FEBRUARY15, 2010

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 10

Inside this issue:

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch p 2-4

What’s Up at CARH p 5

Thank You Letters p 5 and 6

CARH’s Visiting Cupid p 8-9

Community Corner p 10

Volunteer Connection p 11

Birthday’s of the Month p 12

Recipes p 14

Movie Matinee & Bingo Day p 15

See full Stories on:

http://www.carh-inc.org/forms/archives/10febnews.pdf

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch

A spectacular Asian themed luncheon honoring our community’s best, took place at the Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley, on Saturday, January 30th. This event was particularly special this year.Not only were we celebrating 25 years of recognizing all of our loyal volunteers and donors, but during these difficult economic times the number of CARH supporters has grown, not declined, attesting to CARH’s ability to draw people in, who know what a difference that CARH makes in the every day lives ofso many in our special needs community. All of our guests received a Certificate of Appreciation, gifts and a fun filled afternoon. Delightful performances by Fremont’s Lisa’s Performing Arts School Dancers, delectable Chinese cuisine and several guest speakers were all highlights of this special event. This year’s speakers were residents from Pirounakis, Inc. in Hayward and the United Cerebral Palsy ILS of Sacramento. They all took to the podium and gave their own personal testimony of how important our CARH volunteers are to them and gave touching and heartfelt thanks for all that they do.

In addition,CARH surprised two very important volunteer couples, making them this year’s special honorees. Kathy and Don Decker, pictured with CARH’s Executive Director, Mary Gianopoulos, were recognized for their over 15 years of service to CARH, playing Mr. and Mrs. Clause at our Annual Holiday Luncheons. Many times giving up three December weekends in a row to spread Holiday Cheer to CARH’s clients. Also, recognized were Tom and Elaine Saunders who play Mr. and Mrs. Clause during our week day visits to activity centers and elder facilities. Not to mention their hard work on CARH’s behalf in securing donations from their RV club the Lazy Daisy Sam’s Club. We would like to once again thank each and every one of you who have played a vital part in CARH’s 38years of success!

Community Corner

Well familiar with CARH’s Annual Summer Balls, and the excitement they bring to our clients, Andrea Techiara, of Andrea’s Bridal Shop in Livermore, wanted CARH to have the remaining inventory from her shop that recently closed. Over the last couple of years Andrea has donated lovely gowns to our clients to wear to our Summer Balls, but this last donation had our CARH staff in awe! Andrea donated a total of 60 elegant gowns ranging in sizes from 4 to 28. These beautiful gowns will be available to the ladies we serve who will be attending 1 of 3 Summer Balls held in the months of July and August. We will be taking appointments for CARH registered clients for fitting sover the next few months. If you are planning to attend one of these extravagant events, and would like to view this collection of gowns contact our CARH office at 1-877-537-6611. We would like to thank Andrea for your kind generosity, but more importantly for making those we serve feel like royalty.