Our 1st Annual “Valenteer” Party
The Children’s Foundation of America wouldn’t get far without our devoted volunteers. Our volunteers care about the difference we make in the lives of children in need and are more than willing to lend a hand.
These amazing people show up to gift wrap for donations at mall, register guests at fundraiser events, help sort through our warehouse, setup fundraisers, stay at info booths sharing about children’s causes and much more.
We love our volunteers and to show our appreciation, we hosted a party for our favorite valentines at our first annual “Valenteer” Party held the day after Valentine’s Day.
Our Community Outreach Coordinator, Rebecca Ustrell, put together a very sweet party, complete with Valentine treats and décor. From candy to goodie bags, to good conversation and activities, we hope our volunteers were feeling the love.
District Representative, Kristi G. Lopez, from the office of Senator Anthony J. Portantino, joined us in recognizing our volunteers by presenting certificates of appreciation. Guests participated in a raffle and a team building activity, which involved writing sticky notes on how we would each individually “Be the Difference!” Some of our favorites included: “Make a positive impact on my community” and “I will use my skills, my passion and my time to help others.”
As guests nibbled from the cheese and veggie platters, volunteers got the opportunity to find out about our upcoming volunteer opportunities including an information booth at the Claremont Pie Festival, sorting at the warehouse, cards for kids initiative, golf tournament and other fundraisers.
If you are interested in joining our volunteer community, contact volunteer@trinityys.org or call (800) KIDS-730.
Jenelle Rensch, Marketing & Promotions Specialist
Jenelle’s role is to maintain a distinctive look and voice through our online presence, media and community outreach. Before joining the team in 2016, Jenelle worked in the newspaper/magazine industry for nearly a decade as a graphic designer and arts and entertainment editor. Jenelle earned a bachelor’s degree in visual communications at California State University Fullerton and has won several awards throughout her career including a few from the National Newspaper Association. Jenelle is also very involved in her community. She owns an art gallery, organizes the local art walk, is on the executive board of the downtown district’s marketing group and is active in her church.
Tel: (909) 825-5588 | Email: jrensch@trinityys.org
Trinity Classic 2016 Golf Tournament Raises Over $100,000 for Children in Need
Trinity Classic 2016 golf tournament was a huge success netting over $100,000 in funds raised for children in need. Through tournament ticket sales, raffle ticket sales, golf ball drop contest and general donations, the Children’s Foundation of America raised funds to aid Trinity Youth Services’ programs and to further advance transitional programs for youth after foster care and residential treatment.
Our partners at Trinity Youth Services help trauma-affected youth through foster care, adoption, residential treatment and mental health services in Southern California and Houston, Texas. The Children’s Foundation of America is honored to help their mission by hosting fundraising events like Trinity Classic to benefit the children in their care.
This year, the annual event took place on September 12, 2016 at South Hills Country Club in West Covina. Nearly 150 attendees checked in to the registration table, where Trinity Youth Services employees volunteered in greeting guests. Children’s Foundation of America Executive Director and Trinity Youth Services Chief Administrative Officer, Cher Ofstedahl, handed out champagne to toast to Trinity Youth Services’ 50th anniversary as guests posed for a red carpet-style photo.
Golfers checked their bags, enjoyed continental breakfast on the patio overlooking the golf course then gathered for an impressive contest: the helicopter ball drop. Guests who entered the contest got a golf ball in their name placed into a large bucket. The golf balls were dropped over a golf hole from the helicopter and the ball closest to the hole won $10,000. Kevin Mink of Image Source was announced the lucky winner and, in support of the cause, declared he would donate half his prize back to the Children’s Foundation of America.
As the helicopter circled overhead and exited the course, golfers hopped into their golf carts and began the tournament. Throughout the course were tastings including Buca di Beppo and Iconic Protein. Additionally, a drink cart traveled the course ensuring no one was thirsty and, midday, guests were treated to a boxed lunch.
After a full day of golfing, guests gathered at the club house for cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner of roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, lemon herb chicken in cream sauce and charbroiled Black Angus steak with forest mushroom demi-glace. Dessert included an array of cakes to choose from including tiramisu and chocolate cake.
As guests took their seats in the banquet hall, Trinity Youth Services CEO, John Neiuber, shared about the important youth programs conducted over the last 50 years and the impact Trinity has made in the lives of over 60,000 children.
Children’s Foundation of America Executive Director, Cher Ofstedahl, then took the podium to announce the “Shopping by Chance” winners. Guests took out their raffle tickets and waited in anticipation for their number to be called. With prizes like trips to New York, New Orleans, Catalina, San Francisco, Orange County, San Diego and Palm Springs and packages like “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “Drone,” “Music Lovers,” “Braces” and “Smart TV,” guests had the opportunity to win big. All prizes were provided by generous businesses to help the Foundation raise funds for children.
The winners from the tournament also were announced at the banquet. Tournament first place went to Martin Cichocki, Hiram Rivera-Toro and Jeff Madden. Second place was awarded to Kevin Mink, Jordan Craft, Judith Jarvis and Matt Daniels. Third place was awarded to Mike Ofstedahl, Steve Ofstedahl, Shawn Fitz and Andre Chartrand. The Putting Champion and Closest to the Pin was Martin Cichocki.
Special recognition was given to Hub International for presenting the event. Their support in hosting the golf tournament ensures that all funds raised directly benefit children who have been victims of abuse, abandonment or neglect.
Everyone is a winner at the Trinity Classic golf tournament by being the difference to a child in need. Join us at next year’s Trinity Classic golf tournament as we raise awareness and funds for this important cause.
And the Winner is…
Since 1966, Trinity Youth Services has helped more than 60,000 children who have been the victims of trauma and crisis. With the assistance of supporters, these children have an opportunity to find safety, well-being and permanence. Proceeds from the annual Trinity Classic Golf Tournament, hosted by the Children’s Foundation of America, directly benefit children through foster care, residential treatment, mental health and adoption programs. Participating in the Trinity Classic golf tournament means you are helping make a significant, positive difference in the lives of children who need it most. Together, we are all playing to win!
Tournament First Place: Martin Cichocki, Hiram Rivera-Toro LMFT and Jeff Madden.
Tournament Second Place: Kevin Mink, Jordan Craft, Judith Jarvis and Matt Daniels.
Tournament Third Place: Mike Ofstedahl, Steve Ofstedahl, Shawn Fitz and Andre Chartrand.
Tournament Putting Champion and Closest to the Pin: Martin Cichocki.
Children’s Foundation of America gives special recognition to Hub International.
Participants also had the opportunity to win “Shopping by Chance” raffle prizes. Prize packages included a trip to New York, Disneyland tickets, smart TV, drone, a trip to New Orleans, braces, a trip to San Francisco, jewelry, a trip to Palm Springs, comedy tickets, a trip to Catalina and much more. Thank you to our raffle sponsors for your generous donations, which helped raise funds for children in need.
Shopping by Chance Winners: “Fun for All” – “Listen Up!” – Velma Pue, “Brews for Bros” – Julie Pedroza, “Smart TV” – Christina Rodriguez, “P.S. I Love You” – Jackie Jakob, “Bask By the Bay” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” – Evie Sherman, “Drone” – Linh Trieu, “’Fore’ the Win” – Mike Ofstedahl, “Sea and Sky” – Matt Daniels, “Cavort in Catalina” – Jack Sherman, “Box of Laughs” – Judith Jarvis, “Stay Classy San Diego” – Teresa Valles, “The Big Easy” – Brenda Ricciardi.