Font Resize
Foster A Dream's mission is to build the hopes, dreams and futures of youth in the foster care system and be a guiding source for successful transition into the adult world, through mentoring and programs which include the Dare to Dream scholarship fund, Wonderland, "Get Set" empowerment camp and Adopt-a-Dream program.
SAFECO Insurance company recently included Foster A Dream in its "Do Something Campaign" earlier this year, which raised more than $7,000 from different insurance brokers throughout the region.
One special gift that will make a huge impact in the life of the foster youth they serve was a 12-passenger van they received in December through Mike Rose's Auto Body Benevolence Giving program.
Mike Rose Auto Body and his community insurance partners refurbish vehicles that have been written off by their owners or insurance companies and donate them to deserving individuals or organizations during the holiday season.
Other donations were made by AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover in the form of a $10,000 donation.
Foster A Dream is thankful for the support and kindness from the community and will use the generous donations to enrich the lives of foster youth in the Bay Area.
To learn more about Foster A Dream, visit www.fosteradream.org or contact Kim Castaneda at
Black History Month
"Black History Art and Artifacts," a timeline of the history of African-Americans' art and literature, will be exhibited free at the Antioch Historical Society Lynn House Gallery, 1500 W. Fourth St., Antioch.
The exhibit, from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturdays through Feb. 27, celebrates Black History Month.
The exhibition was created by the African-American Village Collaborative, comprised of Ruah Community Outreach Ministries Inc., Parent Partners Providing Education of Young Children, JTS Art Gallery, the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch and the Antioch Historical Society Museum.
Visit www.art4antioch.org/ahs.asp, email Diane@Art4Antioch.org, or call 925-325-9897 for more information.
Help young athletes
The Darius Jones Foundation will receive 15 percent of the proceeds from the sale of dining purchases at Kinder's delis from Feb. 8-10, to purchase automated external defibrillators for area schools.
Visit www.dariusjonesfoundation.org to download the required coupon to ensure that 15 percent of a dining purchase from all seven Kinder's Deli locations will support this cause.
The foundation promotes prevention of sudden cardiac arrest through education in our communities, raising awareness for CPR training, medical prescreening and on-site automated external defibrillator accessibility with a special emphasis on youth and high school athletic programs.
Wells Fargo support
Greg Young, Wells Fargo community development officer for West Region Community Relations -- Greater Bay, recently brought some good cheer to the Volunteer Center of the East Bay.
He dropped by the organization's office in Walnut Creek to present executive director Jo Loss with a $5,000 investment for area volunteer programs and services.
Oscar party, benefit
Dress like a star or a favorite film title or character, walk the red carpet and watch the live simulcast of the 85th Annual Academy Awards to support STAND! For Families Free of Violence on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Brenden Theater, 1985 Willow Pass in Concord. Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door.
Buy tickets at http://2013oscars.eventbrite.com/ or call 925-603-0110 or visit http://www.standagainstdv.org for more information.
STAND!'s programs provide a wide array of services to families in need, including victims of domestic violence and child abuse.
Martinez history
The Martinez Historical Society's annual crab feed will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 9, at the Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Blvd. in Martinez. Tickets are $40. For additional information or reservations, call 925-228-8160 or visit www.martinezhistory.org.
The society's annual meeting recently featured memorabilia from the Martinez Museum and a recap of this past year's accomplishments. Installed were board president John Curtis; Paul Krainz, vice president; Barbara Chambers, secretary; Alice Alderette, Cathy Ivers and Jeanne Hilson, at-large board members, and thanked for their service.
DVC Emeritus College
DVC Emeritus College, a nonprofit, fee-supported program of Diablo Valley College, provides affordable classes and special programs for adults to satisfy the desire to learn and grow.
Classes are held in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek, and at JFK University and DVC in Pleasant Hill.
Emeritus offers trips to Ashland, Ore. in May, a tour of Sicily in September, and Yosemite by train in April.
To sign up for a class or trip, to request a brochure, or for more information, call the Emeritus office at 925 685-1230, ext. 2388 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
View the complete winter schedule online at www.dvc.edu/emeritus.
Student scholarships
Assistance League of Diablo Valley scholarships provide financial aid for qualifying Contra Costa high school, community college and foster youth students planning to enter community college, four-year university or a vocational school in the fall of 2013. Applicants must demonstrate the need and desire to further their education, maintain a specified grade-point average, participate in campus life, be involved in community service, and provide a timeline for academic and career goals.
The deadline for community college consideration is March 1; the deadline for the high school applicants is March 8 and the deadline for foster youth is March 15. Detailed information and application forms are available at diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
Rossmoor scholarship
June graduates of Acalanes, College Park, Las Lomas, Northgate, and Ygnacio Valley high schools and Diablo Valley Community College are welcome to apply for a $3,000 Rossmoor scholarship for a four-year college next fall.
Applications are available with the counselors of the schools listed above and must be completed by Feb. 11.
Interviews of applicants by Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation trustees are scheduled for March.
Students with a strong community service record may apply for an additional $2,500 Kaplan Award by writing a special essay about their community service activities.\
Students planning to go into the medical field may apply for an additional $2,500 Hagstrom Award by writing a special essay about their plans for study in some field associated with medicine.
Students planning a career in international relations may apply for the $10,000 Neumann Scholarship. The award is given for interest in diplomatic or foreign service and scholarship. The Neumann Award is not based on need.
Foundation trustees have already begun the process for the selection of scholarship recipients. Award winners will be notified in May.
For further information, please email Pat Waddell at pjwaddell@sbcglobal.net or phone 925-945-6004.
Lover's Day Aloe Tour
The Ruth Bancroft Garden will offer valentines a "Lover's Day Aloe Tour"on Sunday, Feb. 10, including sweets from TCHO and Rachel Dunn Chocolates.
Sign up to have your portrait taken by a professional photographer, or pick up a memento for your sweetie -- handmade jewelry, ceramics, floral arrangements and dish gardens will be available.
Docent tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. The garden is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek. Admission is $15 per person or $20 per couple.
For more information, visit the Ruth Bancroft Garden or call 925-944-9352.
"Good Neighbors" is compiled by Faith Barnidge. Send club and organization news, Scouting items, notices of awards and other submissions to goodneighbors@bayareanewsgroup.com.
