Supporting Our Nonprofits

March 2022

Presented by the Lafayette Chamber
Lafayette Chamber Announcements
Two recipients, Thomas and Fraser, awarded Lafayette Citizen of the Year

By Lou Fancher, Lamorinda Weekly.com
March 2, 2022

The 2022 Lafayette Citizen of the Year announced in mid-February has been awarded to not one, but two exceptional residents: longtime science teacher and crusader for environmental sustainability Janet Thomas, and Bill Fraser, whose astute guidance and deep humanity as an athletic coach and Scouts leader has influenced generations of young people in the community.


PLEASE NOTE: tickets for the dinner are now sold out.
Lafayette Chamber Connectors!
Wednesday, March 16, 4:30pm, online via Zoom

Join us for a unique take on networking. 
 
This group discusses current challenges members are having with their business, big or small. Share your ideas and fresh perspectives with other members. Participation is encouraged and appreciated. We are ALL in this together!
 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
"Coffee" with City of Lafayette Mayor Teresa Gerringer

The Lafayette Chamber will host, via Zoom, "Coffee" with the City of Lafayette Mayor Teresa Gerringer on the following dates in 2022: 

• Friday, March 25, 8am REGISTER HERE
• Friday, May 27, 8am
• Friday, July 29, 8am
 
Registration is required for each date for that day's Zoom link, when available registration can be completed at https://lafayettechamber.org/coffee. Questions can be sent in advance to holly@lafayettechamber.org.
 
Recordings will be made available shortly after the event on the Lafayette Chamber's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/lafayettechamberca.
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>>
Upcoming Events & Special Announcements
from our Nonprofit Chamber Members
Please consider supporting our various nonprofits.
Our Arts Community email blast (many of which are also nonprofits) will be sent Friday, March 11.
Have an event to share with our community? Add it to our Community Calendar!
A Brighter Day Charity

A Brighter Day Charity is excited to host our 6th Annual Golf Tournament, shedding light on Teen Mental Health Awareness! Grab your golfing pals and come to enjoy a fun day on the green at Callippee Preserve Golf Course on Friday, June 24th at 11:30 am.

A Brighter Day has raised awareness over the last six years and has become a powerful force in preventing teen suicide. All proceeds will be used to drive positive change in the lives of teens and their parents, provide valuable learning resources and community events, and spread the word that there is always a brighter day.

Build brand awareness by becoming a sponsor, display your company name on our banners and website, and network with an awesome crowd of golfers. You can also come by to volunteer for a good cause or simply make a donation. Look forward to plenty of laughs, appetizers and refreshments, and a little friendly competition. No matter how you join in, it’s sure to be a tee-rific day for everyone!

For more information, please visit www.ABrighterDay.info
Assistance League’s Sunshine Boxes Receives Repeated Grant

The Sunshine Boxes Program does not merely provide food; it nurtures at a deeper level.

Assistance League of Diablo Valley President Suzi Geldin and Grants Committee Member Liz Haag accepted the generous donation from Drysdale Community Foundation with profound thanks.

As a result of Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s Program Research and Development Committee’s indefatigable efforts, Operation School Bell’s® Sunshine Boxes originated in 2019. This program now provides 500 shelf stable weekend meals per month to identified students in the Pittsburg School District. There are 75 dedicated program members serving on the Sunshine Boxes committee, while Assisteens help with box construction, which result in 10 deliveries each year.

On February 9, Sunshine Boxes received another grant of $4,200 from Drysdale Community Foundation, which was funded by donations from individual agents with Berkshire Hathaway Home Financial Services Drysdale Properties as an expression of their personal commitment to the communities in which they serve.” 

As with all hands-on programs, Sunshine Boxes benefits from Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s Thrift Shop at the Way Side Inn, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette. To learn more, please visit this website: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.
Photo: Assistance League of Diablo Valley President Suzi Geldin and Grants Committee Member Liz Haag accepted the generous donation from Drysdale Community Foundation with profound thanks.
Alzheimer's Association


Achieve your higher purpose and make a difference each and every day for those impacted by Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer's Association has been ranked as a Best Non-Profit to Work For by The Non-Profit Times every year since 2010.
Bay Area Crisis Nursery

BACN is holding a virtual donation drive to assist us in filling our food pantry. When you donate to the Nursery, you help families put food on the table.

You can help by ordering from our wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RFD6OMZ9JJXB?ref_=wl_share
BeingwellCA

BeingwellCA distributed much needed student journals to the Wellness Centers at Acalanes, Miramonte and Campolindo this week. Madhappy of Los Angeles donated $9,000 worth of these outstanding guided journals to our youth.

Next week, BeingwellCA will be at Las Lomas for their Wellness Fair and presenting a Parent Education on preparing your student for college challenges that evening.


Have you signed up to support SB21 the Mental Health Awareness License Plate?
If not, please go to https://beingwellca.org today!
Cancer Support Community's annual Hope Walk is where you can walk from anywhere the week of May 15 and join CSC in-person to walk and celebrate on May 21st!
Register today: www.hopewalkbayarea.net
Return of CASA's Evening of Promise Gala In-person
Saturday, October 22, 6 - 10 pm, Round Hill Country Club, Alamo

CASA of Contra Costa County is excited to announce the return of their annual Evening of Promise Gala in-person benefiting children in foster care! After two years of shifting to a virtual event as a result of the pandemic, CASA is cautiously optimistic about returning to an in-person event. The annual Evening of Promise Gala is the biggest fundraiser of the year for CASA. Mark your calendar and save the date for what promises to be a fun-filled event.
Cooking with Kids Foundation

Cooking with Kids Foundation's mission: "Is to transform the lives children by teaching the very important life skill of cooking and eating healthy food." 
 
Come and join in the fun!
 
Lafayette Community Center
Busy Bee Cooks
April 14 - May 26, 2022 we make 2 recipes per class
Activity # 11413
Day: Thursday, # of Weeks: 7, Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM 
Ages 4 & 5 yrs
 
We Teach Your Kids to Cook
Activity # 11414
Day: Thursday, # of wks: 7, Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Ages: 6 - 10 yrs
500 St. Mary's Rd. Kitchen, Lafayette CA 94549
(925) 284-2232
 
Orinda Community Center
28 Orinda Way, Orinda CA. 94563
Room 4 kitchen
5 day Mexican Dinner Camp
Dated: April 4 - 8 , 2022, 9 - 12 PM  
Bar Code: 5539 
Ages: 6 - 10 yrs
(925) 254-2445
 
If parents have any additional questions they may call (925) 932-1114 or (925) 212-9771
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. New Store Hours!
 
M-Th 10am-6pm
F 10am-5pm
S 10am-4pm
Su Closed
 
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.
 
Interested? Send an email to friendscornerbookshop@gmail.com.
Hope Solutions: The Heart of Housing & Services
 
At Hope Solutions, (formerly Contra Costa Interfaith Housing), we envision a world in which everyone has a place to call home and the support of a strong community so that they can live with dignity and reach their full potential.
New Date! Our Annual Gala, Ruby Slippers - There’s No Place Like Home will now be Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Blackhawk Museum. Tickets are on sale now. We are also looking for donations for our silent auction. Consider creating an auction basket with your friends or community group. A list of suggestions and sign-up can be found here.

Volunteer Opportunities:
After-School Program Volunteers Needed: We are looking for patient and compassionate volunteers to provide academic support and mentoring for the children in our after-school program. We ask volunteers to commit to one afternoon per week (Monday-Thursday) through May at one of our four sites: Pleasant Hill, Concord, Pittsburg, or Bay Point.
 
If you are interested in becoming a Homework Club volunteer tutor, please complete our interest form: https://www.hopesolutions.org/volunteer-interest.

To see a full list of our current involvement opportunities
 
If you have any questions about any of our volunteer opportunitiesplease contact Sandibel Arnold at sarnold@hopesolutions.org or call (925) 788-3676.
 
Hope Solutions Career Opportunities:
We invite you to join us help reach our mission to heal the effects of poverty and homelessness. Come join our passionate and fun team. We have several open positions at Hope Solutions, including:

Learn more about all our career opportunities, by visiting: https://www.hopesolutions.org/career-opportunities.
Celebrating Spring and All Things Green Event! 
 
Have a green thumb and want to find some new goods for your garden? Stop by any of our six local thrift shoppes March 25-27 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 Hospice East Bay 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 Lafayette Chamber 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.
Family Harvest Farm Volunteer Workday
Friday, March 18 10am-2pm

Volunteer at Family Harvest Farm, John Muir Land Trust’s thriving urban organic farm located in Pittsburg, California where youth and adults participate in a local regenerative food system. Work alongside farm staff and other volunteers pulling weeds, mulching, and other farm activities. The day will start off with a tour and orientation followed by getting your hands dirty. Lunch is from 12:30-1:00pm and the day wraps up at 2pm.

Lafayette Community Foundation Excellence Grants Application

The Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF) has extended its Excellence Grants application deadline to April 30, 2022. For more than 20 years, LCF 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 LCF and the work it does to support local nonprofits, please visit www.lafayettecf.org.
Introducing Community Day
 
Come Together Lafayette to embrace communitarianism* by participating in a citywide community service day on Saturday, June 4. 

Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF), The City of Lafayette and Lafayette Chamber of Commerce are partnering for Lafayette’s first Community Day. This special day includes a morning welcome in Park Plaza and then an opportunity for volunteerism in which community members can sign up in advance for a work party for a select volunteer project. Afterward, everyone is invited to come back together at Park Plaza for a Community Day celebration that includes information about the participating nonprofits, activities, BBQ, a live band and the chance to recognize all those who helped make this new annual event a big success!

Mark your calendars and plan to roll up your sleeves on June 4th. Please visit www.lafayettecf.org for more details as they unfold and email communityday@lafayettecf.org with any initial questions or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

*Communitarianism is an ideology that emphasizes the responsibility of the individual to the community and the social importance of the family.
Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation

Lafayette Library programs are only possible thanks to our generous donors. If you value great storytelling and believe in the power of Library’s to inspire, enrich and change lives, please consider making a gift today.

Your support ensures we can continue to offer meaningful programs throughout the year. Many past events are available to watch anytime on the Lafayette Library YouTube channel.  You’ll be inspired, informed and entertained! http://www.LLLCF.org
Support Lafayette Schools!
 
Are you an expert in your field? Lafayette Partners in Education is looking for professionals to judge Project LPIE, an annual event that showcases and acknowledges Acalanes High School students for their project-based learning. Students compete in 13 categories including: 2D Art, Drawing/Painting, 3D FineArt/Applied Design, Acting, Creative Writing, Digital Design, Digital Photography, Editorial Writing, Entrepreneurship, Instrumental Music, Journalism, Science/Engineering/Environmentalism, Video Production, and Vocal Music. Please click HERE for more information about how to be a part of this community event!
Spring Programs and Summer Camp Registration Opens March 14th

Lafayette Recreation has a lot in store this Spring & Summer! Camps include Legos, art, engineering, chess, singing, dancing, sewing, carpentry, Camp Awesome, Tiny Tots & MORE! Adult & kids classes will be offered throughout the Spring & Summer too. Registration opens March 14th at 12:01am. Visit www.LafayetteRec.org or call 925-284-2232 to register.
Lafayette War Veterans, Inc. - Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building

The Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building is now accepting reservations. For information on booking an event, contact Building Director for info 925-283-1153 or info@lafayetteveterans.org
Upcoming CERT Classes
 
Lamorinda CERT has resumed in-person Basic CERT classes!

While it is too late to register for the Winter class, we invite residents to register for the Fall class starting in September 2022 in Lafayette. The Fall class series will be on Thursday nights from 9/8 – 11/3 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at the Lafayette Community Center. The subjects covered in the class include: personal and home preparedness for all-hazard emergencies; utility, hazardous materials and fire safety; disaster medical response; light search and rescue; Incident Command System; disaster psychology; terrorism; radio communications and pet preparedness. To register go to: https://classes.lamorindacert.org. If Thursday nights are inconvenient, the Winter 2023 class series will be held on Tuesday nights 1/10 – 3/7 also at the Lafayette Community Center.

The Lamorinda CERT website provides a wealth of information regarding resources and supplies in addition to class particulars. With wildfire season approaching, we encourage all residents to visit the site at www.lamorindacert.org. The Lamorinda CERT Foundation sells water storage drums in various sizes as well as fire extinguishers, GMRS and HAM hand held radios, and utility shutoff tools. All residents are urged to have an emergency supply of drinking water in case our community water supply is disrupted by a major event (earthquake). To purchase water drums, fire extinguishers, radios or shut off tools go to the Lamorinda CERT website: https://supplies.lamorindacert.org.

With wildfire season approaching, it’s time to get prepared!
Lamorinda Spirit Van

The Lamorinda Spirit Senior Transportation Program provides rides for older adults who live in Lamorinda. If you have 4 hours every week or two, we would love for you to join us as a Volunteer Driver. We are also looking for a part time paid Dispatcher to talk to passengers and schedule rides. Please contact mbruns@lovelafayette.org for more information. If you are a Lamorinda resident, age 60+ or have a disability and need a ride within Central Contra Costa, please contact dispatch@lovelafayette.org.
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. 
 
We invite you to reach out to us to learn more about our organization for yourself, for your neighbor OR to become a volunteer at: info@lamorindavillage.org. Visit us at: www.lamorindavillage.org.
Las Trampas
 
To those of you who joined us for our last Virtual Tour of Las Trampas’ new state-of-the-art campus this week, we certainly hope you enjoyed seeing how far we’ve come!

For those of you who missed it, or would like to share with your family and friends, please share this link http://ow.ly/VvoA50I8mxu.

As we mentioned, this was our LAST Virtual Tour. This April, we’re ready to throw open our doors and show you our new facility in person! Please keep an eye out for the invitation to our Grand Opening Celebration!
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.
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa ROCK OUT HUNGER Gala 

You are invited to our largest fundraiser of the year! Cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, silent auction, special guest speaker and dancing to the 925 Band!

Saturday, March 26, 2022, 5:30pm to 10:30pm, Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville, CA.

Please join us! Tickets - $150/Table of 10 - $1500. Sponsorships Also Available.


Loaves and Fishes will be celebrating its Expansion Plan and New Mobile Delivery Vehicle. Come check out our new mobile unit and hear about how Loaves and Fishes is reaching more people in need!
MCE

MCE’s Board of Directors recognized Sustainable Contra Costa as the 2021 honoree of the Charles F. McGlashan Advocacy Award for their partnership and ongoing commitment to environmental justice and community choice. Read the article here.

Installing solar panels at your home or business reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers your monthly energy bill. Pairing solar with battery storage can increase these benefits even more because excess energy produced during the day is stored for evening use. Read the article here.
Mindful Littles' first in-person service learning event of 2022 was a wonderful success!

Around 40 people, including 15 kids, assembled Comfort Care Kits to support parents of ill children at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital - Oakland. As we heard from a few participants, the Care Kits and Compassion Cards we wrote make a big difference when you're caring for a sick loved one. Thanks so much to Joy In Motion for hosting us and ou amazing volunteers and several youth volunteers for helping out. Thanks as well, to Lamorinda Toothbuds, the students at The College Preparatory School in Oakland and the Geary and Camino Starbucks for collecting supplies! If you’d like to sponsor one of our community service learning events, please contact Hannah Jacobs at HannahJacobs@mindfullittles.org.
Learn more at www.mindfullittles.org.
Host a Drive for Monument Crisis Center

Monument Crisis Center is accepting travel-sized toiletry donations on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9am-noon.

Help families in our community by donating or hosting a drive. The most-needed items are: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. All items must be new and unopened. Donations can be dropped off at 1990 Market Street in Concord.

To find out more about hosting a drive, visit: https://monumentcrisiscenter.org/host-a-drive.
Do you want to help your neighbors?

Mobility Matters is a nonprofit that gives rides to Seniors and Veterans in Contra Costa County.

Volunteer Drivers are needed to take seniors grocery shopping and to medical appointments. Volunteers must be 25 to 75 years old.

Call Mobility Matters at (925) 284-2215 for additional details.
MVPC
At the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church

Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School registration is open as of April 1st. Please visit www.mvpctoday.org to register. VBS will run June 6-10th. If you would like to volunteer, registration is open on the website for volunteers. 
MVPC
Run Your Race
Join us on March 9, 2022 to start your Spring with renewed vision and emboldened faith! We are thrilled to have Ruthie Kim, founder of Because Justice Matters, as our speaker for the evening.

Whether you are working out of the house, single or married, parent or non-parent, Ruthie will speak to your heart with clarity and inspiration. Learning from the lives of the heroes of faith who have come before us, Ruthie will help us uncover the exciting story of faith we’re all invited to take part in, and how each one of us can run our race well! Sign up to reserve your spot for this free event, hosted by MVPC’s Women’s Ministries, and tell your friends!

To register for this free event, visit: www.mvpctoday.org

Easter Sunday Services: April 17 9am and 10:30am
Come join us at one of our two Sunday Easter Services at MVPC. There will be fun activities for the kids to teach them about the meaning of Easter.  
MVPC
Kids Alive to the Dominican Republic
MVPC is bringing back our summer service trip with Kids Alive to the Dominican Republic this summer July 8-16th. More information on registration to come. If you would like more information, please contact: rbassett@mvpctoday.org This trip will be limited to 15 participants so please reach out if you are interested.  
From the Orinda Association

Orinda's 4th of July Parade
Remember last summer how much fun you had at the 4th of July Parade? We are starting our 4th of July Parade planning now.  If you are interested in planning or helping with the 2022 parade, please contact The Orinda Association at oa@OrindaAssociation.org.

Read the most recent issue of The Orinda News! Go to www.theorindanews.com.
OLLI @Berkeley's spring term starts soon! 

Explore Paris, Berkeley, cultural astronomy, great music, great films, great leadership (many greats), resistance poetry and more — fascinating and enlightening courses tailor-made for the 50+ learner. You must be an OLLI member to register. We'd love to have you join us online, in person in downtown Berkeley, or both! Learn more and sign up.
Rotary Club of Lafayette

Join the Lafayette Rotary at their weekly meetings on Thursdays! Every Thursday from 12:15 – 1:30 pm at the Oakwood Athletic Club. Each week we feature a different guest speaker in addition to regular club business. Guests are always welcome! If you are interested in checking us out, email jay@lafayettechamber.org for more info.
 
Concert at the Reservoir! Mark your calendars. After two years ‘off’, we are happy to announce the return of our annual concert at the Lafayette Reservoir. Come enjoy music from Acalanes, Stanley, Town Hall, Rossmore Big Band and more- Saturday, May 14th . 
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary is proud to announce the return of HOME Team! This free service provides local seniors with "fix-it" help on projects around their homes. To schedule a visit, please go to http://www.rotaryhometeam.com or call 888.204.5573.
Rotary cashes in on donated vehicles: Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club is firing on all cylinders with a vehicle donation program that in every instance is win-win.

Called Cars2ndChance (C2C), it was started 13 years ago by Dave Kemnitz, owner of D&H Enterprises, an auto repair shop in Concord. At the time C2C was conceived, Kemnitz was a member of the Clayton Valley Concord Rotary Club. He has since transferred to Lamorinda Sunrise.

C2C will accept motor vehicles of all descriptions – automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats, even jet skis – provided that there is a valid title. They can be in any condition, including not running. C2C will arrange for vehicle pickup at no charge.

The program has yielded substantial revenue for Lamorinda Sunrise and for partnering entities. There are over 80 charity partners to choose from, including many chamber members.

If you have a vehicle you wish to donate, call (925) 360-5260 or visit https://cars2ndchance.com/donate to submit an online donation form. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. If your organization is a non-profit 501(c)(3) you may be eligible to become a C2C charity partner. Please call (925) 360-5260 to inquire.

Kemnitz calls C2C “one of the most worthwhile programs I have been involved in all my years as a Rotarian. For the prospective donor, it’s a no-brainer. For Rotary, it’s precious revenue used to fund community service projects.” He adds, “everyone knows someone that has a car they don’t need.”

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Meetings are held every Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building OR Zoom Link at https://lamorindasunrise.org/speakers. Guests are always welcome. 
Register for Sunflower Hill's virtual cooking classes!

Last chance to register for Sunflower Hill's online cooking class! Designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Teacher Abby's 8-week Skill Building Cooking Class is perfect for budding chefs. Participants will engage in live, virtual lessons that teach cooking basics such as following a recipe, measuring ingredients, practicing safe knife skills, and cooking with heat. Classes start in April. Details and registration HERE
Sustainable Contra Costa invites you to the following events!

No Drilling Contra Costa Youth March & Rally
Saturday, March 12th, Antioch Community Center

Did you know that NEW oil drilling projects are being proposed here in Contra Costa? Please join Sustainable Contra Costa in building a greener, healthier, fossil fuel-free future. Let’s stop the expansion of fossil fuel production right in our own backyard! The No Drilling Contra Costa Youth March and Rally will take place on Saturday, March 12th, at the Antioch Community Center. We’ll march 1.2 miles on a trail along Lone Tree Way and then join a rally on the right-hand side of the Antioch Community Center parking lot. The rally will feature speakers, music, art, an informational fair, and a supervised, fenced-in playground for young children. We hope you’ll join us. REGISTER HERE
Green Sofa Cinema presents "The Burden- Fossil Fuel, the Military, and National Security"
Wednesday, March 16th - online discussion
The Burden, has been called “the most effective communications tool ever made for shifting the debate on clean energy as one of urgent national security.” The film underscores the U.S. military dependence on oil. Our military is the largest global institutional producer of greenhouse gas emissions. Ironically, our military is also the largest provider of first responders to address global natural disasters averaging emergency & rescue operations every 2 weeks. Settle onto a comfy sofa to watch the film on your own, then join us for an online discussion with energy consultant and retired military officer Andrea Marr on March 16th. REGISTER FOR THE DISCUSSION HERE
SUSTAINABLE LAFAYETTE AND PROJECT EARTH HOST FREE SCREENING OF “IDLE THREAT” AT TOWN HALL THEATRE
 
Sustainable Lafayette and Stanley Middle School’s Project Earth team up for first movie screening at Town Hall Theatre in over two years. The film, “Idle Threat”, follows its director/producer George Pakenham as he brings the attention of New York motorists to the dangers caused to the environment by idling cars. Following the film Project Earth will lead a youth panel to discuss the film and ways we can combat the effects of vehicle exhaust on a local level.

George Pakenham’s film premiered at the 13th Woodstock Film Festival in 2012 and has been screened around this country ever since. In the film Pakenham, who has been called a “Verdant Vigilante”, captures his crusade to confront drivers around New York City and make them aware that their idling vehicles – cars, buses, trucks – all contribute to inflated gas prices and illnesses like asthma.

Sustainable Lafayette has had a long relationship with Town Hall Theatre where they have presented short films and talks on environmental issues. This presentation will be the first Sustainable Lafayette has hosted at Town Hall since March 2020. “Idle Threat” is being present for free thanks to Sustainable Lafayette.

This is the first time Sustainable Lafayette is teaming up with Project Earth to present a film-and-panel event. Project Earth is comprised of students from Stanley Middle School who have taken on the mission to get Lafayette parents to stop idling during school pick-up and drop-off. These youth activists will lead a discussion about the threat of car exhaust especially near schools, the benefits of adding bike lanes to existing roadways, what individual community members can do to cut down on air pollution, and other topics.

Tickets are available at https://www.townhalltheatre.com.

SAVE THE DATE! Lafayette Earth Day Festival - Saturday, April 30, 11am-2pm on Golden Gate Way by the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Learn more at https://www.sustainablelafayette.org.
White Pony Express

White Pony Express (WPE), the food rescue organization serving Contra Costa County, is bringing attention to their mission to eliminate hunger and protect the environment with their spring campaign “Save the Planet - Feed your Neighbor” just in time for Earth Day on April 22. 
 
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food waste pollutes the air to the same extent as global road transport emissions. The U.S. discards more food than any other country in the world: almost 40 million tons each year. 40% of the food we produce is thrown out. This food – produced and never consumed – wastes the water and energy required to produce it and produces massive amounts of methane.
 
The good news is there’s a solution that not only prevents the dangerous environmental impacts of food waste, it can also wipe out food insecurity for good. WPE’s Food Rescue Program connects surplus food to those who need it most.  
 
There are two ways the community can join the movement to protect the planet and end food insecurity: 1. DONATE: Every donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000. 2. VOLUNTEER: A core dynamic of the WPE model is engaging people’s natural desire to be of service to others. Learn more here: VOLUNTEER | whiteponyexpress.
Wishers and Dreamers Inc.

Help Wishers and Dreamers Inc. (501c3 Nonprofit) put smiles on faces of children in the hospital by purchasing items of our Amazon Wish List or a monetary donation. Wishers and Dreamers sends Hospital Doll Gown to children all over the world for their little buddy or doll. Many children in the hospital bring their favorite doll, stuffy, or little buddy to be by their side during their surgery or treatments. The WishersandDreamers.org gown is used as a comfort item, encouragement, and a teaching tool by many children’s hospitals.
 
To make a monetary donation please visit WishersandDreamers.org or
 
Checks are accepted as well. Please make checks payable to: Wishers and Dreamers Inc. 31915 Rancho California Road Ste 200-407 Temecula, CA 92591
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for helping put smiles on children’s faces. Wishers and Dreamers Inc. (501c3 Nonprofit) sends to children suffering from illness, disease, disabling condition, or fighting medical challenges a hospital gown for their doll, bear, or little buddy to be used as a comfort item, encouragement, and a teaching tool for FREE. 
Save the date for Youth HomesPicnic in the Park fundraiser and celebration June 18, 2022 at Shadelands Ranch Museum, Walnut Creek. Tickets and information available at youthhomes.org.

Quick Links to Lafayette Chamber Resources







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Lafayette Chamber Logo
Jay Lifson, Executive Director 
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office hours by appointment only:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm

(925) 284-7404