The Sonoma County YMCA
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PRESS RELEASES

LUCKY STORES DONATE
TO YMCA CAMP PROGRAMS

Bay Area YMCAs have just received a $100,000 check from Lucky stores (formerly Albertsons or Save Mart) for Y camp programs -- $7,000 of which will come to the Sonoma County Family YMCA.

 

Chuck Collins, Y CEO in San Francisco (pictured), participated in a recent media event, accepting the check and letting the public know how Y camp programs change lives while protecting and activating our youth.

Home Depot Remodel.

YMCA PRESCHOOL
GETS HOME DEPOT MAKEOVER

When Joel Alexander discovered that the Y pre-school, where his son Robert ( Chico), age 4, enjoys a variety of activities, had been stripped of a gazebo, sand boat and other playground equipment, he immediately called Home Depot. David Pawek, Windsor Home Depot Store Manager, responded to Joel's call by assembling a crew of construction, garden and paint experts from Home Depot stores in Windsor, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. After surveying the site, the team met to develop a three-day makeover plan which began yesterday, at Piner Preschool, located at 2590 Piner Road in Santa Rosa, one of 19 child care sites throughout the county operated by the Sonoma County Family YMCA.

"This project is a fine example of the Y's mission in action -- building strong kids, strong families and strong communities," announced David K. Brown, Jr., Sonoma County Family YMCA president and CEO. "As a committed and caring father, Joel, can often be seen supporting his son's wholesome, active education at our pre-school. His caring for all the kids, who lost their playground equipment, has inspired this extraordinary contribution from Home Depot -- one of many businesses who support the charitable work of the YMCA with gifts of time, talent and treasure." he added.

Yesterday, representatives from the Home Depot Kid's Clinic brought kits to the pre-school, teaching kids to use tools to create birdhouses and airplanes. Preparation is already taking place for a full day of work on Thursday, June 21, when a new playground -- a gift from Home Depot -- will be installed, along with painting and other improvements.

For information on the Home Depot pre-school makeover or YMCA programs, contact David Brown at 545-9622, ext. 3221. To sponsor a Y program or make a gift to help the Y meet the needs of children and families, call Dicksie Tamanaha, Director of Development, at ext. 3313.

Evie Holl and David K. Brown, Jr.

Evie Holl, age 9, receives her prize from David K. Brown, Jr., Y President/CEO

The Word for Me is Philanthropy

Developing habits of giving and serving has always been part of every Y program.  Y character values of Caring and Respect, and Developmental Assets # 9 -- Service for others  -- and #26 -- Young person places high value on caring for others -- support a growing awareness of philanthropy.

This past year, Y-Kids were introduced to the word "Philanthropy" as part of a project to thank Y philanthropists who give generously to support the programs they enjoy.  Eigthy-eight kids, ages 4 to 11, wrote and illustrated letters about the things they learn and do at the Y.

A drawing was held to honor  one of the entries.  Evie Holl, age 9, receives a Deluxe Gymnastics Party for 10, courtesy of the philanthropy of Rohnert Park Gymnastics.

The board and staff of the Sonoma County YMCA wish to thank all the kids who participated in this activity, as well as their parents and teachers.  By giving of their time and talents, each young writer/artist is practicing PHILANTHROPY.

A sampling of the many letters and works of art received is displayed here.

Evie's letter   Quignaur's letter   Estefany's letter  


Windermere agents  (left to right )  Kathy Stauffer. Catherine Deeths, Emily Rainsford, Heather Mendoza, Office  Manager;  Lora Estabrook, Christine Ehmann and Fred  Ehmann accept a signed photo from Y President/CEO, David Brown, Jr.

WINDERMERE AGENTS HUNT AND EXPLORE WITH Y KIDS

Egg Hunt and Safari Expedition bring special opportunities to YMCA kids

Fred and Christine Ehmann and the agents of Windermere Wine Country Properties have been dying eggs and studying endangered species, this past spring and summer. These projects may not seem directly connected to real estate, but they are an important part of the company's commitment to the local community. As a participating organization in "Windermere Kids at the Y" -- a charitable activity of the Windermere Foundation -- the company has "adopted" the Y's Steele Lane child care and summer camp site, bringing special resources and opportunities to more than 50 families.

"Windermere has created a model partnership between business and community that includes $10,000 in annual child care and summer camp funding, for families in need, as well as a wealth of personal gifts, volunteer support and in-kind resources that make a difference in the lives of these children, " announced David K. Brown, Jr., Sonoma County Family YMCA president and CEO. "The Easter Egg hunt, planned and staged this spring by seven agents, and the Safari West excursion, coordinated and attended by nearly a dozen agents, this summer, are fine examples of corporate giving enhanced by a strong employee commitment to community service," he added. Drawings, photos and letters from the kids to their friends at Windermere express joy, hope and gratitude for gifts of art supplies, Holiday treats and excursions that would not otherwise be possible. The broad smiles that agents wear during each event seem to say that these moments are a very special part of their busy work day.

For information on the Sonoma County Family YMCA mission and programs, contact David Brown at 545-9622, ext. 3221. To sponsor a Y program or make a gift to help the Y meet the needs of children and families, call Dicksie Tamanaha, Director of Development, at ext. 3313.

To read more about the Windermere Foundation and its partnership with the YMCA, Click here.

Sonoma County Family YMCA - 1111 College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 545-9622

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