Supporting Our Nonprofits
March 2023
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Lafayette Chamber Announcements |
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Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events!
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Mayor Mike, Citizen of the Year - diplomacy, patience and grace under pressure
"This year's Citizen of the Year award goes to Mike Anderson - a name familiar to most Lafayette residents for his 25 years of volunteer civic positions. But if his many, many years of service have been impressive, what people remember most is his calm, welcoming demeanor along with his respectful leadership style." Lamorinda Weekly, Published March 1st, 2023. Read Full Article HERE.
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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 75 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>>
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NONPROFIT EMAIL BLAST IS SPONSORED BY
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Our 1200 square foot space is versatile, intimate, and perfect for workshops/classes, showers, micro wedding receptions, performance shows, corporate events and meetings, dinner parties, pop-up shops, product launches, photography/videography space and more. Reach out today to set up a site visit.
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Community Foundation of Lafayette
Excellence Grants Application
The Community Foundation of Lafayette's Excellence Grants application deadline is April 30, 2023. For almost 25 years, the Community Foundation has been giving grants to community nonprofits in the categories of Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education and Arts & Culture. If you are interested in applying for an Excellence Grant, please click HERE. To learn more about the Community Foundation, please visit www.lafayettecf.org. Selected grantees will be notified in mid-May. If you have any questions about the grant application process, please email info@lafayettecf.org.
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Upcoming Events & Special Announcements from our Nonprofit Community |
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LPIE Gala Raffle Tickets ON SALE NOW
$100 Per Ticket | Only 200 Tickets Available
Support LPIE for a chance to win one of these amazing prizes:
- 5 Nights at The Lakes Country Club, Palm Desert generously donated by Sean & Danielle Gallagher
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Stunning Diamond Necklace generously donated by Solano Jewelers
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Announcing the LPIE Endowment
On February 10, 2023, LPIE officially announced the largest campaign in our history. For more than four decades, Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE, formerly LASF) has provided critical support to Lafayette's six public schools. The $12 million LPIE Endowment Campaign seeks to provide a stable, secure, and self-sustaining source of funding that will benefit generations of students – today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Today, LPIE supports the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School by funding educators who deliver a vast array of programs that strengthen the educational experience of our students from transitional kindergarten through graduation. LPIE's investment each year ensures that every student has access to personalized learning in smaller classes; comprehensive support and counseling services; and a strong, well-rounded academic program with enrichment opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Music, Art, Physical Education, Reading, Writing, Libraries, and so much more.
The LPIE Endowment will be the cornerstone of this mission, supporting and sustaining quality public education in Lafayette now and for generations to come.
$12 million is just the start. The ultimate goal is for the endowment to grow independently so that eventually the annual return on investment is sufficient to address the instability of public school funding. Through tremendous early philanthropic support, more than 40 families have generously pledged a total of $8.7 million toward our $12 million goal. But this campaign is about so much more than dollars raised. It is about coming together as a community. You can be a part of this exciting investment in Lafayette’s future by making your own contribution. We invite you to join our foundational families in demonstrating our community’s dedication to our students, educators, and schools! To learn more about this innovative investment in generations of Lafayette learners, visit lpie.org/endowment.
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Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary is presenting our first “Good Character Awards” at Joaquin Moraga Middle School library on March 8th at 11:30. These awards reflect the Rotary Four Way Test to young people who are living and exemplifying in their school and community. View flyer here.
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Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament for Youth Homes
Youth Homes is betting they see you at their Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament fundraiser on March 10th, 2023 at 5pm. All levels are welcome to join for an evening of "going all in" for local youth impact! Your $75 buy-in includes buffet dinner at Back Forty Texas BBQ in Pleasant Hill. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/475335119137to to purchase your tickets!
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Medicare 101 Education Session
Thursday, March 16, 2023, 11:00am – 12:00pm
This webinar will be presented by a Medicare Certified Agent, bilingual in Spanish. This session will be helpful to individuals that are:
· Turning 65 in the next 6-12 months
· 65 years old and still enrolled in their employer sponsored group plan
· 65 years old and retiring
· Any age and interested in learning about Medicare (for themselves or for a loved one)
Register HERE. There will be time for Q&A at the end. This webinar will be recorded.
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Celebrating Spring and All Things Green!
Have a green thumb and want to find some new goods for your garden? Stop by any of our Hospice of the East Bay six local thrift shoppes March 17th-19th for our All Things Green Garden Event! Check out our amazing selection of garden goods at affordable prices, all donated by members of our community. By supporting our thrift shoppes you're helping us provide quality hospice care to everyone in our community and helping the environment at the same time! When you visit, be sure to mention the Chamber of Commerce to receive an additional 10% off your purchase! Stay informed on upcoming sales, online shoppe offerings, and more by following us on social media or signing up for email alerts at www.HospiceEastBay.org
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Family Dance Night
March 17, 2023, Friday, 6:30 PM, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St Mary’s Road
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SPECIAL VOLUNTEER DAY: WEED ABATEMENT TO REDUCE FIRE RISK
Come volunteer at Family Harvest Farm, John Muir Land Trust’s thriving urban farm located in Pittsburg, California where youth and adults participate in a local regenerative food system. You’ll be working alongside farm staff and other volunteers pulling weeds, mulching, and other farm activities. This special volunteer day will focus on ways to reduce fire risk through weed abatement. Sign up here for March 18.
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Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation
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The Giving Exchange is going to Uganda – and needs YOUR help!
The Giving Exchange is a Bay Area-based non-profit that partners with under-resourced communities to implement self-sustaining projects for a lasting impact.
Today we have SIX active projects in Uganda, and we’ve never had the opportunity to meet our partners in person. March is the month we are changing that!
Six TGE Ambassadors are traveling to Kasese, Uganda from March 20-28, and our goal is to raise $6,000! Learn more and DONATE HERE.
Want an experience of a lifetime? Our next trip is to Kenya in August – SIGN UP HERE.
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Rock Out Hunger 2023
Buy your tickets today! Rock Out Hunger 2023 is set for Saturday, March 25th at Blackhawk Country Club. Enjoy dinner and cocktails, dancing and live music, and a silent and live auction - all proceeds benefiting Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa and our mission to fight food insecurity in our community.
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Ruby Boots Gala Sponsorship and Auction Opportunities
Kick up your heels and join us for our most exciting event of the year as we celebrate our 15th annual gala, Ruby Boots: There’s No Place Like Home at the San Ramon Marriott on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Dust off your boots and saddle up for a fun and life-changing event to raise funds to benefit homeless families and individuals in Contra Costa County. Festivities include cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, seated dinner, inspirational speakers, and entertainment by David Martin’s House Party. To support the gala you can become a sponsor, donate auction items, and/or buy tickets.
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Auction Items Needed by March 31st!: We need your help securing fabulous items to make our silent auction a success. It’s also an excellent way to promote your business. There are three ways to help make our silent auction a success: 1) donate an auction basket, 2) work with your community to create one or multiple donations, 3) donate individual items including gift cards, gift certificates, and more. Click on the link provided to see a list of items needed and to sign up to donate: https://bit.ly/rubyauction2023
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Download the Ruby Boots Auction Flyer to Share with your Community
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Lafayette, are you ready for some friendly competition?
How to play:
2. Capture a photo of you completing the action(s) of the week.
3. Submit your action photos via email/text by Sunday night with 1 photo attached per action.
All participants who submit photos will be entered in the weekly drawing for local gift cards (ie: Diablo Foods and Resourcefill.) WINNERS will be selected EVERY WEEK! Join our March 28th kickoff event at the Lafayette Library where you will also learn about energy efficiency. Look out for details.
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Swing for SHELTER Happens April 17
Swing for SHELTER is SHELTER, Inc’s 29th Golf Tournament and Auction benefitting its mission to prevent and end homelessness in Contra Costa County. Event happens Monday, April 17, 9am - 6 pm, Round Hill Country Club, Alamo. Register now at http://ow.ly/9OzB50N58w4
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7th annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser
It’s going to be an incredibly fun day in the sun playing golf with friends–all for a great cause. Save the date for June 12th and help us chip away at teen suicide!"
A Brighter Day will be holding its 7th annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, Chip Away at Teen Suicide, on Monday, June 12th at the Crow Canyon Country Club.
The 6th Annual Golf Tournament last year broke A Brighter Day’s record with the highest turnout to date. This sold-out event brought the Tri-Valley community together and even attracted the attention of professional athletes, Jeff Garcia and Dave Righetti, as well as San Jose Sharks commentator, Randy Hahn. All three of these lovely gentlemen will be back on the course with us this year!
It is open for everyone to attend, volunteer, and support – but to actually play in the golf tournament, attendees must donate.
One of the major ways you can support is by becoming a sponsor. We will be offering several sponsorship packages, including all kinds of marketing benefits. There are pre-show and post-show promotions, newsletter email blasts, signage at sponsored holes, and booth opportunities–just to name a few. Of course, all sponsorships are 100% tax deductible.
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Lafayette Juniors 2023 Lifestyle Tour - Sponsorship Opportunities
Our 2023 Fundraising Event
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, we will host our 24th Annual Lifestyle Tour, which brings together scores of Lamorinda residents to tour 6 lovely homes in Lafayette. The tour showcases home interiors, outdoor kitchens, pools, and play spaces. This year our event attendees will receive a keepsake printed resource guide, as well as an online interactive version, highlighting local businesses to visit and source from. Sponsorship opportunities are available in both half and full page options and will be full color. Placing a sponsorship in the Resource Guide is a wonderful way for your business to gain exposure among our most engaged local residents. Pricing is as follows:
February 2nd - March 31st:
Half Page: $275
Full Page: $550
If you would like to generously support our beneficiaries, please fill out our advertising commitment form online or download it and send it to Jenny Crist at jenniferannecrist@gmail.com. If you need advertisement creative assistance, please let us know and we can provide a “creative best practices” document. We kindly ask that you confirm your commitment to participate by March 31st.
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Wallet & Purse Collection for Bay Area Rescue Mission
When their clients are starting their programs to transition off the streets they start with teaching them they need to carry a wallet / purse with identification and their necessary paperwork.
MVPC has a collection bin at the Chamber office. Items can be dropped off during regular Chamber office hours, Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm; Closed Monday-Thursday 12:30pm-1pm for lunch.
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Underdog Animal Rescue
Underdog Animal Rescue is a non profit dog rescue. Our mission is to rescue, rehab and reduce the amount of adoptable dogs euthanized each year due to overcrowded shelters. We rescue all breeds, sizes and ages. We are a foster based, 100% community funded organization that has rescued over 2500 dogs since starting in 2014. We have foster homes from Sacramento to Santa Cruz. We have much bigger goals to one day have a facility and be able to focus on youth education about dogs being pets, care, spay and neuter and how to work towards a better future.
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Grateful Gatherings
Grateful Gatherings provides furniture and household items for people transitioning from homelessness. When a family transitions from homelessness or crisis into a new home in the Bay Area, we help them furnish it. We believe that families can thrive when they have a safe and comfortable home. Grateful Gatherings is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with 7 chapters throughout the Bay Area in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Danville, Oakland, Berkeley and Marin. If you have gently used furniture you would like to donate to a family in need, please contact rachel@gratefulgatherings.org.We do not accept large armoires or mattresses. Learn more at gratefulgatherings.org.
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Is a loved one facing colorectal cancer? Wrap them in support with Quiltlove
Quiltlove is donating 10% of proceeds from all colorectal cancer support quilts organized by March 31, 2023 to the nonprofit Fight CRC, in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March.
Quiltlove makes personalized quilts designed to be given as group gifts to shared loved ones. Our quilts feature your drawings, handwritten messages, photos and more, printed on patchwork squares and lovingly stitched together. With Quiltlove, support networks can come together and literally wrap a friend or family member facing cancer in their love, warmth and connection during difficult times.
Order your quilt online here and specify "Colorectal Cancer Support" on your order form to qualify for the charitable contribution.
Made in Moraga, with love.
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Lafayette Historical Society Celebrating 175 Years
Seven utility boxes along Mt. Diablo Boulevard in downtown Lafayette are being updated with new artwork. The new utility box wraps feature a collage of historic images intended to increase awareness of our local history and contribute to the cultural identity of our city.
The Lafayette Historical Society (LHS) and the City's Public Art Committee collaborated with graphic designer Danielle Gogo-Gallagher to create the series of beautifully designed, photo-realistic history wraps utilizing archival photos from LHS’s impressive collection. The boxes are located along Mt. Diablo Boulevard between First Street and Dolores Drive. Each box includes a QR code that can be scanned using a smartphone to access educational information presented by the Lafayette Historical Society on the historical relevance of the archival images.
You can directly visit the individual pages for each box by following the links below:
The new utility box wraps are part of the City of Lafayette’s 175+ Years celebration in 2023. The City is working in partnership with the Lafayette Historical Society to increase awareness and appreciation of our history including recognition and understanding of the indigenous people who were first on the land that is now Lafayette, as well as the Spaniards and Rancheros that preceded American settlers who laid out the built community that we see today.
In addition to the new utility box wraps, there will be several events and presentations throughout the year including monthly presentations to the City Council, copies of “Images of America: Lafayette” circulated through Little Free Libraries in Lafayette and more!
For more information, visit these websites:
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Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
“Oh my goodness, wow,” says Robert, a retiree living in San Pablo, when asked how he’s feeling about the cost of food. “Just the cost of a loaf of bread and eggs... Everything has gone up.”
To stretch his retirement income Robert got a part time job, and commutes by bus whenever fuel prices spike. But while we’ve said goodbye to 2022, the high prices it ushered in are still hitting our neighbors hard. With the high cost of living in the Bay Area – not to mention food prices – the numbers aren’t adding up. And Robert isn’t alone.
Even with high food prices, our bulk buying power means that just $15 can help provide over 30 meals worth of food for our neighbors. You’ll ensure seniors like Robert can access healthy foods like fresh produce, meats and dairy – and have one less cost to worry about.
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Winter Evening Program at the Trinity Center Walnut Creek
Our Winter Evening Program is ongoing, and we are still seeking volunteers.
Trinity Center’s Winter Evening Program provides up to 38 participants a warm evening meal, and a safe, dry place to sleep from now through April 13th, 2023.
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Advocate for the Best Interest of Children. Become a CASA Volunteer.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Volunteers work with professionals to ensure that judges have the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child.
Attend one of our hour-long Zoom Info Sessions to learn more about the program and how you can be involved. Once involved, our program will support you every step of the way. Sign Up
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Become a Tutor for Children in Foster Care
If you have a background in education or experience as a teacher, tutor, or paraeducator, we invite you to sign up for an Informational Session, or email volunteer@cccocasa.org. We are especially in need of tutors for middle and high school math support.
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Friends Corner Book Shop
Friends Corner Book Shop offers a wide variety of gently used books in dozens of topic areas for your shopping pleasure.
Do you have some extra time in your life? The Book Shop is recruiting for volunteers! The average time commitment is a few hours per week and training is provided. Come join the all-volunteer staff and their good work supporting the programs, collections, and service of the Lafayette Library.
Store Hours:
Monday through Thursday 10am-6pm
Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 9am-1pm
Sunday Closed
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Volunteer Opportunities at Lamorinda Spirit Van!
Lamorinda Spirit Van provides door to and through door rides to Lamorinda residents ages 60+. We take pride in helping the seniors in our community remain independent and able to stay in their own homes. Join us!
The Lamorinda Spirit Van is looking for the following:
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Minibus Driver – If you enjoy driving a minibus, interacting with older adults and can spare about 6 hours a week or every other week, this is for you! A class C driver’s license suffices, but a Class B license is preferred.
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Social Media Guru – We need help increasing our presence on the various social media platforms! Create posts daily or every other day from the comfort of your own home.
If you are 60+, call 925-283-3534 to schedule a ride to lunch in a social setting at Café Costa, or to go shopping, to an appointment or errand.
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Become a Food Rescue Hero –
We Need Volunteer Drivers!
White Pony Express (WPE) is looking for volunteer drivers to help bring the fresh, nutritious food that we rescue to those in our county who are hungry or do not have access to this type of healthy food. This can happen in a personal vehicle or one of our fleet vehicles. We would love to welcome you to our team of food rescue heroes! Contact Mandy and Ana at volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org if you are interested.
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Self-care Recovery Tips and Virtual Treatment Options
Kaiser Permanente and Contra Costa Health have partnered to provide our community with information about self-care recovery tips and virtual treatment options that can help you get better if you get sick. This winter, many viruses (COVID, influenza and RSV) are spreading in the community creating crowded waiting rooms in doctors’ offices and hospital emergency rooms. Fortunately, most people who get sick with a virus can recover safely at home.
Visit this webpage in English and Spanish to learn more about how to recover at home if you feel sick and when to contact your medical provider.
Additional resources include
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Cooking with Kids Foundation
Lafayette Community Center Kitchen
500 St. Mary’s Rd Lafayette, CA 94549
Busy Bee Cooks
Dates: April 13 - May 25, 2023, 1-3 PM
Ages: 5 & 6 yrs
Class: $383
Mat fee: $50
Menu: breads, soups, salads, main courses, and of course dessert.
We Teach Your Kids to Cook
Dates: April 13 - May 25, 2023, 4-6 PM
Ages: 7 - 12 yrs
Class: $383
Mat fee: $50
Menu: breads, soups, salads, main courses, and of course dessert.
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Fundraise with the Oakland Athletics!
Add a fundraising element to support your organization for any group of 15 or more people. This is available for ANY Oakland Athletics home game, but it does come with added fees, estimated to be between $2-$6 per ticket. Parking can be added on when attendees are in the process of checking out.
Below are the Super Saver game dates that are eligible for non-profits, schools, and fundraising groups of 15 or more people. Tickets are available in the Coliseum in sections; Field Level ($15 per ticket), Plaza Level ($10 per ticket), and Plaza Outfield Level ($10 per ticket). With any group purchase, you have the option to add on a fundraising component. This fundraising element can be easily incorporated by adding on to the ticket cost, so when your attendees are checking out, they can see that their ticket price includes a donation to the fundraising group.
Angels 4/1; Cubs 4/17; Reds 4/28; Reds 4/29; Mariners 5/2; Rangers 5/12 - AAPI Night; Diamondbacks 5/17; Rays 6/14; White Sox 7/1; Twins 7/14 - African American Heritage Night; Rangers 8/7; Rangers 8/9; Orioles 8/20
Contact Carly Wade at cwade@athletics.com with any questions/inquiries regarding anything A's ticket-related or to get seats locked in for the upcoming season!
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Sometimes it Takes a Village
Lamorinda Village is a membership organization of like-minded senior residents who are dedicated to building a community that engages and empowers its members to thrive as they age. Established in 2015, we support our members with innovative ways to live well and safely in their homes. Led by a dynamic group of long-standing residents of the community and a committed team of volunteers, we offer:
· Wide variety of local social activities and events
· Educational presentations often with recognized experts in their field
· Essential services provided by volunteers or vetted vendors.
Our volunteers are the foundation of Lamorinda Village. We always welcome individuals from the community who are interested in helping our older neighbors with your time and expertise.
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Did You Know?
In case you did not already know, the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building is home to the largest variety of events in Contra Costa County! From Weddings, Mitzvah’s, business meetings, to Celebrations of Life, the Veterans Building hosts those type of events and more.
Since reopening after the Covid shutdown, the Veterans Building is once again THE place to rent for your next event – and NO you do not have to be a Veteran to hold your gathering in our beautiful facility. Not only can you hold your event in the building, but we can help to make it all happen with suggestions for a caterer, decorations, or a DJ or musicians to make your party downright memorable. To take a site tour or get more information, please contact our Building Director Eileen Lawrence at 925-283-1153 or at info@lafayetteveterans.org.
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Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events!
March
April
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Quick Links to Lafayette Chamber Resources
Please note: to signup via text you will be asked for your birthdate. This information is not stored, it is only used for verify you are over 21 years of age.
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Sara Regan, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office hours by appointment only:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Closed M-Thr 12:30-1pm for lunch.
(925) 284-7404
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