Economy

Following is an update for the dinner on June 21st at Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City.
 
With the generous contributions of Silicon Valley for Obama members, we were able to raise $1965. Additionally, we received $300 from Whole Foods Market in Redwood City, $70 from Trader Joe’s in Menlo Park, $50 from Target in Redwood City, $25 from Safeway in Menlo Park, $25 from Costco in Foster City, 4 flats of fresh organic berries and several bunches of flowers from Farmers Market in Menlo Park, and about 80 cloth string bags (used for gift bags for each resident) from Peninsula School in Menlo Park.
 
We were able to order organic food from Redwood City Whole Foods, dinnerware and linens from Williams Party Rental in San Jose (received 30% discount), and provided a gift bag for each of the 76 residents containing a soap bar, a travel size shampoo (both donated from RC Whole Foods), a disposable razor, and a $10 gift card from Kmart. After dinner we had a few rounds of bingo with several winners and prizes for each.
 
The total cost of the event in addition to the donations was $1881.41, which means we still have more than $80 left (in our name at Shelter Network) to be used for future events.
 
Many people volunteered to help, worked hard and made it a very special evening for the residents. Many of you wanted to help, but we had to turn you away this time, because of the overwhelming response to our call for volunteers.
 
The residents seemed very happy, and were extremely appreciative. The following two quotes are from an email sent to me by Lynnelle Bilsey the volunteer manager at Maple Street Shelter:
 
      “I have heard nothing but huge accolades for the dinner and your volunteer group”
      “That was amazing for our clients.  It really made them feel very special”. 
 
To look at the pictures taken by Art from the event, please click on the following link:
      http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=390251245980459563/l=1382360020/g=1034903020/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
 
Thanks again to Silicon Valley for Obama members for making this vision a reality, uplifting the spirits of the residents, and making them feel special.
 
Souroor Milani
Volunteer, Fundraising, and Event Manager
Economy & Social Justice Team
Silicon Valley for Obama