Amazon associates pull together for Celebration of Giving Campaign

---Makes holidays brighter for Inland Empire youth

PHOTO Credit - ABC News: An employee prepares an order at

Amazon's fulfillment center in San Bernardino, CA

Originally published in the Inland Empire Community News
by Yazmin Alvarez -  December 30, 2015

Associates from Amazon fulfillment centers across the Inland Empire worked together to help make the holidays a special one for thousands of children in San Bernardino County.

Employees from the facilities in San Bernardino, Redlands, and Moreno Valley collected and sorted more than 5000 holiday gifts for the Children’s Fund of San Bernardino’s 27th Annual Celebration of Giving Campaign.

The collection, which took place from Nov. 27- Dec. 11, also happened to be Amazon’s busiest time of year, and Scott Anderson, general manager of the Amazon Fulfillment Center in San Bernardino, touted employees for pulling together to make such a successful event.

“Even among one of our busiest holiday seasons, I am proud of how hard Amazon employees worked to collect and sort gifts to make holiday wishes come true for thousands of children in our community.”

The collection brought in everything from bicycles and skateboards, to teddy bears and mp3 players, according to Amazon. Associates sorted the thousands of items by catergories and separated them accordingly so children would have an age-appropriate gift.

Charles Perkins, an Amazon employee, said he was proud to be part of this year’s drive and help give children a deserving holiday.

“Thousands of Amazon employees live in this community and I am glad we were able to give back to the community we call home. Every child deserves to have something special on Christmas.”

All together, the gifts donated by Amazon were enough to fill two mid-sized moving trucks, according to a news release from the company.

The annual giving campaign aims to support underprivileged youth throughout the community, including children in foster care.

To learn more about the annual campaign or to make a monetary donation, visit www.childrensfundonline.org. 

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.