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News
REVIEW: Christmas Caravan 2011
SharePitCCh In Co-Founder Amber Sabathia developed the idea of an annual holiday event that could bring cheer to four different age groups in Solano County. The concept would feature special projects and events that impacted the lives of infants, kids, teens, and adults. In 2010, the inaugural “CC’s Christmas Caravan” took place and featured a Nursery Makeover for Foster Children, a special holiday party for kids with family members in the hospital, a shopping trip and lunch for at-risk youth, and a renovation of a Women’s Group Home. The first year program hit all marks in terms of the Foundations over-all goals and commitment to our community.
This year, we addressed several new areas and touched the lives of many deserving groups.
Day #1: Crest Gardens Makeover
Just four blocks away from CC’s childhood home rests the famous Crest Gardens located at the Senior Options Adult School. Originally the Crest Day Care Center, the property now serves the needs of senior citizens with disabilities. In addition to in-classroom instruction, social services, and excursions, a vital part of the services offered is the therapeutic and nutritional benefits of outdoor gardening.In recent years, weather and age have taken it’s toll on the original garden area. Still, in spite of the conditions, the students and staff continued to harvest fresh vegetables and spices for soups and special cooking occasions.
PitCCh In Staff noticed the need for a little “TLC” and submitted the renovation idea to the Board in August. Once approved, there was a meeting with site supervisor Perri Tanner (Vallejo Adult School) to learn more about the program and how this effort could benefit the students. We worked with nearby Mid City Nursery to formulate a plan and strategy to create a new outdoor garden.
In October, Team 52 arrived and began the project by first saving all thriving vegetables and items of importance to the current student body. Secondly, all old wood and debris was recycled. Our focus then shifted the surrounding trees and shrubbery as many of the old trees were blocking the sunlight that is vital to the garden. Master Carpenter Tony Ramos then custom built the eight new planters and filled with top-soil.
On Monday morning, December 19th, under the vibrant sun and scent of freshly cut Eucalyptus Trees, Amber, Margie, and CC joined all the staff and students of the center in the official ribbon cutting of the new Crest Gardens. A complete transformation welcomed all in attendance. To kick off the program, the crowd cheered “move that dirt” as Recology of Vallejo removed the final yard box of dirt. Amber then spoke to the crown and acknowledged the Team 52 staff, local dignitaries, and friends of the Foundation. From there it was an afternoon of outdoor gardening and friendship.
Day #2: Kaiser Kids Party
Each year, many kids face the hardship of spending the holiday season with family members in the hospital. Through our partnership with Kaiser Permanente, we hold a very special holiday party for this group and there immediate family members.Nearly 100 people attended the event that featured a fully catered Barbecue Lunch, Sony PlayStation video games, Photo Station, Crafts Station, and Autograph Signings with CC. The highlight of the event came when Amber presented all kids in attendance with brand new Apple iPod Touches!
From there, the kids were able to head back to the Crafts Station to create custom iPod cases!
CC, Amber, and Margie then headed up to the treatment center at Kaiser and made several bed side visits to patients. CC presented one patient with a new Apple iPad and Beats Head Phones as he recovers from a spinal chord injury. They also thanked the staff for the efforts and wished everyone a very happy holiday.
Day #3: Teen Shopping Excursion
One of our favorite components of the Caravan is the day spent with at-risk teen agers from Youth and Family Services of Solano County support program. This years plan called for an excursion to San Francisco’s Union Square.The group boarded the Vallejo Bay Ferry at 10:00am and cruised the waters down to San Francisco’s Ferry Building. They were then picked up in the Good Tidings Foundation Limo Bus and whisked up the hill to the Cheescake Factory. CC, Amber, and Margie met the group there and enjoyed a full lunch over-looking Union Square.
After lunch, we all walked across the street to the giant Christmas Tree to pose for a group photo. It was then into NikeTown’s flagship store for shopping!
After hugs and high-fives, the group headed back to the Ferry Building for the ride back to Vallejo. A very special thanks to Larry Harper and Good Tidings Foundation for providing transportation!
Day #4: CC’s Jungle
The “crown-jewel” of this years project was the creation of “CC’s Jungle” – a new outdoor play area for toddlers at Youth and Family Services main location in Vallejo. What was previously an abandoned lot filled with weeds was now a safe, clean, and joyous place to play.Team 52 really put a lot of time, effort, and love into this project. In addition to the new outdoor play area, several upgrades were made the interior of the facility. The indoor playroom received new toys, art supplies, storage containers, wall decor, and educational materials. The Healthy Toddler Office received all new Closet Maid cabinets, work space, area rug, and a new state-of-the-art baby weighing scale.
In the end, the Foundation touched the lives of many and we look forward to next years Caravan continuing our work in the community.
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