 Two leaders of Hands4Hope (H4H) -- Jennifer Bassett, Founder and Executive Director and Esther Normoyle, Fundraising and Development Coordinator -- spoke about this youth leadership, outreach and giving foundation. Jennifer (pictured) told us how H4H provides youth with a safe place to share and have social contact, with each other and with those they are helping with their outreach projects. Young people today experience an average of 9 hours of screen time per day. H4H clubs provide then with a way to make more friends, be appreciated, have a sense of purpose, have fun, and build a sense of community. Some of the numbers associated with a year in the life of Hands4Hope: 800 youth participate; 11,120 community service hours; 75 service projects; 5,700 meals served to people in need; and more than $30,000 earned in fund raisers. Since the 10th anniversary two years ago, there are 10 school-based clubs, which are all at capacity (25-29 each club). H4H has signed a lease for a property in Placerville to extend the program to schools there. Esther told us that H4H is always in need of adult volunteers. She handed out a sheet of March 2020 volunteer opportunities. Those wanting to volunteer can visit this web page. Fund-raising events include Youth Board's Upper Supper fundraising dinner to benefit The Upper Room in Placerville and the Hands4Hope Leadership Program on April 24 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Cameron Park Community Service Center. And a flyer was handed out to save the date for "A Night in the Vinyard," a Hands4Hope Benefit Dinner and Auction, October 10, 5:30-10:00pm, once again, at the CP Community Center. |
Gary Campbell, is Board Vice President and Director of Programming and Development with Sierra Community Access Television: Comcast Channel 2. This public access channel provides a wide variety of programs chronicling community events in El Dorado County. Since he regularly features our Club events, as well as short segments highlighting our Club, the Club, represented by PP and Foundation Chair, Bill Hughes, made a donation of $500 to Gary on behalf of Channel 2 at our last meeting.
