Newsletter: October 28, 2006
How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
- Anne Frank
Welcome.
CKC’s 1st Art Opening a Wonderful Success
Hopefully you were there and have a picture in your mind of beautiful framed Creek Kids art work and the proud faces of many Creek Kids as they explained our projects, guided people through the maze of the gallery, talked about the art work, operated the cash registers and served food and drinks to our many guests. If not, perhaps (most likely!) we will host another art show next year, and then for sure you will have to come.
Artists and patrons examine the artwork - and the process!
[More pictures from the event!]
It was such a great event. Most importantly for Julie, Cat and I, all of the Creek Kids had an opportunity to really understand and revel in the big picture of what they’ve been doing for the past 2+ years. With our very fluid membership, so much of what we do is communicated in bits and pieces to the kids (unless you’re really unusual and read the newsletters to your children). Having the art up, the cards and the touchstone magnets for sale, the posters with pictures of our projects and lots of other Creek Kids present really bolstered the kids’ understanding and enthusiasm. This is good!
A display highlighting our Zimbabwe School Program
[More pictures from the event!]
In terms of the financial success of the art opening, we far surpassed our high goal. We had hoped to reach the $3,000 mark. At the end of the day, kids counted $5,000 (with adults to verify). We were thrilled. The next day, we received news that a Creek Kids family wanted to match that amount. Still brings tears to my eyes to think about our bulging bank account and the money we immediately sent out to fund our projects.
Project #1: Fresh Start
The impact this money will have on the Fresh Start community is exciting. While we cannot do much to help house people who need and want homes, our support goes a long way to keep local people without homes warm and dry (and therefore healthy) throughout the wet, cold winter months. Cat has already put in an order for 40 sleeping bags and tents (more than double of what we’ve done in the past). We’re set for the rest of the year to fund monthly lunches at Fresh Start, we’ve set aside money for tarps and rain gear, and turkeys for their Thanksgiving celebration.
Project #2: JFKapnek Trust
With this money, we are also able to fund the first year’s commitment to JFKapnek Trust, through which we are paying for the refurbishment of a preschool in Zimbabwe for 75 children orphaned by AIDS. Unexpectedly, we are also able to fund the school’s first year of its operation, including three teachers’ salaries, a daily meal for the kids, and instructional materials. We had initially hoped just to cover the refurbishment this year. Now, the school can get up and running as soon as the building improvements are complete. THIS IS SUCH FABULOUS NEWS!!!!!
And Thanks to our Sponsors…
The families who contributed time, thought, talent and/or money made the art opening possible. Our first round of applause must go to the wonderful Julia McLeod who conceived of this project long ago, was involved in so many of the tasks to pull it off AND contributed an incredible collage created with Creek Kids’ art work. Kerima Swain and Ania Talwar created masterpieces with the kids’ art as well. What these three women produced was so beautiful, totally unique and required a lot of time and a considerable risk. THANK YOU!
Thanks to the Lindy Mallon, Colleen Wolff and Eileen Stephens for coordinating the food and beverages. Dana Fragen and Renee Alexander were in charge of getting out the invitations. Janis Hawkins played the flute throughout the afternoon. It was so lovely! Sean McGlynn enlarged so many photos for us to use on our posters. Carolyn Powell was in charge of the purchasing at the event, Jane Rossi managed the raffle, Deirdre Didion and Elizabeth McCormick provided and arranged the flowers. Three generations of Ridenhour women did an 11th hour round of assembly providing us with lots and lots of cards to sell.
The Creek Kids who were instrumental in putting on the event are Emily Albaugh, Hannah and Sian Phillips, Emma and Abby Freemire, Sarah Miles, Kate Didion, Megan, Kelly and Katie Mallon, Kate and Meg Stephens, Ali and Erin Wolff, Caroline Alexander, Tabby Hawkins, Simon and Eva Krueger, Allie Talwar, Grace and Lauren Gardner, Alex and Tess Rossi, Jack Bevan, Sean and Ryan McGough, David and Sophia Weiner Light, Amanda Onate Trules, Emily Carroll, Julia Powell, Anna Jamieson, and Maggie Ridenhour. This does not include many kids who cooked and baked to prepare the food.
This list does not include the many anonymous artists who contributed their time and talent in the form of art work (framed, on cards and in magnets). These artists are all our kids who have so generously given their time and love to support others. The event is a celebration of all these kids and the lives they’ve impacted. Bravo!
ON THE NEWS!! (new air date)
The story Leslie Brinkley of Channel 7 News covered on Creek Kids Care is now going to air on Friday, November 3rd on the 6:00 Channel 7 News. The “Salute” segment where we’ll be featured is usually shown in the second half of the program. Make sure to tune in.
Cards and magnets available now!
In the next week, you will be able to order cards via our website (www.creekkids.org). Our printed “favorites” (including two different variety packs and two varieties of holiday cards) will be available.This option is a great idea for CKC customers who are not local. If you live close to Walnut Creek, the easiest and least expensive option is to email us and then make arrangements to pick up cards from us.
If you’d prefer to purchase the original art stationery, it will become available after November 3rd. The cards, as you know, make great gifts for grandparents, friends and teachers. You can also order some to use as holiday thank you gifts. Be thinking.
We never have had an issue selling the cards. Because we are now stocking the favorites (which are printed and beautiful), there are a lot more cards available. So order away. We have no plans to sell the cards publicly this season. Also remember that we are now selling “touchstones” (refrigerator magnets featuring CKC art) and you can contact us if you’re interested in purchasing some of those.
A new opportunity to create – this time for MOMS
SCARVES FOR SCHOOLS
Inspired by the outpouring of help from the Moms of Creek Kids at our recent art gallery, Cat is organizing a new branch of Creek Kids Care, called “Creek Moms.” Yes, that’s YOU!
Our first project will be handknit scarves: Scarves for Fresh Start and Scarves for Schools.
Here’s how it will work . . . Cat will host a few knitting parties over the year at her home for Creek Moms where we’ll gather to knit together. We’ll start with knitting a winter scarf to give to a Fresh Start Member and add knitting decorative scarves to sell for donations to help support our preschool in Zimbabwe. This will be a wonderful way for the Moms to have relaxed fun and connect over the year.
If you cannot attend a knitting party in person, that’s fine . . . you are still invited to be involved by making a scarf in your spare time (while waiting at the orthodontist office, soccer field, or unwinding in front of your favorite TV show) and then give it to Creek Kids Care to add to our product offerings for donations.
We lovingly give our children so many opportunities to play and create. Now we can have a chance to play and create and know that our efforts will go towards helping the less advantaged in our world.
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Knitting Parties: Any level knitter welcome, including beginners
First Party: Sunday Nov. 5th 3-5pm
Cat’s Home: 2073 Magnolia Way, WC, across from Hillside Church
Please RSVP to Cat and let her know you want to be involved.
coachcat@jps.net / 925.939.4554 |
The knitting parties are open to any level knitter. Cat is happy to teach BEGINNERS and help others with learning easy patterns and correcting mistakes.
It’s very easy . . . Pick out some yarn that pleases you. Ask for help at Richards, Michaels or JoAnn Fabric where you can buy two reasonably priced balls of yarn to make a winter scarf. Buy your own needles (look on the yarn pack to see what size they recommend) and KNIT AWAY or come to a knitting party and start there.
By the way, this may expand in the future into a Mom/Teen knitting party as more kids enter high school.
Hope you can join in this fun with purpose!
Calendar of Events (so far!)
| Date and Time |
Description |
Location |
| Friday, Oct 27, 12:30–1:30 p.m. |
Art party for all Creek Kids (who don’t have school that afternoon) |
Parkmead Art Room |
| Friday, Nov. 03, 3:45-5:15 p.m. |
Assembly party for Creek Kids 4th grade and up |
Laura’s house: 88 Willow Ave., WC |
| Friday, Nov. 03, 6:00 p.m. |
CKC featured on Channel 7 News |
TV! |
| Monday, Nov. 13, 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. |
Assembly party for Creek Kids 4th grade and up |
Laura’s house: 88 Willow Ave., WC |
| Thursday, Nov. 23 |
Thanksgiving Day: Appetizers and Desserts for Fresh Start Thanksgiving Celebration - Details TBD |
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| Monday, Nov. 27 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
Art Party for all Creek Kids |
Parkmead Art Room |
| Monday, Dec. 4, 3:45-5:15 |
Assembly party for Creek Kids 4th grade and up |
Laura’s house: 88 Willow Ave., WC
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See you soon.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support of Creek Kids Care. As always, we welcome your insights and gentle guidance along the way. Take care.
Fondly,
Laura, Julie and Cat
© Creek Kids Care, 2006
