August Volunteer Spotlight: Gen Walk

Our August Volunteer Spotlight can be seen volunteering in every avenue of Hands4Hope, from the daycare center at Hope House to the Placerville Homeless Outreach. 

Gen Walk began volunteering for H4H at the Spring Food Blitz in 2012.  “Once I was shown what H4H was all about I was hooked and have been very involved ever since,” said Gen. 

Gen has worked the Food Blitzes, Adult Lead at Oak Ridge High School, Sister Nora’s Place, Hope House, fundraising dinners and projects, the Youth Board Leadership weekend, the Haunted House fundraiser, Town Center Jubilee and a member of the PAC. 

“I enjoy watching a positive example being set for the youth and their response to wanting to make a difference is the motivation to continue participating at H4H,” said Gen.

When Gen isn’t volunteering at H4H, she is passionate about spending time with her family, hiking and reading. 

August Sponsor Spotlight: Well Fargo

  

Well Fargo has a long and proud history in California. From its earliest days, it has been a place where community involvement mattered, and where employees gave generously. Today, these cherished traditions remain important to each of us.

We believe the best way to lend a helping hand to communities across our state and make a lasting impact on individual lives is by directing our gifts to nonprofit organizations that address specific community needs and issues. Like Hands4Hope who offers a variety of opportunities to our youth that supports communities through volunteering and leadership.

Wells Fargo and Hands4Hope have created an effective partnership between a corporation and a community organization, helping to build a safe and caring community for our children. Encouraging and supporting organizations that share our similar vision of coming through for our communities is a core value of Wells Fargo.

Over the past few years Wells Fargo has supported Hands4Hope with grants and volunteerism. These contributions will help them offer a world of possibilities to youth in the community and work towards the advancement of children.

Partnering with our communities is what we do best.  By working together and inspiring others to do the same, we can make a difference. 

We are very grateful for the support from Wells Fargo as a Platinum Sponsor!

Sponsor Spotlight for July: Fergerson Financial

Fergerson Financial, an independent registered investment advisor, provides personalized investment, retirement, and financial services and advice. Rick Fergerson, the Founder and CEO, started Fergerson Financial to make a difference in a client's life by using the highest standard available, a fiduciary standard. This responsibility is to provide services based on always looking out for the client's best interests. It is a duty of care and a duty of loyalty.

When Rick Fergerson spoke with Jennifer Bassett, Executive Director of Hand4Hope, in April of this year, he was exited and honored to join as a Platinum sponsor. 

"I grew up in Del Paso Heights in Sacramento and understand the importance of giving back to the community. To make a difference and provide opportunities for our youth is important in not only our community but other communities too. Jennifer has founded an organization that is fulfilling this mission and I am looking forward to helping Hand4Hope meet their goals in the coming year," said Fergerson.

We are very grateful for the support from Fergerson Financial as a Platinum Sponsor!

July Volunteer Spotlight: Ethan Gomez

Ethan Gomez has been an instrumental part of the Hands4Hope community for the last two years. As it turns out, H4H has played an important role in his life as well.

"I went through a dark period of my life where I felt I didn't have a purpose. H4H made me feel like I am doing something to support and benefit the community and the world as a whole," said Ethan.

Ethan became involved in Hands4Hope in 7th grade.  Since then, he has worked on many projects including hot chocolate sales at his school club, the sock drive for the needy, the dress drive for Glass Slipper Foundation, and visiting seniors at a senior center.  

 

Ethan's favorite volunteer moment was when he managed the H4H booth at the Club L.I.V.E carnival at Marina Village Middle School.  "We did a wild hair spray booth and it was a lot of fun!" said Ethan.

When not at school or a H4H event, you will find Ethan in the kitchen cooking some delicious homemade food.  He also is an avid reader and gardener. 

"I am planning to apply to the Culinary Institute of America (a.k.a the C.I.A.) in Napa and take courses for a culinary major and a business minor. I want to get an associates degree in culinary arts at Napa then transfer to the New York campus to get my bachelor's degree in culinary arts and a business related degree," said Ethan.

Ethan's future is looking very bright. . . and delicious.