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. 

Bonnes Meres hosts Holiday Auction

Guests of the annual Bonnes Meres Auxiliary Holiday Auction and Luncheon browse a wide array of gift packages being auctioned to raise funds for Children's Fund.

On Thursday, Nov. 5, Bonnes Meres Auxiliary hosted its annual Holiday Auction and Luncheon to raise support and funds for Children’s Fund, a foundation dedicated to the service of at-risk and abused children in San Bernardino County.

Over 300 guests browsed and planned their bids for a wide array of gifts, vacation packages and eating experiences up for silent and live auction in a Victorian Christmas setting. To complete the Charles Dickens Christmas theme, the Desert Carolers sang holiday favorites throughout the silent bidding and social hour.

“I love this event,” said Mallory Mudge, event chairwoman. “It’s the good will that’s present in the room that shows a small number of women can make such a difference in just one day.”

Mudge said while the Auxiliary has set the goal of raising $75,000 the actual amount will not be announced until the check is presented to Children’s Fund in December.

Keynote speaker Lee Jackman, chairwoman of the Children’s Fund Board of Directors, shared that in its years of support, Bonnes Meres has donated $1,580,000 to Children’s Fund. Last year, Bonnes Meres assisted Children’s Fund by providing supplies, scholarships, camps, and toys at Christmas to the “most severely damaged in the Children’s Fund Assessment Center with 78,000 life-changing interventions in one year.”

“This evening is always very well attended, very well organized and a great event,” said Neal Waner, vice chairman of the Children’s Fund Board of Directors. “Bonnes Meres is one of our largest reoccurring donors and they are always very generous. Children’s Fund is very fortunate to have their support.”

This year Waner joined Martha Green as the event’s live auctioneers.

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MORE EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AWARDED -- U.S. BANK AWARDS $20,000 TO CHILDREN'S FUND

Children's Fund Chair Lee Jackman (l) accepts a check from Richard Madsen, Senior VP and Regional Mgr. of U.S. Bank. 

U.S. Bank Foundation has approved and presented $20,000 for Children’s Fund Foster Youth Educational Programs which will empower foster and former foster youth through higher education.

Edwin entered foster care at the age of 14, and Children’s Fund has supported him along the way.  He is currently attending California State University – San Bernardino and will be entering the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Crafton Hills College with the goal of becoming a firefighter.

“I want to be educated and well qualified for jobs that seem out of my reach,” says Edwin.  “I want to break the chains that hold my family down.  That people have hope in me and believe in me gives me a spark.”

“U.S. Bank Foundation believes education is the way to lift people out of less desirable situations,” states Richard Madsen, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager of U.S. Bank.  “Being able to partner with Children’s Fund to invest in children like Edgar to achieve their goals and dreams is part of U.S. Bank Foundation’s vision.”  Each year, the Foundation provides contributions to nonprofit organizations in grant priority areas of education, economic opportunity, and artistic and cultural enrichment.  In 2014, the Foundation provided more than $23.5 million in grant funding.

Less than 5% of foster or former foster youth graduate from college with four year degrees. “Every child should believe that their dreams matter, and that they have a future,” says Stacy Iverson, Interim President & CEO of Children’s Fund. “It is because of generous financial partners, like U.S. Bank, that youth from our own communities have a real opportunity to change their own futures through education, maybe even for generations to come.”  In the past year, Children’s Fund has helped more than 60,000 children from every area of San Bernardino County. 

Fontana Lotto Winner helps Children’s Fund

by Michel Nolan of The Sun

Children’s Fund Board Chair, Lee Jackman; Fontana Foundation of Hope Board Member Dave Wibert and Adriana Castro; Advisory Member Debbie Kott; Fontana Foundation of Hope Board Member Leon Ford, and son Mathew Ford; Advisory Member Lydia Wibert; Fontana Foundation of Hope Board Member, Jack Long; Children’s Fund’s Erin Phillips, President & CEO  and Director of Development, Sandra Lubbers.

We’ve probably all thought about winning the lottery and what we’d do with the unimaginable riches.

Most of us would figure in some deserving charities we could share with.

Well, a Fontana Lotto winner not only thought about it but actually followed through with his generosity.

On Thursday, Children’s Fund was presented $100,000 by the Fontana Foundation of Hope, a nonprofit Foundation established by a Powerball winner from Fontana.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been generous with his monetary gifts to community children through education, as well.

Erin Phillips, president and CEO of Children’s Fund, said that Children’s Fund is grateful for this generous outpouring of support from the Fontana Foundation of Hope. “Their hearts are huge and their desire to support children facing crisis is really inspiring — what a wonderful way to invest in their own community,” Erin said.

Foundation of Hope board members toured the Children’s Assessment Center in San Bernardino and were moved by the work there, too, on behalf of the county’s abused children and hoped that more people in the community would understand the importance of caring for these kids and responding to their needs.

Some of the money, of course, will be used for the renovated Children’s Assessment Center, where children in crisis, those who have been physically or sexually abused, find a safe haven.

There, society’s most vulnerable meet caring doctors, forensic specialists, law enforcement representatives and a loving sheepdog named Mack — all in one location.

Before the opening of the center, abused children referred to Child Protective Services often had to endure a number of interviews performed by multiple, separate agencies involved in the investigation of the case.

Young people up to age 18 are seen at the Assessment Center, although most are 14 and younger and nearly half of the young victims treated are younger than 5.

Over the years, I’ve reported on Children’s Fund, helping to share with the community what a compassionate organization it is.

So many times, I’ve been moved by the inspiring stories of the children and youth they help — San Bernardino County’s 6,000 foster children. In all, more than 1,500 abused children will need services this year.

For nearly 30 years, Children’s Fund has been dedicated to fulfilling its mission of preventing child abuse in our community and ensuring that at-risk children who are abused, neglected, impoverished or abandoned receive adequate food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

The nonprofit also helps provide equal opportunities for the social development of these children.

It is a tragedy this care is needed but a blessing the center is here to help children in critical need.

So in the meantime, we will be grateful for generous souls like our anonymous donor — and I really do wish I could share his name with you.

And here’s a thought for the day: A goal is a dream with a deadline.

AT-RISK CHILDREN WILL BENEFIT FROM SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS GRANT

Mascot of the CAC, Mack, receives a hug

Children’s Fund has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to enable the San Bernardino County Children’s Assessment Center to provide  quality medical services to the County’s most vulnerable children- those who have been physically or sexually abused, or severely neglected.

The Children’s Assessment Center treats children ages 0-18, as well as developmentally delayed young adults, from every area of San Bernardino County who are suspected victims of abuse. Last year, 55% of the children seen at the Assessment Center were under the age of 5, signaling that a significant portion of the population served by this Center are very young and often cannot speak for themselves.  Last year, the Center treated approximately 1,400 children from our own communities.

“Children’s Fund is grateful that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians cares so much for the health of our region’s abused and neglected children,” states Erin Phillips, President and CEO of Children’s Fund.  “As the fundraising partner for the Children’s Assessment Center, we work together to ensure that these services are available to children when they need them.  Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences, such as violence in the home, can have long-term, devastating effects on the health of a person throughout their lifetime.  This grant, from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, comes at a critical time when the need is great, and will help provide life-saving services.”  Children’s Fund was the proud recipient of the 2015 Yawa’ Award, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to non-profits that make a difference by acting on their beliefs, bringing hope to the communities they serve.

This investment by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, in partnership with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and the County of San Bernardino, will enhance the Center’s medical response to abuse and will ensure that these services go uninterrupted.  These exams assess injuries as well as capture evidence that assist in the evaluation of the child abuse allegation.  Additionally, at the child-friendly Center, youth are able to tell their story once, to all appropriate personnel, significantly reducing their trauma during the investigative process. Additional partners include Children & Family Services, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Behavioral Health, Department of Public Health, Police Chiefs Association, Children’s Network and Family Law Court Services.  This investment, along with the support of all of these agencies working together, will make a strong and lasting impact on the Center’s ability to serve our community.

MORE CHILDREN WITH CRITICAL NEEDS WILL BENEFIT FROM GRANT

Erin Phillips (l), President & CEO and Lee Jackman (r), Board Chair of Children's Fund accepts donation from Al Arguello, Market President, Inland Empire, Bank of America

Children’s Fund Receives Grant from Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Thanks to a $7,500 grant awarded to  Children’s Fund by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, more children who are in an emergency situation will be able to receive assistance.

Children’s Fund works with social workers and case managers to provide emergency assistance to at-risk and impoverished children, providing items such as food, clothing, beds, transportation, rental and utility assistance, medical and dental care.  For children just being rescued or transported, Children’s Fund provides hygiene kits and lunchboxes with snacks.

“We’re proud to support the critical services provided by Children’s Fund that can literally save the lives of our precious youth,” said Al Argűello, Market President, Inland Empire, Bank of America. “We recognize the important role Children’s Fund plays in serving our most vulnerable community members, helping at-risk youth get the most basic care, shelter, safety, and health and nutrition services to help set a foundation for quality of life.”

Recently, a case worker referred a family of a mom with 10 children to Children’s Fund for help. The mom is raising this family in a 2-bedroom apartment where the children share 4 mattresses, serving as their only beds. Children’s Fund was able to provide 4 bunk beds, bedding, clothing and hygiene items for the 10 children. The case worker sent the thank you notes that the mother and children sent to Children’s Fund.

The mother said, “It’s hard being a single mother and not being able to buy my kids clothes and having no beds for them to sleep on. I just want to let you know how grateful I am, and how happy you made my kids.” One of the children wrote, “I was so happy when I got a new bunk bed and new clothes because my Mom was trying hard to get clothes for school. Your program really helped me and my family out. Thank you for helping us with everything.”

“This is just one case where Children’s Fund was able to step in and help a family in great need,” says Erin Phillips, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “That’s why we’re proud to partner with Bank of America, providing much needed services while helping the family prepare for a more financially stable future.  This year alone Children’s Fund has helped more than 53,000 children in our communities.”