Beneficiaries
The 2007 Sonoma County Showcase Weekend of Wine & Food benefits the following Sonoma County nonprofit associations:
- Redwood Empire Food Bank
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Windsor
- Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation
Redwood Empire Food Bank
Every day, 94,000 people in Sonoma County are touched by hunger - they include children, seniors, low-wage workers, the disabled, and the homeless.
The Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sonoma County's largest hunger relief organization, acquires and distributes food through a network of 120 charitable organizations, and through its own food assistance programs that focus on those people who are most vulnerable to the effects of hunger. Since its founding in 1987, the Redwood Empire Food Bank has distributed tens of millions of meals, helping Sonoma County citizens live healthier, more productive lives.
This year the Redwood Empire Food Bank will distribute 8.5 million pounds of food - the equivalent of more than 18,000 meals every single day. Of the 50,000 people who depend on the Redwood Empire Food Bank for critical nutritional support each month, more than 20,000 are children, and more than 6,000 are seniors trying to stretch their fixed incomes to cover the rising costs of living and medical expenses.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Windsor
It is the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. While they seek to serve all children, the clubs have a special concern for youth from disadvantaged circumstances and youth at risk.
For nearly 60 years, the clubs have been leaders in youth services in Sonoma County, offering proven programs that address the holistic needs of each child. Through the Youth Development Strategy, club staff and volunteers use programs and activities designed to maximize opportunities for young people to acquire four basic senses.
They are:
- A sense of competence
- A sense of usefulness
- A sense of belonging
- A sense of power and influence
Every day after school and all day in the summer, clubs are open to members. Clubs offer homework help, sports leagues, and art classes. No child is ever turned away for lack of family funds. Clubs operate facilities in affordable housing communities as well as their home facilities. Caring youth development professionals offer life-enhancing programs in five core areas.
They are:
- Sports, Fitness & Recreation
- Health and Life Skills
- Education and Career Development
- Character and Leadership Development
- The Arts
Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation
Santa Rosa Junior College was founded in 1918, promising high quality, accessible education to all who seek it. The Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation's primary mission is to assist SRJC by securing support for student scholarships, academic programs and capital projects. Since its formation in 1969, the SRJC Foundation has been instrumental in strengthening the steady growth in private giving to the college.
The SRJC Foundation encourages private gifts, trusts, and bequests for the benefit of Santa Rosa Junior College. A 25-member Board of Directors governs the SRJC Foundation and its membership includes professional, business, and philanthropic leaders who have a dedicated interest in the well being of the college.
Charitable contributions to the Foundation can be designated for a specific program or fund at the college, or they can be applied where the need is greatest.
For more information about the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation, visit www.santarosa.edu/foundation.
