Dear Cancer Support Community Friend,

It's February, and the stores are filling their shelves with heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and red roses.

All the love on display in February makes it the perfect month to tell you about three people (and one club!) who recently provided a "labor of love" to help the Cancer Support Community.

I am so pleased to share their stories, plus some exciting news about our Essay Contest, below.
Sincerely,
Andrea Roschke, CPA
Chair, CSCVVSB Board of Directors
FACES OF GIVING: ANASTASIA'S STORY
Anastasia is proof that you're never too young to make a difference. The Simi Valley second grader wanted to help kids who had a mom or dad with cancer, so she had a bake sale featuring her own homemade cookies.

"We made Christmas sugar cookies," says Anastasia, age seven. "At first I put up a booth in front of my house, but nobody came, so then I went around my neighborhood with my mom and sold the cookies for twenty-five cents each."


THEIR TALENT IS OUR TREASURE: MEET LEAH & BILL
Time, talent, treasure. These are the three categories that come up when people talk about nonprofit service. When it comes to Bill Aitchison and Leah Roschke, their talent is the treasure.
 
By donating their professional talents, graphic designer Leah Roschke and art director Bill Aitchison have allowed us to save money over the years. A considerable amount of money. Money that we've been able to use to help people facing cancer. 
 
Leah and Bill believe in our mission, because they have seen it in action. Their belief in CSCVVSB translates into beautiful graphics and videos that tell our story in a powerful way - allowing even more people to benefit from our programs.
 
Their contribution is part of a legacy of service that honors Mark Roschke, who, along with his wife Andrea, found hope and support at the Cancer Support Community.


DEAR CANCER, IT'S ME - GIVING TEENS A VOICE
Do you know a teen who has survived cancer or helped a loved one affected by cancer? They are invited to share their story in the 7th Annual "Dear Cancer, It's Me" Essay Contest for high school students!

"Dear Cancer, It's Me" gives a voice to high school students who have been affected by cancer - allowing them to share their stories to in a supportive community and give hope to other young people.

Six finalists in two categories will receive prizes and attend the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 14. Two first place winners will receive $1,500 and an invitation to our annual Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel on April 27. Two second place winners will receive $1,000 each, and two third place winners will receive $500 each.

Please spread the word about this unique and inspirational opportunity. Essays are due on or before Thursday, February 28, 2019.


HOW TO SHARE THE LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Are you purchasing a gift on Amazon? Buy through Amazon Smile and a portion of your purchase will go to CSCVVSB! There is no extra cost to you, and it's the same site as Amazon.com.

Here is the site: smile.amazon.com/ch/77-0205691
ROTARY CLUB GOES TO GREAT HEIGHTS
A special thank you to the Rotary Club of the Conejo Valley for helping to clean and paint our Westlake Village building in January! Service projects like these allow us to devote more funds to cancer support programs for our participants. A fresh coat of paint and a clean building - what a wonderful way to start the new year!

The generous volunteers pictured above are (f ront row, from left): Derick Isa, Valerie Rhaney, Jeff Blum, Jeff Shoenwald and Marty Kendig. Middle row: Michelle Kendig and Joe Weber. Back row: Marc Sattler.

Thanks to The Acorn Newspaper for featuring this story in their January 31 issue !

Service projects make great team-building activities and help us immensely. To learn more about how your team can help, contact Volunteer Coordinator Lara Shapiro-Snair at 805.379.4777 or via email .
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR NEW SERIES: LEGACY OF HOPE
Please join us for these thoughtful and informative programs that will help you plan your giving for 2019 and beyond.

An Evening of Remembrance : Wednesday, July 17, 6:30 – 8:00pm
This special evening will be a time to share memories of loved ones we have lost, guided by a grief recovery specialist.

Estate Planning Basics : Wednesday August 14, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Learn the components of a good estate plan – things to look for, beneficiary reviews, durable power of attorney, advance health care directives, HIPAA issues and more.

Charitable Giving in your Estate Plan : Wednesday, September 4, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Learn the latest about wills and trusts to ensure that your estate plans are fulfilled according to your wishes. Together, we will explore some of the most impactful and profound ways that we can give back to loved ones and our community.

Appreciation Reception : Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 – 8:00pm  
This special thank you reception is for all Legacy of Hope members and is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with others who support CSCVVSB and our mission!

All seminars will be held at Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara, 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village, 91361.

Registration will begin in the spring of 2019. Check our Legacy of Hope web page for updates.

Questions? Call 805.379.4777 or email info@cancersupportvvsb.org .


SPECIAL EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
Thursday, February 7, 10am-12:30pm
Register online or call 805.379.4777.
Monday, February 11, 7-8pm
Register online or call 805.379.4777.
Tuesdays, February 12 & 26, 6-7:30pm
Register online or call 805.379.4777.
Presented by Ali Cheaito, MD, FACS
Thursday, February 21, 12-1:30pm.
Register online or call 805.379.4777.
Sunday, February 24, 10:30am-2pm.
Register via email or call 818.439.4560 .
Thursday, February 28
(Awards Ceremony Sunday, April 14)