Supporting Our Nonprofits

May 2023

Presented by the Lafayette Chamber
Lafayette Chamber Announcements
Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events!


Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll May 16 5pm SOLD OUT! Join us for music Plaza Park.

JUNE
Rock the Plaza Concert Series Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 6pm-8pm
Ribbon Cutting at The Fish Barn (Orinda) June 10 11am
LAST IN OUR SPRING SPEAKER SERIES:
Hiring and Managing a Multigenerational Workforce

Tuesday, May 2, Noon-1pm, Hosted by Town Hall Theatre **IN PERSON ONLY**
Speaker: Katie Santos, Katie Santos Consulting-Fitness HR

Katie Santos is a wellness business consultant who specializes in Human Resources and getting you organized. She loves helping studios, restaurants, and many other businesses streamline the running of their teams. She's created the processes, templates, and strategies to enable you to get rid of the stress and get back to what you love doing. With 18 years of experience in small business staffing in multiple states, her passion is helping businesses balance and maintain realistic and achievable goals.

Please be sure to register for this event as there is limited seating.
FREE Live Music in Lafayette Plaza Park

The Lafayette Chamber’s spring signature event, the Taste of Lafayette Restaurant Stroll, is sold out but the community is invited to free music in Lafayette Plaza Park on Tuesday, May 16, 5pm-7pm. Acalanes Community Music will start the evening off at 5pm followed by local ModernTone Studios' musicians, 5:30pm-7pm. Bring a picnic or pickup takeout from a local restaurant as well as your lawn chair and join us in downtown Lafayette for a lovely musical evening. Learn more here.
Rock the Plaza Summer Concert Series 2023

Our FREE downtown concerts return Friday evenings in June, 6pm-8pm in Lafayette Plaza Park!

Join us for Rock the Plaza!
Friday, June 2: Sausalito
Friday, June 9: The 925 Band
Friday, June 16: Hot Dog Chicken
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>>
NONPROFIT EMAIL BLAST IS SPONSORED BY

Did you miss our Arts Community email blast? Read it here!
Have an event to share with our community? Add it to our Community Calendar!
FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENT
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 [email protected].
Upcoming Events & Special Announcements from our Nonprofit Community
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.  

Friends Corner Book Shop is having a half price sale! 
Saturday, April 29, every book in the shop will be 50% off. Shop hours are 10am-4pm. 
Proceeds support the collection, programs, and services of the Lafayette Library. 
 
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm
Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday10am-4pm
Sunday Closed
 
Book donations are gratefully accepted in the designated grey cabinets inside the Library parking garage. 
 
The Friends website has more information about what items can be accepted. 
Free Bike Clothing Repair

Don't toss it, fix it! Come see Sustainable Contra Costa, at the Moraga Community Faire for FREE clothing repair. Bring one item for repair or slight alteration. Materials will be provided. Visit MoragaChamber.org/CommunityFaire to check out the schedule of events and explore the many interesting and interactive booths to see and enjoy.
Family Harvest Farm Plant Sale + Farm Tour
 
Come for the plants, stay for the tour! Family Harvest Farm's spring plant sale will have what you need to kickstart your garden: tomatoes, peppers, melons, flower plants, and produce. Time to amend that soil and get those beds ready! We also will be offering tours of the farm on both days of the plant sale. Sign up in advance to join a farm tour on Saturday, April 29 at 12:30pm. For more information and to sign up visit: https://give.jmlt.org/plantsale
Hospice Thrift Shoppes Annual Jewelry Event!

Do you love jewelry or want to find a gift for someone special? Stop by any of the Hospice East Bay six thrift shoppes May 5th - May 7th for our Jewelry Event! Check out our amazing selection of handbags, shoes, and other gifts just in time for Mother’s Day. 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! 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 
Lafayette Nursery School’s 46th Annual Science Day of Discovery on May 6th!

Make a volcano explode, shoot a rocket, make slime, dig for dinosaur bones and test your senses! These are just a few of the many hands-on activities at the 46th annual Lafayette Nursery School Science Day. Experiments are designed for children preschool age through third grade. It’s a great experience for the whole family. Proceeds are donated to a local math or science-based charity.

Saturday, May 6th, 2023, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Lafayette Nursery School, 979 First Street, Lafayette. $5 per child. More Information: Call Lafayette Nursery School at 925-284-2448 or visit the website at www.lafayettenurseryschool.org
The Lafayette Juniors 24th Annual Lifestyle Tour

Don’t miss The Lafayette Juniors 24th Annual Lifestyle Tour Saturday, May 6th, 10 am – 3 pm. Tour five beautiful Lafayette homes for a great cause, with masterfully designed, unique, elegant and awe-inspiring living spaces. The Tour benefits A Brighter Day, Assistance League Diablo Valley and Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area. Tickets are $65, and a box lunch will be available for $15. More information at www.lafayettejuniors.orgPURCHASE TICKETS HERE >>
SPEED CROQUET!

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary invites you to be part of our new SPEED CROQUET event. It will take place on May 6 from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Lafayette Reservoir. Aside from a $7 parking fee, it’s completely FREE.

Speed Croquet is a fast-paced game that is perfect for all ages and skill levels. We encourage everyone to come out and join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and great company.
 
Please register a team if you, your friends, family, colleagues, or staff wish to “compete” in what promises to be a zany event. Only one person per team needs to register.

Spectators are also welcome to come and watch the games and cheer on the players – no RSVP is required. The day wraps up with Cosmo, a real pro who performs magic with a message; he educates, motivates, and inspires children of all ages. More details can be found on the event website.
 
So, gather your family and friends and come join us for an exciting day at the Lafayette Reservoir. Let’s make this a day to remember! Help us support Lamorinda middle school children’s programs with an emphasis on wellness! Thank you, and we hope to see you all there!
Comedy in the Park

Youth Homes hopes to see you on May 6th at 6pm for Comedy in the Park with comedian "Chicago Steve" Barkley. Join us at Shadelands Ranch Museum in Walnut Creek for a fully outdoor evening of music, food, craft beer, local wines, fantastic raffle prizes and auction items, and live comedy. Visit https://youthhomes.org/comedy-in-the-park-2023 to learn more and purchase your tickets now!
Lamorinda Wine Fair

Join the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association for an afternoon of wine tasting, food, and entertainment! Taste Lamorinda Appellation wines from Thal Vineyards, Meadowview Winery, Los Arabis Winery, Raisin d'Etre Vineyards, Deer Hill Vineyards, St Romedius, and Tarabrook Winery.

May 7 12-5 in the Wine Thieves parking lot on Mount Diablo Boulevard. Tickets start at $35 and are on sale now. We expect to sell out so get in early! Prices go up at the door. https://www.tinyurl.com/LWGAMay7
Girls Crushing It 6th Annual Pop-up Shop
 
Support more than 60 young entrepreneurs (ages 8-18) selling one-of-a-kind goods on Sunday, May 7 from 2:00-5:00PM at the Orinda Library Plaza. Great gifts for Moms & Grads! Games, face painting, family friendly DJ and more games plus prizes. For more information click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girls-crushing-it-spring-pop-up-shop-tickets-620132271317
Sweet Thursday Author Series

The May Sweet Thursday Author Series invites the community to join us on Thursday, 5/11 at 7:00 pm in the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library to hear John McCormick, author of The Chinese in Napa Valley, discuss his book. Attendance is free, but registration is required at tinyurl.com/sweet-may23.
 
Unearth the origins of Napa Valley’s prosperity. Chinese laborers were once the backbone of Napa Valley. Throughout the 1800s, they toiled in the grape fields, hop farms, leather tanneries, and laundries, and carved out neighborhoods in towns throughout the Valley. These contributions did little to deter discrimination and Anti-Chinese Leagues sprang up to harass and intimidate immigrants like Chan Wah Jack, who ran the successful Sang Lung store in Napa’s Chinatown. In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act hastened the decline of local Chinatowns and these once vibrant communities disappeared while the industries they helped to foster flourished. Join John McCormick and Lafayette City council member, Wei-Tai Kwok, as they uncover the forgotten contributions of the Chinese people in California’s most famous wine region.
 
This is a free event, but registration is required at Tinyurl.com/sweet-May23.The doors will be open at 6:30 for coffee and treats and Orinda Books will be selling copies of the book after the presentation. This program will be presented in-person or via Zoom livestream.
Lafayette Hillside Memorial Community Conversation

The Lafayette Hillside Memorial Board invites you to a community conversation to discuss the future of the Memorial site, which may be sold soon. 

We will share some of the history, talk about the current situation and hopefully receive information from you that will help us decide how to move forward and potentially engage you in the process.

Please join us via ZOOM on Thursday, May 11th, from 7 – 9
Topic: Lafayette Hillside Memorial Community Conversation
Time: May 11, 2023 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
For more information visit www.lafayettehillsidememorial.org
JAZZ CAFE RETURNS TO STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, MAY 12th at 6:00PM 

With a goal of giving a more professional performing experience to budding Lamorinda musicians, the much-anticipated annual Jazz Café returns to Stanley Middle School’s Multi Use Room on Friday, May 12th at 6:00pm. Lamorinda residents have long flocked to the popular “Jazz Café” event to experience a fun (and free) evening of jazz, coffee and dessert.
 
This year’s Café marks the debut of Stanley Middle School’s new music director Todd Minson, who succeeds the legendary Bob Athayde.  Among the student ensembles that will be performing are the Stanley Jazz Crusaders, the Stanley Jazz Messengers, Stanley Chorus, Campo Jazz Ensemble and the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble. Stanley Middle School is located at 3455 School Street in Lafayette. For more information email [email protected].
Underdog Animal Rescue

Underdog Animal Rescue is participating the in Jordan's Way Tour 3 hour Facebook live event at Good To The Bone Dog Co in Martinez on Monday, May 15th, 6-9 pm. We will compete against our foster dogs in eating challenges, bobbing for apples, and other silly games. We are looking for people to play the games and businesses that are willing to make a donation to be featured during the live event. Please help us spread the word about the fundraiser!

Nourish Gala
 
This year the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is rolling out the red carpet at the Blackhawk Country Club. Even Hollywood would be envious – because you’re the stars. Line up your gowns and black ties, mark your calendars and join us for a glamorous gala evening in support of the Food Bank on Saturday, May 20.
 
Tickets are available now for this impactful evening featuring gourmet meals, exclusive gifts and live entertainment. (black-tie optional)
 
Saturday, May 20, 5:30pm-9pm, Creekside Commons, Lafayette

Get your boogie on at Bingo Night with Diablo View Rotary and Sustainable Contra Costa. Your ticket includes a Buffet Dinner, Bingo, Raffles and a 70's-Themed Dance Party. All proceeds to benefit local 501(c)(3) entities. Price: $70 – Includes bingo cards and dauber. More cards available for purchase at the event. REGISTER HERE
Updates in Cancer Screening Guidelines

Screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms. Join this webinar to hear recommendations that will help guide you on when to talk to your doctor about screening for certain cancers, as well as a preventive tips for healthy living. This live webinar will be recorded and sent to those that register.
 
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 11:30am-12:15pm
Register HERE

There will be time for Q&A following the presentation. Please forward this to a friend, client, or colleague. If you are interested in seeing some of our other topics, please see the attached pdf. 
Lafayette's 2nd Annual Community Day
Saturday, June 3
 
Lafayette's three Cs--Community Foundation, City and Chamber of Commerce will once again partner for the second annual Lafayette Community Day. This special day of volunteerism and celebration will include an opportunity for attendees to sign up for day-of volunteer opportunities in the categories of youth development & education, seniors, arts & culture, diversity and kindness and town beautification.

Email [email protected] if:
  • You are a business interested in sponsoring this event. This year there are opportunities for in-kind and financial sponsorships exclusively for small businesses 
  • You are a local nonprofit interested in hosting a volunteer project on Saturday, June 3 and would like to receive a request for proposal

Mark your calendar and plan to roll up your sleeves on June 3. Please visit  lafayettecommunityday.org for more details as they unfold.
Taps & Tacos

You’re invited to Monument Crisis Center’s second annual Taps & Tacos fundraiser! Get a sip of summer with us on June 10, 2023. All proceeds will benefit at-risk families in Contra Costa County.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available: www.fundraiser.support/tapsandtacos
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.
Player registration opened March 1st. Register here!
Trinity Center’s 2023 Spring Fundraiser

Trinity Center’s 2023 Spring Fundraiser is celebrating those who are overcoming the challenges of living unsheltered or unstably housed. Proceeds from this event will fund the vital services Trinity Center offers year round to our marginalized neighbors who seek essential safety net services and next step opportunities for housing / shelter, employment / financial stability, and wellness.

Trinity Center keeps doorways to opportunity open through the generosity and compassion of our supportive community. Your support offers opportunities to transcend devastating circumstances and transform lives.

Please join us on June 15th at Ruth Bancroft Gardens in celebration and support of Trinity Center’s work and mission to be a doorway to opportunity for unsheltered adults in Contra Costa County. Purchase Tickets, Sponsorships, and Donate Auction Gift Cards online.
Your support is vital and appreciated!
Join A Brighter Day Father's Day weekend, June 18th, at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek for our first-ever car show. We have teamed up with Elite Motors and Broadway Plaza to make an incredible impact on teen mental health. Join fellow car enthusiasts and families for a day of revving engines, sleek vehicles, and giving back to our community--all for a great cause. Find out more at https://abrighterday.info/a-brighter-day-car-show-at-broadway-plaza-with-elite-motor-cars/.
The "Boys Are Back In Town"!

The Community Foundation of Lafayette is pleased to announce that local favorite classic rock cover band Other People's Money (OPM to local fans) will entice guests to dance to their favorite songs at the Community Foundation's Summer Soirée September 9 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Amphitheater and Patios. OPM is a perfect match for the event's theme of "Celebrate Community" as the band has been celebrating community by raising more than $300,000 for local schools and nonprofits since it began over 20 years ago. Likewise, the Community Foundation has been celebrating community by connecting generous donors to local nonprofits for over 20 years as well, providing grants of more than $1.2 million.
 
These versatile musicians put on a high-energy show that is not to be missed—with Bill Chan on lead guitar, Tom Velken on bass guitar, Steve Hall on drums, and Kevin Chew on lead vocals. OPM performs throughout California, including the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival and our own Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Premier Stage.

The Summer Soirée is an al fresco fundraising event for the Community Foundation of Lafayette. Party begins at 6pm with a champagne and hors de oeuvres reception, followed by a delicious three-course sit down dinner with wine pairings, decadent dessert bar, live auction, cash bar with signature cocktails and mocktails, and dancing under the stars. Please remember to get your tickets early, this event has sold out previously! Use code “EARLY” at checkout to save $25 per ticket, but only for a limited time!
Special Announcements
CITIZENS' POLICE ACADEMY
Openings available for the next Citizens’ Police Academy submit your application soon.
 
What is a Citizens' Police Academy ?
A Citizens' Police Academy is an opportunity for our residents to learn how the police department functions and what some of our operational procedures are. The program uses a mix of lectures and hands-on experiences much like the police academy that our officers attend. The intent is to provide our residents with an overview of what it is like to be a police officer in the city. The course is not intended to certify a participant as a police officer.
 
The next session starts on Monday, May 22nd at 6:00pm.  Academy sessions are held in the Spring and Fall. Contact Cathy Surges-Moscato at [email protected].
Click here for an application.
CERT Fall Class Registration in Progress

The weather is warming up and wildfire season is approaching. A great way to prepare for wildfires as well as other disasters is to take the Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class series. We invite residents to register for the Fall class starting September 14, 2023 in Orinda. The Fall class series will be held Thursday nights from 9/14 – 11/9 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at the Orinda Community Center. The subjects covered in the class include: personal and home preparedness for all-hazard emergencies, hazardous materials and fire safety; disaster medical response, light search and rescue, Incident Command System, disaster psychology, terrorism, radio communications and pet preparedness. The information you will learn in these classes is key for preparedness and response should disaster strike, and spaces are filling up fast. To register go to: https://classes.lamorindacert.org
Being prepared is essential for the safety of you and your family. Take the CERT class series and learn how to get prepared before the next wildfire or earthquake strikes!

"Ten minutes before the party is not the time to learn to dance" - Snoopy
Lafayette, are you ready for some friendly competition?

Let's work together to establish sustainable habits and reduce waste in the 2023 Lamorinda Zero Waste Challenge! Anyone age 13+ can register to join; but only 1 city will be the winner. Who will it be- Lafayette, Moraga or Orinda? REGISTER TODAY!

How to play:
1. REGISTER TODAY! You'll get an email/text from Sustainable Contra Costa every Monday with the two "Zero Waste Actions of the Week."
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 or 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.
New Grief Support Group for Teens Grieving Suicide Loss
 
Hospice East Bay’s newest support group is meant for high school-age teens coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide. Grief is a complex and personal experience, and it can be especially challenging for teenagers. That's why we've created a safe and supportive space where teens can come together to share their thoughts and feelings with others who understand what they're going through. Meanwhile, our long-standing Bridge program supports younger children, as well as teens, through art, play, talk, and peer support.
 
For more information on either of these offerings, please contact the Bereavement Services Department at Hospice East Bay at (925) 887-5678.
Checkout Trust in Education’s Etsy store for Saffron — Selling Now!
 
Calling all chefs! Elevate your dishes with premium saffron sourced directly from Afghanistan through TIEblueRockShop, and make a difference in the lives of Afghan families.

Our saffron is carefully selected from local Afghan farmers, ensuring that you get the most flavorful and aromatic spice possible. By purchasing our saffron, you're not only adding an exotic and distinctive taste to your dishes, but also supporting Trust in Education, a nonprofit organization based in Lafayette committed to improving the lives of families in Afghanistan.

Moreover, saffron is known for its wide range of health benefits, including its ability to promote digestion and reduce inflammation. It's a perfect addition to any dish, from savory to sweet, and is sure to impress your guests.

Don't settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your ingredients. Trust TIEblueRockShop for your saffron needs and help make a difference in Afghanistan. Place your order today and experience the difference for yourself!
 
To Find out More about Trust in Education, please visit our website: www.trustineducation.org
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:
•         Saklan People Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Lafayette Circle
•         Early Downtown – Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Moraga Rd.
•         Pioneer & Farm Life Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Dolores Dr.
•         Mt. Diablo Boulevard – Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Oak Hill Rd.
•         Early School Days - Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Happy Valley Rd.
•         Leisure Pastimes – Mt. Diablo Blvd. and First St.
•         Tunnels, Roads & Rails Mt. Diablo Blvd. & Dewing Ave
 
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:
•         City of Lafayette webpage: www.lovelafayette.org/why-lafayette/175plus
•         Lafayette Historical Society webpage: lafayettehistory.org/celebrating-175-years
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 
Tutors Needed for Local Foster Youth

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is seeking current or retired teachers, paraeducators, and tutors to work with local children and youth in foster care.  CASA Tutors provide high quality, consistent, and accessible educational support using volunteers trained in trauma informed practices. Email [email protected] or call 925-256-7284 ext. 7 to learn more about our program and our upcoming training opportunities. 
Lamorinda Spirit Van Senior Transportation Program

Lamorinda Spirit Van provides door to and through door rides to Lamorinda residents ages 60+ and persons with disabilities. We take pride in helping the seniors in our community remain independent and able to stay in their own homes.

Shopping Shuttle - We now offer a door-to-door shopping shuttle service every Thursday FREE of charge to residents of Lafayette ages 60 +!

Enjoy a Nourishing Meal in a Social Setting – Lamorinda Spirit Van provides rides to lunch at Café Costa at the Walnut Creek Senior Center Monday-Wednesday and Friday, as well as Lamorinda Movers monthly Dinner complete with cocktails and entertainment.
To learn more or to schedule a ride to medical appointments, personal appointments, errands, or anything else, contact us at 925-283-3534 or [email protected].
 
Volunteer Opportunities
The Lamorinda Spirit Van is looking for the following:
·        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.
·        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.

Interested? Contact us at (925) 284-5546 or [email protected].

As members of our community, experiencing your love in action – your “yes!” – means the world to us at White Pony Express. This month, we announced the launch of our “Say YES to White Pony Expressspring fundraising campaign. Millions of people are reeling from the end of emergency food benefits and inflation. As a result, we have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our services. This fundraiser is intended to help us answer the call.
 
We have $150k pledged in matching funds, which means that every dollar you donate will be matched until we reach our $300k goal. Keep in mind that 96% of all donations go directly back to the community through our programs. Your support will keep our fleet primed for action; help us rescue more food for distribution; and ensure that our 90 nonprofit recipients receive exactly what they want when they need it. Most importantly, your support will allow us to say “yes!” to the dozens of agencies currently on our waitlist for food.   
 
Everyone who says YES to White Pony Express helps the pony deliver. Donate Today!
Join us and say YES to White Pony Express!
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
Lamorinda Village
 
On March 28th, Carl Anduri, the Mayor of the City of Lafayette, announced at his first Zoom “Coffee”, that the City of Lafayette will be donating up to $60,000 per year for two years, to sponsor memberships in Lamorinda Village for senior residents who otherwise would be unable to join. This is among some of the first private-public collaborations for villages across the U.S. 
The Board and Staff at LV have worked on this project with the City for over a year. Throughout this process, our number one goal was to ensure that our current and future members receive the same care and attention that we have been able to provide over the years.  In order to maintain our high standard of service, we will be reaching out to the community to engage additional volunteers to support our growing organization. If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer or if you are interested in membership, please contact the office at 925.283.3500 or by email at [email protected]. Thank you for helping make Lamorinda Village such a vital organization. www.lamorindavillage.org
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 [email protected]. We do not accept large armoires or mattresses. Learn more at gratefulgatherings.org.
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, Bar Mitzvahs, 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 [email protected].
Register Now for the East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer's
 
Now’s the time to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, which will take place on Saturday, October 28th at Bishop Ranch! Visit alz.org/eastbaywalk to sign up. You can also reactivate your team and get your fundraising started. Or, start a new team and encourage your friends, family and coworkers to join you. There are lots of resources available to help. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information. 
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.

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 [email protected] with any questions/inquiries regarding anything A's ticket-related or to get seats locked in for the upcoming season!
Do you have a Nonprofit you care about?
 
It's that time of the year. Nonprofit organizations you care about are ramping up for the fall annual fundraising event season. It’s an important time. Yet fundraising has become more of a challenge than ever. 
  • Charitable giving, relative to the entire economy continues its long-term decline. That means fighting for a decreasing pool of funds.
  • How are donors going to react to uncertain economic conditions? Why donate to you versus another cause?
  • How many were hurt by the banking failures in our area? Are former reliable donors going to be on the sideline this year?

Why not explore the use of a custom produced video that powerfully reaches the emotions of your audience. Video is one of the strongest tools you have to create engagement and produce emotional connection. And it is not just having a video. It is using video in a strategic way to draw in your donors. 
 
fLO Content is a boutique video company that understands the fundraising needs of nonprofits. We have helped numerous organizations to use video to get greater results from their fundraising efforts. (For more on our work go here: https://flocontent.com/non-profit-video-production-company/) fLO Content offers free initial, video strategy consultation.
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival

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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