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SUPPORTING OUR
NON-PROFITS
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UPCOMING EVENTS FROM THE LAFAYETTE CHAMBER | | |
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Ribbon Cutting at ISI Elite Training Walnut Creek
Wednesday, November 6, 4pm
Lafayette Chamber Young Professionals at Headlands Brewing
Thursday, November 7, 5:30pm-7pm
Non-Profit Network at Creekside Commons
Thursday, November 14, 8am
Lafayette Business Women at Little Seeds
Wednesday, November 20, 5:15pm-6:30pm
Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
Thursday, November 21, 7am, Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center
Plaid Friday - Shop Local!
Friday, November 29, Downtown Retail Stores
It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 8, 4pm-6pm, Lafayette Plaza
Holiday Mixer at Merrill Gardens
Wednesday, December 11, 5pm-7pm
➡ Lafayette Chamber Events Calendar ⬅
More events from our members!
Lafayette Community Events Calendar
Arts Community Email Blast (current issue October 11)
Nonprofit Email Blast (current issue September 27)
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM AND FOR OUR NONPROFIT COMMUNITY | | |
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43rd Evening of Promise Gala
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Contra Costa County warmly invites you to be part of something truly special—our 43rd Evening of Promise Gala at our new venue, the San Ramon Marriott!
Get ready for an extraordinary evening filled with inspiration, community spirit, and meaningful impact as we come together to support youth in foster care.
November 9 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583
$225 per person
Dress code: Country Club Casual
Register Now
The evening will feature a captivating experience with delicious food, engaging conversations, and opportunities to support children in foster care through our silent and live auctions.
Be inspired by our keynote speaker, Derek Clark, the “Rapping Dad.” Derek’s journey from foster care to becoming a viral sensation delivers powerful messages of resilience and hope, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
We’re excited to honor Dan Ashley, ABC7 News Anchor and CASA Board Member, with the Light of Hope award for his incredible commitment to foster youth through Rock the CASA.
We’re also thrilled to have Joy Ofodu, a talented voice actor and content creator, as our host. Known for her engaging charisma, Joy will bring lively energy to make the gala an unforgettable experience.
Join us for a heartwarming evening that promises inspiration, connection, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Contra Costa County. We can’t wait to share this meaningful night with you!
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Tree of Lights 2024 – Lafayette
Hospice East Bay is proud to be celebrating our 38th annual Tree of Lights! For 38 years these ceremonies have provided a way for families and friends to honor their loved ones and find solace in the symbolism of light as the names of their loved ones are read.
The funds raised by these ceremonies make it possible for us to provide hospice care to patients who are not covered by insurance. Your support also allows us to offer additional services and programs, such as music therapy and children’s grief programs.
Our ceremony for Lafayette will be held on November 12, at 5:30pm.
For more information about our 38th annual Tree of Lights visit: hospiceeastbay.org/tol.
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LPIE's First-Ever Community Crawl!
Join LPIE for a weekend of fun for the whole family. On Saturday, November 9, from 10 AM to 3 PM, enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, a bubble performer, games, and more in downtown Lafayette! Attractions will be spread throughout town, so check the website for the full map.
Plus, over 40 local businesses have donated to support our schools. Shop and dine with them and enjoy special offers. Don't forget to participate in our scavenger hunt! Find the LPIE teddy bear in 10 locations and enter to win a gift card to Five Little Monkeys or two tickets to the LPIE Gala! Learn more here!
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Shop Meals on Wheels Diablo Region's Wine Auction for the Holidays!
Let Meals on Wheels Diablo Region help you serve the perfect wine this holiday season by participating in our online wine auction! Thanks to a generous donation from a local wine collector, we are offering an exclusive selection of wines, including Washington State Syrahs, Russian River Pinot Noirs, and more. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply looking for the perfect bottle to pair with your holiday meals, this auction has something for everyone.
By placing a bid, you’ll impress your guests at Thanksgiving while supporting Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s vital mission to provide home-delivered meals, groceries, and supportive services to seniors in our community.
Don’t miss your chance—bid today! The auction closes on November 10th at 9:00 PM.
*Winners must arrange to pick up their purchases in Walnut Creek, CA, or assume the cost of shipping.
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Alameda-Contra Costa County Medical Association (ACCMA)
The Alameda-Contra Costa County Medical Association (ACCMA), representing over 5,500 physicians, invites you to sponsor our annual fundraising event. This gathering offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your business to healthcare leaders across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Event Details: November 15th, 6:00 PM Chabot Space & Science Center
Our goal is to raise funds supporting the future of medicine and addressing healthcare workforce challenges. Your sponsorship would be invaluable in achieving these objectives. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Meghan Arthurs marthurs@accma.org.
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Sweet Thursday Author Series at Lafayette Library & Learning Center
Thursday, November 21 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Pat Rudebusch and Catherine Davis from Orinda Books will join us in November with a list of books perfect for holiday gift-giving. Avid readers, Pat and Catherine love talking about books and helping others find just what they’re looking for. They’ll have suggestions for all ages and interests, introducing us to the hot books this holiday season.
Join the Sweet Thursday Author Series on November 21 at 7:00 pm in the DTCH at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center to hear the holiday book discussion. Register to attend in person at www.tinyurl.com/sweet-Nov2024. The doors will open at 6:30 pm for coffee and sweets. This program is presented by The Friends of the Lafayette Library.
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Gratitude Friday
Join Hospice East Bay at any of their six shoppes the day after Thanksgiving for 50% off storewide! By supporting the Hospice Thrift Shoppes you're helping us provide quality hospice care 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.
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Two Saturday Date Nights for the Price of One? Yes, please!
Grab your EARLY BIRD tickets by Dec. 1 for the Arts & Parks fundraiser on Saturday, April 12, 6-10 pm, benefiting Town Hall Theatre Co. and All Ages Recreation Downtown. Tickets available here. Every ticket purchased by December 1 will be emailed a FREE ticket to Opening Night (Saturday, December 7) of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).
The Arts & Parks fundraiser supports live theatre AND two new parks near downtown Lafayette. Enjoy canapés, confections, cocktails, silent auction and great conversation starting at 6 pm in the downstairs lobby. Local favorite award-winning classic rock band Other People's Money perform upstairs on stage at 7:30pm, after an exciting live auction. $75 ticket includes catered heavy appetizers, decadent dessert bar, one free alcoholic drink (cocktail, glass of wine, choice of beer), live music and dancing, and unlimited iced tea, lemonade, and coffee (plus, if purchased by Dec. 1, an Opening Night Dec. 7 ticket to Every Christmas Story Ever Told).
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Afternoon of Gratitude
Join Lamorinda Village for their Afternoon of Gratitude on December 5th, as we celebrate and show our appreciation to our Members, Volunteers, Donors, and Community Supporters. Our community has been instrumental in helping Lamorinda Village foster connections, and independence for the overall well-being of older adults in our community and we hope you will be there. We will have entertainment, refreshments, and the Don Jenkins Volunteer Award.
Please mark your calendars and save the date for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and celebration. Lamorinda Village would not be the vibrant community it is without the support and commitment of everyone in our "village." We look forward to expressing our gratitude on December 5. For more information, contact info@lamorindavillage.org.
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Raffle tickets are still available for this beautiful outdoor furniture set, with the winning ticket set to be drawn on December 8th during the It’s a Wonderful Life Holiday Celebration in Lafayette.
This extraordinary prize goes beyond the typical Adirondack style! Handcrafted by members of the Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, it features a unique design and is constructed from solid domestic white ash—renowned for its strength and durability. Additionally, the set is coated with a protective polyurethane finish, ensuring moisture resistance for easy upkeep and enjoyment year-round.
Tickets are priced at just $20 each. Your ticket purchase directly supports essential Rotary community service initiatives, including the Rotary HOME Team, which provides free home maintenance for seniors, helping them remain safe and comfortable in their own homes. You can request your tickets at www.LamorindaSunrise.org.
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Help a low-income families this Thanksgiving by donating a turkey to Monument Crisis Center! Donations will be accepted Nov. 18, 19, and 20. Thanks for your support! | |
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White Pony Express Launches Annual "Star Program"
White Pony Express is excited to announce the launch of its 5th annual Star Program, made possible through partnerships with local businesses. This unique holiday initiative brings hope and warmth to individuals and families across the county during the season of giving. Each hand-decorated star highlights a specific item needed by an adult or child facing hardship, creating an opportunity for the community to contribute directly to those in need.
Your business can display the stars in any creative way you choose. Clients and friends can select a star and purchase the item listed. White Pony Express will schedule a time to pick up the gifts which will be beautifully wrapped and delivered with love to our neighbors in need. In this way, we can all make the holiday season sparkle a little brighter!
To request your Star Program kit, please contact Mandy at mandy@whiteponyexpress.org or call 925-322-0604 Option 4.
All of us taking care of all of us!
Learn more at https://www.whiteponyexpress.org.
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Hope Solutions
Hope Solutions envisions 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. What sets Hope Solutions apart, and gives us confidence in our clients’ future success, is our proven model of permanent housing coupled with supportive services. We are working to heal the multi-generational impact of poverty, racism, trauma, substance use, mental health issues, and inadequate access to healthcare.
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FEATURED ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
Spirit of Giving: Gifts for Seniors in Supportive Housing: Help us bring holiday joy to Hope Solutions seniors by purchasing a gift during the holidays. With your help, we would like the seniors in our programs to open a small gift this holiday season. We have identified a few gifts for our residents to receive this holiday season. Shop our Amazon wish list or sign-up to donate a gift card. CLICK HERE for Amazon wish list and sign up.
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CERT Winter Class Registration in Progress
Disasters can happen at any time! While we cannot stop them, a great way to prepare for earthquakes as well as other disasters is to take the Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class series. We invite residents to register for the Winter class starting January 8, 2025. The Winter class series will be held Wednesday nights from 1/8 – 3/5 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. 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 for you and your family should disaster strike, and spaces are filling up fast. To register go to: http://classes.lamorindacert.org
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Cooking with Kids Foundation
Orinda Park & Rec. Bread & soup 3 day camp
Date: Nov. 25 – 27 -2024 (M,T,W.) Time: 1 – 4 PM
Ages: 8 - 13 yrs
Cost $215 Mat Fee: $40
Location: Community Center Kitchen Room 4, Orinda, CA. 94563 (925) 254-2445
Registration at www.cityoforinda.org
Presented by Chef Lynda Rexroat, Executive Director, Cooking with Kids Foundation
www.cwkf.org
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Project Second Chance
Project Second Chance, Contra Costa County Library's adult literacy program, is seeking volunteer tutors who are willing to spend three hours a week tutoring a neighbor at a public location or virtually. Whether it’s helping an adult learner read to a child, search for a job, or get U.S. citizenship, volunteer literacy tutors make a world of difference.
No teaching experience or degrees are required. Good tutors are empathetic, patient, able to give clear directions, and willing to learn new skills themselves. Visit ccclib.org/psc to complete a prospective tutor information session online. Staff will then be in touch with you to register you for an upcoming tutor training class. For more information, call (925) 691-3960 or email psc@library.cccounty.us.
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Tutors Needed for Local Youth in Foster Care
Local children in foster care need Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Volunteer Tutors! Your help ensures they receive quality, trauma informed, educational support. By meeting with kids weekly, tutors help them learn, build confidence, and feel supported. When you join the CASA Tutor Program, you help break the cycle of abuse and neglect, making a lasting impact for generations. Sign up for an Info Session to learn more: https://cccocasa.org/menus/tutor-program.html
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ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR NONPROFIT COMMUNITY | | |
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Introducing the Community Impact Circle
In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Community Foundation of Lafayette is excited to introduce the Community Impact Circle (CIC)--a powerful initiative designed to create a more reliable funding stream and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The challenges local nonprofits work to resolve continue to grow, particularly for families, and the Community Foundation's ability to make meaningful grants depends on reliable, committed community donors.
Making a Direct Impact Over Five Years
The CIC offers donors a direct opportunity to engage more fully with the Foundation's essential annual Excellence Grants over a committed five-year period, with ongoing impact updates and additional benefits tied to giving levels. As part of this initiative, the Community Foundation is dedicated to keeping donors engaged and informed about the difference their support makes.
Interested donors can participate in the CIC by committing to a giving level outlined HERE.
Local Nonprofits Depend On Community Support
The grants awarded from the Community Foundation's fundraising efforts include a diverse range of organizations working to support and uplift our neighborhoods. Many are smaller nonprofits with projects that might otherwise go unnoticed or unfunded. These organizations tackle long-term issues and the Foundation's grants provide essential support for sustainable solutions.
To see the complete list of the Community Foundation's 2024 Excellence Grants recipients, please click HERE.
Each year, the Community Foundation receives grant requests in response to specifically identified needs and its team spends hours carefully reviewing and vetting these applications. By giving to the Community Foundation, donors can be assured that their dollars are staying in the community and impacting individuals across a wide spectrum of focus including Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education and Arts & Culture.
By becoming a CIC member by year-end, donors will help secure important funding that allows the Foundation to respond efficiently to its increasing annual grant requests and support meaningful, lasting change in the community.
If you would like additional information, please email info@lafayettecf.org.
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BeingwellCA
BeingwellCA CEO and Co-founder Graham Wiseman will be representing youth mental health needs in our area as a member of the Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup in November. If there are any topics of concern you would like him to raise, he can be reached at graham@beingwellca.org.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) Tom Torlakson convened the Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup (SMHPW) in 2012 to assess the mental health needs of California students and gather evidence to support policy recommendations to the SSPI and the California Legislature. This body continues its important work under SSPI Tony Thurmond.
The SMHPW is composed of teachers, school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses, and school administrators, and state and county mental health professionals. This diverse group has used its combined expertise to develop policy recommendations related to mental health.
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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 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 dispatch@lovelafayette.org.
Interested? Contact us at (925) 284-5546 or rjuster@lovelafayette.org.
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Youth Homes’ critical mental health services continue to prove that youth will do well when they are given the tools to do well. Their clients are the adults, leaders, educators, and change-makers of tomorrow, and they need your support to build healthy and sustainable futures.
Visit https://youthhomes.org/community-cares-2024 to learn more about the goodness of Youth Homes and how you can get involved in their fall fundraiser, Community Cares.
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Space for Non-Profits!
Lafayette Christian Church, 534 Glenside Drive across from the Las Trampas Swim Club has these spaces for local nonprofits to use free of charge; just need proof of liability insurance.
- small conference room--8 comfortably around the table
- events hall available after 6pm weekdays and any time on the weekend subject to availability
- large outdoor patio with good lighting and electrical outlets after 6pm weekdays and any time on the weekend subject to availability
- sanctuary with good acoustics and seating for approx 200 any day except Sundays subject to availability
Contact Stephanie Reilly, 925-890-6897.
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Greetings from Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480, Free & Accepted Masons of California!
Freemasonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is guided by the enduring belief that each man has a responsibility to make the world a better place. For more than three hundred years, Masonry has enhanced and strengthened the character of individual men by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and the search for truth – within ourselves and the larger world.
For more than a century, our little lodge has served our East Bay communities through philanthropy, community engagement, and spreading the Light of Masonry, making good men better.
Over the years, Acalanes Fellowship has rightly earned the moniker “The Friendly Lodge,” welcoming visitors from all levels of society. We welcome members regardless of race, creed, political persuasion, or family composition, because inclusiveness and connection are what Masonry is all about — meeting on the level to make the world a better place for all humanity.
Our members come from Lafayette and the surrounding area, including Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, and surrounding East Bay cities.
We invite you to visit us in person to learn more about Freemasonry and our lodge. We meet the first Tuesday of each month in the evenings and invite interested men to join us starting at 5:30 for a reception, tour, and dinner, and an opportunity to meet some of the remarkable men that compose our lodge.
For more information, please visit our website at http://acalanesfellowshiplodge.com/
Sincerely,
Michael Roberts, Past Master, Acalanes Fellowship Lodge Number 480, F&AM
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Dining and Gift Guide
This interactive PDF lists Lafayette Chamber member restaurants and gift/retail shops in our downtown! Check it out!
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“To promote and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Lafayette.”
MISSION OF THE LAFAYETTE CHAMBER
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