Thank You For Making A Night In The Vineyard A Lovely Night and A Great Success!
To all of you who joined us for and contributed to "A Night In The Vineyard", our annual benefit dinner and auction, our deepest thanks! Thanks to you the event was another huge success!
Thank you to our Platinum and Gold Program Sponsors: Blue Shield of California, The Busch Family, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, El Dorado Disposal, The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool , El Dorado Hills Town Center ,The Country Club Optimist Club, UBS Buckendorf Wealth Management,The Spriggs Family and The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Thank you for your continued support!
In addition, we would like to thank our Night In the Vineyard Event and Table Sponsors: Morris Law Group, PLC , Western Sign Company Inc. & Western Crane Elliott -Schmitt Group, Robert W Baird, Serrano Associates, Shingle Springs Subaru, Thompsons Toyota, Bank of America and Veerkamp Doug General Engineering.
And thank you to our Featured Wine and Beer Sponsors: Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery, Findleton Estate Winery, Hart 2 Hart Vineyards, Fenton Herriott Vineyards, Perry Creek Winery, Cielo Estate, Wofford Acres Vineyards, Nello Olivo Wine, Gwinllan Estate Vineyard & Winery, E16 Winery, Solid Ground Brewing and Placerville Brewing Company.
We would also like to extend our thanks to all of our dessert, silent and live auction donors for their contributions, including:
Leanne Erickson, Tahoe Joe’s Famous Steakhouse, Farmer’s Delicatessen and Bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Bella Bru Café & Catering, Sacramento Republic FC, Bill Wild, David R. Morris, Cameron Park Country Club, Cold Springs Golf & Country Club, Tom and Andrea Howard, the Bassett Family, Eric Back, the Folsom Lake Symphony, Mercedes Benz of El Dorado HIlls, Sonoma Raceway, the Busch Family, the Weiner Family, Mike and Denise Hountalas, Parker Development Company, and Scott and Toni Helwig.
Ambiance at Palladio, B St. Theater, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Back to Rock/Folsom, Pam Bartlett, Bassil Kamas, BeautyCounter Products, Boeger Winery, Beauty Counter, Bistro 33, Brick’s Eats and Drinks, Buca deBeppo, Julie and Doug Busch, CA Academy of Sciences/San Francisco, CA Automobile Museum, Carvalho Family Winery, Caso Ramos Mexican Restaurant, Cheesecake Factory, Chicago Fire, Cookie Connection, Coral Haley, Crocker Art Museum, Dave & Busters, Becky Davis, doterra Essential Oils, Edible Excursions, El Dorado Hills Bowman, El Dorado Musical Theater, Esquire IMAX, Eureka Gems and Minerals, Face in-a Book, Fats Family Restaurant, Folsom Dog Resort, Folsom Sports Complex, Folsom Eye Care, Gloria Ferrer, Gold Co. Run and Sport, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Granite Arch Climbing Center, Green Acres, Handleys Western Wear, Hangman’s Tree Ice Cream Saloon, Hawkin’s School of Performing Arts, Highway 12 Winery and Vineyards, Hop House, Roseville, Hop House, El Dorado Hills, Independent Restaurant & Bar, Johnny Rockets, Kaia Fit, Kendra Scott Jewelry, John Knight, Land Ocean, Leash Lady, Leatherby’s Family Creamery, Lee’s Feed & Western Store, Lizzy James, Macaroni Grill, Stephanie Mahvi, Milestone, Mondavi Center for the Arts, Monterey Aquarium, Nail Chateau, Nerium, Not Too Shabby, Now 100.5/Mix 96, Ohana Moon Yoga, On The Border, Orange Theory, Original Mels of Folsom, Otterbox, Paper Source, Panera Bread, Peaceable Kingdom Games, Placerville Art Gallery, Placerville Brewery Co., Pottery World, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Quick Quack Car Wash, Relish Burger Bar, Rock Wall Winery, Sacramento Zoo, Salts, San Francisco Fine Arts Museum, Scott Harvey Wines, Scott’s Seafood Folsom, Selland’s Market, Skipolini’s/Folsom, Sky High Sports, Snooks Candies, Sports Clips, Sunsplash Roseville, Sutter St. Theater, 36 Handles, The Tigers Eye Skin Care, Top Golf/Roseville, Vineyard Vines, Visconte’s, Von Housen Automotive Group, WeOlive/Folsom, and Yardhouse/Roseville.
We’d also like to thank the providers of every element that made the experience so special: our emcees KCRA Eileen Javora and Pam Bartlett and lively auctioneer, Eric Johnson. And to our night’s entertainment Nathan Grimenstein and Manuel Soto.Thank you also to Diane Wilkinson Catering and our friends at Lake Hills Church.
Thank you friends ~ we look forward to seeing you again at "A Night in Vineyard 2018"!
Join Hands4Hope’s Warm & Fuzzy Drive!
We are collecting new and gently used warm clothing items to provide to those in need in El Dorado and Sacramento Counties! Suggested Items: Pants/Jeans, Sweatshirts, Jackets, Coats, Socks, Pajamas, Gloves, Scarves, Warm Shirts, etc.
All donations can be delivered to 875 Embarcadero Street, Suite 5, El Dorado Hills, 11:00-3:00, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.
For more information or additional delivery times, contact Yoko Kono at yoko@hands4hopeyouth.org.
Blanket Making Party
Hands4Hope will be hosting its annual Blanket Making Party this Friday, November 3rd! Register now at hands4hopeyouth.org!
The Hands4Hope Marina Village Paw Program
Support the Marina Village H4H Club Project to support the EDC Canine Association by making a donation and you will receive a paw print with your name!
All paw prints will be displayed on the "Paws for Cause" Board in Lee's Feed of El Dorado Hills
for the month of November!
Contact Nicole Craine at nicole@hands4hopeyouth.org for more information.
Introducing the Newest Member to the Hands4Hope Staff Team, Kathy Van Saun!
Hands4Hope is excited to introduce its newest staff member, Kathy Van Saun, our new Youth Development Program Assistant! Maddy Gorrell, the previous Youth Development Program Assistant, will be acting as Hands4Hope’s new Communications Coordinator, and, as a result, Kathy will be taking over the “arm” of Youth Development related to middle school clubs and leadership.
Read on to learn more about how she came to be involved with Hands4Hope and her goals for her work with the organization.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Tehachapi, California and then went to Cal Poly, SLO to earn a degree in Journalism. I’ve lived in Folsom for over 20 years with my husband and three children.
What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope?
Before coming to Hands4Hope, I was working for 4 years in Special Education in both elementary and middle schools.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When not working, I most enjoy spending time with my family skiing, traveling and going to variety of school, sports and church activities. I also love going for coffee, hanging out at bookstores and walking my dog at the lake.
What goals do you have for your work with Hands4Hope?
My goal at Hands4Hope is to continue providing an encouraging, safe and engaging environment for students to grow in confidence in their strengths and to explore how they can passionately make a difference in their community and world.
What are you most looking forward to in working with Hands4Hope?
I love how Hands4Hope was started right here in our local community and that students get to see how their leadership skills and hard work tangibly help others.
Fall Festival Follow-Up
Hands4Hope - Youth Making a Difference recently completed its first annual Fall Festival at the Town Center in El Dorado Hills, fundraising over $9,000! This youth led event, hosted on October 14th and 15th, boasted a wide array of activities geared towards elementary- and middle-school-aged-youth that included: hay rides, a dog costume contest, hay maze, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, cake walks, an animal exploration area hosted by 4-H, face painting, scarecrow making, and photo opportunities with the one and only Buckley, the highland cow.
This event was not a simple undertaking, and required months of planning in advance. The Fall Festival Committee hosted its first meeting in May, and, since then, was led by 20 dedicated youth who oversaw marketing, sponsorships, event planning, coordination with Town Center and other local businesses, budgeting, donations, and volunteer sign ups, to name a few of their many job assignments. The committee also collaborated with several adult mentors in creating the Fall Festival, and utilized the adults’ knowledge and connections in the community to further their efforts.
Kenzie Misso, Oak Ridge Junior, described her experiences working on the Fall Festival in explaining, “I was a part of the Marketing and Fundraising Committee, where we found different ways to advertise the Fall Festival and get sponsorships. We put posters in the windows of businesses and hung up big banners in high traffic areas, as well as talked to local businesses about sponsoring the event. It was fun for me to work with the committee to brainstorm how to get the most people to want to come to the Fall Festival. I really enjoyed getting to work with a team and learn more about marketing.”
The Fall Festival is one of two of Hands4Hope’s biggest fundraisers for the year, and all proceeds from this event will be put towards the organization’s many programs and outreaches for the 2018 year. As for the community’s response to the event, those who attended could not be happier with the result, which also pleased the Fall Festival Committee. “I thought the Fall Festival went really well, especially because this was the first year that we put on the event,” Kenzie explains. “We weren’t sure exactly what to expect, but I think it turned out great!”
Benefit Dinner Follow-Up
On October 7th, Hands4Hope hosted its 8th annual benefit dinner and auction, “A Night In The Vineyard,” proving to be a very successful event for the organization. The night boasted an array of local wineries and breweries, robust silent and live auctions, a variety of delicious food and desserts, emcee Eileen Javora of KCRA TV-3, live music performances, and a moving speech from recently graduated Hands4Hope youth volunteer, Joseph Goulart.
Contributions made this night will have an immediate, direct impact on Hands4Hope and its youth participants. The funds raised will go towards supporting current youth development programs, including school-based service learning club and leadership programs, and will also allow for program capacity growth, so that more youth can be included in the organization’s diverse set of programs. Hands4Hope has a waiting list of six schools who would like to implement the Service-Learning Club Program on their campuses. The organization also has waiting lists of students wanting to participate in the program on current campuses, but there are currently not enough resources to accommodate more youth.
The funds raised at the benefit dinner means so much to Hands4Hope in terms of strengthening its mission and vision for the coming year. With the support Hands4Hope received at the event, more youth will have the opportunity to connect with their communities in meaningful ways; find their voice; and build confidence, compassion, and leadership skills. They will get to explore social issues and areas of need; create, develop, and implement projects that support their chosen causes; act on their values and beliefs; all while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
To all who joined Hands4Hope for and contributed to "A Night In The Vineyard", the annual benefit dinner and auction, the organization extends its deepest thanks!
Youth Spotlight - Taylor Smith
Hands4Hope has selected Taylor Smith as this month’s Youth Spotlight! Taylor’s dedication, passion, and positivity have been an inspiration to youth and adult volunteers alike, traits that she repeatedly expresses in her following descriptions of working with Hands4Hope. Read on to learn more about Taylor’s experiences in the Hands4Hope Clubs and outreaches, and what she has learned about herself through the process.
I am a sophomore at Oak Ridge High School, and I have been involved with Hands4Hope for seven years now. When I joined Hands4Hope, to be quite honest, I didn't know what I was doing. My mom just told me, as a fourth grader, that I was going to be in this club and that I would get to help people. It sounded pretty good so I went along, and joyfully attended all of my meetings at the local library. Then when I was able to join the club at Rolling Hills Middle School, it was like a whole new world opened up for me. The middle school club was so much more interactive, and that was my first experience fully being able to be in charge of something that could change another person's life. Every time we successfully completed an event, I felt a total sense of gratification and happiness. Now I can take even more charge because I am in leadership for the Oak Ridge High School Club.
Being in Hands4Hope has not only helped me to improve other people's lives, it has also improved my own. When I first joined the club, I was very shy and quiet and scared of people I didn't know. Seven years later, my social skills have increased at least five hundred percent. I am now able to be outgoing and talk to people--whether they are teachers, parents, other adults, or even people my own age--without any trouble, which is astonishing considering where I started. I have experience and am able to act appropriately in professional situations, and I feel that this will give me a tremendous advantage in the coming years of my life. Not many people get the opportunity to be in situations like that and gain experience when they are young, so I am extremely grateful and fortunate to have that under my belt. The club has also helped me meet so many new people and make countless friends that I would not have otherwise made. From fellow club members, to people in other clubs, to everyone who went to leadership camp with me, and everyone in between, I have made the most amazing connections with genuinely beautiful humans because of this organization.
Recently, I led the School Supply Drive, and I can proudly say that it has been my biggest achievement. It brought me to realize that it is extremely important to never take anything for granted, and to put in work to help those who are less fortunate than I am. People may never realize how something so small to them can make a world of a difference for someone else, but they do have the ability to make that difference for those people. It is a wonderful thing to be able to affect the lives of others in the way that Hands4Hope allows youth to do, and I will forever appreciate that. I can't wait to see what the future of this organization holds for me!
High School Club Updates
The Folsom High School Hands4Hope Club recently completed its first team-building activity - painting rocks for the EDH Kindness Rocks Project - to kick off the year and encourage bonding between new and returning participants. The leadership team provided pizza and paint, and the club created 20+ rocks decorated with encouraging sentiments and images. The club then hid the Kindness Rocks around the Folsom campus to promote positivity at school. The club’s next big team-building activity will take place on Saturday, November 4th, and will be a neighborhood food blitz to collect supplies for the Twin Lakes Food Bank of Folsom. Once this event is complete, the club will begin planning their first big project to benefit local senior services.
The Oak Ridge High School Odd and Even Hands4Hope Clubs hosted a booth at their school’s Club Day on September 28th, and began recruiting club participants in early October. Since then, the clubs have gained 60 new and returning youth (with a growing waiting list) who are split between the two different meeting dates (the Odd Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month, while the Even Club meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month). The Odd Club has been split into two committees (Veterans & Seniors and Homeless Support), and will begin developing two projects that simultaneously address this different areas of need. As for the Even Club, the two committees are split between Women and Children.
To encourage team building both in their own clubs and as a school organization, both clubs came together on October 28th to collect toiletries for Hands4Hope’s regular homeless outreach events. The leaders provided donuts, pizza, and games for all attendees.
The Ponderosa High School Hands4Hope Club recently completed their first team-building activity, a neighborhood supply drive to collect donations for survivors of the Napa fires. The drive, hosted on Wednesday, October 18, took place in the Rasmussen neighborhood in Cameron Park in which the club participants would distribute paper bags to houses with a stapled list of needed supplies. The club then returned a week later to collect the bags and donations. The Ponderosa Club is currently working to determine their area of focus for their first large project, and after, will be inviting guest speakers from local organizations to come present on that focus.
The Union Mine High School Hands4Hope Club hosted a neighborhood food blitz in Placerville to collect donations for the local food bank. Meant to be a team-building activity, the event had 18 participants help distribute paper bags. In total, the club collected 157 pounds of food for the El Dorado County Food Bank. The Union Mine Club is currently also working to determine their first large scale project. After hearing from Annah Wilson of New Morning Youth & Family Services, the club is interested in getting involved with New Morning’s newest project - making and distributing toiletries and other supplies to homeless youth camping around the Placerville area.
Sponsor Spotlight - The Spriggs Family
Our Sponsor Spotlight for the month is the Spriggs Family! Thank you for continuing to help cultivate youth to make a change in their community and for the future!
Outreach Highlight - Winter Boutique
It’s that time of year again! Hands4Hope is preparing for one of its biggest and most impactful outreaches, The Winter Boutique! This event is hosted annually by Hands4Hope during the Holiday Season to provide low income and foster families the opportunity to “shop” for warm winter clothing without having to pay for anything. The boutique is open to individuals in both El Dorado and Sacramento Counties, and typically supports about 200 individuals per year. Read on to learn more about this unique outreach opportunity from Megan Smith, an Oak Ridge Sophomore and regular Winter Boutique Committee member.
How many years have you been participating in the Winter Boutique?
This will be my third year participating in the Winter Boutique. Last year I helped to sort clothes, set up and decorate, as well as actually interact with the recipients on the boutique days.
How many people usually volunteer for the Winter Boutique Committee and Event?
The Winter Boutique is usually planned and organized by a select group of high schoolers and adults, around 10, but for the actual event more like 30 people overall will participate.
What do volunteers usually do in preparation for and at the event?
When contributing to the planning of the Winter Boutique, the main duties are to sort all of the clothes we receive from the Warm & Fuzzy Drive and other donations, and set up and decorate the boutique space. However, on the days the recipients come to the boutique, volunteers get to interact with the families and help them shop for what they are looking for as well as keep everything nice and tidy just like an actual store.
What is your favorite thing about the Winter Boutique Outreach?
From my experiences with the Winter Boutique, I would have to say my favorite thing would be getting to interact with the families and see how happy they are and how much it means to them to be receiving the things they need for the winter. Everyone that comes through is so friendly and grateful, and it is such a great opportunity to contribute to and be a part of something so special.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
For the Winter Boutique this year, I am really excited to decorate and set up the boutique. We have some really fun ideas for themes, and we have already received a lot of clothing, so we will get to decide on how to set it all up where it is functional and visually appealing at the same time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
One thing I would like people to know about the Winter Boutique is that it is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I have had with Hands4Hope over the years. Getting to plan and carry out the boutique and see how happy the recipients really are is so special, and knowing that their holiday season will be brighter because of something you contributed to is truly a gift.
Outreach and Service Learning Opportunities
Please note:
To register for an event, you must activate your annual registration, if you haven't already. If you need to pay, click here.
Blanket Making Party
Oak Ridge High School Cafeteria
Friday, November 3rd
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join Hands4Hope this Friday for our annual Blanket Making Party! Help us create warm, no-sew blankets to distribute to families in need this winter. Can’t come for the entire event? Feel free to sign up for a shift from 4:00 to 5:30 or 5:30 to 7:00!
**All Ages Welcome**
Beary Special Playdate at
Sacramento Children's Museum
Just 15 Minutes from EDH
Wednesday, November 8th
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
NEW! The museum is closed to the public and only open to children with autism and their caretaker. This event occurs on the 2nd Wednesdays of every month from 5-7pm. Looking for 4 high school volunteers to reset exhibits, assist at different stations/exhibits and interact with children and their families.
**High School Students Welcome**
Explorability at Sacramento
Children's Museum
Just 15 Minutes from EDH!
Sunday, November 5th & 19th
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
NEW! This is a program for children with special needs and their family and friends. This event occurs on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 10-11am. Volunteers will help lead various stations, help set and reset exhibits, and interact with the children and their caretakers.
**High School Students Welcome**
Kidszone at White Rock Village
Friday, November 3rd
3:30 p.m. - 5: p.m.
Come join the young residents of White Rock Village playing ping pong, video games, board games, foosball, as well as various outdoor play. Volunteers will assist with supervision, encourage teamwork and cooperation, gain leadership and communication skills, and have fun!
**8th Grade and Older Welcome**
EDH Senior Center Crafts & Games
El Dorado Hills Senior Center
Monday, November 13th
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Volunteers will spend time socializing, helping with arts and craft activities, and playing games with seniors with various levels of dementia, at Ramona "Moni" Gilmore Senior Center in El Dorado Hills.
**All Ages Welcome**
Trailside Terrace Homework Club
Trailside Terrace Apartments
Thursday, November 2nd, 9th & 16th
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Mentor and tutor elementary-school-aged students with their homework.
**8th Grade and Older Welcome**
Twin Lakes Gala
Oak Hill Auditorium
Saturday, November 4th
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Come help Twin Lakes Food Bank at their biggest fundraiser! They would like 5 Hands4Hope High School Youth Volunteers to help with event check-in.
**High School Students Welcome**
FOOD DONATIONS for
Mercy Senior Dinner
FOOD DROP OFF
Tuesday, November 14th
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
at the New H4H Office (873 Embarcadero Drive, Suite #5)
Donate food items to feed low income seniors at Mercy Creekview Housing.
You will receive volunteer credit for your items.
**All Ages Welcome**
Mercy Creekview Manor Senior Dinner
Wednesday, November 15th
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Come prepare and serve dinner for seniors. The volunteers will also help with crafts before dinner.
**All Ages Welcome**
GVCC Saturday Cafe
Green Valley Community Church
Saturday, November 11th & 25th
8:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Hands4Hope volunteers work the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month helping distribute food and run carts.
**All Ages Welcome**
GVCC Kids Oasis
Green Valley Community Church
Saturday, November 11th & 25th
8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hands4Hope volunteers work the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, reading books, playing games and doing craft projects with the young children in the Kids’ Oasis. The Kids' Oasis provides a safe and fun place for the children to wait while their families shop for free groceries and clothing at the Saturday Cafe.
**Middle School and Up Welcome**
Hope House Mentoring
Hope House of Placerville
Monday, November 6th
3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Hope House is a transitional home for women, dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through empowerment, encouragement and love. H4H youth mentor the children at Hope House while their moms are in meetings offsite.
**8th Grade and Older Welcome**
Homework Club
White Rock Village Apartments
Tuesday, November 7th & 14th
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Interact and help younger students with their homework at White Rock Village.
**8th Grade and Older Welcome**
Click here to find out more information or to register for any of these events.
*Please note: Elementary aged participants must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian at all Hands4Hope outreach events.