run to Feed the Hungry is one of the largest races in the United States, and is held on November 24, which is also Thanksgiving morning.

Registering for the exciting event is fast and easy. To sign-up, all people have to do is go to runtofeedthehungry.com, click the registering tab, and one can choose to register online, send a mail-in registration, or pre-register at the Sacramento REI store.

To enter the race, runners have to pay a required fee varying on if they are individual runners, if they want their runs timed, or if they were on a team. Adults have to pay $35, children (15 and younger) have to pay $20, adults and children can get timed on their run at a cost of $5, and if individuals want to be on a team it is $50.

“Some people may think that $35 is a lot of money,” said Drew Black. “Thinking about how much money we have compared to the hungry, $35 dollars to the hungry must seem like $1000 dollars to us.”

Anything to help the hungry is vital and getting a few bucks from those who do not need it as much is greatly appreciated. One would not just be losing money, but if he or she actually participated in the event, that person will truly have a wonderful experience.

Another factor that opposes people from participating in the event is that think they would have to run a plethora of miles. Little did those people know is that, the runners do not have to run the whole time, but they can walk.

All the donations will benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Having many people that care and sacrifice an aspect of their lives, helps dreams of the hungry young children and their families come true.

As being a member of this community, I think that participating in this race is a memorable moment in one’s life. Being able to help someone or people that I do not know helps trigger in my mind that I made a difference. Anything can help the hungry, and if someone does not want to run and just donate, it is okay. Donating even just $1 can help and make a change. This race is not forcing anybody to do anything. Instead, this event is a start of making a difference and making dreams come true.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteers needed for 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry

2011-10-19T20:27:43Z

It's that time again... we're nearing Thanksgiving, which means it's almost time for the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry! This event, taking place every Thanksgiving morning, is the largest fundraiser of the year for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). The event launches in front of Sac State and winds through East Sacramento, with a 5K course and a 10K course.

Over 28,000 people participated in last year's event, making it the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the country. One of the ways this event is made possible is through the support of over 500 volunteers on the morning of the event as well as the days leading up to Thanksgiving Day. Not much of a runner of a walker, but want to be a part of this incredible community event? Consider volunteering. Volunteers receive a unique, long-sleeve Run to Feed the Hungry volunteer t-shirt for their volunteer service.

SFBFS is in need of volunteers to support Run to Feed the Hungry on the following days:

November 20-23 at REI :

Volunteers are needed at the Sacramento REI to help with runner registration and t-shirt pickup. Volunteers must be age 16 and up to assist at REI and be able to stand for long periods of time. Snacks and beverages will be available for volunteers during their shift. The following shifts are available:

Sunday, Nov. 20, 1:30-6pm
Monday, Nov. 21, 9:30am-3:30pm
Monday, Nov. 21, 3pm-9pm
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 9:30am-3:30pm
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 3pm-9pm
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 9am-2pm
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 1:30pm-7:30pm

November 24 (Thanksgiving Day):

Volunteers ages 18 and up are needed at the Run to Feed the Hungry to assist with a variety of tasks. Volunteers will check in between 6am and 7am (depending on the task) at the volunteer check-in tent near the Scottish Rite temple at J Street and Carlson in East Sacramento. Volunteers are needed until approximately 11am and must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time. The following tasks are available on Thanksgiving morning:

Parking
Crowd Control
Water Stations
VIP Tent
Cleanup Crew
Course Monitors

Volunteers make this event happen! If you have any questions about volunteering, please e-mail volunteer@sacramentofoodbank.org.

Disclosure: Robin Simpson is an employee of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Corbett's House of Horror Benefits SFBFS

2011-10-11T17:22:32Z

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

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

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

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

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

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is featured on Groupon

2011-10-03T19:55:19Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SFBFS Volunteer Spotlight - August 2011

2011-09-14T00:20:01Z

Volunteers often bring more than just their time to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Many bring their talents, their professional training, their enthusiasm for serving others and their desire to make an impact in the community. T. Jackson is a volunteer at SFBFS who brings all of the above on a regular basis. She has been volunteering in the PlayCare and Youth Academy programs at SFBFS’ Saca Community Learning Center since April 2010.

On Friday mornings, T. can be found surrounded by ten to twenty toddlers, sitting on the floor in PlayCare, playing guitar and singing. Her educational background in music therapy helps her to create a special bond with the children who are initially resistant to participating. “Some kids are shy and keep to themselves,” she says. “You can tell they want to join the crowd but their shyness keeps them from it. I like to be the person to pay attention to those kids and help them join in.” As someone who grew up with ten siblings, this is an important priority for T.

T. has a wide variety of interests and a passion for lifelong learning. She began to pursue a career in music therapy as an adult. After taking classes at Sierra College and University of the Pacific, T. completed an internship at UC Davis Children's Hospital, getting hands-on experience working with youth ages 6 months to 23 years. Currently, T. runs a unique business, offering music therapy to clients at in-home childcare centers and schools, as well as one-on-one. She also teaches private guitar and piano lessons. She is passionate about advocating for Hispanic and African-American children, and despite her busy schedule, makes time to volunteer.

She recalls one of the first children she met in the PlayCare program, a three year old girl who barely spoke. "Her mother was so concerned that she wasn't talking," T. says. Working together by singing songs and playing instruments eventually gave the little girl an opportunity to express herself. "She's now entering first grade and talking a lot!" says T. "Sometimes when children are quiet, parents think that they're delayed," she explains. "I encourage parents to never underestimate what their kids can do. By doing this, you will open doors for them to accomplish whatever they want."

In addition to PlayCare, T. plans to spend more time volunteering with the older children in Youth Academy. "I have always loved volunteering. It's fun!" says T. She continues to further her education by taking classes in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, hoping to complete a Master's Degree in the next few years. In her spare time, T. loves playing music, singing and gardening. She can be found every Sunday singing jazz at a restaurant in Placerville. T. is always planning her future adventures and encourages other to do the same. "Make preparations for your dreams, even if they aren't happening right away," she says. With her talent, passion and professional experience, T. continues to make a big difference in the lives of all the children in the youth programs at SFBFS.

Volunteer Spotlight: Julia Siegle

2011-08-02T18:46:18Z

Julia Siegle came to California just 2 years ago and has already established herself as one of the most active volunteers in the Youth Academy program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Born and raised in Seattle, Julia later moved to the East Coast where she lived in Boston, MA and Newport, RI, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English from U Mass and spent time as a preschool teacher.

Julia is an avid snow skier and loves the outdoor adventures and proximity to the mountains that Sacramento provides. However, when the snow melted in the spring months, Julia found herself with more free time on her hands. This allowed her to pursue volunteering and was intrigued by a posting for childcare volunteers at SFBFS. She attended a volunteer orientation in August 2010 and has been volunteering 3 times a week ever since. Her background as a preschool teacher helped her tremendously with the toddlers in PlayCare, but she wanted to get out of her comfort zone and assist the grade school children. This led to placement as a volunteer in the Youth Academy after-school program.

According to Aurelia Garcia, the Youth Academy Program Manager in Oak Park, “Julia is a dedicated, caring and dependable volunteer. She is a leader who works well with others. I appreciate and value her feedback and ideas because it helps me to make the appropriate decisions to implement or modify certain program activities to better serve our children and their families. The children love working with her on their homework because she is patient and encourages them to keep trying harder. She makes them feel safe and that is it okay if they need help.”

“I love kids!” says Julia. To pursue her passion of working with children, Julia is planning on attending Sacramento State in the fall to get her Master’s degree in Education.

When asked about what she likes best about being a volunteer at SFBFS, Julia shares, “The sense of community is wonderful!” She comments about the positive feeling she has as she walks through SFBFS’ facility to find people always smiling and greeting her. “I think that Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and all the programs provided are wonderful. I'm proud to be involved."

Disclosure: Written by Tessie Ernst

Volunteer Spotlight: Leslie and George

2011-07-19T00:02:25Z

In the Adult Education program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), volunteers sit side by side with the clients they are assisting, often developing rapport and trust with one another. Volunteers are essential in creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental learning environment. Two of the friendly volunteers one may encounter in the Adult Education program at SFBFS’ main facility in Oak Park are Leslie Marria and George Langley. This dynamic duo has been carpooling from Folsom to Oak Park for the last two years to volunteer. But don’t call them tutors. “I don’t consider myself a tutor,” says Leslie. “We’re doing a lot of mentoring.” George agrees. “We don’t teach people, we help them learn,” he says. Their unique approach help clients feel empowered about their learning abilities. Both George and Leslie’s backgrounds and life experiences are a huge asset the students.

After retiring from 32 years of teaching special education and Spanish, Leslie met Emmy, a longtime SFBFS volunteer who convinced Leslie that her skills were needed in Adult Education. “It took me about three years until I finally came down, and I’ve been here ever since,” says Leslie. With her education background, Leslie often helps the Adult Education program manger identify learning disabilities in the adult students. Leslie had been volunteering for about a year when she did a little volunteer recruiting of her own. “George is my wonderful neighbor who was always doing little repairs around my house for me,” explains Leslie. “When I finally ran out of things that needed fixing, George asked what else he could do. I told him, come to volunteer with me!”

“Once I got in the car, I was stuck!” laughs George. He has been volunteering for just over a year and enjoying every day of it. George, who has a background in engineering, worked in the private sector for 40 years before going back to UC Berkeley to get his degree in education. He then taught auto mechanics to high school students for 23 years. He enjoys working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and helping them in subjects varying from English and math to car maintenance and parenting advice. “It’s thrilling to see the students begin to blossom as they grow,” he says. Both George and Leslie use their unique style to teach the students basic life skills. Leslie recently started bringing in casseroles and other basic dishes to share with the students. She started offering basic cooking tips and healthy, easy recipes. George brought in solar-powered calculators and showed students the benefits of never having to replace the battery, as well as how to use the calculator to find good deals at the grocery store. “We help individuals see the importance of teaching themselves,” says George. To sum up her teaching philosophy which she shares with her students, Leslie quotes Henry Ford: “If you believe you can, you’re right,” she says. “If you believe you’re wrong, you’re right. You decide.”

The students that George and Leslie work with often come to them for academic guidance, but leave with much more. George, who is turning 99 in August, just completed his second novel which relates to his rich life experiences. “You’re only as old as you think you are,” he says. Leslie calls George “St. George the dragon slayer” for his always positive, can-do attitude. Both volunteers are incredibly talented and inspirational individuals with so much to share. They are an amazing part of the volunteer team at SFBFS.

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!

Volunteer Spotlight - May 2011

2011-05-10T21:20:18Z

Charlotte Hansen is one of those “can’t live without her” volunteers. She has been volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in the Mother-Baby program for just over one year, and the program staff cannot imagine the program without her. “Her commitment to the Mother-Baby program is fantastic,” says Lorena Carranza, Mother-Baby program manger. “She does it all.”

Indeed, Charlotte wears many hats in the Mother-Baby program. She can be found on Mondays and Thursdays in the Mother-Baby clothing area, sorting baby clothing, hanging items, talking to new mothers and babies, training volunteers, and more. You may also find her sitting down with a new parent in the mentoring room, making referrals, offering advice, and being a shoulder to lean on. On special event days, Charlotte is serving food, facilitating art projects with the kids, helping with set up, clean up and more. She is currently being trained to lead parent education classes on the use of cloth diapers. She really does it all. She has a pleasant and welcoming demeanor that makes everyone feel comfortable in the program.

“When I moved to Sacramento not too long ago, I wanted to find a worthwhile place to spend some time,” says Charlotte. An online search led her to the Mother-Baby program at SFBFS. Charlotte retired from a career in retail a few years back and came to Sacramento to spend time with her daughter’s family and new grandchild. “I love clothing and I love kids, so this sounded like a great fit,” she says. Charlotte is one of the first friendly faces that new clients see when they arrive to receive help with their brand-new babies. “It’s so nice to see people helping others. I enjoy being a part of that.” Families receive a generous supply of gently used and new baby clothing, maternity clothing, blankets, and other baby supplies. “They just can’t believe how much they are able to receive. It’s fun watching the kids pick out their own toys. Both mom and kids are so grateful,” she comments.

Charlotte’s current challenge is learning how to sew cloth diapers. The Mother-Baby program will soon offer a class teaching new parents how to sew their own cloth diapers for use at home. The moms will be able to take home all the diapers they sew in class. Charlotte has been experimenting with the pattern on her home sewing machine and is feeling confident that she’ll be able to teach the parents how to do it. The diapers are created by donated t-shirts and fabric scraps. “The response from the community is great,” she says. “We’re doing this because the parents want to learn how. It’s wonderful to see.”

For Charlotte, the joy of volunteering is creating a welcoming space for clients. “SFBFS fulfills important needs. It’s very family-oriented,” she says. Her focus is always making the families feel comfortable inside the Mother-Baby program. “We have a very happy environment here,” Charlotte says. Lorena agrees wholeheartedly, saying “Charlotte spreads love and compassion to the families enrolled in the Mother-Baby program. Everyone loves working with her because of her warm personality.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteer Spotlight

2011-04-05T16:51:48Z

During the Christmas season of 2009 a strong desire came over Becky Starr to help a family in need. She knew she wanted to give back somehow and immediately went on-line in search of volunteer opportunities. Having worked in the food industry for 30 years, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) seemed like an obvious fit.

However, after attending SFBFS’ volunteer orientation, Becky realized she might fit better into the services offered in the Mother-Baby program. “I have a four year old granddaughter and a two year old grandson that live in Champaign, IL and I don’t get to see them much,” confesses Becky. “I liked the idea of working with women and children, so when the Volunteer Manager mentioned that there was a need in the program that was it.”

“I love what we do here,” reflects Becky. “It’s so different from my day to day work and I really enjoy the change of pace.” Becky is the Western Region Sales Manager for a prominent food ingredient company and travels about six months out of the year. “I make sure to schedule all my trips on Tuesday”, she informs us so that she can volunteer on Monday evenings at the Saca Community Learning Center, SFBFS’ facility in North Sacramento.

“I’m so impressed with the services this organization can offer the parents and children,” she says with a smile on her face. “I remember how scary it is having babies and not knowing where I was going to get the next gallon of milk,” Becky says as her tone becomes rather somber. “I love what we what we’re doing here. The classes are great and I feel good at the end of the night” says Becky as an even bigger smile returns to her face.

“I also love working with the other volunteers and would absolutely recommend it to another person looking to get involved in our community. We could definitely use more help…Spanish-speakers a plus.”

When Becky is not on the road with her company she provides bookkeeping services for her daughter’s young adults appeal shop Cuffs located in midtown on J Street. Her experience at Cuffs has helped make Becky the perfect candidate for organizing, displaying and pricing of Mother-Baby’s Baby-Buck Boutique, an incentive driven store that allows parents to shop using the Mother-Baby Bucks they earn by attending multiple workshops in the program.

Whether she is traveling, crunching numbers or organizing baby supplies, it is certain that Becky does it from the heart with a grace and compassion that comes from a dedicated volunteer. Hats off to you Becky Starr, we appreciate all that you do.

Written by Mireya Estrella

Tom and Jessica are racing for a reason - Race for the Ring 2011

2011-04-04T20:16:06Z

Interview with Tom and Jessica Pearson, finishers in last year's event. Tom hails from eastern Washington and fancies himself a bit of a mountain man. Jessica grew up in the Inland Empire (San Bernardino/Riverside area) and learned to snowboard on fake snow. They met in Spain while trying to make the most of their undergraduate opportunities via studying abroad. The couple now live in Land Park and spend entirely too much time working.

Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My wedding ring and my engagement ring (Jessica) . We have matching wedding bands with inscriptions. My engagement ring was picked out by Tom from a little celtic jewelry shop in Jackson, CA.

Are you participating in this year's Race for the Ring? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
Yes, we are both looking forward to dominating. And gloating, gloating is good, too.

What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Tom used to work for SacramentoFood Bank & Family Services and had a great experience supporting their mission by teaching English to adult language learners. Now he is getting his Masters Degree to do the same. So many of our friends work at or volunteer for SFBFS that it seems like an extended family.

If you participated last year, what was your favorite thing about the race?
Winning fourth place, and getting to feel smug for knowing downtown Sacramento really well (this helped with the clues), a skill that normally generates little fanfare.

What is your role with Race for the Ring 2011 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
Just a pair of ring hopefuls this year.

What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank& Family Services?
That they have tons of family programs for kids, adults and seniors alike. They really try to meet a variety of family needs to allow families to help themselves through classes and other offerings, the Family Services part is larger than most people realize.

Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or the event?
We had so much fun last year that we’ve recruited lots of friends for this year’s event. We look forward to some friendly competition. And the refreshing quench of afterbeers.

For more information about this 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.

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.

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)!

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.

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!

Volunteer Spotlight

2011-01-06T20:15:08Z

After graduating from Chapman University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice, Christina Ubaldo began working in the childcare department of a local gym in early 2010. She enjoyed working with children, but saw the role as temporary employment until she could return to school to further her education. She worked well with children and adults alike and was quickly promoted to Childcare Manager, even helping to open a new location. However, by February 2010, Christina decided to make a change. She quit her job to pursue her dream of attending law school.

While researching schools, filling out applications and preparing personal statements, Christina sought a way to get involved in the community and volunteer. She was familiar with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) as she regularly donates to the annual Turkey Drive and through Adopt-a-Family holiday assistance. She started volunteering in the Adult Education program at the Saca Community Learning Center, SFBFS’ North Sacramento facility. “It’s great to be helping others again,” says Christina, who volunteered in college as a tutor for students with learning disabilities at American River College. On a typical day, Christina helps individuals find jobs online in the computer lab, tutoring clients one-on-one in various subjects, helps clients prepare to take the GED exam and assists people with improving their reading and literacy skills. She says the computer lab is usually the busiest, with clients searching for jobs, completing applications for assistance, printing DMV forms and more. “I never realized how many people don’t have the resource of a computer available to them,” she says. “I am often working with many people at the same time.”

“Christina is a leader,” says James Moore, SFBFS’ Adult Education Program Manager at the Saca Community Learning Center. “She goes above and beyond to help our clients and often stays much longer than planned. She is very compassionate.” Christina’s skills in certain subjects also make her a valuable asset to the team at SFBFS. She can help with challenging subjects such as math and science. She’s the “go-to” tutor when it comes to clients that are attending college classes, as she’s the most comfortable tutoring in the more advanced subjects.

Christina volunteers twice a week for several hours in the mornings. “Volunteering at SFBFS is such a positive experience,” she says. “I enjoy the interaction with the staff. They are so supportive of the volunteers and help us to better help the clients. The best part is watching clients achieve their personal goals.” By applying to law school, Christina hopes to do that very thing for herself. She hopes to study human rights or constitutional law and plans to continue making a difference in the lives of others. As a mother of two, attending law school won’t be easy, but Christina is excited to face the challenge that lies ahead. In the meantime, Christina will continue volunteering at SFBFS as much as she can to help others achieve their goals.

Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteer Spirit Award winners

2010-12-04T00:37:21Z

The Volunteer Spirit Awards are a yearly opportunity for organizations throughout Sacramento to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding volunteers. On October 29, 2010, staff and volunteers from various programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) attended the 10th Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards luncheon the Grand Ballroom in downtown Sacramento. This event, put on by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento, is the largest volunteer recognition ceremony honoring Sacramento area volunteers. Nominees come from a wide range of local agencies, with areas of volunteerism ranging from education, animals, heath, family services, hospitals, seniors, counseling and more. SFBFS program managers take this opportunity to recognize their outstanding volunteers by submitting detailed nominations outlining the dedication and accomplishments of volunteers.

This year, SFBFS nominated eight incredible volunteers in various categories. The nominees included Carrie Detwiler for Ray of Light volunteer (Mother-Baby), Cynthia Bows for Volunteer of the Year in Arts and Recreation (Women’s Wisdom Art), Ricci Stephenson for Salt of the Earth volunteer (Mother-Baby), Michael Adams for Volunteer of the Year Supporting those Less Fortunate (Adult Education), Jacob McGonigle for Youth volunteer of the Year (Food Assistance), Chris Crumly for Heart of Gold volunteer (Clothing), Greg Hoyt for Volunteer of the Year Supporting Children and Youth (Computer Clubhouse) and Home Depot for Volunteer Group of the Year for their work at both SFBFS facilities.

SFBFS staff cheered on the nominees at the luncheon and is ecstatic to report three SFBFS won: Cynthia Bows, Greg Hoyt and Michael Adams. Cynthia Bows has been a part of Women’s Wisdom Art since March 2009. An accomplished sculptor, Cynthia recently celebrated her 80th birthday but her energy and passion for ceramics has only increased over the years. She shares this enthusiasm with the women in the program who are learning to sculpt. She inspires creativity in everyone she surrounds. In addition, Cynthia has stepped up to the plate to raise money from friends, family, colleagues and “anyone who will listen” to fund a scholarship for advanced ceramics courses for five low-income women in the Women’s Wisdom Art program.

Greg Hoyt has been a volunteer in the Computer Clubhouse program for over four years. Computer Clubhouse Program Manager Charles Coger was thrilled at the opportunity to recognize Greg’s many accomplishments. Over the years, Greg has provided tutoring and mentoring to the youth in the program and vital IT experience to the computer workstations. A retired Intel employee, Greg has contributed over 800 hours of volunteer work with the youth, repairing and reformatting machines, researching software for the program’s curriculum, solving IT problems for the families served in the program, donating computer parts and even developing a course where students built 5 PCs from scratch. The Computer Clubhouse would not be the same without Greg’s expertise and dedication.

Michael Adams, a volunteer in the Adult Education program at the Saca Community Learning Center, was a student in a paralegal program when he started volunteering several times a week. He assisted the Adult Education clients with literacy tutoring, computer basics, resume writing and job searches. He enjoyed working one-on-one with clients and even found that his knowledge of the legal system was extremely useful to help individuals in various situations. One client was hesitant to start her job search due to a past mistake possibly showing up on a background check. With Michael’s help, she was able to navigate the system to find out her previous case has been dismissed and her record was clear. She was thrilled to be able to search for a job without feeling ashamed about her past thanks to Michael’s assistance.

“It’s such a gift to have this formal opportunity to recognize our volunteers’ accomplishments,” says Robin Simpson, Volunteer Services Manager. “Everyone enjoys the luncheon and it’s a thrill to take back three awards. We are so proud of our nominees.”

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.

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.

How to use Liveshare to post your RTFTH photos

2010-11-24T01:14:32Z

You’ve taken some great photos from the Run To Feed the Hungry race and now you want to share them. How do you upload them on our site? Below we’ll show you how to do it.

Requirements:

iPhone with iOS 3 or higher
Android phone
Have a Facebook account

For iPhone users you can simply download the app at the iTunes store. For Android users simply launch the Android Market on your device then search for "LiveShare" in the Android Market and install it, it’s free!

Once you have the app you can use your Facebook credentials to login. Then simply select The Run to Feed the Hungry event, which will pop up under Nov. 25 events. You will see a live gallery of pictures that everyone else at the event is taking. Click the camera icon in the upper right corner and you can add pictures of your own right from your phone!

It’s as easy as that.

Although you won’t see much until race day, you can check out the gallery now on SacPress.

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.

Today: Change a life for just $13

2010-11-16T18:21:17Z

Since the launch of Deal Ticket in July, tons of great products and services from local businesses have been featured every day.

Today, Deal Ticket and The Sacramento Press are excited to partner with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services to switch things up and offer a chance for you to donate just in time for the holiday season.

For today only, you can visit the Deal Ticket website and donate $13 or more directly to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One hundred percent of the price will go directly to the Food Bank and assist those less fortunate in our community.

All donations are 100 percent tax-deductible, and all donors will be issued vouchers that serve as receipts and include tax ID numbers. To give you an idea of how far your donation will go, here are some of the ways individuals and families will benefit from just $13:

· $130 worth of goods and services for individuals and families in need.

· A three-day supply of quality, healthy groceries for four families of four (48 meals) (Food Assistance program).

· Three days’ worth of diapers, food, formula and educational workshops for a family in need with an infant (Mother-Baby program).

· Twenty-six articles of clothing (Clothing program).

· Three art education classes (ceramics, watercolor, poetry, etc.) for four students (Women’s Wisdom Art program).

· Two days of technology-based education for one child (Computer Clubhouse program).

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 a deal 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 those less fortunate in our community. 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! Help make a difference this holiday season.

Read about the history of SFBFS and the services they provide here.
Read about the Food Bank's expansion here.

Photos courtesy of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

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

Volunteer Spotlight: Cynthia Bows

2010-11-09T23:10:28Z

Cynthia Bows, a volunteer in the Women’s Wisdom Art program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) recently celebrated her 80th birthday in June 2010, and her energy and passion for serving others has continually grown over the years. The Women’s Wisdom Art program offers free art classes to adult women of diverse backgrounds and situations who benefit from a supportive and healing environment through art. Cynthia has been an important part of this program since March 2009 when she started volunteering in the Friday ceramics class, one of the most popular forms of art in the Women’s Wisdom Art schedule.

Just walking into the ceramics class on a Friday, one can feel the enthusiasm that Cynthia spreads to all the students. She works with each student individually, offering tips, ideas, hugs, and support. The students call to her to ask for advice or critiques. The class has grown to maximum capacity over the past year. Cynthia is not the only volunteer on Fridays, but there has been weeks when she has had to lead the entire class by herself and has done so with ease. Her presence and knowledge have been essential to maintaining this popular class. Not only that, she is also an accomplished sculptor and brings her creative ideas forward, as well as going above and beyond to make the women feel good about the art they are creating.

One of Cynthia’s major contributions has been the development of a scholarship fund for the Women’s Wisdom Art students. In 2009, the program applied for and received a grant to send five Women’s Wisdom Art students to advanced ceramics classes at a local studio, Alpha Fired Arts. Because the program received the grant in 2009, it was not eligible to apply in 2010. When Cynthia heard this, she began to spread the word to her families, friends, neighborhood association, her fellow artists, clubs, and anyone who would listen. With their help, Cynthia has raised close to $1,000. With these funds, SFBFS will be able to send five women to a month of advanced ceramics classes, all supplies included. For the women receiving the scholarship, this is a one in a lifetime opportunity to develop their artistic talent and continue to heal.

Cynthia has been volunteering at SFBFS for 5 hours per week since March 2009. She has contributed over 200 hours in the Women’s Wisdom Art program. Her enthusiasm, her passion for art, and her ability to share both of these with the students in the program have made a difference in many lives. Women in the program are often suffering from an illness, disability, or loss, but Cynthia always finds a way to make them feel as if they can accomplish anything. She has a unique spirit and makes everyone feel welcome to sit alongside her at the ceramics table.

Cynthia Bows was recently nominated as Volunteer of the Year Supporting Arts and Recreation at the 2010 Volunteer Spirit Awards, presented by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is thrilled to announce that Cynthia received the award in this category. Congratulations, Cynthia, and thank you for your continued dedication to SFBFS and the Women's Wisdom Art program!

Racing for a Reason: Brielle Kruger

2010-11-08T22:02:24Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks 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: Brielle Kruger

Occupation: Admitting Clerk

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Brielle Kruger: This will be our 4th year

SP: How many people do you run with?
BK: Three

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
BK: I walk and my son and fiance run.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
BK: It is a great way to start Thanksgiving.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
BK: The amount of people that attend, you will run into people you probably wouldn't see on Thanksgiving morning.

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
BK: No, not really. They are all great.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
BK: My wish would be for my fiance to be able to get a job

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
BK: My family that is healthy and happy!

Photo courtesy of Brielle Kruger
Caption: Mac Tiner and Brielle Kruger in back and Matthew Kruger in front

We want turkeys!

2010-11-04T22:36:16Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join us Thanksgiving morning: Run to Feed the Hungry 2010

2010-11-04T22:19:54Z

What are you plans for Thanksgiving morning? Start asking around, and you’ll likely hear one answer repeated again and again: “Run to Feed the Hungry.”

This event benefiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is a Sacramento tradition. Families from our town turn out by tens of thousands to take part in the biggest Thanksgiving Day race in the United States.

Parents with strollers, professional runners, high school athletic teams and out-of-town guests can all be found sprinting, strolling and jogging their way through East Sacramento.

The 5K and 10K fun run and walk is expected to draw nearly 30,000 participants this year. The event, which is owned and operated by SFBFS, raises funds to support eight different programs including food assistance, clothing, mother-baby, adult education and more.

These programs offer free goods and services to more than 20,000 men, women and children in need every month.

SFBFS has owned and been the sole beneficiary of Run to Feed the Hungry since its inception in 1994. Thanks to additional donations, generous sponsors, loyal participants and a very large number of volunteers, the event is able to operate with a very low overhead, and 100 percent of the profit benefits programs at SFBFS.

In 2009, nearly $850,000 were raised for SFBFS programs and services. The event will celebrate its 17th anniversary on Nov. 25, and we hope to see you there.

The registration fee is $35 per person or $20 for children 15 and under and includes a long-sleeved technical shirt designed by a Sacramento artist.

Out of town for the turkey holiday and can’t make the run, but still want to be involved? Become a virtual runner. For just $20, a virtual runner can sleep in, visit relatives out of town and even skip the exercise. And we’ll still mail you the cool shirt.

Want to get everyone at the office involved? Have an active boy scout troop? Belong to a group that loves to give back? Sign everyone up as a team. The group receives specialized shirts with just your logo on the back, great parking, a team photo, a kickoff breakfast and more.

Individuals wanting to make an even greater difference in the lives of families in need can take part in the give and win challenge. Run participants who raise donations to benefit SFBFS earn tickets to be entered into various drawings to win amazing prizes such as tickets to see the Sacramento Kings, an iPad, a flat-screen TV, bikes, Run to Feed the Hungry gear and more.

More information about this exciting event and all the ways to get involved is available online at runtofeedthehungry.com.

Sign-up timelines and deadlines/REI locations and hours 

The time has come to register!

It’s time for the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry, and signing up couldn’t be easier.

Visit runtofeedthehungry.com and click on the “Register Now” button. In just a few easy steps you can sign up yourself, spouse, child, out-of-town aunt, the neighbors and your paper delivery boy all in three easy steps.

Enter your basic info: name, address, shirt size, etc.
Verify your info: This is where you have the option to add more people to your registration.
Check out: You’re registered!

You can sign up online now through Tuesday, Nov. 23 at midnight.

Registration is $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 15 and under. Would you like to be timed? For an additional $5 fee you will receive a timing tag that will record your official time. Select the “timed event” during registration if you would like your race results recorded and posted on the Run to Feed the Hungry website.

Prefer to keep the U.S. Post Service busy this time of year? You can mail in your registration with a check or credit card number. Just download the printable registration form and make sure it’s postmarked by Nov. 13.

Love to wait until closer to the date? You can register at any REI location Nov. 19-24.

Sacramento REI:  1790 Expo Pkwy.
Store Hours:  10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Folsom REI : 2425 Iron Point Rd.
Store Hours:  10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
Roseville REI : 1148 Galleria Blvd.
Store Hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Once you have registered, you may pick up your race packet. Your packet includes your bib number, your official Run to Feed the Hungry T-shirt and your timing chip if applicable. The ONLY location for packet pickup is the Sacramento REI. Packet pickup occurs Nov. 19-24. You can also pick your bib and T-shirt from 7:30 - 9 a.m. the morning of the event.

Only a few weeks are left until Thanksgiving Day, so register soon! Pre-registration is encouraged, as shirts are only guaranteed for those who sign up in advance. Timing chips are also limited to the first 7,000 people who sign up to be timed.

Check out runtofeedthehungry.com for more information about this great event to benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

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

Racing for a Reason: Pam Farley

2010-11-01T17:09:32Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks 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: Pam Farley

Occupation: My husband and I own and run Comics & Collectibles in Sacramento, and I have a gardening and thrifty living blog at www.brownthumbmama.com.

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Pam Farley: Three years.

SP: How many people do you run with?
PF: Our son and I participate—we see many friends and acquaintances each year and it turns into a big party!

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
PF: [ahem] Nope!

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
PF: Our family has supported SFBFS for many years. There’s more to social justice than handing out food, and I admire SFBFS for teaching people to fish. In addition to the run and monetary donations, we hold a Spirit of Giving food drive each Christmas at Comics & Collectibles, and I donate extra produce from my garden. SFBFS provides a way to contribute and help others no matter what your talents are.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
PF: Starting the day bright and early with thousands of Sacramento’s best!

SP: Do you have a favorite t-shirt design from over the years?
PF: The green one from a couple of years ago. I like colorful shirts.

SP:If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
PF: Holidays are crazy and chaotic for most people. There’s so much pressure to visit everyone and buy lots of presents. My wish is that we could slow down and express our love and appreciation for each other throughout the year, not just on a whirlwind weekend dictated by the calendar.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
PF: There have been some health scares in our extended family, so I’m thankful we’re all here to celebrate together.

Photos courtesy of Pam Farley

Racing for a Reason: Shauna Dalton

2010-10-26T00:29:13Z

Lace up your shoes, Sacramento -- the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry is only a few weeks away.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services 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: Shauna Dalton

Occupation: Regional Catering Sales Manager for Panera Bread Bakery-Café

The Sacramento Press: How many years have you been doing the run?
Shauna Dalton:This will be my third year. The last three years of being involved with the run, I have been the team captain for Team Panera.

SP: How many people do you run with?
SD: Last year, Team Panera had over 50 people, and we expect even more this year.

SP: Do you run or walk outside the event?
SD: I do now! Run to Feed the Hungry got me started on running, and I just finished my first half marathon. Last year, I planned on running the 5K for Run to Feed the Hungry but accidentally missed the sign and took my sister along for a 10K run instead. I was so excited to complete a 10K that it motivated me to continue running.

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
SD: I love this event.I think it is so important to be involved in the community, and this is such a great way to give back while involving others. What’s great is that the funds raised at this event goes toward supplies such as food, diapers, clothing and so much more for families in need.

SP: What is your favorite thing about Run to Feed the Hungry?
SD: Not only has it become a Thanksgiving tradition in my family, but it has also become a Thanksgiving tradition for many of Panera’s associates and managers as well as their friends and family. It’s the most amazing experience to be there on Thanksgiving morning coming together with so many other people and raising funds for such a wonderful cause.

SP: Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years?
SD: Oh yes! I’m such a foodie that my favorite shirt was the 2008 T-shirt with the fork on it. Also, I loved how it conveyed the message for Run to Feed the Hungry.

SP: If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be?
SD: So many to choose from, but one of my wishes would be that more people get more involved with their local community organizations. It’s so important to give back, and there are many great organizations that need our help on supporting those that need it the most.

SP: What are you most thankful for this year?
SD: I am thankful for so many things, but I am most thankful for my wonderful family and friends, my loving boyfriend, our good health and for having God in my heart.

Photos courtesy of Shauna Dalton

SFBFS October Volunteer Spotlight

2010-09-29T00:35:19Z

Now more than ever, young people, working professionals and families are looking to make an impact in their communities. Over the past year, SFBFS has seen an increase in families volunteering as a unit, looking for opportunities to spend time together and make a difference. Bob and Anne Jensen and their son Andy are one of those outstanding families actively involved as volunteers at SFBFS.

In January, the Jensen family was looking for a volunteer opportunity where they could all help simultaneously. Bob had recently retired from his job as a psychology instructor at Sacramento State University. Bob and Anne were both raised in families where volunteer work was a part of life, so as soon as Andy was old enough, it was natural for the family to find opportunities to contribute and give back. Andy, now in his junior year of high school, is homeschooled, providing the Jensens with lots of options to volunteer. While enjoying the Second Saturday art walk in January, they saw a group of SFBFS volunteers dressed as a bridal party promoting the Raffle for the Rock fundraiser. Meeting the enthusiastic volunteers “sealed the deal!” Anne laughs. The Jensens attended orientation and started right away.

Every Friday since then, Bob and Anne volunteer their time in the Clothing program, while Andy assists in the Guest Services area, receiving donations. “I want to ensure this is a comfortable place for folks that need clothes,” says Bob. “It’s really funny,” adds Anne. “Bob couldn’t care less about clothing at home, so it’s kind of ironic how much he enjoys it here!” The couple helps sort and hang donated clothing, keep the entire program tidy and assist guests in finding specific items. They have even recruited Anne’s nephew Kyle to complete his school-required volunteer hours with them at SFBFS over the summer. Anne
recalls one homeless teen who had been asked to the prom, but had nothing to wear. They spent extra time finding a nice outfit for him and recall how grateful he was. “He left happy and looking great,” Anne shares.

Andy, whose interests outside of volunteering include engineering and design, enjoys his post in the Guest Services area. He assists donors by helping unload donations, sort donated goods, write receipts, answer questions and assist clients. “I like answering all their questions,” Andy says. “We’re helping people who have lost everything to find the things they need.” Chelsea Williams, Guest Services Coordinator, has worked with Andy over the past six months. “I love the way that that Anne and Bob have set such a positive example for their son Andy by teaching him how important it is to have compassion and service incorporated into everyday life,” she says. “In turn, Andy has set such a positive example for not only the donors, clients and volunteers of SFBFS, but for young people in general.”

The Jensen family has inspired SFBFS by illustrating the impact of family volunteering, not only on the clients and donors served, but on family itself. They plan to continue their volunteer work together while Andy is in high school. They all agree that their time at SFBFS has been a great experience. “The staff and volunteers are committed to the services and the community,” says Bob. “They’re always interested in what changes might better the community and the people served. I’m just glad SFBFS is here.”

Sacramento Food Bank hosts Food Network Star Nikki Shaw

2010-09-24T02:55:29Z

Celebrity chef Nikki Shaw, a finalist on “The Next Food Network Star,” will give a demonstration on healthy cooking and talk about obesity in African Americans at the Sacramento Food Bank Tuesday.

“We’re getting hit the hardest with overweight and obesity issues,” Shaw said. “I think the best way to get the message across is to talk directly to the public. We are in the middle of a crisis, and the crisis is that 76 percent of African American adults in California are overweight.”

She travels between Sacramento and San Diego giving demonstrations and spreading awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits.

Tuesday’s demonstration is a collaboration with the Network for a Healthy California, which works to improve the health of low-income families in California by promoting the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and daily physical activity.

“We choose locations that need attention and can attract people who can benefit from this program,” Shaw said.

But the adults aren’t Shaw’s only concern – childhood obesity is increasing as well.

“I try to teach children and parents how to decrease the increasing childhood obesity rate because the issue is near and dear to my heart,” she said.

“I have children and have always taught them how to make wise choices so their palates are used to vegetables, so that it’s a part of nature. It’s important to me because they’re my babies, and I don’t want them to suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and the certain forms of cancer that can be prevented by eating healthy.”

And to get children excited about cooking, she’s learned you have to trick them.

“A recipe I love to demonstrate for children is called confetti spaghetti,” she shared. “That’s the first trick: give it a fun name.”

Shaw stressed the importance of getting the kids into the kitchen.

“Let them help you cook. They are more inclined to love a dish when they help you prepare it,” she said.

This kid-famous confetti spaghetti gets its name from the six fresh vegetables included in the spaghetti sauce: zucchini, yellow squash, onions, garlic, tomatoes and carrots.
“It’s like a celebration,” she said. “A celebration of eating healthy.”

During her demonstration, Shaw will also discuss the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day and the amount of sugar in sodas and juice drinks and how to cut back on them.

She will share some of her own tips and tricks such as when to substitute ground turkey in recipes that call for ground beef and how to cut back on beef and pork by eating chicken and turkey instead.

“Pork is not good for us because it has twice the amount of fat as beef,” she said. “Most people don’t even know that pepperoni is pork, and pork isn’t good because it blocks our arteries with the high fat content.”

Sacramento Food Bank representative Kelly Siefkin recognizes the need for these types of demonstrations, especially in this economic climate.

“The Sacramento Food Bank serves a wide variety of people and families in need who are often suffering dietary concerns because of lack of finances,” Siefkin said. “They often purchase items at the store that are inexpensive and because of that, nutritionally poor. So by getting the education that they are not otherwise exposed to they can learn to cook and prepare for the family in a much healthier way. If we can modify their diet we can modify and improve their lives.”

Her demonstration Tuesday will go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Sacramento Food Bank is located at 3333 Third Ave.

SFBFS September Volunteer Spotlight

2010-09-03T22:53:43Z

Markus Mar-Liu volunteered at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) as a student with Mc Clatchy High school. Markus is an incredible young man with high ambition and drive to make the world a better place. Markus recently completed a project that took a great deal of planning and organization to complete. As a final project for Eagle Scouts, he painted a nook, built a desk with three chairs, hung a modern and very fashionable curtain with rod; which, can now be used as a divider of the two rooms. This project has built a safe haven for the young children who attend Play Care in which they can relax and read a book or prepare for Kindergarten.

Markus showed great deal dedication and drive to accomplish this project for the children of Play Care. He organized a group of friends and other eagle scouts to help him with the painting of the nook. Markus solicited donations from local businesses and received many supplies he needed from Home Depot, Emigh Hardware and Kelly Moore. With the help of all those who donated towards this project he was able to finish this project in roughly 296 hours.

In fall Markus will graduate from the Eagle Scouts program shortly thereafter he will graduate High School where he will then follow his dreams towards one day becoming an FBI agent or an Aerospace Engineer. Markus continues to volunteer at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services in our Mobile Food Distribution program. We encourage all to come down to our Saca Center to see the work this courageous young man has spent many long hours working on.

We are very thankful for all the hard work Markus has put into this project. The children’s spirits lit up once they were able to see their new room. This means a lot to all of us and we wish Markus the best of luck in all that he does. Markus is an inspiration to all and we are blessed to have him continue to volunteer his services at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Please note: This month's Volunteer Spotlight was written by Kristina Rodriguez

SFBFS August Volunteer Spotlight

2010-08-03T21:58:42Z

There are many reasons that staff, clients and volunteers at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) love a volunteer like Peter Fusselman. Peter’s varied experiences with sales, marketing and teaching make him perfectly suited for his unique role in the Adult Education. Peter began volunteering in 2009 helping clients produce and polish professional looking resumes. Since the decline in the job market, employers have become increasingly selective and demanding more from applicants they hire. A major obstacle of many SFBFS clients suddenly displaced from their jobs is navigating a hiring gauntlet that has gotten leaner, meaner and digitalized. In addition to limited access to online information and communication, many clients are increasingly feeling out of place and overwhelmed in an environment with an applicant to job ratio of 5:1.

Peter approach is one of enthusiasm and belief in the individuals. As a volunteer, Peter greets clients in the Adult Education program every week, listening to their fears surrounding the idea of re-entering the job force. Clients at SFBFS come from fascinating career fields and backgrounds, each optimistic about surviving the unemployment crisis and getting on with their lives. It is not uncommon to see Peter trading stories and laughing with clients in his ‘office’ (a pair of computers in his regular spot in the program). In the midst of his effective yet simple writing process, the magic happens when he allows each client to appreciate the full extent of their years of working experience, valuable skill sets and giving them the much deserved credit for all they have accomplished. Peter connects with clients possessing extremely challenging circumstances, but allows them to realize how much they still have to offer in their work ethic and natural intellect. Peter explains that he draws his satisfaction from, “watching people come in and after a session, seeing people realize their self worth and value, in the form of a resume and eventually a job.” His personal philosophy of giving a hand-up not hand out aligns perfectly with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ mission of helping move people towards self-sufficiency and hopes that clients will one day become involved as volunteers.

Peter brings to the Adult Education program a greatly appreciated service and clients sing his praises for his diligence and effectiveness in hammering out a sparkling resume. Peter is also working with staff towards expanding the resume writing services offered to clients and becoming involved in other aspects of SFBFS’ computer classes. Thank you Peter for all of your time and dedication to SFBFS.

Relive Race for the Rock 2010

2010-07-30T23:49:23Z

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

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

Watch Race for the Rock kick-off celebration here!

2010-06-04T23:52:59Z

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped registered and helped spread the word about the 2nd annual Race for the Rock. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is thankful for the support of race participants as 100 percent of the event registration fee benefits programs and services at SFBFS. If you haven't registered yet but still want to join in the fun it's not too late! You can still sign up at the official Race for the Rock website or show up at 8 AM at the Capitol tomorrow and register in-person! We will be live streaming the kick-off festivities right here on The Sacramento Press Saturday, June 5.

The schedule of events is as follows:

8:00 Check-in begins (West steps of the Capitol): Racers receive t-shirts, meet local mascots such as Dinger, Scooter and professional dancers.
10:00 Kick off ceremony: Mayor Johnson will send out the first text and send the racers on their way at 10:15.12:00 Race wraps up: Racers are notified the final clue has been solved and everyone is invited back to the after party to celebrate.
12:30 After party is underway (House Kitchen & Bar 555 Capitol Ave) – valet bike parking, local band The Detours perform, lunch provided by House Kitchen & Bar.
2:00 Award ceremony. Prizes include $20,000 diamond ring, earrings, necklace, 2 beach cruisers, watches, gift certificates and much more!
3:00 Event wrap up

We hope you can to join us on Saturday with the hundreds of teams that will be racing through downtown Sacramento on bikes, scooters and foot using theirtexting skills to solve clues that will lead them to fabulous prizes.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

One week left to sign up for Race for the Rock

2010-05-29T00:42:25Z

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

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

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

Who's Steve Knieriem's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-27T21:18:06Z

The second Race for the Rock, benefitting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, will take place on June 5. Participants will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message-based clues in search of over $35,000 in prizes, provided by Rogers Jewelery Co. Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out who their "rock" is.

Interview with Steve Knieriem, Operations Manager for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
My Family has been my rock in my life. With all the things that I put them through, I am very blessed that I have their respect today. I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without their love and forgiveness.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope that through my life I have been someone else’s rock but many of my ex-girlfriends would probably disagree.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I wasn’t that involved with last year's Race for the Rock, I just played a small logistical part delivering and picking up before and after the event.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
This year, as the Operations Manager for SFBFS, I have been involved from the beginning stages of planning and will be one of the last people to leave when the after-party is finished at HOUSE Kitchen & Bar. I will participate at the re-cap meeting and start planning for the 2011 Race.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
I have had the opportunity to be a part of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Family for about 5 years. I started as a seasonal/temporary Holiday Spirit of Giving driver/warehouse worker and have been a staff member for 3 years; the most rewarding job I have ever had.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am setting up for the race so all the people participating will have fun and enjoy themselves.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
All the dedication that the volunteer and staff have to make the SFBFS operate.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm very thankful to the Sacramento community for their support to the SFBFS.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Who's Chris Suter's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-17T23:50:29Z

Interview with Chris Suter, SFBFS volunteer and contestant in last year's Race for the Rock

Who is your "rock" and why?

I would have to pick my sister, Emily. Simply put, she is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Somehow, she effortlessly balances an engineering workload at a top Ivy League school, career internships, and a full social schedule. Also, she is the most wonderfully sweet person you could ever hope to know. She’s seven years younger than I am, but she’s who I want to be when I grow up.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?

A close friend of mine recently lost someone dear to her. Looking for distractions and fun she turned to me, and never one to turn down the opportunity to spend time with her I was more than happy to oblige. Despite her loss, she was able to put on a brave face and have a good time whenever we hung out. She would later tell me how much our time together during this emotional period meant to her. It was a sad time, but this has definitely brought us closer as friends.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?

The event was fantastic! It was so much fun. My teammate Chris and I were fortunate enough to place second amidst some tough competition, so that was a bonus.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?

Chris and I will be participating again. Being a competitive pair, we already have the standard of last year’s performance to live up to, but now some of our friends have dubbed us as the “pre-race favorites” so we’ll have that pressure to deal with, too. Thanks guys.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?

I’ve been involved with SFBFS since the summer of 2007 when I met Genevieve (Saca Center Director). As we became closer friends I started volunteering at their events like Run to Feed the Hungry and Broker Punt Pass and Kick. For the past year, as I was unemployed, I volunteered a couple times a week with their Adult Education and Mother Baby programs and also was given the opportunity to lead some of their bigger events like Adopt A Family and the Turkey Drive.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?

A great day of fun, racing hard, avoiding some of the mistakes we made last year, and seeing if we can’t take that one step up to the top of the podium. But mostly just going out and having a good time.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?

That SFBFS is more than just food. While that is technically the name of the organization and they do it extremely well, their true quality and value shows through in the ability to engage the community. My time there has really shown me how much the community can benefit from well-planned events and programs done by staff that truly cares about their clients.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Also, visit the Sacramento Press "Race for the Rock" page

Who's Genevieve Deignan's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-11T23:53:04Z

Interview with: Genevieve Deignan, Saca Community Learning Center Director, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
I had a hard time coming up with just 1 person. My friends, coworkers, boyfriend and family, and my cat, Buster, constantly support me in every way and in all of my crazy endeavors. Not only because Mother’s Day was last Sunday and Father’s Day is coming up in June, but because they are amazing people, I have to say that my rocks are my parents. My mother, Kathleen, and my father, Joseph, have always been there for me in every way throughout my life. My dad would come home from work and flip through my text books and quiz for a test that was the next day and in college I could e-mail my papers home at midnight and they’d be proof-read and corrected in time for me to turn them in in the morning. No holiday passes without getting a card or small gift sent to me from my mother, not just birthdays, but Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter too. Even now, with my busy schedule, I am unable to always cook healthy meals for myself, so my mom sends me back to Sacramento stocked with ready to microwave healthy soups and dishes. My parents attend every special event that I hold at the Saca Center, usually manning the barbecue and last year a volunteer group didn’t show up for one of my events and my dad barbecued 500 hot dogs by himself and my mom plated and added ketchup or mustard to very single one. My parents have always been fair disciplinarians and especially now as an adult, I see the reasoning behind every rule and every punishment and I find myself offering advice to others based on the way that I was parented. They have supported me in every thing that I have done and have never pressured me to do something I didn’t want to do and have always let me make my own choices and therefore reap the consequences, good and bad. They have grown from parents into my best friends and I love going home just to spend time with them, tell stories and laugh.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope so! I am not sure, but I have many close friends and offer support to many staff and volunteers at work. Roxanne Tursi, an SFBFS volunteer, wrote her article saying that I was her rock! So touching- thank you Roxanne!

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I am super excited! I hope that over 2,000 people come and participate! It is a great event!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
I am in charge of organizing the after-party. We are meeting at 5th and Capitol at House Kitchen and Bar from 12:00-3:00pm for lunch, drinks, and live music by the Detours! We will have valet bike parking, awards and prizes for everyone!

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
I started as a volunteer in March of 2005 and transitioned into an AmeriCorps member from fall 2005-fall 2006, when the Saca Center Director at the time, Josh Heimburg, was leaving for graduate school. I was offered the position of Adult Education Program manager and shortly after transitioned into Saca Center Director. Now I oversee the building facility and 6 staff members! It is an amazing job!

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
I am not participating but come and see me at the after-party!!

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
That we have another building! The Saca Center opened in February 2005 (5th Year Anniversary Party schedule for June 10th 4-7pm open house) and we house 4 of SFBFS’s programs; Adult Education, Mother-Baby, Youth Academy and PlayCare. Come and visit us for a tour!

Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you Mom and Dad for supporting me and SFBFS!

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

Visit the Sacramento Press 2010 Race for the Rock splash page

'Race for the Rock' and race for a reason

2010-05-06T23:23:31Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Contacts:

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

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

Cyclists to do a mad dash in search of diamonds

2010-05-06T22:28:14Z

Hop on your bikes, Sacramento, and get ready to search for some bling.

Rogers Jewelry Co. and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) are bringing back Race for the Rock for its second year with plans to make this year's fundraiser bigger and better than last year.

"We have a year under our belt with this new event, and our relationship with Rogers and our participants continue to get stronger and stronger," said Blake Young, SFBFS president.

On June 5, around 1,000 participants will meet at the west steps of the Capitol to partake in a text message-based scavenger hunt around downtown. Using a mobile, geo-gaming technology system called SCVNGR, clues will be sent directly to contestants' cell phones.

The clues will lead to $35,000 worth of jewelry, including the grand prize Hearts on Fire diamond ring worth $20,000 and second- and third-place prizes worth more than $3,500 each. Additional valuable prizes up for grabs include a Garmin GPS system for bikes, watches by Seiko, and women's and men's rings, among others.

"Participants should expect a very exciting event with really good prizes and a good feeling that their efforts and time will result in families receiving help through this combined effort," said Young said. He said he believes the best part of the race is exposing SFBFS to a new support base and increasing public awareness of the many programs the organization operates.

The idea for Race for the Rock was born last year when the Rogers team, a third-generation family business, began questioning how they could give back to Sacramento where the Rogers family has lived and worked for close to 70 years.

"Right now, there are a lot more people out there needing help to make ends meet," said Rogers Marketing Director Calvin Curtin. "The question is, how can a group of jewelry stores help people struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table?"

That's when Rogers turned to SFBFS, where every dollar donated equals $10 worth of services and goods. All proceeds from the $40-per-team entry fee will go directly to SFBFS with a goal of raising more than $500,000. Those who wish to donate but cannot participate in the race can pay the registration fee and still attend the after-party without partaking in the race.

Besides having fun in the name of a great cause, Curtin said he believes one of the best parts of the race is the bonding that takes place. He explained that at the beginning of last year's race, many teams quietly kept to themselves. This changed at the after party, when many of the teams mixed and mingled, sharing stories and laughs over the experience they had all just gone through.

"Race for the Rock is like a party," he said. "It's the coolest feeling to bring a huge group of people together and give them a common experience to share."

This year's after party, included in the entry fee, will take place at HOUSE Kitchen & Bar, where attendees can valet their bikes, be fed lunch, and be entertained by party band The Detours. Prizes will be given out during an award ceremony at the party.

As of last week, without any advertising, about 70 teams are registered. This number is expected to multiply sevenfold in the final weeks before the race with additional marketing efforts and exposre. Registration is accepted up until kickoff at the event, but only 500 teams will be allowed to participate in order to maximize teams' chances of winning prizes.

"By participating in this event, you are helping to provide a lifeline of hope to people struggling to make ends meet," Curtin said.

For more information or to register, visit the Race for the Rock website.

See last year's event:

Photos courtesy of Rogers Jewelry Co.

Author's Note: The maximum teams allowed to register this year is actually 1,000. Also, the $500,000 mentioned in the article is referring to how many goods and services the $50,000 donation goal will provide to SFBFS.

Race for the Rock volunteers needed!

2010-05-06T02:17:34Z

Volunteers (age 21 and up) are needed for Race for the Rock on Saturday, June 5, 2010! Join us at this fun and unique event benefiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, where teams of two race around downtown Sacramento receiving text-message clues leading them to diamond jewelry and other prizes. Volunteers are needed for two separate locations:

Race for the Rock Kickoff event – GROUPS NEEDED!

When: Saturday, June 5, 2010. 7am-11am

Where: West Steps of the Capitol

What: Kickoff event for Race for the Rock. Volunteers will help with participant check-in, pass out t-shirts, distribute bike valet tickets, and help set-up and break-down the kickoff event.

How: To sign your group up for this great opportunity, send an email to Robin at volunteer@sacramentofoodbank.org Please note volunteers must be age 21 and up.

Race for the Rock After-Party – INDIVIDUALS and GROUPS needed!

When: Saturday, June 5, 2010. 11am-4pm

Where: House Kitchen & Bar, 555 Capitol Mall

What: After-party and awards event for Race for the Rock. Volunteers will help with bicycle valet parking, security, and set-up and break-down.

How: You must be 21 and up to volunteer at this event. To sign up for this event, find the event on our volunteer calendar and click “Volunteer Sign-up”: http://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/Calendar.aspx?type=volunteer

Questions? Email Robin at volunteer@sacramentofoodbank.org.

Who's Alexis Raymond's "rock"? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-05-03T22:30:29Z

Interview with Alexis Raymond, SFBFS volunteer

A little about Alexis: I moved to Sacramento from Boston in 2002. I like to have fun and help others. I work full time for United Animal Nations, a national nonprofit animal protection organization, and I am on the volunteer board of directors of the Sacramento Area Animal Coalition, a local nonprofit that provides low-cost spay/neuter services to pet owners in need. In my free time I like to bike, hike, travel, read, write, cook, eat, and go for walks with my significant other, Richard, and our dogs, Nikki and Dewey.

Who is your "rock" and why? My “rock” is a husband and father of four. He’s just not my husband. Ted Ten Eyck and I met when we were both awkward (physically and emotionally) pre-teens in junior high school. He has remained my closest friend for 27 years. With a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, he has ushered me through life’s minutia (unrequited crushes, first-job jitters, fender benders) and major upheavals (marriage, divorce, my father’s death, my own open heart surgery). Ted and I live 3,000 miles apart now and I’m lucky if I see him once a year. It hardly matters, though. Despite the distance that separates us and the differences in our lives, whenever we see each other we act like the same awkward kids we were 27 years ago -– laughing at each other’s dumb jokes, lending a sympathetic ear and accepting one another for who we are. (Attached photo is me and Ted on the top of Mount San Jacinto near Palm Springs, taken during a recent trip to celebrate his 40th birthday)

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"? I like to think I have been a rock for Ted. I’ve popped up in his life where you might least expect a woman to be -– as his “best person” at his wedding, planning his bachelor party, and taking him on a trip for his 40th birthday, for example. We never actually took a vow or signed a contract, but we know it’s true -– if we need each other, in good times or bad, we’ll be there as fast as a commercial airline can carry us.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock? It was a lot of fun, but I learned that I’m not the Sacramento know-it-all I thought I was!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)? I am competing in this year’s Race for the Rock again and striving for a better showing. I have also volunteered for other SFBFS events, including a Mother’s Day donation drive for the Mother-Baby Program.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS? Since 2007.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most? Seeing hundreds of people in blue shirts peddling their bicycles frantically around Sacramento in support of a good cause. And winning The Rock, of course.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know? It does WAY more than distribute emergency food supplies. Way more. The amazing staff members and volunteers offer parenting classes, job search assistance, computer classes, clothing for families in need, supplies for families with newborns, after-school programs and even an art program for women -– all at no cost.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

SFBFS May Volunteer Spotlight

2010-04-29T23:27:29Z

Erika Jansen, an avid seamstress, met her husband Jim in a small town in Germany while leaving church one Sunday afternoon. The young US military officer did not speak a word of German and Erika knew little English, yet years later they found themselves happily married with two handsome boys. In 1956 the family moved to a beautiful home in North Highlands, CA, where Erika still resides. Erika’s passion for sewing has led to the start of a great project benefiting new parents and infants who utilize the Mother-Baby program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS).

Erika recently became involved with SFBFS’ cloth diaper project, which aims to help families transition from costly disposable diapers to affordable, reusable cloth diapers. “A church leader gathered a small group of women and began talking about the need to help moms in our community. We came up with the idea of making diapers from t-shirts,” she explains.

“I found an old cloth diaper at home and I figured out how to make my own, but the ones we are making today are much better. They are very absorbent, not like the ones I used for my kids. I had to double those up so they wouldn’t leak." Erika remembers the days when her children were in reusable diapers and speaks frankly of hand-washing and line drying them. “I loved the smell of line-dried diapers.”

For the untrained, sewing cloth diapers can be a challenging task. Erika, however, makes it look easy. “I’ve been sewing all my life. My mom showed me how when I was little and then in school they taught all the basics,” she recalls.

Her cloth diapers are beautifully crafted with decorative embellishments and designs. “On sunny days I put a table outside and cut out all the pieces. Then I come inside and sew them. I love to sew, it relaxes me,” she muses. “I come in here, turn on the T.V. and go.” It took Erika about three months to sew 100 diapers and is now working on the next batch. These diapers are provided, along with instruction on cleaning and use, at no cost to families in need.

In addition to sewing and donating diapers and beautiful diaper bags, Erika has been volunteering her time for nearly two years with SFBFS’ Food Assistance program, specifically at the mobile distribution at Bethel Lutheran Church. “Sometimes I volunteer to bag produce and other times to distribute the food, but I really like connecting with the people,” Erika says with a warm smile. “I love helping out anyway way I can. It makes me feel good when people appreciate you.”

At the young age of 75, Erika is a perfect example of how creative thinking and a personal passion can help others in need. Whether it is bagging yams or making cloth diapers Erika does it with love and enthusiasm. On behalf of SFBFS and the people we service, we thank you, Erika.

Have a talent to share with SFBFS? Consider volunteering. More information can be found online at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Who's Roxanne Tursi's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-26T20:02:50Z

Interview with Roxanne Tursi, volunteer for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

A little about Roxanne: Roxanne is originally from the Bay Area, attended University of the Pacific and now resides in Sacramento. She is currently an Administrative Assistant for a Commercial Construction Company and the Cheesecake Factory at Arden.

Who is your "rock" and why? Write a few sentences about the impact he/she has had on your life.

My rock is Genevieve Deignan, over the years she has inspired me to get involved in the community and make a difference. She is one of the most positive people I have ever known and a natural leader! When I see all that she accomplishes and with her kind words I know that I can achieve great things.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"? I have supported many close friends through difficult times, true friends are such a gift.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock? This will be my very first Race for the Rock, I'm thrilled to be participating!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)? I am going to be a scavenger, hoping to find the rock!

How long have you been supporting SFBFS? Going on three years

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most? Spending a beautiful day outside, learning about and appreciating downtown Sacramento

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know? They have some of the best community leaders and volunteers around!

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Photo: Roxanne and her "rock," Genevieve

Who's Chris Schath's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-19T23:31:21Z

Interview with Chris Schath, volunteer for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

A little about Chris: I'm Chris Schath. I'm married to [Volunteer Services Manager] Robin Simpson of SFBFS fame. I'm a switchman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Roseville and I like to volunteer and generally help out with any odds and ends that anyone at the food bank needs help with whenever i have a little time off work.

Who is your "rock" and why?

Robin Simpson's my rock, and has been for some time. We met in highschool and were married a couple years ago. She's the best wife, friend, travel buddy and daily company a guy could ask for.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?

Last year's Race for the Rock was an awful lot of fun in general, from what I gathered. I was a volunteer, not a participant. I always enjoy volunteering at these type of benefit events. Not sure what anyone without Donald Trump's wallet would even do if handed a $25,000 diamond but it was fun watching everyone race around for it.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?

I'm volunteering again this year at Race for the Rock, and I'm mostly just looking forward to a lovely day in the park.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?

I've been helping out around the Food Bank and volunteering in-house and at events for a couple years now, since my wife began working there.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?

I think the general public has basically no idea of the full range of services the food bank offers. Most folks don't even think to donate anything but canned food. I get "Oh, they take clothes?" and "Oh, they take diapers and formula and toys?", "Oh, they will take the extra fresh fruit and vegetables from my garden that I was going to just throw away?" from friends, family, neighbors and co-workers pretty much since I became involved. People seem to have this detatched idea of the food bank and how they reckon "poor people" get food there. It's really a fantastic and complex place that has a lot to offer to a lot of people from all sorts of financial and developmental backgrounds.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

Who's Linda Meyers' 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-04-12T21:11:06Z

Interview with Linda Meyers, mentor/tutor at the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse

A little about Linda:
I retired "early" from my job as an adminstrator for the UC Davis Health System to obtain a teaching credential. For the past 10 years I have worked as a subsitute teacher at Sierra Oaks School in the San Juan Unified District. I have been a volunteer in various community activities my entire adult life. Working with the children who come to the Intell Computer Clubhouse for academic assistance is the most gratifying of my activities, both past and present.

Who is your "rock" and why?
My husband, Fred. At the core, our family believes that the bedrock for improving the health and wellbeing of others is education. Fred reminds me regularly that my work with the students enrolled in the Academic Assitance component of the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse is far more important than bringing home a paycheck. He is supportive in every way and beyond that, he encourages me to accept new challenges, to move forward, and to be who I am. I admire his intelect , his humility, and his passion for helping others. We are a rock-solid team.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
For the purpose of answering your question, I will define "rock" as someone who shows up consistently, who listens, who encourages, who guides, and who teaches. The time I spend with the wonderful children at SFBFS adds value to my life, and is clearly appreciated not only by the students but also by their parents. I know this because I see their delight when the mentor/tutor arrives and I hear their expressions of appreciation at the end of each session. One rainy evening a few weeks ago, as I was walking to my car one of the students with whom I work on a regular basis noticed me as she was walking home with her father. She waved and said, "Bye Mrs. Meyers." I responed, "Bye, .......[name withheld]" Hearing all of this, her father said something to her in Spanish. Despite the pouring rain, she brought him over, and introduced us. As he shook my hand, he said in heavly-accented English, "Thank you for helping my daughter. I cannot help her. Thank you." Needless-to-say, I went home on cloud nine. He has since thanked me every time he sees me. These experessions of thanks not perfunctory, rather they clearly come from his heart. So, have I been anyone else's rock? I am honored to say yes. Yes because I can be there for the students (and their parents) enrolled in the Academic Assitance Program of the SFBFS Intel Computer Clubhouse.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
I loved the idea of purchasing raffle tickets last year but I also think that the race is a clever and interesting idea.

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
My official roll at SFBFS is as a mentor/tutor in the Intel Computer Clubhouse. I also help out occasionally at other SFBSF events. Although I don't have a defined roll in the Race for the Rock, I will support it in whatever way I can.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
Three years.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
If raffle tickets are sold, I'll purchase some and if volunteer help is needed, I can help in that capacity.

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
Although our food closet is a very important part of what we do, we are a "Family Services" organization. I believe the general public is unaware of the variety and scope of the programs offered at SFBFS.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com

SFBFS April Volunteer Spotlight

2010-04-06T01:13:30Z

Rudy Garcia began volunteering his time at the Del Paso Food Locker of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in 2000. Nearly ten years later, Rudy is more involved than ever, helping SFBFS in a variety of ways. The inclination to help came naturally to Rudy. As a child, Rudy had helped his mom run the food assistance program at their Sacramento church and eventually took over the program at age 18. As an adult, Rudy worked various jobs, including security and auto repossession, but eventually found his way back to volunteer work, which he says makes him the most happy. He is currently the primary caregiver for his father and spends the rest of his time serving in the Food Assistance program of SFBFS, at both the Oak Park facility and the mobile food distributions.

After helping close and clean up the Del Paso Food Locker in 2009, Rudy’s involvement in other areas steadily increased. During the holiday season, Rudy contributed long hours to provide assistance to the program. Gabriel Hall, Oak Park Food Assistance Program Manager, is grateful for Rudy’s help. “I know I can call Rudy when other volunteers are sick and he will fill in for them. He has even run the program when I’ve been out. He does a lot for Food Assistance, even working from 9am to 9pm on Tuesdays, when he helps at Oak Park during the day and also helps out at the mobile distribution in the evening.” Rudy goes above and beyond by facilitating a small SFBFS food distribution at a local apartment complex for low-income seniors every Wednesday. “One of the seniors is even teaching me a little Russian,” says Rudy, who has also found his Spanish fluency extremely useful while working the check-in desk at SFBFS.

“Volunteering can be hard work,” he admits. However, there are always moments that make it worthwhile. Rudy shares a story where he was able to find a birthday cake amongst the groceries to give to a man who had mentioned it was his birthday that day. The man was so touched that Rudy told him to wait a second, and found the man an even nicer cake. The client was so surprised at the gesture that he broke down in tears. The genuine appreciation and gratefulness that Rudy encounters keeps him coming back.

“Volunteering has kept me out of trouble,” he adds. Those that have known Rudy a long time remember more of a tough guy who was known by his former nickname El Oso Maloso, or the big bad bear. Friends comment that Rudy’s attitude has change completely since helping at SFBFS and he is now known as a mellow, happy guy. Rudy has even shared the experience with his extended family, including his nieces, who volunteer at special events. “I recommend volunteering to everyone,” he says. “It is very rewarding for yourself and others.”

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

Who's Kelly Siefkin's 'rock'? Race for the Rock 2010

2010-03-30T00:08:25Z

Interview with Kelly Siefkin, Communication Director for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Who is your "rock" and why?
I am lucky to have lots of rocks in my life, including my family and friends, but the most wonderful rock in my life the past few weeks has been the kind and caring volunteers at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. They have come together to help me cope with the loss of my beloved dog, Rocket. Bringing me treats and hugs, sharing stories and poems about their furry friends and, most importantly, providing a shoulder to cry on. Their dedication to serving families in need keeps me grounded and focused on the importance of our daily work.

Have you ever been anyone else's "rock"?
I hope so.

What are your thoughts about last year's Race for the Rock?
What a fantastic and fun event! I can’t wait to see thousands of people on bikes swarm downtown Sacramento again this year!

What is your role with this year's Race for the Rock and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS)?
This year, I’m sitting on the Race for the Rock committee and helping to secure sponsors, recruit participants, solicit t-shirt designs, communicate with the media and more! I encourage everyone to check out www.racefortherock.com if they haven’.

How long have you been supporting SFBFS?
Four years ago I became connected with SFBFS through a wonderful volunteer opportunity and have been an employee for three years. I also used to live in East Sacramento and cheer on runners each Thanksgiving for Run to Feed the Hungry.

If you are participating in this year's race, what are you looking forward to the most?
The hard clues and the great after-party!

What is one thing about SFBFS the public might not realize but should know?
How many diverse programs are offered, food is only one service. SFBFS also offers clothing, adult education, parenting supplies, a variety of youth programs, healing through art and much more, all at no cost!

Anything else you'd like to add?
I encourage everyone to become part of SFBFS’ mission in some capacity. Participate in an event, lead a donation drive, organize a volunteer outing for your office, become a donor, sponsor an event, refer families in need. At a minimum, come down for a tour and see what SFBFS accomplishes every day.

For more information and to register as a participant, please visit www.racefortherock.com.

SFBFS March Volunteer Spotlight

2010-02-25T01:16:58Z

About one year ago, Erv Bradley heard about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) from a longtime SFBFS volunteer. Since retirement, Erv had been looking for a place to serve where he might be able to use his Spanish speaking skills. His wife’s friend, a volunteer in the Adult Education program at SFBFS, suggested the program to Erv, and he’s been volunteering ever since.

Erv has found that the program allows him to help a wide variety of adult students, several of whom are learning English, but the majority who are studying for their GED exam or taking community college courses and need additional help. He admires the students who have made the time in their often busy and difficult lives to come receive tutoring.

“Education is one of the many challenges facing our students,” he says. “Tutoring is just one part of helping them put their lives back together.” Erv works with students in reading, writing, and occasionally math, science, and social studies. The moment that keeps him coming back is when students finally grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with. “That’s a very satisfying feeling,” he says.

Carrie Black, Oak Park Adult Education program manager, appreciates Erv’s compassion for the students he works with. “He’s been extraordinary in his support of this program,” she says. Carrie reveals that Erv had been working with an older student who was struggling with reading. It became apparent that the student was having a particularly hard time because he couldn’t quite see the words on the page. Erv took the initiative to purchase over 20 pairs of reading glasses to donate to the students of the program. “It’s just not that much to spend and it makes a big difference,” he says. The glasses went very quickly, as many students realized they needed reading glasses to make their work easier.

A retired Army officer, general building contractor, and business owner, Erv brings his many skills and talents to the table in the Adult Education program. Through his various experiences, he has learned discipline and study skills that he shares with the students he works with. Erv is also “90% fluent” in Spanish, as he was born in Cuba but raised in the United States and taught Spanish by his mother. He also took Spanish through college to stay fresh, and he and his wife have traveled to Spanish speaking countries on vacation. He admits he does have one “selfish” motivation to being a volunteer tutor: “It helps me stay sharp!” he laughs.

Erv enjoys the atmosphere at SFBFS and says he enjoys being around other volunteers and students. “Working with those not quite so fortunate really makes you appreciate everything in your own life,” he comments. “I would encourage everyone that even has a little bit of time to volunteer. It’s a way to see that maybe your own problems aren’t so big.”

Women reaching out to Haitian orphans through art

2010-02-01T18:59:53Z

The pictures in the newspapers, on TV and the Internet are devastating. The massive damage of the 7.0 earthquake is hard to imagine even when faced with screen shots. The international response to pull people from the rubble and get supplies in is heartening as is the millions of dollars raised by individual donors and a national star-studded telethon. At the same time, however, what is disheartening is to see the children.

UNICEF estimates 380,000 children had already lost one or both parents before the quake and were left homeless when their orphanages collapsed. Now, as many as one million more have been left without one or both parents following the earthquake. UNICEF has warned the scale of the crisis has jumped to 'unbearable proportions'.

Here in Sacramento, the members of Women’s Wisdom Art (WWA) swung into action. WWA is a program of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Many of the women in the program have been battered by poverty, abuse and illness and come to WWA to heal through art. But when the scope of the Haitian tragedy became evident, these women turned their attention away from their own struggles and focused on the orphans.

My name is Ann and I volunteer each week in WWA leading the yarn art class. I felt the women in WWA could have a direct impact, by creating dolls for these orphans. Immediately the women in the class began to produce great gifts. The energy spread throughout the entire program. The fabric art class began to create dolls, the collage class began crafting puppets and the ceramic class started sculpting small hearts. The energy that comes from helping another is so healing in itself. The women have embraced the projects and are putting their whole heart into each piece. We hope to be able to send the toys near the end of February.

For more information about Women’s Wisdom Art or other programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org

Written by Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services volunteer Ann Robinson

February Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Suter

2010-01-26T00:30:23Z

From October to December 2009, volunteers contributed over 13,800 hours of service at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One of the top contributors during the busy winter season was volunteer Chris Suter. “He worked basically as an un-paid staff member for two weeks,” says Genevieve Deignan, Director of the Saca Community Learning Center (Saca CLC). She is referring to the last two weeks of December, when the Saca CLC collects donated gifts from the community and matches them to families in need through the annual Adopt-a-Family program. Chris organized the distribution of gifts to over 200 families who participate in programs at SFBFS. Chris volunteered every day for the last two weeks in December, making sure gifts were accounted for and labeled, and devising a system to stay organized. “We could not have completed the Adopt-a-Family gift program successfully without him,” adds Genevieve.

When asked how he came to be an SFBFS volunteer, Chris responds with a laugh. “The economy,” he replies. When Chris lost his job as a fire protection engineer in 2009, he began helping out in the Adult Education program at the Saca CLC, but enjoyed assisting wherever help was needed. In addition to helping students learn English, tutoring in various subjects and even sorting donations for the Mother-Baby program, Chris began to lend his handyman skills around the building. At one point, he noticed some doors at the Saca Center were missing doorstops and took it upon himself to buy and install them on his own. “I enjoy the flexibility of helping out at all different things,” he says.

More than a program volunteer, Chris also supports SFBFS special events and fundraisers. In June 2009, Chris participated in Race for the Rock, a fundraiser benefiting SFBFS where teams of two compete in a scavenger hunt in downtown Sacramento in search of a $25,000 diamond ring. Chris and his teammate thought it would be a fun way to support SFBFS, but also enjoyed placing second in the race. When November came around, Chris volunteered for two other major SFBFS fundraisers, the Broker’s Punt Pass & Kick event and the Run to Feed the Hungry. On November 20, SFBFS held its second annual Turkey Drive, collecting nearly 7,000 frozen turkeys, which were distributed the following week. Chris volunteered for both days of turkey distribution. Once again, Chris worked alongside staff members after most other volunteers headed home, clocking twelve hour days of service each day. He smiles as he recalls building “turkey mountain” in the large walk-in freezer in the Oak Park warehouse to assist with the sorting of turkeys into bins based on weight. “He is a great example of someone that is doing something beneficial with his time while he looks for work,” says Genevieve. “He has fun and is helping the community at the same time.”

Chris, a Sacramento native and recent UC Berkeley graduate, is modest about his contribution. “I have the time, and I enjoy using it this way,” says Chris. “I see the effect that the SFBFS staff has on the people they are helping, and it feels good to contribute to that. I’ve put my volunteer work on my resume, but a one line description just doesn’t do justice to everything that goes on at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.”

Written by Robin Simpson of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Sustainability is Hot in Sacramento

2010-01-23T23:40:32Z

Sacramento environmental groups gathered Thursday night to recognize local leaders in sustainability and to raise funds for local environmental projects. Sustainable Sacramento was hosted by Pesticide Watch and Slow Food Sacramento. The event was held at Hot Italian Pizza and Panini Bar in midtown Sacramento.

As attendees escaped the damp streets and persistent rain, they were greeted warmly by Paul S. Towers, state director of Pesticide Watch Education Fund, and Slow Food Sacramento’s Kathy Les. Hot Italian co-owner Fabrizio Cercatore poured glasses of red wine and brought out a variety of pizzas for guests to enjoy.

Pesticide Watch, a statewide organization based in Sacramento, seeks to empower citizens to use sustainable solutions to deal with pests and to keep their community healthy. Towers addressed the crowd of approximately 75 people by thanking them for supporting local environmental champions.

“There is a long history of people in our area willing to stand up to injustices when they see them. These people are champions,” he said.

Sustainability Leadership Awards were presented to Harvest Sacramento, the GEO Environmental Science and Design Academy and Hot Italian.

Harvest Sacramento’s award was presented by Blake Young of the Sacramento Food Bank and accepted by Randy Stannard, Food Access Coordinator for Sacramento’s Soil Born Farms.

Harvest Sacramento’s mission is to collect fruits and vegetables which might otherwise go to waste from neighborhoods and small orchards and distribute it to local hunger assistance agencies. It is a collaborative effort of Sacramento area residents, non-profits and businesses. Since the effort got underway in 2009, Harvest Sacramento has collected more than 20,000 pounds of produce.

Soil Born Farms has taken a leadership role in organizing the group’s efforts and in connecting those efforts with local food banks.

In his acceptance remarks, Stannard talked about the origins of Harvest Sacramento. “People saw a problem. They saw trees full of fruit going to waste and fruit rotting on the ground. They said, ‘This just makes us sick! What can we do about it?’ ”

The Sustainability Award for GEO Academy was presented by David Herbert of Kaiser Permanente and accepted by Fatima Malik, GEO’s Cooking and Nutrition Educator.

GEO Academy, located at Grant Union High School, is pioneering efforts to teach Sacramento youth how to create and foster healthy, sustainable communities. GEO provides high school students with a unique combination of rigorous academics and real world based projects that prepare students for careers that will shape our communities and our environment.

Students and community members grow vegetables, fruit and flowers at GEO’s community garden. Students use the garden for hands-on learning about ecology, plant biology, health and nutrition.

Hot Italian owners Andrea Lepore and Fabrizio Cercatore accepted their Sustainability Award. The award was presented by Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Cohn.

Hot Italian is the first restaurant in the Sacramento region to achieve LEED certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council in order to provide standards for environmentally sustainable construction.

The midtown Sacramento restaurant was a major restoration from the retail space which previously existed there. The building now has a solar thermal system for hot water, low energy LED and CFL lighting, low flow faucets and toilets, and uses recycled materials in chairs, tables and other fixtures. Hot Italian strives to serve food made from local and organic ingredients with a menu that changes seasonally. They also compost their kitchen waste, provide compostable pizza boxes and there is parking for 32 bicycles on site.

Brenda Ruiz attended Sustainable Sacramento on behalf of Slow Food USA’s “Time for Lunch” campaign and is heading up the effort here. Time for Lunch is an effort to get Congress to reform the U.S. Child Nutrition Act and the National School Lunch Program in a way that provides more funding for school lunch and farm to school programs.

Ruiz, a chef at Sacramento’s Biba restaurant, reminds people that they have the power to address problems in their community.

“People sometimes say, ‘The school lunch issue, it’s messed up,’ and they don't think there is anything they can do. Well, people need to know there are always things they can do to help,” Ruiz said.

For more information:

Spreading joy through Women's Wisdom

2010-01-04T05:15:33Z

Seven years ago, as I lay in a hospital bed, amazed to be alive, depression knocking on the door, I made a commitment to find joy everyday. It’s that commitment to joy that led me to work at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services years ago.

I am the Manager of an art program for women who are going through hard times. "Hard times" is much more complicated than that very broad term. We tend to visualize the women working the streets or men panhandling at the intersections, and shopping carts with worldly belongings. I don’t expect an explanation from the women who come to this program but eventually their story comes out. Stories of illness, lost jobs, lost love, lost dignity, expensive medication and eventually, lost hope. I was surprised to find out that we have women who had worked in the legal field, military, medical field, and yes, state workers. Their illness, whether mental or physical, or income has sapped the joy out of their lives. They’ve come to this place to look for it among the art supplies.

Today has been one of those days that I can only explain as pure holiday joy. Monday morning I pack up 2 vans with women to go on a tour of the EPA building’s fabulous collection of art. One of my students, Judy, came running up last minute and apologizing for her late arrival. Our tour guides were waiting and took us up and down the 25 story building to view the amazing fabric art of Merle Serlin and glass art of Dale Chihuly. The women just stood in amazement at every turn.

Two hours later we were in the wonderful Ten22 restaurant in Old Sacramento. We were seated at a long conference type table to accommodate all 15 of us for lunch. The women were all buzzing about the art they had just experienced when the waiter brought bread to the table. The conversation went softer and soon to a dead silence. There is a sacredness to breaking bread among friends.

I was seated across from Judy and watched her slather the butter 1/2 inch thick on her slice. All I could think of was how much fat was on her bread. She took a bite and with pure joy in her voice said,” I haven’t had real butter in years.” Suddenly the whole fat in butter thing went out the window. We were all trying the butter and smiling the biggest smiles. We were instantly transformed into giggling little girls at a birthday party. When the soup arrived Judy spoke up again and started to explain that her sense of taste was coming back. She could actually taste the subtle flavors of the butternut soup. She had spent 20 years addicted to medication and eventually crack which ruined her sense of taste. For years her idea of a good meal was McDonalds. Judy is now clean with a new outlook on life and a new job. It’s a humbling job and I’ve never seen her happier.

The conversations at the table started up again and I really took to heart what Judy had said about the sense of taste. The women sitting at the table all around me have such different stories. We had 2 women in wheel chairs who didn’t want to miss our adventure. Neither one of them started out in the world in this condition. One worked as a civilian on the air base where she was severely and permanently injured. The other woman has Multiple Sclerosis. Each woman has a story and was eagerly spreading the joy to the others. The women in the group include injured military veterans, a medical doctor who gave up her practice because of her own illness, and mothers who spent 30 years raising children, in this group. One woman had a traffic accident that left her with no job, medical bills and no insurance.

How did this motley group get to a place where we could enjoy a tour of some of the best art in Sacramento and enjoy a beautiful meal where we are treated like princesses? Short answer is that the women earned it. While I was busy finalizing details for an art show, the women had created a cottage industry to raise money for their program, our program, Women’s Wisdom Art. When all was said and done and they handed me the money jar, I insisted we use it to have a fun-filled field trip.

Spreading the joy has become contagious in our classroom. Soon we will gather again for our annual Holiday Tea Party/gift exchange. This year I suspect we will be overflowing with joy and giggles as we all talk about our favorite moments in 2009.

Spread JOY daily, at least ½ inch thick, on everything you do and watch it blossom.

For more information about Women’s Wisdom Art, a program of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org/Programs/WomensWisdom.aspx

One more “Great Christmas” story

2009-12-30T18:04:15Z

     By now most of us are getting a little tired of hearing about Christmas, but this is one short story that we all want, and need, to hear about. On December 22 my six year old son and I went to the Saca center on Del Paso Blvd. This day is one of the most memorable days of the year as we were able to witness a true Christmas miracle that most people only see in the classic Christmas movies. What we saw was the Saca center giving an awesome Christmas to over 274 families in the surrounding neighborhood of Del Paso Heights. Most of these families came from the local neighborhood of the Saca center, probably clients of their Community center and Mother Baby program. It is especially nice that this event happened in the neighborhood, which allows the neediest families to have a Great Christmas.
     What I observed was two rooms, each bigger than my own apartment, filled waist high with toys and other gifts. All of these gifts were pre-wrapped by volunteers and ready to go. The sight of it all looked like the true location for Santa’s workshop! Busy going about to hand out the gifts were Genevieve, Sacra Center Program Director and Chris, Saca Center Volunteer, both of them seemed to have a constant smile and genuine warmth coming from their affect.
     It made my day to see that every family that signed up for Christmas presents received not just something, but a pile of gifts for their family. One man came to pick up gifts for an infant and a toddler, unfortunately they could not be identified from the sign up sheet, but that was not a problem. Staying in the spirit of Christmas Genevieve and Chris “put something together on the spot” and the man left with a bag of gifts bigger than he could carry. No family or person was turned away even if their name was not on the “good list”.
     Personally, I consider it a blessing to have seen such an event. There is nothing greater than to see the success of a Christmas assistance program giving a bag of gifts to children and seeing the wide eyed and excited kid’s pulling a bag of presents bigger than they are. Once again the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is the supreme local charity organization. The SFBFS is the best place to give our donations and volunteer time. And I, OneFathersLove, am committed to supporting the SFBFS. A special thanks is given to “Genevieve and Chris” for this Great Christmas story.

350 families adopted through SFBFS program

2009-12-29T22:55:01Z

I’ve been volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) on a regular basis for the better part of a year now. Generally, I’m there twice a week; more if they’re having an event or need a little extra help. The holidays are always a busy time at SFBFS with their Turkey Drive, Run To Feed The Hungry and Adopt-A-Family all happening in quick succession. Despite the immense amount of planning required for these events and the short time frames, these events are always tremendously well organized by the SFBFS staff, so all that we volunteers have to do is show up.

I was fortunate enough to help out at the Thanksgiving events this year and thoroughly enjoyed them, thus I was looking forward to the Christmas Adopt-A-Family program. The program was being led by the staff at the Saca Community Learning Center (an SFBFS satellite office in North Sacramento). The program sought to help clients who attended the classes offered and received services over the past year. In all, 274 families signed up. If one only looked at the numbers, facilitating gifts between 274 adopted families and those doing the adopting would seem a small task when compared with recent events providing Thanksgiving food boxes to 5,500 families, arranging the distribution of 3,000 frozen turkeys to other community groups, or trying to coordinate parking for 28,000 Run To Feed The Hungry participants. However, as the adopting families began to bring in their holiday purchases, it quickly became evident that this was no trivial undertaking. For ease and organization, as the gifts came in, the gifts were put into large bags, several gifts to a bag; and most families had multiple bags. Doing the math, then, you realize that the number of Christmas presents that we were dealing with easily reached the several-thousands.

I was given the task of organizing the gifts as they came in so they could be catalogued and then easily located when the time for distribution came. We set up a numbering system and organized two huge rooms full of gifts. We sorted out gifts that had lost labels, tracked down presents that had been separated from their mates and rewrapped packages that had lost their wrapping. We tracked the gifts as they came in and monitored them as they went out. Hiccups arose and were sorted out (primarily by Genevieve Deignan, Saca CLC Building Director, who really made this whole thing work), and by the evening on Wednesday December 23rd we had brought in, catalogued, organized and then distributed Christmas presents to over 350 families (because of the tremendous outpouring of gift donations, we were able to make up another 75+ gift bags to give to those who hadn’t signed up as part of the Adopt-A-Family program).

So it was finally over. We’d worked for many weeks, organizing a ton of gifts, to give to a huge amount of deserving people. When working on big events like these, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers - turkeys donated, runners attending, families adopted. They’re tactile; a way to measure your success. But in the end, though, you realize that it isn’t about the numbers. They’re not the point. They’re not the reason you do this. Helping a man carry gifts to his car and knowing that the kids in the back seat will have something under their Christmas tree is the point. The gratitude in the eyes of an elderly grandmother taking care of her three young grandchildren is the point. Seeing the eyes of another volunteer well up from being able to help someone who has nothing; that is the point. These are the reasons we do this. The people at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services know this better than anyone.

The above was written by SFBFS volunteer Chris Suter

9th annual SFBFS Volunteer Spirit Awards

2009-12-23T23:46:05Z

On October 30, 2009, staff and volunteers from various programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) attended the 9th Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards luncheon at Arden Hills Resort. This event, put on by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento and DOVIA, is the largest volunteer recognition ceremony honoring Sacramento area volunteers. Nominees come from a wide range of agencies, with areas of volunteerism ranging from education, animals, heath, family services, hospitals, shelters, counseling and much more. Many SFBFS program managers take advantage of this opportunity to recognize their dedicated volunteers by nominating the dedicated and accomplished volunteers we have at SFBFS.
This year, like years past, SFBFS nominated several outstanding volunteers in various categories. The nominees included Aiyana Pearson (Women’s Wisdom Art program) as Volunteer of the Year Supporting Arts and Recreation, Donald Moore (Adult Education program) as Volunteer of the Year Supporting those Less Fortunate, Minnie Jimenez (Clothing program) for the Heart of Gold award, Colin Keiner (Run to Feed the Hungry fundraising) as Youth Volunteer of the Year, Carrie Detwiler (Mother-Baby program) for the Ray of Light award, Nellie Mackie (Clothing program) for Lifetime Achievement award, and Hank Greenfield (Adult Education program) for the Salt of the Earth award.
All nominees were honored at the luncheon; however, it was Hank and Nellie who took home the awards. Nellie, receiving the award in the Lifetime Achievement category, was recognized for her 19 years of volunteer work in the Clothing program. Nellie has taken it upon herself to make improvements to the Clothing area, purchasing supplies, and taking pride in keeping the shopping area tidy and organized. She is very dedicated, arriving at 7:15am every Monday and Tuesday morning. Nellie has also trained countless other volunteers in the program.
Hank Greenfield, the Salt of the Earth award winner, volunteers at the Saca Community Learning Center in the English as a Second Language classes. Since August of 2006, Hank has contributed over 500 volunteer hours. The Saca Center does not have a full-time ESL teacher and SFBFS relies on volunteers to run the education classes. Hank goes above and beyond by preparing lesson plans at home, providing one-on-one tutoring and even substitute teaching for other classes. Because of Hank’s volunteer commitment, over 50 ESL students are served daily.
SFBFS staff was thrilled to take home two awards and have the opportunity to recognize seven excellent volunteers. “It’s a really nice way to tell volunteers that the time they spend with our organization means a lot to us,” says Volunteer Services Manager Robin Simpson. “Volunteers are vital to all our programs so it’s wonderful to be able to recognize that whenever we get a chance.”

Photos are of Hank Greenfield and Nellie Mackie

More than 100 families still awaiting holiday adoption

2009-12-16T00:37:10Z

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Holidays from SFBFS!

Originally written by Rachel Marine on the SFBFS blog

Gift drop-off location:

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

Final weeks of Raffle for the Rock contest

2009-12-15T21:27:27Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SFBFS thanks 2009 RTFTH participants

2009-12-15T01:07:44Z

This year, 28,500 Sacramento residents participated in the event, raising over $800,000 to support programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Your participation in the Run to Feed the Hungry helps families in need via our various programs including:

-Food assitance
-Clothing
-Mother Baby Program
-Adult Education
-Women’s Wisdom Art

These programs and services are made possible because of contributions from supporters like you.

To find out more information about Run to Feed the Hungry, including fundraising deadlines, category  winners or to look up your finish time, please visit www.runtofeedthehungry.com.

We appreciate and welcome any feedback and ideas from race participants. Please send us suggestions for improvement to comments@runtofeedthehungry.com.

I invite you to stay involved with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services year round. Please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org for information on becoming a volunteer, leading a food drive or participating in an event. Thank you again for your dedication and support of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Oak Park wraps up holiday cheer

2009-12-05T03:37:21Z

About 60 community members gathered at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services last night to make the holidays a little bit brighter for Oak Park's children.

The Oak Park Neighborhood Association has collected 300 toys for its Oak Park Toy Give-Away, which began Nov. 22 and will continue until Dec. 18.

"Imagine knowing that you may not receive a gift...Kids everywhere look forward to the thrill of opening gifts and we want to make sure that kids in Oak Park get to experience the excitement," said board member Michael Boyd, "Even more importantly, we want them to know they live in a community that cares about them; a community that values them, and a community that will help them."

Members of the association, Sacramento police officers, and various community members attended the potluck and toy gift-wrapping party. Attendees were encouraged to bring wrapping paper, gifts or food.

Association board members circulated throughout the three-hour event, passing out wrapping paper and Scotch tape as volunteers ate, mingled and wrapped.

The goal of the association is to distribute 1,200 toys Dec. 19 from noon to 3 p.m. The food bank is also the drop-off point, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

If toys are wrapped, donors are asked to indicate whether they're for a boy or girl and the age range. On the day of the toy distribution, gifts will be divided into piles according to age group and given to children on a first-come first-serve basis.

"The [toy drive] is important because it's about residents in the community taking care of those that live in that community. It's not about toys, it's about coming together and supporting each other. That's what makes us strong and keeps us strong," said board member and community activist LaTisha Lawson.

In addition to their own efforts, the group has received some help gathering toys.

Sacramento's University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law organized an Angel Drive that brought in 100 toys.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is at 3333 Third Ave. in Oak Park.

For more information about the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, visit its website or email opna@inmycommunity.com.

The Sacramento Press Sports Equipment Drive

2009-12-03T23:41:10Z

Please join The Sacramento Press on Saturday for a day of fun and helping the community. Bring new or used sports equipment and gain free admission to The Carnival at St. Rose plus a chance to win tickets to the December 6 Kings game.

WHAT: The Sacramento Press sponsors a drive to collect new or used sports equipment

WHO: Proceeds benefit Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (www.sfbs.org)

WHERE: The Carnival at St. Rose, 7th and K Sts., Sacramento

WHEN: 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday, December 5

WHY: Underprivileged children gain equipment to play athletics

HOW: Donation of new or used sports equipment gains free admission to the carnival

MORE: Donation of new or used sports equipment also will gain each donor a ticket to a raffle drawing of three pairs of tickets to the Sacramento Kings NBA home game against the Miami Heat on Sunday, December 6.

The carnival features a 30-foot Ferris wheel, giant slide, classic carnival games and fun food vendors. The carnival arcade includes pinball, Skee ball, Centipede, Ms. Pacman, Frogger, Donkey Kong and more. Admission to the two-hour event -- including unlimited access to the carnival games, arcade and rides -- is $6 for children under 12 and seniors over 55, and $7 for adults.

For more information, please contact Sonny Mayugba at sonny@sacramentopress.com or at 916-443-1784

5TH Annual Holiday Toy Drive— Oak Park Neighborhood Association’s Gift Wrapping & Pot Luck

2009-12-02T21:22:39Z

In preparation for the Toy Give-Away by the Oak Park Neighborhood Association (OPNA), the community is invited to the Gift Wrapping and Pot Luck dinner on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services at 3333 3rd Avenue.

All are invited to join the festivities, bring some food, maybe a gift and or wrapping and get into the season of sharing. Or just show up and eat some food, meet some new friends, and help with the wrapping.

OPNA is collecting and will distribute gifts to Oak Park children for the 5th year.

Each year, hundreds of children receive gifts and this year the number is likely to be even greater than previous years. The goal is to receive and distribute 1,200 gifts to grateful children.

DROP OFF TOYS FOR KID IN OAK PARK

Community groups, businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to drop off gifts at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services warehouse located at 3333 Third Ave, Sacramento 95817 (on the corner of 33rd Street and 3rd Avenue in Oak Park).

Gift donations of new toys are requested between Nov. 22 and Dec.18th
Drop off hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, and until 7pm on Wednesdays
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services — (916) 456-1980
If wrapped, please note if gift is for a boy/girl/either and age range
Gift distribution will take place Dec. 19th from 12 pm – 3 pm

Learn more about Oak Park Neighborhood Association -- www.oakparkna.org

Email us at opna@InMyCommunity.com

Why did you Run to Feed the Hungry this year?

2009-11-28T21:59:47Z

The Sacramento Press at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services' 2009 Run to Feed the Hungry we and had the pleasure of meeting thousands of run participants that morning. Whether it was to support SFBFS, get exercise, spend time with loved ones, or a combination of all of those reasons, here are some of them. We asked visitors that stopped by our booth to let us know, why did you Run to Feed the Hungry?

Nikki Carlson, Sacramento
"We participated as a way to feel like we gave something back to those who go without during the holidays in our community. It's a small gesture, but it ends up making a big difference! And It made us feel great the whole day!"

Darcy Smith, Sacramento
"To run for a good cause"

Laura Smith, Sacramento
"I did the Run to Feed the Hungry this year because of all of the hardships that people have gone through this year, many people lost their jobs and their homes. It was so great to see how energized and motivated people were to run. It was so much fun!"

Keith Rau, Sacramento
"To be part of a good cause"

Veronica Wogec, Sacramento
"I wanted to contribute to people that have much less than we have. I wanted to also support and encourage my family to continue to support charities and events similar to the 'feed the hungry' run."

Ronald Bariios, Lodi
"Wanted to be with family and had an outrageous fun time!"

Tony Prakash, a member of the CENTURY21 Select Real Estate Inc. California team
"...To do whatever I can to give back to the community. 'Give much gather often." There are many people who have had the worst years of their lives in the recent years. Those of us who can make it a better holiday season for them and their family should do whatever they can to help those in need, that's the ultimate gift of human being; to lend a hand, run for a cause, donate to feed the less fortunate."

Ryan Smith, Roseville
"I did run to feed the hungry to give something back to the community. I have never run for a charity and being Thanksgiving I felt like giving something back. I try and do atleast one good deed on Thanksgiving and what better way then to give back. Plus it was nice to get up early and run, seeing all the people out on the streets cheering was perfect. You couldn't ask for a better race. Being with friends and seeing friends while racing was perfect. Knowing that everyone there contributed something back was a good feeling."

Tonja Field, Rocklin
"I am participating this year because it has become a tradition on Thanksgiving morning to me. This will be my eighth year participating and it goes beyond getting some activity before I stuff myself full of food. I also like the fact that each year it is growing and raising more and more money to feed people who wonder what and when their next meal will be. I am so thankful for knowing I'll never go without food and I hope my small contribution will help someone else be on their way to feeling the same way! I hope to continue this tradition when I have my own family!"

Loverage family, Sacramento
"We came to do a good thing for the people in our community and to run as a family."

Other responses given to us on race day:

"My husband, son and daughter are running and we thought it was a good way to help people"

"I'm a volunteer [for SFBFS] and want to keep doing this until I'm old and fragile."

"To support the food bank. I've been here for 10 to 12 years. I want to support all the good work they do."

"I'm on the cross-country team for Capital Christian and we ran as a team."

"The run was hard but fun. It's a good cause and I'm getting in a great workout before I enjoy Thanksgiving tonight."

"To compete and try to beat my brother!"

"To support a really good local charity and to be part of my community"

"[I] Sporadically came from Hawaii to support Father [Dan] Madigan and his cause."

"I did the run because Thanksgiving has become commercial and about taking and I wanted to give something back."

"I wanted to support a local charity and for my own health and fitness."

"I did cross country and I want to help my time."

"[The run is] something for me to do with my family on Thanksgiving."

"[The run is] a fun thing to do for Thanksgiving and to help the cause."

"It's my first official run and it's a great way to help the community."

"To get involved in the community and give back."

"Biggest motivator was for the cause, a fantastic way to go about it. It's a great event [and] I'm really impressed."

"This is my motivator to get back in shape after the birth of my baby and I might as well do it for a good cause."

"To feed the hungry and I want to start doing more racing, getting in shape and getting a good time..."

"Because I can't race but I'm here to help the food bank. I donate every month. Every dollar I spend counts as $10."

"It's personal to me. My family came from poverty and I have sixteen brothers and sisters. Today we are renting but not in the streets. We donated two turkeys this year."

"To support the community. It's a great cause and a great way to start the day."

"Several reasons; to be in shape, something different on Thanksgiving, and help feed the hungry."

"I like this event so much I am home from [Washington] D.C. just to do the race. Great community feel."

"It's the only way to get my daughter to come visit."

"To share love to all of those I can give back to and for Father Madigan."

"This race goes with thanking like stuffing goes with Turkey."

"I'm here doing something special with my granddaughter that she will always remember."

"A healthy thing to do on Thanksgiving. It's inspiring to see so many people for this cause."

"To help feed the hungry is a great cause and I love doing it."

"To help the Run to Feed the Hungry. It's an annual thing we do together."

"To show my kids some community service."

"We are here today to support the SFBFS."

"i'm here for Dave Kilmer who passed from Lymphoma. We want his family to know we haven't forgotten still."

"It's been a rough year for everybody and it's a great way to help."

"It's my first time and it's a beautiful day. I want to start Thanksgiving off with a good thing."

"It's my first time and it's a great way to give back to the community and SFBFS."

"To give back and be part of something special."

"To help benefit the community and help those who are struggling..."

"To support the SFBFS and do the run with my family."

"To set an example for my children."

"I'm here to give my thanks to God by helping others."

"I used to volunteer and decided to run this year to continue giving."

"For Honors English and because it's Thanksgiving and everyone should have food."

"To help those that are hungry and representing my family to support those in need."

"I love giving to people less fortunate."

"Charity and to burn calories."

Why did you participate in the run? Leave your comments below!

Photos: Ben Ilfeld, COO and co-founder of The Sacramento Press talks to SFBFS on race day, The Sacramento Press RTFTH booth, and team Sacramento Press

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry photos- Part II

2009-11-27T23:51:17Z

Continued from Part 1

As participants near the finish, bystanders cheer them on and hold signs of support and thanks

Kevin Johnson hangs out on the sidelines as participants complete the race

5K runners and walkers finish the final stretch of Run to Feed the Hungry

Supportive onlookers wait for runners to cross the finish line, taken by George Raya

Participants pour Into the end zone of RTFTH, taken by Laura Smith

View from above the sidelines as racers finish, taken by George Raya

10K run participants, taken by Michael Fitzgerald

Voyage Home Loans Team Goodness at the Finish Line (left to right): Bus. Dev. Manager Ryan Lucia, Dir. of Customer Relations Nicholas Lucia, Loan Officers Joe Bria and CEO Josh Harmatz, submitted by Ryan Lucia

Crowds gather and cheer on participants

Thank you to everyone who participated and made the 2009 Run to Feed the Hungry a huge success! Also, a big thank you to everyone who submitted their photos to The Sacramento Press.

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry photos- Part I

2009-11-27T23:28:34Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services welcomed around 29,000 participants in their sixteenth annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a collection of photos taken by The Sacramento Press along with participants' photos from the run submitted to us.

As the sun comes up Thanksgiving morning, trucks set up the time marks along the race route on the CSU, Sacramento campus

SFBFS volunteers prepare the after-party area to re-fuel runners and walkers

Corporate teams/sponsors gather in the crowded VIP tent to have group photos taken

Corporate teams have their team photos taken

Teams fuel up with doughnuts, bananas, coffee, and energy bars provided by SFBFS

A RTFTH supporter had his own unique way of fundraising without running

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and SFBFS President Blake Young welcome runners to the 2009 race from above

Families and friends visit while they wait for the run to begin, taken by Tonja Field

Two of Voyage Home Loans team members: Loan Officer Paul Thomas gives the Run to Feed the Hungry a big thumbs up! Business Manager Ryan Lucia is getting pumped up with pre-race AC/DC, taken by Ryan Lucia

5K participants wait for the race to begin, taken by George Raya

and they're off! The 5K run/walk begins

Men, women and children start on their 5K walk, taken by George Raya

A band provides entertainment for runners and walkers, taken by Tonja Field

The sun was shining as runners ran or walked their way through the scenic route, taken by Rachael Field

A runner gets into the Thanksgiving spirit, taken by Rachael Field

See comment below for link to Part II of the photo series or click on the "Run to Feed the Hungry" storyline at the top of the page

Run to Feed the Hungry: Something to be thankful for

2009-11-27T07:33:22Z

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is thankful for a wonderful turnout at the 16th annual Run to Feed the Hungry. The final number of participants is still being tallied, but at least 29,000 individuals participated in today’s event. This morning’s 5K and 10K offered a split start time, a single finish line and new race routes.

“The turnout at this year’s Run is unbelievable,” shares Blake Young, President/CEO of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. “Our organization is so thankful for the support we receive at this event and year round. None of our service delivery would be possible without the support of the Sacramento community.”

Run to Feed the Hungry participants of every age and athletic prowess braved the cold temperatures to take part in Sacramento’s largest fun-run. Many showed their enthusiasm with festive hats, costumes and layer upon layer of sweatshirts. Bright sunshine and energizing music kept Run participants going strong.

Funds raised from today’s event will support SFBFS’ nine programs including: Food Assistance, Clothing, Adult Education, Women’s Wisdom, Youth Academy, Mother-Baby, PlayCare, Haven’s Transitional Living and Computer Clubhouse.

SFBFS Run to Feed the Hungry race results 2009

2009-11-27T06:32:12Z

There was an amazing turnout this year for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services Run to Feed the Hungry. At least 29,000 people showed up to support this great cause. Please use the following links to see the timed results of the race:

Run to Feed the Hungry 2009 race results:

10K Run Overall: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_10K_OVL.HTM

Age Group: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_10K_AG.HTM

5K Run/Walk Overall: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_5K_OVL.HTM

Age Group: www.capitalroadrace.com/results/09_RTF_5K_AG.HTM

Here are the top finishers from the 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk:

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry 10K Run, Overall Finish List:

1st Place-Max King, 29 years old from Bend OR at 30:46.1 minutes

2009 Run to Feed the Hungry 5K Run/Walk, Overall Finish List:
1st Place-Austin Ramos, 25 years old from Fair Oaks, CA at 14:50.0 minutes

Annual turkey drive doubles goal

2009-11-24T06:25:35Z

With 6,592 turkeys collected, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services 2009 second-annual Turkey Drive will make Thanksgiving for many Sacramento families' a bit brighter.

Despite heavy rain and winds, volunteers collected turkeys and directed the lines of cars that pulled up to the food bank Friday.

As the rain fell continuously, donors stayed dry in the drive-through drop-off while volunteers retrieved turkeys.

"I knew I had to donate this year because there are so many people out of work and struggling just to pay their bills," said Roseville resident Karrin Segur. "Everyone deserves to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families, and shouldn’t have to worry about feeding their families on one of the most special days of the year."

Volunteers kept a turkey count from 4:30 a.m., when the drive began, to its end at 7 p.m. Last year, 2,766 turkeys were collected. This year's goal was 3,000.

The food bank helps families throughout the year, but the holidays are an especially important time. The food bank's mission is for every family to be able to spend Thanksgiving together and have a traditional meal. In addition to turkeys, the food bank also encouraged donations of other Thanksgiving food items.

Distribution of holiday boxes full of turkey and all the fixings began early Monday and will continue through Tuesday afternoon. Each box contains a turkey, fresh produce, dry mashed potatoes, canned foods and stuffing mix.

To show the impact a small donation to the food bank can make for a family this Thanksgiving, a volunteer wore a poster listing all of the items that can be purchased with a $7.23 donation to the food bank.

To receive a box, a member from each family lined up beginning at 7:30 a.m. and received a ticket for one box. All holiday boxes are the same size regardless of family size and will be distributed until the food bank runs out.

The food bank's annual Run to Feed the Hungry will take place on Thanksgiving to help even more families in need.

For more information about resources available, visit the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org

All images courtesy of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Sacramento Democrats Help to Build A Home

2009-11-24T05:51:09Z

On Saturday, over 30 Democrats and friends helped build a house for a Sacramento family. When the team arrived, they found an empty lot, with only a concrete foundation and piles of lumber that would soon become the walls of a home. By the end of the day, the structure of a home had replaced the empty lot. Event organizer, James Schwab said, "We helped to build a house but we also built friendships and relationships that will help us build a better Sacramento in the future."

The cold, foggy morning did not dampen the volunteers' spirits. After touring a recently completed nearby home, the team received instructions from site supervisor, Terry Hardin and set to work building a new, LEED certified home.

The first step was to remove the forms from the foundation. With hammers, crowbars and an eagerness to unleash a small amount of productive destruction, the sounds of wood cracking and forceful exertion could be heard from the job site. Once the wood was removed and piled neatly in the back, the team drilled holes in the base of the walls, so they could be bolted to the foundation.

The next step was to attach foam to the bottom of the walls and spread a paste along the foundation, adding additional insulation to the house and ensuring LEED compliance. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system promises that certified buildings will save energy and be sustainabie. The house the DPSC worked on will be LEED Gold certified.

Finally, the team was ready to raise the walls into place. Six or eight workers lined up to lift the walls and drop them onto the bolts. With such a large team of workers, the house was framed quickly and the team soon had to carefully walk new walls through fully formed hallways to their destination.

As the sun burned through the fog, the team enjoyed a well-earned lunch of pizza and Ethiopian dishes. Volunteer Naomi Amaha, a Young Democrat, said, “It was a moving experience to have been a part of providing a hardworking family with a new home and a new life. I was touched to work side by side with women who will soon see their own dreams for a home for their families fulfilled.”

A Grateful Family

The house is being built for Mrs. Belaynesh Feleke and her family. She has a young son and is expecting another child soon. She is excited that her children will grow up in a safe, comfortable home in Sacramento.

The Ethiopian immigrant was touched when she learned that the team working to build her home was volunteers. DPSC Community Outreach Chair, Silvia Landers, herself a Bolivian immigrant, reflected on the conversation they shared, “We agreed that we are truly lucky to be enjoying the blessings and opportunities that America offers. One of the very best things about America is the spirit of service, our great willingness to come together to help our friends, our neighbors, our community and people that we have not even met.”

Candidates Join In

DPSC Treasurer and candidate for the Board of Equalization, Chris Parker was among the first to arrive. He lifted and carried the lumber that would soon frame the house. Steven Buhrman, representing Dr. Ami Bera, a candidate for Congress in District 3, also joined in the efforts.

In addition , Ryan Chin, candidate for City Council in District 7, Dr. Richard Pan, a candidate for Assembly in District 5 and Cortez Quin, a Los Rios School Board Member and representative of Roger Dickinson, County Supervisor and candidate for Assembly in District 9 were there to lend moral support.

"Seeing the members of the Democratic Party of Sacramento County and Sacramento County Young Democrats at the Habitat for Humanity build demonstrates to me the importance of volunteerism to develop a community and reminds me why I am proud to a Democrat," said Chin. "Helping Habitat for Humanity is helping to fulfill the need to provide affordable housing, develop overlooked in-fill projects and create a sense of pride and community."

A Season of Hope

The Democratic Party is working to fulfill the holidy wish lists of certain organizations that have been hit hard by budget cuts and have seen an increase in need: Michael J. Castori Elementary School, My Sister's House, Safe Ground and the Sacramento and Elk Grove Food Banks. Interested individuals can donate here to help organizations that empower, educate and feed our community. Canned food, gently used clothes and school supplies can be delivered to the DPSC headquarters at 2729 P St, Sacramento, Monday through Friday 10-4 and Saturday 10-2.

Photos courtesy of:
Cliff Popejoy (c) 2009 / cap2053@sbcglobal.net
and Silvia Landers

November Volunteer Spotlight: Carrie Detwiler

2009-11-23T23:46:42Z

Carrie, a retired Sacramento area elementary teacher, had always been interested in volunteering at SFBFS since she had several students over the years whose families benefited from Food Assistance and other SFBFS programs. After retiring, Carrie began volunteering in the Mother-Baby program at Oak Park, and her involvement grew over time.

Starting off as a mentor to new families, Carrie would sit down and talk with new moms and dads about raising their babies. It became obvious that Carrie has a unique ability to bond with families and provide them the guidance needed. Her compassion and ability to really listen are the keys to her connections with the families. New parents appreciated Carrie’s kind and caring nature. Eventually, Carrie started making a difference in the lives of hundred of families by leading some of the Family Life workshops in the Mother-Baby program. These parent education workshops teach new parents skills to help them raise their children. Carrie currently leads classes on Child Safety, Developmental Stages of the Newborn, and Story Time, which is a perfect fit for the former teacher. Carrie also recently organized an event for the children of Mother-Baby clients. On September 29, she held a special Story Time celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the popular children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Through events like this, Carrie has shown many families just how fun story time can be.

In addition to her work mentoring the Mother-Baby families, Carrie also sorts donations, hangs clothing, organizes the baby food and diapers, and assists parents in shopping for baby clothing when they come to the Mother-Baby program. During the summer, Carrie noticed a need for donations of diapers, and started a diaper drive in her community. The diapers came at a particularly difficult economic time for many families.

Carrie jumps in wherever she is needed. When the time came for SFBFS to recruit volunteers to speak at outreach events in the community, Carrie was one of the first to volunteer. Her compassion for all the families served in Mother-Baby is evident to all she meets, making her a wonderful ambassador for the organization. Lorena Carranza, Mother-Baby program manager at Oak Park, comments on Carrie’s compassionate nature, saying “All volunteers, staff members and clients who know her always find that Carrie is a wonderful person with a beautiful heart.”

Written by Robin Simpson of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Thanksgiving events at SFBFS

2009-11-18T20:16:55Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Second annual SFBFS Turkey Drive

2009-11-13T01:54:37Z

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

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

Rocket's Runners- Week 3

2009-11-10T21:05:46Z

Rocket’s Runner of the WeekRocket, this beautiful German Shepherd, is the unofficial mascot of The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. He plays a key role at the organization. He makes people happy. Almost two years ago, Rocket was diagnosed with Osteocarcoma, a rare form of terminal cancer. In order to keep the disease from spreading, Rocket had one of his legs amputated. Since Rocket’s operation, he has been coming to work with his Mom, Kelly Siefkin, The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service’s Communication andDevelopment Director. Initially Kelly brought Rocket to work with her because she was concerned about him being home alone, now she brings him because it is important to both Rocket and the amazing volunteers and community at the SFBFS. Rocket has decided to try his paw at journalism. Every week, Rocket will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry Runner. We will ask sixdifferent 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 for The Run to Feed The Hungry. To participate, please go to www.theruntofeedthehungry.com for more information and ways to register! Please support this cause!

1. Name: Monica Fugit

2. Occupation: Mom/RN

3. How many years have you been doing the run? I’ve been doing the run for four years, ever since we moved to Sacramento.

4. How many people do you do the run with? Four- my husband, two kids and my sister who comes up from San Diego.

5. Do you run or walk outside the event? Yes, I did my first half-marathon in May. Having an organized event as a goal motivates me to exercise regularly. This year I am doing the 10k with my sister.

6. What motivates you to be part of this cause? First, I have the ability to help others less fortunate than myself. Second, I am teaching my kids to give back to the community.

7. What is your favorite thing about The Run to Feed the Hungry? I like the fact it has become a tradition for families to participate year after year. We see friends and neighbors that we may not see frequently throughout the year.

8. Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years? No, but I like white shirts, Blake.

9. If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving, what would it be? I would wish that no child has to go to bed hungry tonight.

10. What are you most thankful for this year? I am most thankful that my kids are healthy.

Run to Feed the Hungry

2009-11-03T22:28:37Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving morning!

Rocket's Runners-Week 2

2009-11-02T18:28:34Z

Rocket, this beautiful German Shepherd, is the unofficial mascot of Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. He plays a key role at the organization. He makes people happy. Almost two years ago, Rocket was diagnosed with Osteocarcoma, a rare form of terminal cancer. In order to keep the disease from spreading, Rocket had one of his legs amputated.

Since Rocket’s operation, he has been coming to work with his Mom, Kelly Siefkin, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Service’s Communication and Development Director. Initially Kelly brought Rocket to work with her because she was concerned about him being home alone, now she brings him because it is important to both Rocket and the amazing volunteers and community at the SFBFS. Rocket has decided to try his paw at journalism.

Every week, Rocket will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry Runner. We will ask six different 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 please go to www.theruntofeedthehungry.com for more information and ways to register! Please support this cause!

1. Name: Donna Martin

2. Occupation: Retired

3. How many years have you been doing the Run to Feed the Hungry? I have only done the run twice but for about the last 10 years I have been out on the course cheering the folks on. When Emily (granddaughter) was 3 we were watching and Em kept yelling “we’re running to make people hungry!”

4. How many people do you do the run with? Kathy (daughter) and Em (granddaughter)and three of my cousins and their husbands.

5. Do you run or walk outside of this event? On the treadmill at the gym.

6. What motivates you to be part of this cause? On a day that we eat ourselves stupid, it feels really good to help feed people in need.

7. What is your favorite thing about The Run to feed the Hungry? The joy and sense of community.

8. Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years? No

9. If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving what would it be? That the food banks are full.

10. What are you most thankful for this year? Kathy and my health issues are behind us.

SFBFS Call to Action: Run to Feed the Hungry

2009-10-28T17:12:27Z

Join Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services on Thanksgiving Day for the 16th Annual Run to Feed the Hungry!

The 5K and 10K run/walk start at around 8:45am on Thursday, November 26. Kickoff is outside of CSUS and the course winds through beautiful East Sacramento. Join us for a bit of exercise before you go home and eat all that food!

Pleas sign up at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Running not your thing, but you want to help out? Please volunteer! Volunteers are needed to pass out water, direct traffic, check in runners and more. Sign up online at www.runtofeedthehungry.com

Want to learn more about SFBFS? Check out our new website at www.sacramentofoodbank.org!

THANKS!

SFBFS October Volunteer Spotlight

2009-10-28T17:04:24Z

Since retiring from the workforce in 2005, Jim and Wally Hoffsis have dedicated much of their time and energy to volunteering in the community. They began their volunteer experience at Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) one year ago in the Sunday Lunch program. Soon after, they became regular volunteers at both the Sunday Lunch program and at mobile distributions of the Food Assistance program; a perfect fit for the couple, who are most interested in volunteer projects that are oriented toward food and housing. With the cessation of the Sunday Lunch program in June, Wally and Jim began focusing their efforts at SFBFS on mobile distributions of the Food Assistance program. Each month, hundreds of families and individuals in the Sacramento area receive emergency groceries through these mobile distributions. The focus is on healthy and nutritious food, often featuring local, organic produce. As self-proclaimed locavores, ( individuals who eat food grown locally whenever possible) the Hoffsises are able to use their experience volunteering with mobile distributions as a way to share their food ideology with others in community. They also enjoy the variety of working with this program. "You see a whole lot of different people at mobile distributions... it's satisfying."

Edwin Korankye, Food Assistance Program Manager, is very grateful to have Wally and Jim Hoffsis as volunteers. "They have the ability to come out to distributions on days when most people don't want to... in the sweltering heat. They are dedicated and consistent. They also have a very pleasant demeanor with fellow volunteers as well as the clientele," says Edwin.
Like many other SFBFS volunteers, retirement from paid employment has allowed Wally and Jim Hoffsis to focus their energy on helping others through regular volunteer work. For this couple, retirement has also allowed them to indulge their passion for travel, especially international adventure. Their most recent vacations have been to Colorado and Scotland. Here in Sacramento, Jim worked for the California Energy Commission and Wally was a manager with Sacramento Public Library. Wally and Jim both attended the Ohio State University, where they each earned a B.S. in Mathematics. Wally later went on to earn a Master's degree in information science from Florida State University.

Jim and Wally have a long history of volunteerism as a couple. They were married shortly after graduating college, just before traveling to Fiji to work together as Peace Corps volunteers. In Fiji, Jim taught high school level math, English and music and Wally taught high school level math, English and science. These two SFBFS volunteers also give their time to other local organizations working to improve the lives of individuals in the Sacramento area. They can be found volunteering with Loaves and Fishses, Friends of the Library, and Senior Gleaners. They say that as retired persons, they want to be useful and productive, and volunteering with SFBFS and these other organizations accomplishes that aim. Wally and Jim Hoffsis sum up their experience working with mobile food distributions of the Food Assistance program by saying, "Edwin and the other staff and volunteers that we've met at SFBFS have been great to work with. Their dedication is really refreshing and uplifting. We personally have been very fortunate in our lives and would like to use some of our time and energy to make others' lives easier if even in a very small way."

History of SFBFS the services they provide

2009-10-27T22:43:58Z

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

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

Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocket's Runners

2009-10-27T21:12:24Z

Rocket, this beautiful German Shepherd, is the unofficial mascot of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. He plays a key role at the organization. He makes people happy. Almost two years ago, Rocket was diagnosed with Osteocarcoma, a rare form of terminal cancer. In order to keep the disease from spreading, Rocket had one of his legs amputated. Since Rocket’s operation, he has been coming to work with his Mom, Kelly Siefkin, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Service’s Communication and Development Director. Initially Kelly brought Rocket to work with her because she was concerned about him being home alone, now she brings him because it is important to both Rocket and the amazing volunteers and community at SFBFS. Rocket has decided to try his paw at journalism. Every week, Rocket will interview a new Run to Feed the Hungry Runner. We will ask six different 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 for The Run to Feed The Hungry. To participate, please go to www.theruntofeedthehungry.com for more information and ways to register! Please support this cause!

1. Name: Leslie from Elk Grove

2. Occupation: Dental Hygienist

3. How many years have you been doing the Run to Feed the Hungry?
This is my second year doing run to feed the hungry.

4. How many people do you do the run with?
Last year I walked pulling my kids and niece in a wagon with my coworkers walking by my side.

5. Do you run or walk outside of this event?
I ran in the Susan G. Komen event for the last 2 years with my sister-in-l aw. She runs a lot and got me started.

6. What motivates you to be part of this cause?
Helping people in need motivates me to be a part of events like this one.

7. What is your favorite thing about The Run to feed the Hungry?
My favorite part is seeing all the thousands of people who come out and run/walk so early in the morning for such a good cause.

8. Do you have a favorite T-shirt design from over the years?
My favorite t-shirt design was last year's since it was my first time running.

9. If you could make one wish this year on Thanksgiving what would it be?
My wish this year is that even more people participate in Run to Feed the Hungry so lots more families can get fed!

10.What are you most thankful for this year?
I am most thankful this year for my beautiful loving wonderful family!!

Raffle for the Rock

2009-10-26T23:33:15Z

Most people probably wouldn't just give away a $25,000 ring without thinking twice about it. But Andrea Stirling and AJ Elftmann did.

In June, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) hosted a text message scavenger hunt, "The Race for the Rock," which led 1,000 Sacramentans around the city following a series of clues leading to the ring. The race raised more than $4000 for the food bank.

The "Hearts on Fire" ring, donated by Rogers Jewelers, was eventually found by long-time Sacramento residents and couple, Stirling and Elftmann. The timing of their win was made even more special since they were still celebrating Elftmann's two-year remission from Hodgkins Lymphoma just a couple months prior.

The couple decided the ring could be put to better use than in its box, where it sat for a couple weeks after the win. They handed the ring back over to SFBFS and now one lucky winner has the chance to win the rock yet again.

"Donating it is the best thing to do," Stirling told SFBFS. "I know the money raised from an event around this ring could help provide food, clothing and education to families in need right now."

SFBFS was founded in the basement of a church in Oak Park by Father Daniel Madigan and has grown to a staff of 35 and more than 4,000 volunteers annually. There are two Sacramento locations, one in Oak Park and one in North Sacramento. In 2008, the food bank began a mobile distribution food service through their Food Assistance program.

While SFBFS is mostly known for their food services, SFBFS delivers more than just nutrition to community members in need. Some of the various services offered include daycare, adult education, art programs, as well as clothing provided at no cost to those who need it.

Elftmann and Stirling initially heard about the race because they regularly participate in SFBFS' Run to Feed the Hungry. When asked about the win, Stirling described it as "Shocking! I don't think I stopped shaking until the next day."

Raffle tickets, which are being sold for $5, will be sold at several locations (see below). Tickets went on sale September and will continue to be sold until Dec. 30. Participants must be at least 18 years old and there is no limit to the amount of tickets that can be purchased. The winner will be drawn on Jan. 4, 2010. In addition to the grand prize, Rogers Jewelers will be donating several other prizes.

Another Race for the Rock is scheduled for June 5, 2010.

Tickets can be purchased at these locations:

SFBFS' Oak Park location: 3333 Third Ave., Sacramento, CA, 95817/Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SFBFS' North Sacramento Location: 2469 Rio Linda Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815/Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All Sacramento Rogers Jewelry Co. locations: www.thinkrogers.com.
All Sacramento REI locations the week prior to Thanksgiving.
Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving Day near the CSUS entrance/ 7 a.m. until noon.

For more informatin, visit the Race for the Rock website

Image courtesy of Rogers Jewelery Co.

Rocket's story and amazing journey

2009-10-26T23:31:57Z

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

Friday 2/8/08

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

Saturday, Sunday & Monday

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

Tuesday 2/12/08

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

Wednesday 2/13/08

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

Thursday 2/14/08

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

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

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Hi family and friends,

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

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

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

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

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

February 13, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

This is an edited version of Rocket's story

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

Art Bra Show

2009-09-18T01:49:54Z

Fun has its serious side at the 2nd Annual Art Bra Show.

The exhibit, with pieces from 100 Sacramento artists, is being held at 40 Acres Art Gallery, 35th Street and Broadway in Oak Park. It runs through Saturday and is put on by the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation and Women's Wisdom, a program of Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

A bra is depicted in every sculpture, painting, sketch and tapestry. "The goal of the show is to bring a public awareness about the plight of breast cancer and its effects on all women," said Helen Plenert, Women's Wisdom project manager. "Participants in Women’s Wisdom Art, a program of SFBFS that helps women overcome loss, depression, cancer or low self-confidence, have attended courses about breast health, cancer treatment and survival in preparation for the show.

"We are trying to help all sorts of women, through our art classes, recover from everything from cancer to divorce," Plenert said. "We're trying to get them to interact with local artists."

The Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation brings a mobile mammogram machine and medical personnel to serve women in the Oak Park community.

"I came up with the show a number of years ago and got ideas from the East Coast shows that have been going on for years," Plenert said. "I presented it to Albie Aware and they loved it and went nuts."

Last year's show raised $6,000, which was shared by the two charities. Funds raised by this year's show are approaching that, according to Plenert.

At Second Saturday on Sept. 12, the two charities held an auction in which half of the 160 pieces were sold.

Five artists from Auburn, dedicated three pieces to in honor of local television personality Tina Macuah from "Good Day Sacramento" after hearing about her double mastectomy earlier this year.

"I wasn't going to hold the show next year, but since the artists are already preparing, I guess I am going to," Plenert said. "But after year three, I don't think I'm going to."

After leaving 40 Acres on Saturday, the exhibit will travel to two breast cancer awareness shows in the downtown area.

"The stories and reasons for doing what they did is my favorite experience that has come out of this," Plenert said. "Some of the stories are written on the pieces and some of them have just been shared through conversation, but they are all touching."

--Invasion

--Slow and Steady

--Because Duct Tape Cant Fix Everything

--Mardi Gras Bra

--My Mosaic Life

--My Purple Breast

--What Flows Through Me

--A Bird in the Bra

--Breast Implants

--A Womens Self Advocate

--Into the Cups

--Fire and Ice

--Phenomonal Women