Supporting our Non Profits
(Look for our Arts Community News on April 15!)
April 2021
|
|
Lafayette Chamber Announcements |
|
Quick Links to Chamber Resources
|
|
Become a lifetime Friend of the Chamber
A Friend of the Chamber membership provides a way for community members to support the efforts of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. We are 74 years strong and our mission continues “To promote and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Lafayette.”
All aspects that make up a community are important to us: schools, residents, churches and synagogues, community organizations, activities, and the city government. Chamber members work with representatives of all these groups for the betterment of our community. A lifetime Friend of the Chamber membership is $150 per family. Learn more here>>
|
|
Events & Announcements from our Non Profits |
|
Lafayette Community Foundation Excellence Grants
For more than 20 years, LCF has been awarding grants to local nonprofits that serve the needs of the community in the categories of Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education and Arts & Culture.
The grant application deadline is TODAY Wednesday, March 31, 2021. To apply for a grant and to learn more about LCF's Excellence Grants visit
|
|
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association provides community education on topics such as Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's, and Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body. If you would like a 30 or 60-minute online presentation for a group that you are part of, please contact us. 925-444-0462 or gliu@alz.org.
|
|
Assistance League of Diablo Valley
The member volunteers of the Assistance League® of Diablo Valley Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, are pleased to announce that this primary fundraiser is re-opening for in store shopping on Tuesday, April 6 and is now receiving donations Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As always, thank you for your continued support and generosity, both of which help improve lives of those in our community who are vulnerable. Donations are welcome on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 to 11 a.m. To learn more, please visit this website: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.
|
|
Bay Area Crisis Nursery
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Help keep children safe all year long by becoming a Bay Area Crisis Nursery HUG Donor. HUG (Help Us Grow) is the Nursery’s monthly giving program that helps to sustain and grow their mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. For as little as $5 a month, you are joining a larger community of HUG donors whose combined monthly contributions are making a big difference in the lives of children and families in crisis. A little adds up! Give a HUG at www.bayareacrisisnursery.org/hug.
|
|
Cancer Support Community
CSC Lafayette Project! Please join Cancer Support Community and the City of Lafayette on Monday, April 5th during the Planning Commission Meeting at 7:00 PM. Join via www.lovelafayette.org > Planning Commission and find agenda and Zoom link as we approach April 5. Learn more here.
Registration is now open for Cancer Support Community's 7th Annual Hope Walk! It will take place virtually the week of Sunday, May 9 - Saturday, May 15. For more information and to register go to www.hopewalkbayarea.net.
|
|
*For information on Sponsorship levels and becoming a Community Partner please contact Carol Louisell at clouisell@cancersupport.net or 925.953.1209.
|
|
Donate to Support Youth in Foster Care
CASA of Contra Costa County matches each youth in foster care with a trained, caring and dedicated volunteer, which creates a foundation of support and facilitates access to key resources. In these uncertain times, children and youth in foster care need your support more than ever. They have endured significant trauma, have limited resources, and are particularly vulnerable. Your generosity will help CASA provide the critical help needed for youth in foster care. Please donate now at https://cccocasa.org/menus/donate-now.html.
|
|
Dan Ashley's ROCK THE CASA IS BACK!
We can't hold an in-person Dan Ashley's Rock the CASA concert this year, but we can bring the concert to you!
Rock the CASA helps children in need across the Bay Area, and CASA of Contra Costa County is honored to be a key beneficiary again this year.
Join us for a very special evening to support our work with children in foster care and enjoy the music performance and conversation with Chuck Leavell.
Chuck Leavell, the long-time keyboardist, and music director for the Rolling Stones will be performing LIVE from his farm in Georgia, and then take questions over Zoom.
Chuck is not only an excellent musician, but he is also a respected environmentalist and conservationist who has written books and spoken on the subject. His new documentary, Chuck Leavell: Tree Man, is a fantastic film and a complete look at a man who is a music legend, and environmental icon.
More good news! Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon is going to make an appearance just for Rock the CASA with a musical performance.
And there might be another surprise or two thrown in there as well! Register here.
|
|
Early Diagnosis Foundation Wellness Kits & Masks
The Early Diagnosis Foundation, founded by Greg and Marty Woehrle, is pleased to announce the availability of its COVID-19 Wellness Kit, designed to promote healthy practices to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Early Diagnosis Foundation COVID-19 Wellness Kits are packaged in a convenient clear vinyl pouch that can be carried in a handbag, attached to a backpack for kids or stored for easy access. Each kit includes a comfortable mask (choose from one of three EDF mask designs or a child sized camouflage mask), an adjustable mask lanyard, hand sanitizer gel, packet of ten sanitizer wipes, EDF chapstick and an EDF stylus pen for “no contact” use on touch pad surfaces.
Protect your local community with personalized EDF COVID-19 Wellness Kits and receive a volume discount on your purchase. Learn more here.
A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of EDF’s COVID-19 Wellness Kits is contributed to the Lupus Foundation and to furthering the Early Diagnosis Foundation’s ongoing efforts to diagnose early symptoms and fight the onset of chronic disease.
|
|
Friends Corner Book Shop
Springtime is here and the world is a little brighter. We can work on our vegetable garden, celebrate our mothers and fathers, and help our children welcome the end of a challenging school year!
You can also come by the Book Shop during our open hours and purchase a gift certificate for future use. Exact change or checks accepted. Our hours are: Tuesday through Friday: 10-2, Saturday: 9-1. Proceeds from the sales of our books support the programs, collections, and services of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. www.lllcf.org/friends-book-shop
|
|
Opportunities for Involvement at Hope Solutions
Furnishings: Every month we have families and individuals moving into their new homes. We try to provide families with household items and furnishings. If you are interested in donating household items of furnishings to the residents in our program, please contact Sandibel Arnold at sarnold@hopesolutions.org.
Summer Camps: The Summer Day Camp programming is for kids (toddler – middle school) and many participants are formerly homeless or very low income. We are in the beginning stages of planning for our summer camps and considering a hybrid model. If you would like to share a talent with the children in our program, please contact Sandibel Arnold at sarnold@hopesolutions.com for more information.
Backpack Drive: The Annual Backpack Drive is in the planning stages and helps equip students for a successful school year. Please email sarnold@hopesolutions.org to let us know if your community is interested in participating.
|
|
Hospice East Bay - Your Gifts Make Our Mission Possible
Hospice East Bay operates six Thrift Shoppes throughout Contra Costa County, featuring a wide range of vintage items, clothing, fine and costume jewelry, collectibles, furniture, household items, art work, books, CDs and DVDs—all donated by members of our community. Check out our new online shoppe at www.hospiceeastbay.org/onlineshoppe.
Thank you for always being there with your support when we need you!
3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, (925) 887-5678,
|
|
John Muir Land Trust
In case you weren't able to make JMLT's 2021 virtual Kick-Off, we made sure to record the webcast and it's now available to watch anytime on our website. Tune in to hear about what your local land trust has planned for conservation near you!
- Learn about upcoming land acquisitions
- Get updated on our Campaign for Pacheco Marsh (June 30 deadline is fast approaching!)
- Discover exciting wildlands programming that’s fun for kids and families
|
|
Lafayette Community Foundation Needs Your Support for its 2021 Excellence Grants Cycle
Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF) would like to continue to support local nonprofits as it has been doing for more than 20 years. However, LCF was not able to hold its annual major fundraiser, the Winemakers Dinner, in February due to the pandemic. As a result, LCF is facing a significant shortfall in funds for this year’s Excellence Grants cycle. LCF is expecting another record number of grant requests by its deadline of March 31, 2021. Please consider a donation of any amount so that LCF may continue to distribute grants to the community nonprofits that assist so many.
A monthly donation allows you to break down your donation over the course of a year. LCF also accept gifts of stock. For more information about this option, please click HERE. To donate online today, please click HERE or you can mail a check to Lafayette Community Foundation, P.O. Box 221, Lafayette, CA 94549. www.lafayettecf.org
|
|
Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center
We did have a Garden visitor recently. We think it might be the Easter bunny & a few friends.
|
|
Lend a Hand to the Lafayette Historical Society
All of us, at some time or another, have probably wandered past the Lafayette Historical Society, located on the ground floor of the Library on Golden Gate Way. And some, during “non-COVID times” may have even visited the Society’s archives and history room and learned something they didn’t know about Lafayette’s past.
And who knew that the Society also maintains operates the City’s very first fire engine? Old Betsy as she is known, is a 1919 Model TT Fire Engine. Yes, that’s Old Betsy in the Library’s parking garage window.
The Society raises operating funds by a combination of its membership dues, newsletter sponsorships, book sales, the not-to-be-miss “Breakfast with Santa” event, and through the popular “Speaker Series.” Due to the COVID pandemic, the Society’s history room has been closed and the Speaker Series canceled. It also appears that the “Breakfast with Santa” will also have to be postponed this year. All that is our way of saying that the Society really could use the community’s help right now. If you have a chance, take a look around the Society’s Website where you can listen to a collection of oral histories from many notables Lafayettans, including Bill Eames, Larry Blodgett, Ed Stokes, Steve Falk, Jon Frank, and Jack Marchant. And, if there’s anybody who knows how to work on a Model T, or knows how to drive one, the Society could sure use your help with Old Betsy. Visit the Society’s membership page now to find out how you can become an active member of this esteemed local gem. You can also call (925) 283-1848, or email Mary McCosker, LHS’s President, at lafayette.history@comcast.net. |
|
The Lafayette Juniors Outdoor Living Tour is Saturday, May 1st, 10 am-3 pm.
The Outdoor Living Tour will be a socially distant, self-guided tour showcasing unique and masterfully designed outdoor spaces at six beautiful Lafayette homes. Funds raised through the Outdoor Living Tour will directly support our beneficiaries, Youth Alive! and Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa. To buy a ticket, please visit LafayetteJuniors.org.
For more information on featuring your business in our Outdoor Living Tour virtual program, please contact Ashley Morando at ashleymorando@gmail.com.
|
|
Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation
National Library Week is April 4th thru 10th
The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is always here for you, so what better time to demonstrate your year-round love than during National Library Week? Click HERE to make a donation in support of your beloved Library, the heart of Lafayette.
Dine and Shop for a Cause, April 7
The Lafayette Library and Learning Center offers so much to our community! On Wednesday, April 7, Library Giving Day, visit Sideboard to dine on the deck, pick up dinner to go, buy a gift card, or shop for unique gifts and Sideboard will donate 20% to the Library. Just mention you want to support the Library!
"Libraries show us anything is possible by encouraging a love of learning, discovery and exploration." ~ Natalie Portman, National Library Week Honorary Chair
|
|
Lafayette Partners in Education
March 31 is the last day to donate to unlock the $100K matching gift! Throughout March, LPIE ran the It's Up to All of Us campaign to highlight the importance of people, wellness/counseling and class electives funded by LPIE.
As we move into April, are you tired of cooking? LPIE can help! Each week, there is a new take-out opportunity and if you use a coupon code, proceeds will be given to LPIE. Take a break and support LPIE by ordering from one of our participating restaurants with our Dine and Donate fundraiser.
To learn more about all of these LPIE activities, please visit our website.
|
|
Lafayette Recreation
Lafayette Recreation
Spring virtual and in person classes are open for registration through Lafayette Recreation at www.LafayetteRec.org or call 925-284-2232. Classes include in person and virtual yoga, online chess, sports classes, LEGOs and more! Become a member of Lafayette Senior Services for $15/year to receive access to all sorts of online programs and receive free zoom support. More programs are added periodically, so check back often. Summer camp registration opens April 12 and Recreation Guides will be mailed out shortly before then. All programs will follow current health guidance.
Superhero Scavenger Hunt
During the week of spring break, participate in the Superhero Scavenger Hunt in downtown Lafayette! Find all seven superheroes to enter in for the grand prize and support local businesses along the way. More info can be found at www.lovelafayette.org/ScavHunt.
|
|
Lafayette War Veterans, Inc. - Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building
Because the Covid-19 pandemic has pretty much eliminated our booking revenue since March 2020, it became necessary for our organization to seek individual and corporate donations. We depend on the bookings of our large meeting rooms as the primary source of revenue (income) in order to operate the building successfully for various venues (business meetings, celebration of life events, weddings, parties, community events, etc.) and to be able to help various veteran causes when we are operating profitably in normal times.
This project will allow us to maintain our minimum building costs as we wait to begin the full operation of our facility as the State of California relaxes the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines at different levels for meeting facilities like we have in Lafayette.
All donations to the Lafayette War Veterans, Inc. are fully tax-deductible. If you wish to send a check (any amount) to help this cause instead of using the GoFundMe website, please make your check payable to "Lafayette War Veterans, Inc." and mail it to P.O. Box 501, Lafayette, CA 94549.
|
|
The Lamorinda Spirit Van
We are in the process of reopening the Lamorinda Spirit Senior Transportation Program so we can resume taking Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda passengers to appointments, errands, and grocery shopping. Please email mbruns@lovelafayette.org if you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer driver, have a good driving record and 3-4 hours available every week or two.
We are very grateful to our Spirit Van drivers for providing free pick-up and delivery service for our passengers for the past year. Email dispatch@lovelafayette.org or call 925-283-3534 if you need something picked up and delivered, need to reserve a ride, or want to learn about utilizing GoGoGrandparent: an Uber/Lyft type of service that doesn’t require a smart phone in order to request a ride.
Please keep us in mind when you are considering organizations you would like to financially support. You may send your tax-deductible donation payable to the City of Lafayette to: Lamorinda Spirit, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. Please write: “Lamorinda Spirit” on the memo line. Your support makes a huge difference to our success especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very appreciative of community support!!!
|
|
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club
April 2: Don Jenkins, Quarterly Big Picture
April 9: Shelly Tygielski, Pandemic of Love
April 16: Jon Fallon, Farming in Street Island
April 23: Farah Papaioannou, CEO of Edgeworx
April 30: Fred Steingraf, Member Magazine
By donating a vehicle in any condition, you are making a difference in our local community and around the world.
It’s a claim we make every day and we back it up. 100% of your vehicle donation goes to help our local community and toward projects throughout the world. Rotary Clubs throughout the U.S. support their local communities. Here in the Bay Area, the Clayton/Concord Rotary Club and the Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary play a key role in supporting charities like:
• Avon Breast Cancer Walk
• Contra Costa Food Bank
• Family Harvest Farms
• Salvation Army Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
|
|
Lamorinda Village
Lamorinda Village is a local nonprofit organization helping older adults in our community live in their own homes safely with the support of volunteers.
During this pandemic, our volunteers have helped seniors by delivering groceries and medications. We have Zoom meetings of various interests to keep people engaged and not feel isolated.
We’ve come up with innovative plans to make our members safer and connected during blackouts, wildfires, and other emergencies. We’ve also offered help with getting our members vaccinated. Stay tuned and stick with us. Your safety and well-being are our priorities! Please visit our website for more information on Lamorinda Village.
|
|
Las Trampas Campus Transformation
It is our pleasure to share the exciting changes each month with you, our loyal supporter!
Join us on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. for a virtual tour!
Our guests this month will be Sidne Long and Lisa Long Laird, two of our most loyal supporters. They will provide a great perspective on our new facility as a family who has been long-time members of the Las Trampas Family.
Please click on the link below to register for the Zoom Webinar. After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration with a link to use on Tuesday, April 13th for the Virtual Tour. Register here.
|
|
The Live Like Leo Foundation
The Live Like Leo Foundation is intended to harness rich global experiences and bring them to students who do not have such access. We believe through opening societal borders and bringing the best of educational programs from around the globe, we can raise awareness to the underexposed and in turn breed a more connected world.
The Live Like Leo Foundation draws its inspiration from young Leo Cellura who’s life was cut short in a tragic accident. Leo's global experiences over his short eleven years of life are what has inspired all of the people he touched and given us the purpose to pay it forward. Learn more and make your donation at livelikeleo.org. |
|
DRIVE OUT HUNGER 2021: Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa
Monday, April 26, 2021, Roundhill Country Club
18 holes of golf, BBQ lunch, prizes, awards and silent auction. Award Ceremony following (via Zoom) event on Wednesday, April 28th. Health and safety protocols will be followed. Staggered tee times and 2 players per cart with dividers available. Register here.
|
|
Help needed for Senior and Veterans
Mobility Matters is looking for volunteers that can help Seniors and Veterans by driving them to medical appointments and to get their vaccine shots. Our volunteers are Community Health Workers and are eligible to get the vaccine early so they can help others safely.
|
|
Monument Crisis Center
Monument Crisis Center would like to thank the Lamorinda community for your tremendous support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since mid-March, we have distributed nutritious, life-sustaining food to over 25,000 people.
Monument Crisis Center Food Distribution & Resource & Referral Programs continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am-12noon. Youth Programs including After School Cafe, MCC Teen Center and Planning for High School and Beyond continue virtually. Donations of non-perishable food are gladly accepted during food distribution days/hours.
To keep feeding families, seniors and children most affected by this crisis, we need your help! To make a contribution online, visit monumentcrisiscenter.org/donate or text MCC to 41-444.
Non-perishable food donations gladly accepted at the Center located at 1990 Market Street in Concord, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9am-12noon (no glass containers or expired foods please).
|
|
Honoring Frontline Workers, Supporting Local Orinda Restaurants Campaign
The media was our friend, with social platforms humming and newspapers running articles.
At this point, the Campaign is a WRAP, with everyone feeling good about a job well done--appreciated frontline workers (1,000), supportive restaurants (20) and a truly engaged community partnership (7 community non-profits, as well as our local schools)!
Thank you community!
|
|
SHELTER, Inc. was the first agency in Contra Costa County to offer rental assistance for those whose income has been impacted by the pandemic. The philanthropic community stepped up to the plate and began giving generously with extra support – and that generosity continues to this day. Upon passing of the CARES Act, the State of California received funding that has been passed to local municipalities for distribution to those who are risk of eviction after moratoriums expire. If you need assistance, learn more at: https://SHELTERinc.org/renthelp.
Resources for landlords and renters will be distributed by the State of California, with their portal opening now open at: Housing Is Key. |
|
Special Education Enrichment Development Foundation
SEED would like to extend a warm welcome and introduction for new families!
SEED is the Special Education Enrichment Development Foundation - a Lafayette-based, volunteer-run, non-profit community organization dedicated to supporting the Special Ed community. We serve families whose children have an IEP, 504, or who are simply struggling. SEED builds productive relationships between our parents and with our District, and provides targeted programming to address diverse learning needs. The programs we fund include after school social skills play groups, educational seminars, support groups and socials for parents, and teacher training. During this time of social distancing, we are currently focused on producing parent education workshops via Zoom and providing resources via our Facebook page, website and email newsletter. Please visit us online to learn more!
|
|
Sustainable Contra Costa: Home Upgrade Energy Efficiency Workshop
Monday, April 19, 2021, 5pm–6:30pm
Do you want to make your home more…
- Comfortable
- Healthy & Safe
- Efficient
- Durable
Our FREE Online 2021 BayREN Home Upgrade Workshop will provide you with information and contacts to make your home more energy efficient with rebates up to $5,000!
Local participating contractors, building scientists, and financing experts will provide you with the critical information you’ll need to get your project started. Learn how you can make home improvements that will lower your energy use, conserve water and natural resources, and make your home more comfortable. Rebates are available for eligible energy efficiency upgrades including air sealing, duct sealing, insulation, and installing high-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and/or water heaters. Learn about a free Energy Advising service and get answers to all your energy efficiency questions.
|
|
Trust in Education
At www.Etsy.com/shop/tieBlueRockShop, Trust in Education sells handmade Lapis Jewelry, and now we are also selling premium Saffron from Afghanistan. This year give a gift that benefits children and families in Afghanistan while showing a special person in your life how much you care. All proceeds from our jewelry and saffron sales support Trust in Education's programs that are designed to help Afghan families rebuild their lives.
|
|
White Pony Express Online Ambassador Program
The mission at White Pony Express is to help eliminate hunger and poverty by delivering the abundance all around us to those in need—with love. They rescue fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers’ markets and deliver it that day, free of charge, to organizations that feed hungry people. They also collect and distribute high-quality clothing, children's toys, and books. Beyond their goal of helping others, WPE aims to create opportunities for selfless service. Hundreds of volunteers make White Pony Express possible. They volunteer because they believe in the mission. They know they are helping others who have urgent needs at this time in their lives.
|
|
Youth Homes' Thrift Shop Online Store Now Open!
Who's excited about online shopping? Shop our carefully curated range of high-end luxury items on our new online shop! Open 24/7 365 days a year! Shop online here!
|
|
Connect with the City of Lafayette
The City of Lafayette is urging everyone to sign-up for the latest information for Lafayette residents and businesses.
You can also find the latest Information on Covid-19 on the City's website
During the Covid-19 emergency, here is how to contact City of Lafayette
|
|
|
|
Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
(925) 284-7404
|
|
The physical office of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce will remain closed until further notice. Our staff is still here to help you, just virtually. You can reach us by calling (925) 284-7404 or by sending an email to info@lafayettechamber.org. We'll get back to you as quickly as possible. See our calendar for virtual events.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
