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.”

First 5 San Bernardino provides more than 8,000 Gifts

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

Board of Supervisors James Ramos, Janice Rutherford, and Josie Gonzales are pictured with Linda Haugan, Asst. Executive Officer of Human Services and First 5 Commissioner; and Erin Phillips, President & CEO, Children’s Fund; along with Board of Supervisors Curt Hagman and Robert Lovingood

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

The check presentation was made on Tuesday, December 16 at the Board of Supervisors meeting in San Bernardino County.

“This grant demonstrates the strong partnership we have with First 5 San Bernardino, ensuring that these precious children will receive a gift during the holidays, which may be the only gift received,” says Erin Phillips, President & CEO of Children’s Fund.  “With childhood poverty creeping above 28%, sometimes it’s the simplest things, things that we may take for granted, that matter the most to our children.”

This is the 26th year of the Children’s Fund Celebration of Giving Campaign, and it is because of partners like First 5 San Bernardino that the campaign continues to provide more than 20,000 gifts each year within the Inland Empire. Other partners include various departments of the County of San Bernardino, Spark of Love, Stater Bros. Markets, Arrowhead Credit Union, Amazon.com, KFROG, and generous other local businesses and residents who participate in this campaign.

“It truly is about the kids,” exclaims Karen E. Scott, Executive Director of First 5 San Bernardino.  “At First 5 we strive to provide optimal health and development for young children and their families.  Our relationship 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.  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.

MORE EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AWARDED

U.S. Bank awards Children’s Fund $20,000 Grant for foster and former foster youth education

SAN BERNARDINO, California  (Wednesday, December 3, 2014) – 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.

Erin Phillips (l) and Lee Jackman (r) accept check from U.S. Bank

Caitlin, a participant in Children’s Fund educational program, 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.  At the age of 11, Caitlin was left alone at home after her mom had been incarcerated.  Trying to maintain a normal existence, Caitlin would get herself dressed, pick oranges from the backyard tree for food, and walk one mile to school each day.  She did this for two weeks before a neighbor noticed something was wrong and called authorities.  She entered the foster care system, being placed in a kinship program with her sister at her grandmother’s.  At the age of 16, Caitlin became pregnant and decided that she wanted more for her young daughter. Through California State University – San Bernardino Caitlin has received a scholarship from Children’s Fund to be able to continue her education. 

“I am so thankful to Children’s Fund, this quarter alone the cost of my books are $800, and the scholarship helps me continue to get my education.”  Caitlin, now the mother to two children, is currently a senior, works at CVS in the pharmacy, and plans to attend Loma Linda Medical University to acquire her Pharmaceutical degree.  “I want my children to be secure,” states Caitlin. “My strength are my children, and I am so grateful for those who have helped me along the way.”

“Seeing the tenacity of children who work hard through their difficult circumstances is inspiring,” says Richard Madsen, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager of U.S. Bank. “U.S. Bank is proud to partner with Children’s Fund to help these children achieve their goals.”

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 Erin Phillips, 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 story through education, maybe even for generations to come.”  In the past year, Children’s Fund has helped more than 53,000 children from every area of San Bernardino County.