Children’s Fund Receives $50,000 Check From First 5 San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – (Tuesday, December 18, 2012)

The sounds of the holidays resonated as the children from the Boys & Girls Club of Redlands sang their favorite holiday tunes at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting held on Tuesday, December 18 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers. And if the sounds of the giggling children weren't festive enough, the $50,000 check presented to Children’s Fund by First 5 of San Bernardino definitely put everyone in the holiday spirit.

In October, Children’s Fund received approval for its first direct contract with First 5 of San Bernardino, providing further expansion to a variety of programs, including the Children’s Fund Assessment Center and the Emergency Needs Program.

“We are so pleased to embark on this strong partnership with First 5 and together serve these precious children,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “Together we can do so much more to bring brighter tomorrows to these kids than we could individually. ”

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.

“It is truly all about the kids,” exclaims Karen E. Scott, executive director of First 5 San Bernardino “We strive to honor and respect the diversity of our community and prioritize the needs to ensure optimal health and development for young children and their families. Our partnership with Children’s Fund is a perfect example of both entities working towards the same goal.”

The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors supports both of these great organizations so the check presentation was applauded by all.

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 make a difference in the life of a child, please visit Children’s Fund’s website at www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.

The Children’s Fund Receives Philanthropic Partner Of The Year Award

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – (Monday, November 19, 2012)

The Philanthropic Partner of the Year Award was presented to Children’s Fund recently at the National Philanthropy Day annual luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals held at the Hilton Ontario Airport. Children’s Fund was nominated by Cal Poly Pomona for their partnership with their Renaissance Scholars Program.

Launched in 2002, Cal Poly Pomona's Renaissance Scholars is an academic support program located in the Division of Student Affairs that empowers former foster youth through higher education. The Renaissance Scholars Program provides these exceptional students with access to a broad range of services and support. These students gain skills to direct the outcome of their future through education and career development. After graduation, alumni make the transition towards fulfilling careers and earn advance degrees in their field of interest.

Last year Children’s Fund agreed to fund the launching of a mentorship program within the Renaissance Scholars, providing upper division students, who were themselves former foster youth, to mentor incoming freshmen students just exiting the foster care system. This type of focused support will greatly enhance the success of these students as they learn to navigate the campus and educational system, as well as transition to adulthood and independence.

“I think Cal Poly Pomona’s program makes a tangible difference in the experience and outcomes of these former foster youth,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “Statistics show that fewer than 2% of foster youth graduate with four-year degrees. These students have worked so hard to qualify for admission into Cal Poly- we want them to be successful and graduate. Cal Poly has shown a great commitment to ensure that they do just that, and we are very proud to partner with them on this project.”

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 “Make a Difference” in the life of a child, please visit Children’s Fund’s website at www.childrensfundonline.org or call 909.379.0000.

Bonnes Meres auction "Fruitage" yields abundance of Fruit

(November 8, 2012)

Bonnes Meres Auxiliary's auction, "Fruitage" raised $70,000 for the Children's Fund of San Bernardino County benefiting at-risk children in the community.

Nana Allen, Event chairwoman, accompanied by Sally Robertson, event co-chairwoman, had the honor of presenting the check to Erin Phillips, president and CEO of Children's Fund at their recently held meeting at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands.

"I did not expect such a fabulous amount raised to donate to Children's Fund, yet without a doubt, the consistent, positive and generous support of our community should never leave me wondering", said Nana Allen, chairwoman of the event.

"Bonnes Meres’ fruitage theme mentions that charity is the seed,” said Erin Phillips, president and CEO of Children's Fund. “Bestowing charity with simplicity and from a good, merciful and compassionate heart certainly resonates with the large donation of $70,000 made to Children’s Fund. This donation will help hundreds of at-risk children, and Children’s Fund is very appreciative of everyone’s generosity and the continuous support of Bonnes Meres Auxiliary.”

The donation to the Children's Fund included monies raised from the Fund-an-Item for "special area of needs" and will aid in replenishing sets of comfortable clothing, to include sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants, undergarments and socks to the Children's Assessment Center, where they are made available to children as needed.

The mission of Bonnes Meres (French for "good mothers") is to prevent child abuse in the 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 those children.

Bonnes Meres Auxiliary's upcoming event is the annual Birthday Luncheon which will be held April 17 at the Redlands Country Club. Guests bring unwrapped birthday presents for foster children in the community.

Information: Kristin Bryan Pierce, bonnesmeresbirthday@gmail.com