Bonnes Meres brighten the holidays for at-risk children

Big Smiles for a Big Check!

Members of the Bonnes Meres Auxiliary present a check for $75,000 to Children’s Fund President and CEO Stacy Iverson. Left to right: Bonnes Meres Vice President Barbara Rozema, President Sally Robertson, Iverson, and Annual Auction Chair Mallory Mudge.

By Anne Viricel - Special to Highland Community News (pub. 12/17/15)

The Bonnes Meres Auxiliary of the Children’s Fund of San Bernardino has donated $75,000 toward the organization’s operational expenses. The check presentation took place at the Bonnes Meres holiday luncheon Dec 15 at Redlands’ Burrage Mansion in front of a capacity crowd of Bonnes Meres members and their guests.

The funds were raised at the Bonnes Meres Annual Auction which was held at the National Orange Show Convention Center in November. Members have been anxiously awaiting the total ever since.

Before revealing the total, Bonnes Meres President Sally Robertson shared her thoughts about the annual event which this year combined silent and live auctions with a luncheon and entertainment for over 300 attendees.

“It is truly a labor of love and this organization is such a sisterhood. We enjoy working together for this important cause, and we are so very proud to be able to present this check to the Children’s Fund,” she said.

“This is such an amazing group of women to work with,” added 2015 Auction Chair Mallory Mudge. “Their hearts are there for the children and each and every one of them is willing to put in the time needed to raise these funds.”

Mudge was responsible for the nearly one dozen committees that combined their targeted efforts toward the successful outcome.

Receiving the check was new Children’s Fund President and CEO Stacy Iverson.

“The extraordinary generosity of the Bonnes Meres women has brightened the future for thousands of children in our county who need us the most,” Iverson said. “I am so in awe of them and all they are willing to do. This is just extraordinary.”

Bonnes Meres’ next fundraiser will be their Annual Birthday Luncheon in April at Redlands Country Club. This event collects thousands of toys and gifts for youth in the San Bernardino County foster care system.

To learn more about Bonnes Meres and their local efforts, visit www.bonnesmeres.org.

Team Members at Arrowhead Credit Union Donate $11,000 in Toys to Help Children’s Fund

Giving Disadvantaged Children a
Bright and Happy Christmas

More than 650 disadvantaged children will enjoy a brighter Christmas this year thanks to true team spirit at Arrowhead Credit Union. Arrowhead team members were able to exceed last year’s goal and donate more than $11,000 in toys to support the 27^th Annual Celebration of Giving toy drive for Children’s Fund.

 “Every year the number of children that need our assistance grows and we were worried about meeting their needs, especially in light of recent tragedies. But every year, Arrowhead Credit Union comes through –this year with more than 650 gifts,”

said Jane Nottingham, Events Coordinator for Children’s Fund.  “It’s amazing how Arrowhead Credit Union supports at-risk children in our community.”

“Our team wanted to make Christmas wishes come true in a big way this year,” said Arrowhead team member Ann Wadagnolo. “It breaks my heart when a request card from a child asks for a simple wish, like a blanket or pair of socks.  Every child should have the basic necessities and a special gift to celebrate the holidays.”

Since 1986, Children’s Fund, located in San Bernardino California, has helped more than 1.4 million children who are impoverished, abused, neglected or abandoned. Children’s Fund gives vulnerable children support, opportunity, and hope by breaking destructive cycles through community partnerships.

About Arrowhead Credit Union

Arrowhead Credit Union was established in 1949 and is dedicated to building strong communities. Arrowhead is the largest credit union in the Inland Empire, with more than 125,000 members.  Visit us at arrowheadcu.org.

First 5 San Bernardino provides more than 8,000 Gifts

$50,000 contribution to Children’s Fund helps
underprivileged children during Holidays

More than 8,000 disadvantaged young children in San Bernardino County are receiving holiday gifts because of a $50,000 contribution to Children’s Fund from First 5 San Bernardino.

The check presentation was made on Tuesday, December 1 at the Board of Supervisors meeting in San Bernardino County.

“This generous investment from First 5 San Bernardino will ensure that thousands of precious children will receive a gift during the holidays, which may be the only gift they receive,” says Stacy Iverson, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “With one in four children living in poverty in our county, often it’s these little things, things that we may take for granted, that make a big difference to our children.”

This is the 27th year of the Children’s Fund Celebration of Giving Campaign, the organization’s annual toy drive.  It is because of community partners like First 5 San Bernardino that the campaign continues to provide more than 25,000 gifts each year within the Inland Empire. Other partners include Spark of Love, Stater Bros. Markets, Arrowhead Credit Union, Burlington, Amazon, KFROG, various departments of the County of San Bernardino, and other generous local businesses and residents who give to the campaign.

“Our relationship with Children’s Fund is a perfect example of two organizations working towards the same goal,” says Karen E. Scott, Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino. “We both strive to provide optimal health and development for young children and their families.  It’s all about the kids, especially this time of year.” First 5 San Bernardino was created in December 1998 in order to realize the benefits of the California Children and Families Act.  The act created a program for the purpose of promoting, supporting and improving the early development of children from the prenatal stage to five years of age.

Children’s Fund is a 29-year-old nonprofit organization serving San Bernardino County’s most vulnerable youth. Children’s Fund’s mission is to give our vulnerable children support, opportunity and hope by breaking destructive cycles through community partnerships.

Children’s Fund Names New Leader

Stacy Iverson is named President & CEO of San Bernardino County nonprofit

SAN BERNARDINO, California (Friday, December 4, 2015) – San Bernardino-based nonprofit Children’s Fund announced the promotion of Stacy Iverson to President & CEO.  The announcement was made by Lee Jackman, Chair of the Board of Children’s Fund.

Iverson joined Children’s Fund in February 2013 as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.  Her 20 year career of working to improve the lives of children makes her a natural fit to lead Children’s Fund. 

"Stacy Iverson was the perfect choice as President & CEO of Children's Fund,” said Jackman.  “She has vast experience working with our many partners in San Bernardino County, has proven expertise in overseeing a diverse staff, and has shown herself to be a visionary leader amongst board and donors.”  Jackman believes that Children's Fund is fortunate to “have Stacy's capabilities that will ensure Children's Fund’s success well into the future."

Prior to joining the Children’s Fund team, Iverson served in the child development field as a program manager for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, working to enhance the quality of child care and increasing access to care for children throughout the county. She also served as the program manager for eight years with First 5 San Bernardino, implementing valuable programs to effectively impact the county’s youngest children.

“I am honored to have an opportunity to work with such dedicated board members, staff and community partners,” said Iverson. “I believe in the Children’s Fund mission and, most importantly, I believe in the children we serve and want to help afford them every opportunity for success.”  

Children’s Fund is a 29-year-old nonprofit organization serving San Bernardino County’s most vulnerable youth. Children’s Fund’s mission is to give our vulnerable children support, opportunity and hope by breaking destructive cycles through community partnerships.

Since its inception, Children’s Fund has served more than 1.4 million children. For more information on Children’s Fund or to learn how you can help, go to www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.  Follow us on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/W4Wymf.