Kids Zone Event Exceeds Financial Goals

On July 3rd, Hands4Hope hosted the Kids’ Zone area at Town Center’s annual Freedom Concert and Fireworks Show, and is happy to report that it exceeded its financial goals for the event! According to the Kids’ Zone Committee Lead, Madeline Simko, the event surpassed the committee’s original goal and raised $7,548.08!

The Kids’ Zone was held in the Target parking lot, and offered bounce houses and slides, cotton candy, drinks, light-up fidget spinners, AND strawberry shortcake. Participants who visited the Kids’ Zone were welcome to purchase a wristband for the bounce structures, or just enjoy food and refreshments (with excellent views of the fireworks show!).

This event is the second largest youth-led fundraiser for Hands4Hope, and helps to fundraise for the organization on a large scale, including the upcoming 2017-2018 program year. This project also allows youth a greater opportunity to hone their project planning skills and work in direct contact with the community in organizing marketing, programming, licenses, communications with Town Center and other vendors, collaborate with sponsors, and organize shifts for other Hands4Hope volunteers. Madeline furthered the experience of leading this project in stating, “The Kids Zone was such a great project to lead! I learned a lot about event planning, and had fun while doing so.”

Hands4Hope is very excited for the work that Madeline and the Kids Zone Committee put into this event, and cannot wait to see how the youth leads will continue to participate in similar projects throughout their service.

Outreach Highlights: GVCC Saturday Cafe

Green Valley Community Church (GVCC) is one of the largest food distribution points in El Dorado County. Every Saturday, the church serves between 150-300 people, preparing and serving a warm meal while they wait to go through the grocery food line and clothing closet. All of these services are free, and provide individuals and families the opportunity to interact with others for a greater sense of community, as well as receive needed supplies, find help and resources from the church staff and volunteers, and just have the chance to sit down and have a meal with others in a welcoming and safe setting.

In preparing and hosting these events, GVCC collaborates with Hands4Hope for volunteers that help Saturday Cafe attendees “shop” for groceries and clothing at the church. Volunteers may also help bag clothes, run shopping carts, serve the meal, clear tables, or bag up animal food, if the church staff requires help with those as well. Hands4Hope participants work at the Saturday Cafe every 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, and all aged youth are welcome to participate in this outreach.

This is a great opportunity to interact with others and hear their stories; learn more about the food and homelessness services available in El Dorado County; and just help others prepare for the next week, recharge their batteries, and gain support from the community. To learn more, please visit our website or contact Yoko Kono at yoko@hands4hopeyouth.org.

Introducing Our Newest Hands4Hope Staff Members

Introducing Our Newest Hands4Hope Staff Members:

JoAnne Reinking and Lindsay Moffett

Hands4Hope is excited to introduce its newest staff members, JoAnne Reinking, Development Coordinator, and Lindsay Moffett, Bookkeeper and Office Manager! Read on to learn more about how they came to be involved with Hands4Hope and their goals for the organization.

JoAnne

Where are you from originally?

I was born Wisconsin, raised in Illinois, but as of this year, I've lived in California longer than the midwest.

What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope?

I've been very involved with non-profit groups affiliated with the FCUSD school district. I am also serving my ninth year as a FCUSD School Board Trustee. My current term runs through 2020.

What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any particular hobbies or interests?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I like reading and keeping up with current issues. I like to start my day using my treadmill while watching a good TV show.

What goals do you have for your work with Hands4Hope?

I want to create community awareness, interest and support for all the good work Hands4Hope does.

What are you most looking forward to in working with Hands4Hope?

I'm looking forward to following the work and service projects of the students and student groups. I'm very impressed with what I've already seen and by the great organization Jennifer and her staff have created. I'm also looking forward to learning more about the El Dorado County Community.

 Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I love the mission and concept behind Hands4Hope, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the organization's growth and success.

Lindsay

Where are you from originally?

Placerville :) Born at Marshall Hospital, attended Schnell, Sierra, Markham and graduated from El Dorado High School in 2000.

 

What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope?

Most of my professional career was spent at Raley's Corporate Offices (15 years). Wanting to be closer to home and spend more time with my girls led me to changing my career path in 2015. Most recently I worked for El Dorado County Health & Human Services Agency. 

What goals do you have for your work with Hands4Hope?

To gain a better understanding of what Hands4Hope is doing for our community and to become a part of that movement.  To make a difference in the lives of El Dorado County's youth and give back to our community.

What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any particular hobbies or interests?

I like to spend time with my family.  I have two young daughters, Raygen (9) and Stella (4).  We spend a lot of time on our property tending to all the animals.....ready for this??  We have a golden retriever, Bentley, a cat, a bunny, a mini pony, 2 goats, 2 turkeys, 4 guinea hens, and I can't even count how many chickens.

What are you most looking forward to in working with Hands4Hope?

I'm most looking forward to expanding the program, specifically in Placerville.  I truly believe my family and friends in the Placerville area would love to be part of this program and I hope to be able to assist in that expansion.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I am so excited to be part of this team.  I love what Hands4Hope is doing for today's youth and can't wait to learn more about it.