Monday, December 30, 2013

CHILDREN’S FUND RECEIVES $17,500 FROM U.S. BANK


 

    Foster Youth to Benefit through Scholarship Educational Programs

 
 U.S. Bank has approved and presented $17,500 for Children’s Fund Foster Youth Educational Programs which will empower foster and former foster youth through higher education.

Venus, a participant in Children’s Fund programs, is a great example of how U.S. Bank’s grant to Children’s Fund Scholarship Fund makes a difference to foster youth in our local communities.  Last spring Children’s Fund awarded four scholarships to foster youth at the Shine-A-Light Breakfast, and Venus was one of the recipients.  Her story shows the determination and resiliency that we celebrate.

At the age of 13, Venus was introduced to drugs by her mother.  With both parents being drug addicts, Venus ended up on the streets and became pregnant.  By the age of 14, Venus, still a child herself, had two children.  In February 2012, protective services were called, and Venus’ children were placed into foster care.  Knowing that her life would not get better if she did not make some substantial changes, Venus also entered foster care and her life began to turn around.

She graduated from high school with a 3.25 GPA. She currently is attending San Bernardino Valley College, studying to become a registered nurse.  She has both of her children back with her and has been drug free for 18 months.  Venus recently sent an email to Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.

“I just wanted to give you an update and thank you for the scholarship.  I am attending San Bernardino Valley College.  The money helped to pay for books, class and school supplies.  Again, thank you,” Venus’ email read.

Richard Madsen presents check to Erin Phillips and Vicente Wright
Venus receives Scholarship

“Less than 5% of foster or former foster youth graduate from college with four year degrees. It is because of generous financial supporters, like U.S. Bank, that we are able to make a real difference in the lives of these young adults,” says Phillips.  Children’s Fund provides scholarship funds at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State San Bernardino as well as the county’s four junior colleges for foster and former foster youth.

 

Friday, December 13, 2013

BONNES MERES AUXILIARY GIVES CHILDREN'S FUND AN EARLY CHRISTMAS



Photo by Debbie Karalun - Bonnes Meres Auxiliary members Terrie DeMuth, and Sally Robertson along with President Valerie Peister present Children’s Fund President and CEO Erin Phillips a check for $90,000 at Tuesday's breakfast meeting.

 
Published: Thursday, December 12, 2013 4:17 PM in the Highland Community News
Giving was in the air at the Bonnes Meres Auxiliaries general meeting held at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Bonnes Meres President Valerie Peister introduced welcomed members and guests to this month’s meeting and recognized Sally Robertson and Terrie DeMuth the chairpersons of November 14ths “Simple Joys of Christmas” fundraising auction and luncheon.

Robertson and DeMuth then recognized each of their committee members with a few words and a gift. The fall auction and luncheon along with Bonnes Meres spring birthday luncheon are the primary fundraising events for the auxiliary.

The biggest gift of all was presented to Children’s Fund President and CEO Erin Phillips. Phillips received a check in the amount of $90,000 in the name of Children’s Fund.

“This is amazing. What a beautiful public display to the children in our community and is an incredible donation to the kids in our region, and is really going to make a difference,” said Phillips

Bonnes Meres auxiliary serves Children’s Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk children in San Bernardino County. Bonnes Meres and Children's Fund work to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education.

“I am happy we can give this money in confidence and that this will go to the children,” shared Peister.

The money raised from the auxiliary’s fund-an-item at the luncheon was approximately $6,000 and is designated to help support the ongoing needs at the assessment center. Their goal is to provide each child they see with a blanket, clothing, food and a stuffed animal during their visit at the assessment center

Bonnes Meres next fundraiser will be their Annual Birthday Luncheon on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Redlands Country Club.

For more information about Bonnes Meres visit their website at www.bonnesmeres.org.


CHILDREN'S FUND AWARDED $50,000 FROM CARDENAS MARKETS

Children’s Fund is the recipient of a 2-year $50,000 scholarship grant for foster and former foster youth provided by Cardenas Market at their recent event held at the Auto Club Speedway in October.  Children’s Fund was among other educational institutions and school districts, part of $483,000 that was bestowed to multiple organizations by Cardenas Markets.

“Cardenas Markets is committed to our local communities,” states Marco Robles, Vice-President of Public Affairs for Cardenas Markets.  “Our efforts will help create and strengthen conditions for local families to propel vulnerable children to success.”

 The grant will help fund scholarships for foster high school students who are doing well academically to enable them to further their education.  Aiden, as a high school senior from Apple Valley, benefitted from this scholarship.  Entering the foster care system at the age of 4, he lived in multiple states and overcame difficult circumstances.  He could have chosen a different path, but he is strong and resilient and demonstrates why Children’s Fund believes that investments like these will help youth like Aiden reach their goals.

 “Together, Cardenas Markets and Children’s Fund can provide much needed financial support for students like Aiden so that they can reach their educational goals and change their future,” states Erin Phillips, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “This $50,000 investment for scholarship and academic support will make a very real impact in the lives of many youth, youth who may someday be our Mayors, business leaders, etc.” 

 Potential barriers for foster youth and former foster youth go far beyond books and academic fees; students must also balance housing, food, and other expenses with relatively little external support in order to successfully graduate.

“Less than 5% of foster or former foster youth graduate from college with four year degrees,” says Phillips.  “It is because of generous financial partners, like Cardenas Markets, that we can help provide scholarships to local foster and former foster youth who would otherwise not have the means to achieve their goals – whether that is obtaining technical training or pursuing higher academic degrees.”

 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

THE REC CENTER AND NISSAN OF SAN BERNARDINO PARTNER FOR HOLIDAYS


 

            Children’s Fund’s Celebration of Giving Campaign to Benefit

The holiday spirit is in full force in Grand Terrace and San Bernardino.  The REC Center has partnered with Nissan of San Bernardino to “Stuff a Nissan” with gifts, games and toys each Tuesday at the Market Night & Holiday Boutique from November 5 through December 17 which will benefit Children’s Fund’s Celebration of Giving Campaign .  Located in the Walgreens Shopping Center, 22456 Barton Road in Grand Terrace, the Farmer’s Market has 25+ vendors featuring locally grown and hand-made items, and now a Nissan on site to stuff.

Farmer’s Market spokesperson, Jennifer Araiza, approached Nissan of San Bernardino with the idea.  “This is a great way to get residents of our local communities involved in making a difference for the kids who are less fortunate.  We want every child to receive a gift during the holidays but knew we could not achieve our goals without partnering with other local businesses and organizations,” states Araiza.

“Nissan of San Bernardino was looking for a way to give back to those in our community,” says Ricky Lugo of Nissan, “and we feel this is a great way to do it.”  The “Stuff a Nissan” campaign will continue at the dealership throughout the holiday season. “We will have the car available to stuff at the dealership during the days it is not at the Farmer’s Market.”  Nissan of San Bernardino is located at 735 W. Showcase Drive South, San Bernardino, CA 92408.

Children’s Fund’s Celebration of Giving Campaign is in its 25th year of collecting holiday gifts for underprivileged children in our local communities. In a region where one in four youth live in poverty, it is a way to help bring joy to a child during the holiday season.

“It is so inspiring to see different organizations join together so that the holidays can be brighter for these kids that might otherwise not receive a gift at all ,” says Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “Together we can accomplish so much more than we could ever hope to do individually.  We are so thankful for each and every donation.”

For more information on the Grand Terrace Market Night & Holiday Boutique, contact Jennifer Araiza at 909.728.1081. The REC Center is a creative arts studio and recreation center providing opportunities to communities that cannot sustain their own parks & recreation department. The REC Center was formed in 2011 and now serves Grand Terrace, Highgrove and coming soon to Bloomington.

REDLANDS AYSO SOCCER TEAM KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON FOR CHILDREN’S FUND


 

            Kids Helping Kids is Theme for Gift/Toy Drive

Join the Redlands AYSO – Region 50 Soccer teams on Saturday, November 16, 2013 as they kick-off the holiday season with their “Kids Helping Kids” toy drive that will benefit Children’s Fund in their 25th Annual Celebration of Giving Campaign.   A new, unwrapped gift can be donated from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Redlands Sports Complex located at 1790 Dearborn, at the corner of Dearborn & San Bernardino Ave.

Children’s Fund has been collecting holiday gifts for underprivileged children for 25 years.  In a region where one in four youth live in poverty, it is a way to help bring joy to a child during the holiday season.

“Teaming up with Redlands AYSO is a way to educate our youth that giving back is very rewarding,” says Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “The parents will take their child shopping for a gift that they would like to receive, and then the child donates that gift to the collection box.  What a great message!”

This is the second year that Redlands AYSO has participated in the Celebration of Giving Campaign.  Redlands AYSO is excited to partner with Children's Fund again this year, and we welcome everyone to participate in the Kids Helping Kids Toy Drive - not just soccer players and their parents but the entire community as well,” states Trish Aurelio, asst. regional commissioner.

Family Friendly 89.7 KSGN will be at the Redlands Sports Complex during this Kids Helping Kids Toy Drive, encouraging the public to bring a gift donation.  “Making a difference is what KSGN stands for,” states Bryan O’Neal, program director of KSGN.  “Together, we can put smiles on faces of underprivileged children this holiday season.”  KSGN will have their spinning wheel for prize opportunities.  Teams bringing toys may have the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance which will be played on air at a later date.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Claremont/West End Auxiliary donates $10,000 to Children's Fund

Deanna  Bush & Lou Ehresmen present Jane Nottingham
of Children's Fund with $10,000 check
At the annual Claremont/West End Auxiliary dinner held at the home of JoAnn Mineer in La Verne, Children’s Fund received a check for an additional $10,000 bringing the annual total raised by the Auxiliary to more than $61,000 for the year.

 

“This is such a dedicated auxiliary who go above and beyond to raise money for the underprivileged children in our local communities,” states Erin Phillips, president and CEO of Children’s Fund.  “We are so thankful for the continuous fundraising efforts of the Claremont/West End Auxiliary.”


Claremont/West End Auxiliary was originally founded in 1958 and supported the Children’s Home Society. Today, Claremont-West End Auxiliary raises funds for Children’s Fund and promotes community awareness with activities like their home tour and membership teas.

 

“With 60+ members, our Auxiliary is continually volunteering and speaking on behalf of Children’s Fund,” says Vicki Radtke, co-president.  “Every dollar we raise will help support the at-risk children in our communities. We know that the need is great, so we work together to raise money so that Children’s Fund can help these children who are our future.”

 

Monday, July 1, 2013

CHILDREN'S FUND RECEIVES $100,000 DONATION FROM LOCAL BUILDER

Dr. Clare Sheridan-Matney, Jimmy Previti, Christina Previti, Erin Phillips and Dr. Amy Young

 
Children's Fund announced today that it has received a $100,000 donation from longtime homebuilder Jimmy Previti, president and CEO of Frontier Communities in Rancho Cucamonga.
 
This donation will be used to support the much needed expansion of the Children's Assessment Center (CAC) in San Bernardino which provides care and comfort to more than 1,200 of San Bernardino County's most abused and neglected children annually.
 
Established in 1994, the Center is the only facility in San Bernardino County to treat and reduce the trauma of child abuse victims.  Children at the Center receive treatment from specially-trained forensic pediatricians, and are able to tell their story just once to all appropriate personnel in a child-friendly setting, as well as receive therapy and referrals for services.   Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children's Fund, explains that it is only through the generosity of business and community leaders like Previti that Children's Fund is able to serve tens of thousands of children every year.
 
"I would like to thank Jimmy Previti on behalf of the grateful children whose lives will be changed for the better as a result of his generous donation for the expansion of the Children's Assessment Center," Phillips said.  "Previti's donation will ensure that we can complete the needed expansion."
 
Previti, president & CEO of Frontier Homes Communities states,  "I was born and raised in the Inland Empire of Southern California, and my businesses are all locally owned and operated.  The Inland Empire has provided me with wonderful opportunities, and I am committed to giving back to the region by assisting worthwhile organizations like Children's Fund that strenghten our communities."
 
The CAC is a true collaborative invloving staff and support from numerous partners like Loma Linda University Medical Center, and San Bernardino County agencies including Children & Family Services, the District Attorney's office, Department of Behavioral Health, Department of Public Health, the Sheriff's Department and the City of San Bernardino Police Department.  Children's Fund serves as the fundraising partner for the Children's Assessment Center and the critical work done there.
 
Created in 1986, Children's Fund is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent child abuse in our community; to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education; and to provide equal opportunity for social development for these children.  Since its inception, Children's Fund has helped more than 1.3 million children.  For more information or to make a donation for brighter tomorrows, go to www.childrensfundonline.org   Follow us on facebook at http://on.fb.me/W4Wymf 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

CHILDREN'S FUND GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES MONEY FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN

Golfers getting ready for shotgun start

Erin Phillips (center) thanks
Erik Anderson and Erin Lastinger for continued support
Dr. Amy Young speaks about
Children's Assesssment Center
The 21st Annual A. Gary Anderson Memorial Golf Classic was held Monday, June 10, at the Victoria Club in Riverside, California, and the generous donations brought the total to $5.5 million raised since the 1st year of the tournament.
 
The largest annual fundraiser for Children’s Fund, this event’s co-title sponsors were the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation and Diversified Pacific Opportunity Fund, and the event sponsor was Young Homes. Scores of golf sponsors filled the banquet room to listen to the guest speaker, Dr. Amy Young, associate medical director of the division of forensic pediatrics of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and associate medical director of the Children’s Assessment Center (CAC) in San Bernardino.  This Center is a special project for which Children’s Fund provides ongoing support.
 
San Bernardino County’s district attorney, Michael Ramos, introduced Dr. Young, explaining how important the CAC is in helping protect severely abused and neglected children in San Bernardino County.  Dr. Young has been with the Assessment Center since 2005, and is certified with the American Board of Pediatrics in Child Abuse.  She acknowledged the importance of Children’s Fund who has helped raise essential funds for the Center, which will be moving to a much larger facility this fall.  There, more children will be able to receive life-saving intervention from all of the partners on site.
 
In addition to raising money for the CAC, Children’s Fund works with social workers and case managers to give emergency assistance to at-risk children.  “We remain committed to serving as a safety net, providing basic necessities during critical times of need,” explains Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “This might be a bed so that a child does not have to sleep on the floor, or new clothing because their clothes are needed for evidence, or assistance with rent or utilities so that the family can remain in their home.  And, we could not provide this without your substantial contributions.  It is because of you that we helped 43,000 children this past year in our local communities, where one in four children live in poverty.”
 
“I cannot say thank you enough.  Thank you, thank you on behalf of the children whose lives and futures you are changing,” exclaimed Phillips.  “We are grateful for all that has been donated, knowing that there is still so much more that we can do together.”
 


      
Generous sponsors at live auction

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Bonnes Meres luncheon benefits foster children

Erin Phillips, Kristin Bryan Pierce, Kristin Hopkins and Reanna Bullard

Bonnes Meres Auxiliary held its annual birthday luncheon at the Redlands Country Club on April 17 with over 250 guests attending, each bringing a gift.

It is the goal of this "birthday party" to ensure that every child in the San Bernardino County foster care system receives a gift on their birthday. 

Bonnes Meres, French for "Good Mothers", is a Redlands-based auxiliary who fundraises for Children's Fund.  In addition to raising funds for gifts, Bonnes Meres also accepted donations for the program that provieds quilts and blankets for the abused children taken to the Children's Fund Assessment Center.

Friday, April 26, 2013

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!

Balloons released at the Parade Against Child Abuse
 
Take me out to the ballgame is exactly what Children’s Fund did on Tuesday, April 23, hosting THINK Together children, the Boys & Girls Club and the winners of Our Children Are Our Future Contest at the 66ers games at San Manuel Stadium. And, a good time was had by all.   

 


Winners of Our Children Are Our Future with 66ers Mark Sappington
Eden Cervantes of Redlands and Chloe Liv of San Bernardino were the grand prize winners and had the honor of leading the Parade Against Child Abuse with mascot Bernie, and throwing out the first pitches of the game.  Their family and friends were also treated to food fitting for a ballgame…hotdogs, peanuts and crackerjacks.

 


Of the 322 entries received, there were two grand prize winners and 9 runners-up.  All winners received 10 tickets to the game so their family and friends could join them.  Eden Cervantes, who wants to be an architect had never tossed a pitch before.  “I was nervous, but it was fun,” Cervantes exclaimed.  Chloe Liv, who intends
to become a lawyer, enjoyed taking a picture
with 66ers Mark Sappington.  

 
Boys & Girls Club enjoy the 66ers Game

“It was such a special event,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.   “All of the kids had a great time, and it shows the importance of families spending quality time together.  They are strong and deserve a bright future.”  As the children entered the stadium they received Children’s Fund balloons to be released during the parade and neon bracelets.

 

Runners-up to the contest were Jessica Stephenson of Loma Linda who wants to be a marine biologist; Margaret Marin of Colton who will strive to be a pastry chef; Xiomara Flores of Redlands will become a teacher; Bailey Revetta of Colton will work hard to be a pediatric oncologist; Mario Jesus Pena of Colton will become a firefighter; Ella Ransaw of Redlands wants to be a physical therapist; Anthony Sanchez of San Bernardino will help others by becoming a doctor, Valerie Romero of Colton wants to be a Navy Seal like her uncle; and Nicolo Moralde of Highland will keep the country safe by becoming a Marine.




Friday, April 19, 2013

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE CONTEST - Join the winners Tuesday, April 23 at San Manuel Stadium


Eden Cervantes of Redlands shared 1st place in contest.   Eden wants to be an architect.













Children’s Fund invites the community to join the winners of the Our Children Are Our Future Contest as they lead the Parade Against Child Abuse which will take place at the San Manuel Stadium at 6:15 p.m. around the inside of the ball field on Tuesday, April 23 located at 280 South E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401.

Chloe Liv of San Bernardino shared 2st place in contest and intends to become a lawyer



Runner-up Anthony Sanchez of San Bernardino will help other by becoming a doctor
Immediately following the parade the 66ers Angels Affiliate will take on the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Two winners of the 322 entries received were announced by Children’s Fund:  Eden Cervantes of Redlands who wants to be an architect and Chloe Liv of San Bernardino who intends to become a lawyer. 
 
 
 
 
 
 “Both contestants showed so much creativity and thought in their entries that we decided to announce both as winners,” states Karen Blanco, a member of Children’s Fund judging committee. 
 
 



Runner-up Bailee Revetta of Colton will work hard to be a pediatric oncologist
“As a community we can join together to protect and build strong, resilient children,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “The aspirations of the children who participated in the contest demonstrates their desire to be successful, and it is our job to work with them to achieve their dreams.”


 
 
 



Runner-up Ella Ransaw of Redlands wants to be a physical therapist




Eden Cervantes and Chloe Liv will lead the parade with mascot Bernie, and will receive 10 tickets for their family and friends to watch as they toss out the first pitches of the game.Once settled in their front viewing seats, the winners and guests will be treated to hot dogs, sodas and popcorn.
 
 
 
 

Runner-up Jessica Stepheson of Loma Linda wants to be a marine biologist

 Runners-up to the contest each received 10 tickets to the baseball game: Jessica Stephenson of Loma Linda who wants to be a marine biologist; Margaret Marin of Colton who will strive to be a pastry chef; Xiomara Flores of Redlands will become a teacher; Bailey Revetta of Colton will work hard to be a pediatric oncologist;




Runner-up Margaret Marin of Colton will strive to be a pastry chef




Runner-up Valerie Romero of Colton wants to be a Navy Seal like her uncle.

 Mario Jesus Pena of Colton will become a firefighter; Ella Ransaw of Redlands wants to be a physical therapist; Anthony Sanchez of San Bernardino will help others by becoming a doctor, Valerie Romero of Colton wants to be a Navy Seal like her uncle; and Nicolo Moralde of Highland will keep the country safe by becoming a Marine.

Runner-up Xiomara Flores of Redlands will be a teacher


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Children's Fund awards Scholarships at Shine A Light on Child Abuse Breakfast

Maria Salcedo proudly displays her scholarship award
March 28, 2013- Six students were awarded scholarship checks from Children's Fund during the 15th Annual Children's Network Shine a Light on Child Abuse breakfast.  Erin Phillips, President & CEO of Children's Fund and Steve PonTell, Chairman of the Board for Children's Fund took turns depicting why each of the recipients were chosen.

"A day like today reminds us why Children's Fund exists," states Erin Phillips.  "To see the obstacles these youth have overcome, and to be able to help them achieve their dreams reinforces our commitment to these strong, resilient children."

Those who received the scholarships are Marc Frizell, Rammaine Lamdels, Maria Salcedo, Reina Marin, Venus Fleetwood and Aiden Smith.  Keep watching for these names, as they will definitely succeed because of their commitment and determination.

Charlene Betts of Claremont West-End Auxiliary is honored at Children's Network Breakfast

Charlene Betts was honored as an outstanding Volunteer during the 13th Annual Shine A Light on Child Abuse breakfast held on Thursday, March 28.

Charlene volunteers with the Claremont West-End Auxiliary, a fundraising organization for Children's Fund.

Charlene has spent countless hours of her time volunteering, knowing that she is creating brighter tomorrows for the abused and underprivileged children in our communities.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE CONTEST STARTS MARCH 15

Enter to Win Tickets, Lead the Parade and Toss the First Pitch at Inland Empire 66ers Game

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – (Thursday, March 14, 2013) – Children’s Fund has partnered with the Inland Empire 66ers to create a contest for children ages 5 – 12.  To enter the children will draw a picture of what they will work hard to be when they grow up and explain in up to 50 words why.

 “Children’s Fund is dedicated to building strong children, giving hope for brighter tomorrows,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “This contest gives the kids an opportunity to think about who they want to be, instilling goals that will drive them to work hard in school and become who they dream of being.”

The contest runs from March 15 through April 15, 2013.  The winner of the contest will win 10 tickets for their family and friends to watch as the winner leads the Children’s Fund Parade Against Child Abuse with mascot Bernie, tosses out the first pitch at the Inland Empire 66ers game against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, and then settles in the seats with hotdogs, popcorn and drinks for all 10 guests on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.  The parade begins at 6:15 p.m. and will be inside the San Manuel Stadium, walking around the ball field.  The game begins at 7:05 p.m.

“This is a great night to watch the 66ers Angel Affiliate play the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes,” says Joe Hudson, general manager of San Manuel Stadium.  “It is also $2 Tuesday which means it will only cost $2 for parking, $2 tickets, and $2 for hotdog, popcorn or soft drink.  It’s a great way to spend quality time with your family at a very reasonable price, and watch a great baseball game.”

Entry forms are available online at www.childrensfundonline.org or www.66ers.com .  A complete list of contest rules are located on Children’s Fund website.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Overwhelming Response to Prom Essential Request


OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM PROM ATTIRE REQUEST
                                          Over 500 Gently Used or New Gowns Donated

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.
Friday, March 1, 2013

Children’s Fund, in partnership with San Bernardino County Children and Family Services’ Independent Living Program, requested donations of new or gently used prom dresses, in all sizes, for the foster youth who are planning to attend their prom.  More than 500 were donated!

“The response has been awe-inspiring,” states Kristin Williams, programs manager of Children’s Fund. “So many organizations and private parties came forward with beautiful gowns and dresses.  We are elated.”
 
Additionally, many donated gowns were accompanied with matching scarves and shoes.  Nail polish, make-up, ties; any accessories one would need to look great at the prom were among the donations.  
 
“Prom is an experience that every senior should be able to attend, and with these donations they will be attending the prom in style,” says Williams.  

An Extravaganza will be held Saturday, March 2 in Children’s Family Services’ Western Region Office and Saturday, March 9 in the CFS North Desert Region office where community volunteers assist the youth with tips for hair, nails, make-up, how to tie a tie and are taught the proper etiquette for formal events.  The event concludes with each foster youth receiving a prom dress or tuxedo rental certificate.

Children’s Fund and the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services’ Independent Living Program thanks the community for their generosity, and for creating a positive experience for the foster youth in our local communities.

Created in 1986, Children’s Fund is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent child abuse in our community; to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education; and to provide equal opportunity for social development for these children.  For more information on Children’s Fund or how you can give hope for brighter tomorrows in the life of a child, please visit Children’s Fund’s website at www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.  Follow us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/W4Wymf



 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

PROM ESSENTIALS WANTED FOR FOSTER YOUTH - Donate New or Gently Used Prom Attire


SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.

Tuesday, February 18, 2013

Children’s Fund, in partnership with San Bernardino County Children and Family Services’ Independent Living Program, is requesting donations of new or gently used prom dresses, in all sizes, for the foster youth who are planning to attend their prom.

“Together we host a Prom Extravaganza for senior foster youth,” states Kristin Williams, programs manager of Children’s Fund. “Prom is an experience that every senior should be able to attend.  At the Extravaganza community volunteers assist the youth with tips for hair, nails, make-up, how to tie a tie and are taught the proper etiquette for formal events.”  The event concludes with each foster youth receiving a prom dress or tuxedo rental certificate.

Donations of items to help fill raffle baskets are also appreciated – curling irons, hair straightener, hair spray, brushes, perfumes, cologne, etc.

Start your spring cleaning early, and give a foster youth a memorable prom experience.  Donations are being accepted at Children’s Fund, 348 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 110, San Bernardino, CA 92408 through February 28, 2013.  Or, you can make a monetary donation, and Children’s Fund will do the shopping for you. Donations can be made at the office, or online at www.childrensfundonline.org .

 Created in 1986, Children’s Fund is a non-profit whose mission is to prevent child abuse in our community; to ensure that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished, or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care and education; and to provide equal opportunity for social development for these children.  For more information on Children’s Fund or how you can give hope for brighter tomorrows in the life of a child, please visit Children’s Fund’s website at www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.  Follow us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/W4Wymf