CHILDREN'S FUND JOINS THE RACE - Benefits At-Risk Children

Themed “A Day at the Races” by Claremont West End Auxiliary who fundraises for Children’s Fund, promises to be a fun-filled day for all who attend on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Santa Anita Park at 285 West Huntington Drive in Arcadia.

“What a great way to enjoy a Saturday with friends and family,” says JoAnn Mineer, a long-standing member of the Claremont West End Auxiliary. “We have put together a race package that includes admission, valet parking and lunch in the Club House Plaza. And, what’s great is that while you are enjoying yourself you will also be raising money for the at-risk children in our local communities.”

President and CEO Erin Phillips of Children’s Fund states, “Claremont West End Auxiliary fundraises for us throughout the year.  The excitement of thoroughbred racing at such a beautiful venue is an enjoyable experience.  Children’s Fund is grateful for the support that the Auxiliary gives to help make brighter tomorrows for the underprivileged children in our communities.”

The gates open at 10:30 a.m. and the races begin at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling JoAnne Mineer at 909.593.8129 or Barbara Williams at 909.899.6797. Tickets are priced are $65 each.

Founded in 1958 by a group of West End ladies, Claremont West End Auxiliary have been providing support for adoptive children and families.  In 1992 the Auxiliary decided to dedicate their time and energy to support Children’s Fund. Today, the Auxiliary continues to raise funds, promote community awareness and carry out projects in support of children at risk through activities such as the Home Tour, Membership Tea and A Day at the Races.

Children's Fund Receives $50,000 from First 5 San Bernardino

 

 

Children’s Fund presented the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors a picture frame of ornaments decorated by children who received a holiday gift during the Celebration of Giving Campaign to acknowledge their 25 years of collecting gifts and toys for the underprivileged children in our local communities.  The presentation took place in the County Government Center.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Board of Supervisors and the County of San Bernardino,” states Erin Phillips, President and CEO of Children’s Fund.  “It is because of these partnerships that we are able to make a difference in the lives of so many underprivileged children in our communities.”  Children’s Fund has helped more than 50,000 children in 2013.

Operations Manager of First 5 San Bernardino, Cindy Faulkner was also in attendance, presenting Children’s Fund with a check for $50,000 to be used for gifts this holiday season.  “It is truly all about the kids,” exclaims Faulkner.  “We strive to honor and respect the diversity of our community and prioritize the needs to ensure 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.” First 5 San Bernardino was created in December 1998 in order to realize the benefits of the California Children and Families Act, created for the purpose of promoting, supporting, and improving the early development of children from the prenatal stage to five years of age.

“San Bernardino County appreciates the support Children’s Fund and First 5 San Bernardino provide to thousands of underprivileged children in our County, and we look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership with these critical agencies,” San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Rutherford said.

 

DONATE PROM DRESSES FOR FOSTER YOUTH by February 24th

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, especially Large and X-Large sizes, for the foster youth who are planning to attend their prom.

“Together we host a Prom Extravaganza for foster youth in their senior year of high school,” 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.

"As a father of 3 adult children, I know how expensive it is to attend prom", says Randy Schulz, director of Children and Family Services. "We can make sure our foster youth have the opportunity to attend their prom with the help and support of our local community. Please help make a foster youth's dreams come true by donating today.”

Don’t have a dress? Consider donating shoes, purses, hair products, belts, ties, jewelry, new/unused make up and other prom essentials.

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 Monday, February 24, 2014.  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.

GIRL SCOUTS PARTNER WITH CHILDREN’S FUND

Celebration of Giving Campaign Receives 350 Gifts/Toys

The Girl Scouts at the warehouse

 The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council joined together with Children’s Fund’s Annual Celebration of Giving Campaign to collect toys and gifts for the underprivileged children in our communities. This is the first time the Girl Scouts have collaborated with Children’s Fund in this venture.

These Girl Scouts took the task of collecting new, unwrapped toys all around their communities and delivered them to the warehouse where Children’s Fund were utilizing for the holidays. The first delivery in December netted more than 250 gifts/toys. It was a heartwarming scene to see all of the Girl Scouts hover around the trunks of the cars overflowing with toys. 

Girl Scouts unloading the toys

“It was awesome that the Girl Scouts actually visited the warehouse to donate their gifts,” said Karen Blanco, Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “It gave the kids an opportunity to see first-hand how this campaign works, and what a difference their donations make.”  As a small thank you, a hot chocolate bar and cookies were available for those in attendance.

The second delivery of 90+ toys, brought the amount donated to 350 gifts/toys. They are collected, sorted and distributed to different communities throughout the Inland Empire, for the less fortunate kids through the Celebration of Giving Campaign which is celebrating its 25th year.

“The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio look forward to future partnerships with Children’s Fund,” said Mary Moore, Vice President of Programs and Events. “The toy drive was a great success and a great first start to many more future projects and events with Children’s Fund.”  Each Girl Scout who donated a toy received a patchfor their vest.

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.

 

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.”