Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Honoring the volunteers who make our community a better place to live

While at times it is easy to get bogged down by the day to day tasks of working, there are those days that stand out and make me think, "I LOVE my job."

This morning I had one of those fabulous ah-ha moments during a meeting at Dominican Hospital to determine this year's winners for the 3rd Annual Be the Difference Awards. Surrounded by leaders from the business, civic, media, and community sectors we poured over the stories of volunteers devoted to giving their time for the betterment of our County.

Their stories were not only inspiring but reminded me that everyday, each of us, positively benefits from volunteerism. We find volunteers at the hospital information desk, the library, on the soccer or baseball field, as ushers at the Symphony, as docents in our parks, or behind the scenes at nearly every non-profit. These volunteer stories reflect that everywhere in our community there is work being done to create change for the better.

Here in Santa Cruz County, we are fortunate to have a lively and diverse tradition of volunteering. I personally feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help organize the "Be the Difference" awards because it gives me an opportunity to thank those individuals, groups, non-profits and businesses who make my life easier and my community a better place to live. This year 36 nominees will be recognized and 5 will receive special honors.

I invite you to join me in honoring those who are dedicated to taking action and solving problems in our community through volunteerism by attending the Awards Luncheon on October 22nd at the Coconut Grove from 11:30-1:30PM. To learn more call us at 427-5070 or visit the Volunteer Center website at http://www.scvolunteercenter.com/events.html

VIEW the Videos of Last Year's Winners:


2008 Individual Winners- Bobbie Bihn, Jack Sparks and Bill Neighbors



2008 Group and Business Winners- Meals on Wheels and Bay Federal Credit Union





Be the Difference Video- Presented at the 2008 Awards:

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New United Way Partnership

We recognize that while many would like to serve our community, at times it is challenging to commit to a regular volunteer schedule and therefore we are always looking for new opportunities that are easy and yet meaningful. The Volunteer Centers are pleased to announce we have partnered with the United Way create a new avenue of such opportunities.

The goal is to provide community members with the opportunity to not only help a local non-profit agency but also get to know their local United Way partner agencies and see, first hand, what they are doing to make Santa Cruz County a better place for all. Each month a new opportunity will be featured on our 1-800 Volunteer website.

On October 3rd and 4th, volunteers are needed to support the Hospice Oktoberfest benefit. This fun and lively event includes an Oktoberfest inspired lunch, live accordion music, a silent auction, a live wine auction, cash drawings and arts, crafts and antique sales. All proceeds go directly to Hospice to help them provide support to individuals and families living with life-threatening illnesses. Help support this invaluable service by volunteering at their annual fundraiser. To volunteer contact United Way Coordinator Samantha Green at 465-2208 or visit: 1-800 Volunteer.org

To learn more about the event watch the video below:


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

1st Annual Trivia Challenge Sept 25th


This month in honor of National Literacy Month, the Literacy Program of the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County is offering a creative new way to support literacy education. On Friday September 25th they will host the first Annual Trivia Challenge from 6-10 PM at the Civic Auditorium in downtown Santa Cruz. Trivia Buffs and literacy supporters are invited to join for an evening of food, drinks, raffles and trivia competition. Teams of three will test their knowledge against fellow competitors and the top three teams will be awarded plaques. John Laird will serve as the event Emcee and attendees are invited to come casual, glamorous, or in costume.

“This year as funding at the state and federal level has dropped significantly we were looking for a creative way to generate new funds for the program and the Trivia Contest seemed to be the perfect fit. Our tagline for the event is … Because literacy is the answer”, states Event Chair Susan Cabrera

Program funds are needed now more than ever. Literacy Program staff are facing a 30% budget shortfall. “ We currently have 177 students who have been matched with a volunteer tutor supporting them in their efforts to read, write, and speak English. Since it’s inception, this free program has taught over 10,000 individuals through one-on-one and group instruction and our students consistently rate 20% above state adult education standards. This is a record we are committed to maintaining and we hope the proceeds from the Trivia Event can help to sustain our program”, states Cabrera.

The Literacy Program’s mission is to stem the tide of illiteracy in the local community. According to a National Assessment of Adult Literacy over 13% of residents across Santa Cruz County lack basic literacy skills. As stated by the National Institute Pro Literacy, in the U.S 30 million people over age 16 — 14 percent of the country’s adult population — don’t read well enough to understand a newspaper story written at the eighth grade level or fill out a job application. Low literacy’s effects cost the U.S. $225 billion or more each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment.

“ We hope through the Trivia Challenge to outreach to a broader audience and bring much needed attention to the important value of literacy programs in our county”, states Volunteer Centers Executive Director Karen Delaney.

Registration is $300 per team of three which includes 3 free spectator tickets. Teams can register online or download a registration form at www.sctriviachallenge.com

Community members are invited to join the fun while making a difference for Literacy Education. Register a team, donate to the cause, or join as a spectator. Spectator tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Purchase in advance by visiting area stores including Logos Books SC, Capitola Book Cafe, Aptos Bookworks, or Crossroads Books Watsonville.

For more information contact (831) 427-507 or again visit www.sctriviachallenge.com