From the Executive Director
How quickly the year 2009 has slipped by. Where did the time go? Though the slow economy has given us at CARH financial challenges we were able to not only continue our core programs and services in the East Bay, but we successfully moved into Sacramento now serving over 400 clients with intellectual disabilities. As demand increases for our services we have introduced weekday activities at our Castro Valley center, in addition to our growing list of weekend events. Weekday activities now include animal visits from Sulphur Creek Nature Center, craft, birthday, bingo and movie days. In addition, many of our clients were able to attend community based events such as sporting events, theatre and fairs in their local communities. Our mobile dental hygiene program is growing nicely in the East Bay and soon will be offered to clients in Sacramento as well.
Highlights of the year 2009 were...,
- Our annual Volunteer & Donor Appreciation Brunch held in honor of our supporters.
- Celebrated Valentine’s Day with three exciting dinner/dances in the East Bay and Sacramento and visits to activity centers by our CARH Cupid.
- We hosted our first "A Wonderful You Day" giving our clients an opportunity to feel special by having their hair and nails done.
- The CARH Easter Bunny visited many day facilities near and far to make special deliveries, and found time to hide eggs at our annual Easter Egg hunts in both the East Bay and Sacramento.
- A number of our clients hit the runway as models at both of our successful "Fashion Fiesta" Fashion Show Fundraisers held in the East Bay and Sacramento.
- The mouth watering smells of BBQ were in the air at both of our Annual Picnics at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in the East Bay and Discovery Park in Sacramento. A total of 1,400 individuals attended the picnics.
- Summer ushered in the much anticipated Summer Balls held in both the East Bay and Sacramento. "Asian Summer Magic" was the theme for these formal dinner/dances.
- We provided financial support for over 200 campers to attend special needs sessions at summer camp through our Campership Program
- Our annual Six Flags Discovery Park CARH Day was again a success with over 400 clients, care providers and families enjoying a catered lunch and a day at the theme park.
- All of our Ghouls and Goblins were out in force as we hosted our annual Halloween dances serving up hamburgers and pizza donated by Fuddruckers Restaurant and local pizza businesses.
- The joys of the Holiday Season was again celebrated CARH style with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees making appearances at 5 Holiday events with a total of 1,500 CARH clients attending in Sacramento and the East Bay.
- We closed the year 2009 with a successful Holiday Silent Auction fundraiser raising funds for our mobile dental and grants program.
My thanks to our devoted staff, Board, and volunteers for making 2009 such a successful year. The year 2010 is well underway and we are eager to continue to provide a lifetime of CARH memories for our special needs community.
Sincerely,
Mary Gianopoulos
Executive Director |
