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Thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses and community groups in the Tri-Valley, the Pleasanton Weekly’s Holiday Fund was privileged to distribute $77,776 among 10 critical local nonprofits this spring.
We take great pride in highlighting that the 2024-25 Holiday Fund result represented nearly a 50% increase above the prior year’s total, a remarkable achievement for our community during a crucial time for our beneficiary organizations.
“As Open Heart Kitchen celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are grateful for the overwhelming support from Pleasanton Weekly readers to ensure our Community Meal Program continues to provide free, nutritious meals across the Tri-Valley,” Open Heart Kitchen Executive Director John Bost said after his nonprofit received its share of the Holiday Fund.
“With federal funding freezes, cuts to social safety net programs and rising food costs across the country, the support of our community means more now than ever before. Thank you again for the reminder that caring for our most vulnerable neighbors still matters,” Bost added.
Joining OHK in accepting an equal share of the overall Holiday Fund total were Axis Community Health, CityServe of the Tri-Valley, Culinary Angels, Goodness Village, Pleasanton Partnerships in Education (PPIE), Sunflower Hill, Tri-Valley Haven, Tri-Valley REACH and Valley Humane Society.
Because our parent organization, Embarcadero Media Foundation, covered all administrative and other expenses associated with managing the Holiday Fund at no cost to the campaign, every single dollar contributed by the 160 donors this fall and winter went directly to the beneficiary organizations.
This money makes a real impact in your community.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support from our community, which enables us to continue providing vital services to those transitioning out of homelessness,” Goodness Village Executive Director Kim Curtis said. “These funds will be used intentionally and expertly to enhance the supportive services within our program, ensuring each individual has the tools and resources needed for a successful and sustainable future.”
Axis CEO Liz Perez-Howe added, “This recognition supports our work in creating pathways to physical and mental wellness for all members of the Tri-Valley. During the holiday season and beyond, Axis Community Health remains committed to addressing the needs of our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide support that makes a real difference in people’s lives for over 50 years.”
“REACH has many funding needs/projects identified for 2025 to 2026 and these funds will be very helpful in our accomplishing them. The Pleasanton Weekly’s Holiday Fund has a positive and significant impact in bettering the lives of not only the I/DD community, but many others,” Board Chair Kay King said.
“PPIE is so grateful to the Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund and our community for this amazing support,” Executive Director Andrea Wilson told us.
“This grant helps PPIE continue funding programs that make a real difference for Pleasanton students. It’s incredible to see how our community comes together to support not only us, but also all the amazing nonprofits making a difference daily in our community. We truly appreciate everyone who made this possible,” she added. “Investing in our students now will prepare them for the future.”
Echoing thanks to the community contributors was Mansoor Sakhiy, who is in his first year as executive director of Culinary Angels.
“Your support through the Holiday Fund keeps our circle of love going — donations from the heart, fresh ingredients from local farms, meals cooked right here in Livermore, and delivered with care to cancer patients and their caregivers,” Sakhiy said. “Every meal is our way of saying, ‘You’re not alone.’ This fund is proof that we’re stronger together — community strong.”
“Community support through the Holiday Fund means everything to CityServe. It’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in caring for our neighbors,” said CEO Christine Beitsch-Bahmani. “The $7,700 (plus) raised will go directly toward our Caring Hotel Network, which provides emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Tri-Valley. This support gives people a safe place to stay while our team works with them on a long-term plan toward stability and permanent housing.”
For Sunflower Hill, the funds will support its Hands-On Garden group classes at the Sunflower Hill Gardens in Livermore and programming at its Irby Ranch community in Pleasanton, according to Jennifer Oxe.
“The Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund’s commitment to supporting Sunflower Hill empowers us to continue creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that celebrate the abilities of all individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their partnership in making a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with I/DD,” Oxe said.
Christine Dillman, executive director of Tri-Valley Haven, which was a new beneficiary this year, commented, “We are incredibly grateful to Pleasanton Weekly and its readers for their generous support of Tri-Valley Haven’s Holiday Program. Thanks to you, we were able to provide gifts and food to over 650 Tri-Valley families in need. Without this program, these families would have gone without. Your kindness truly makes a difference in our community.”
And Valley Humane Society President Melanie Sadek noted, “The funds donated to our organization will help offset rising veterinary costs at a time when we’re seeing a growing number of animals in need of medical support. These contributions provide the critical resources we need to meet that demand.”
“We’re always grateful to The Weekly and our compassionate community for their continued support of Tri-Valley nonprofits,” Sadek added.
