Claremont/West-End Auxiliary of Children's Fund Presents Check for $56,500

Members of the Claremont/West-End Auxiliary, Sue Volz (l) and Barbara Williams (r) presents Erin Phillips, President & CEO of Children's Fund with a check for $56,500.  

FOSTER YOUTH’S STORY RECEIVES COMPASSIONATE RESPONSE

When Alicia Washington rose to speak to a room filled with successful business men and women during the 22^nd Annual A. Gary Anderson Memorial Golf Classic, silence settled over the room.

“During the first year of my life, I was left in a taxi cab and became part of the foster system,” said Alicia.  “I grew up in many different homes, and went to many different schools.  I soon realized that I wanted to create my own ‘freedom pass’ through education.  My 18^th birthday fell the day before my high school graduation, which meant I was homeless.  On the day of graduation I had to try and find transportation to the graduation ceremony.” 

Washington continued her story of being homeless for quite a while and then discovered a program offered by San Bernardino County which provided transitional housing for foster youth.  She recently graduated from California State University – San Bernardino and proudly stated, “I again graduated, the day before my birthday.”  She went on to say that she is the voice for foster youth.

After Washington received a standing ovation, a $50,000 pledge was made by the Colonies Partners for foster youth.  And, the pledges kept coming in, totaling more than $75,000 for older foster youth by the end of the evening, bringing the grand total raised by the event to more than $500,000.

The largest annual fundraiser for Children’s Fund, the event’s co-title sponsors were the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation and Diversified Pacific Opportunity Fund, and the event sponsor was Young Homes. After his passing in 1992, the A. Gary Anderson Memorial Golf Classic was established to continue Gary’s work supporting at-risk and abused children through Children’s Fund. Since its inception, the AGA Memorial Golf Classic has raised more than $6 million to serve the most vulnerable children in our region.

“I cannot say thank you enough.  Thank you on behalf of the children whose lives and futures you are changing,” stated Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “We are grateful for all that has been donated, knowing that there is still so much more that we can do together.”

$1 MILLION DONATION TO HELP ABUSED CHILDREN A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation Donates to Children’s Fund

Erin Phillips, Erin and Gary Lastinger, Dr. Sheridan-Matney and Vicente Wright

Children’s Fund announced a $1,000,000 gift from the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation during the grand opening of the Children’s Assessment Center of San Bernardino, hosted by the Children’s Fund President’s Circle on Wednesday, May 21, 2014.  The donation will benefit the children who are treated at the Children’s Assessment Center.

The Children’s Assessment Center treats children ranging in age from 0-18 from every area of San Bernardino County who are suspected victims of abuse and neglect. Nearly half of the children seen at the Assessment Center are 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 more than 1,300 children from our own communities.

“This is the largest single gift in Children’s Fund’s history,” states Erin Phillips, president & CEO of Children’s Fund.   “This gift will support the Center's continued emergency response to children, as well as provide a seed investment for a Children's Fund endowment, which will help protect the future of the Center.”  The lobby of the Children’s Assessment Center has been named the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation Lobby in response to their generosity.

Erin Lastinger, daughter of A. Gary Anderson, spoke about the donation.  “It is our mission and passion to carry on my father’s legacy to support at-risk and abused children.  Gary and I promise we will do everything in our power to protect and serve our kids in this community.” The A. Gary Anderson Memorial Golf Classic, benefitting Children’s Fund, is in its 22^nd year and has raised more than $5.5 million to assist abused and neglected children.

Dr. Clare Sheridan-Matney, the medical director of the Children’s Assessment Center, was honored for her 30 years of dedication and hard work, treating thousands of abused children throughout her career.  “It’s hard to see the cruelty that people inflict upon children,” states Sheridan-Matney.  “It is especially touching when you meet children who have managed to retain innocence and humanity throughout it all.”  Speaking about the new Center, Sheridan-Matney continued, “We want the children to feel comfortable at the Center.  We want them to understand that they do matter, that we are here for them, and they do have a voice.”

Erin & Gary Lastinger in the A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation Lobby

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



Children's Assessment Center Reception Area

Play room for children so they feel comfortable

                                                                         

Children’s Fund has been awarded a $100,000 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, 45% 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 more than 1,600 children from our own communities.

“Children’s Fund is grateful that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has prioritized improving health outcomes, especially for our region’s vulnerable abused and neglected children.  ” states Erin Phillips, President and CEO of Children’s Fund.  “As the fundraising arm for the Children’s Assessment Center, together we work to protect children from living a life in harm and without basic necessities.  San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ grant at this critical time, when the need is so great, will help provide life-saving services.”

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 support the medical services performed at the Children’s Assessment Center.  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 & Police Association, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Public Health, Department of Behavioral Health, 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.

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.