Alinya Charron's Walk to Remember 2011
Dear Friends & Family,
I hope this email finds each of you healthy and happy! It is time for Circle of Care's 2nd annual Walk to Remember, and I am calling on you to help to support this wonderful program!
On May 14th 2011, I am organizing and participating in our Second Annual Walk to Remember event. I will be walking around Lake Merritt in honor of the families we serve at Circle of Care.
I am asking you to sponsor my Walk by making a donation on my fundraising page today. Help me reach my goal of raising $3,000 for Circle of Care. No donation is too small, even 5.00 and 10.00 will make a difference.
If you are feeling really spunky, I encourage you to register for the walk and join my team! It is a fun day, and it would be a pleasure to walk the lake with you, while supporting a great program.
This is also a special year for me because this month (March 21st) I will be celebrating my 10 year anniversary of working at such a wonderful program, Circle of Care – East Bay Agency for Children. I have been privileged to work with and helping to support children and families who are coping with a life threatening illness or grief due to the death of a family member.
Many of you donated to my efforts last year, and your support helped Circle of Care collectively raise over $11,000! In light of recent economic times we have experienced a decrease in grant funding for the program. This event is becoming vital to our ability to provide services to those who really need in the future. Our goal this year is to raise $30,000, and we will not be able to do this without your help!
Here is a little more about the program:
Circle of Care is there for children like 8 year old Laura, who's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, or when 12 year old Jonathan’s brother was killed suddenly in a car accident. Parents, caregivers and family members are often afraid of how to talk to children about death, and children often feel isolated in their grief. Circle of Care provides a safe place for all family members impacted by the loss and help them as they navigate through the healing process. Children can be around other kids who have had a parent die, or who have a caregiver who is battling illness and support each other in their experience. The services that Circle of Care provides helps children learn how to express their feelings, and to gain the tools needed to cope with their loss throughout their lifetime.
I am a part of a small team of 5 staff members and over 50 volunteers and interns providing peer support groups, individual & family counseling, crisis support, educational workshops, and information and referral to over 300 children and adults each year. Our program is funded by foundation grants and individual donors like you.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your support!
Peace,
Alinya