Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Pleasanton Weekly's 2008 Holiday Fund far exceeds goal
Even in tough economy, donors step forward with $138,711

by Jeb Bing

The Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund closed its 2008 campaign this week with donations totaling $138,711, well above the $100,000 goal set for the sixth annual community drive.

Donations came from more than 200 individual, corporate and organization donors, with the Tri-Valley Community Foundation matching the first $50,000 received. Besides the $138,711 total, which included the match, another $4,000 was received by the fund in specific contributions earmarked for Open Heart Kitchen.

Gina Channell-Allen, president of the Pleasanton Weekly, said checks in equal amounts will be distributed to the seven recipients targeted in the 2008 campaign after a final audit by both the Weekly and the community foundation.

Besides Open Heart Kitchen, the other beneficiaries are Axis Community Health, Hope Hospice, Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley, Tri-Valley Haven, Valley Humane Society and the Emergency Room expansion program at ValleyCare Medical Center.

Each of the organizations will receive checks totaling $19,245 once the final audit is completed in mid-February, with the additional $4,000 that is specifically designated for Open Heart Kitchen.

"It's a credit to the compassion in our community that so many dug deep into their pockets during very difficult economic times to help these nonprofits where the need has become even greater," Channell-Allen said. "While some gave generous contributions of $1,000 and more, many others sent us checks for $25 or $50, some with notes thanking us for providing a fund where they can join in helping those in need."

Again this year, the largest contribution came from the Valley Marketing Association, a Pleasanton-based organization of Realtors, real estate specialists and real estate-related professionals that serve the Tri-Valley. Led by Realtor Roy Dronkers, the group's president, the VMA contributed all of its receipts from a December holiday party and additional contributions, raising $20,613 in direct donations and, with the Community Foundation match, totaling $41,226.

"As everyone knows, these are tough times for Realtors and others in our industry," Dronkers said. "Even so, helping others is a key mission of the Valley Marketing Association and we're proud to be the top contributor to the important work of the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund."

Dave Rice, president and chief executive of the Tri-Valley Community Foundation, said his group supports the Weekly's Holiday Fund because the beneficiaries are among the many needy organizations the foundation also helps fund.

"This is truly a community-wide effort by the Pleasanton Weekly that serves a growing need in the Tri-Valley," Rice said. "While those who contribute have jobs or other income and most have health insurance, the Holiday Fund contributes to organizations that help those who don't. The Tri-Valley Community Foundation is honored to be part of this effort."

Unlike most other fundraising drives by individual organizations, the 2008 Holiday Fund had no administrative expenses or other overhead. The Pleasanton Weekly and the Tri-Valley Community Foundation donated all the support services so that all money raised would support local non-profit groups.

All funds are held in trust by the Tri-Valley Community Foundation pending the final audit and are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Those who contributed since the last list of donors was published include:

Individuals:

Shirley & Jack Butler $50

Barry Cass & Terry Messiek Cass $250

Mr. & Mrs. Carlo Vecchiarelli $100

Amy & Frank jones $300

Lonie & Ron Shaw $50

Organizations:

The Karena Lee Sanford Charitable Foundation $50

In Memory of:

Muz Mui from Kit & Alex Wong (Requested amount not be published)

In honor of:

Holly & Tim Oswalt from Debbie Oswalt $100

Anonymous donors:

1 @ $500

1 @ $100