Ruby Hill benefit raises $72,000 Ruby Hill benefit raises $72,000 (December 19, 2003)

Charity gives money to Hope Hospice, Open Heart Kitchen, ValleyCare pediatric unit
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

The Ruby Hill Giving Thanks Charity Committee's donation of $28,000 to ValleyCare pediatric services raised its contributions to the children's wing to $201,000 over the past few years.

"You've pretty much paid for the pediatric unit," said Ken Mercer, vice president of ValleyCare Foundation, in accepting the check.

The committee, headed by Donna Garrison, distributed the proceeds from its Celebrity Golf Classic at the Rose Hotel on Tuesday. Other beneficiaries were Hope Hospice, which also was granted $28,000; and Open Heart Kitchen, which received $16,000.

Helen Meier of Hope Hospice said the money would support its bereavement services for children and family members. Barbara Thomas of Open Heart Kitchen said the donation would go toward its box lunch program run near Marylin School in Livermore. The group provides 650 box lunches that students take home to feed family members during the weekend when there are no free school lunches.

The Golf Classic earned $72,000 in a departure from the six annual Ruby Hill Giving Thanks Charity Balls held from 1997 to 2002. The group has raised more than $1.5 million altogether for local charities.

"We wanted to shake things up a little this year," said Garrison, explaining the switch from the popular ball to a golfing event. She joked that although they live in the middle of a golf course, it took the Ruby Hill committee awhile to come up with the fundraiser idea.

Garrison invited others to join them, noting that it is not necessary to live in Ruby Hill and she has made many great friends while working on the fundraisers. She also quoted Winston Churchill: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Plans have already begun for the seventh Charity Ball, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004, at the Palm Event Center at the Mitchell Katz Winery at Ruby Hill. To volunteer or to support the ball, call 417-1333 or visit www.rubyhillgivingthanks.org.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.