During the past year, Community Foundation Sonoma County has taken steps to invest in a portfolio of possibilities and the returns on that investment are all around us.

Read our Annual Report to learn about some of our collaborations that have yielded substantive achievements in our core giving areas of the Arts, Environment, Education and Health & Human Services.

You are part of each step that we take. Our work throughout the county is always shaped by your effort and dedication. Your contributions and involvement arrive in many forms.

Barbara A. Hughes
President and CEO

The Legacy of Hazel and Roland Todd

In late 2009, Community Foundation Sonoma County received notice from the estate of Roland and Hazel Todd that the Community Foundation was the beneficiary of the Todd Trust. The bequest instructs that the funds be used as follows: “…to support charitable activity primarily in the Sonoma Valley of Sonoma County, California, but also secondarily in Sonoma County generally, in the following areas:

• Health and Human Services, especially for the sick, needy and elderly;

• Governmental services which are underfunded, such as local fire, library and healthcare districts, but not to include services provided by cities or counties;

• Open space, specifically land and trail acquisition.”

Work began in July, 2010, to identify and assess community needs and priority issues for the Sonoma Valley, focusing on the Todds' areas of interest. A structured interview process and follow-up meetings were conducted with approximately 75 individuals who live in or are involved with Sonoma Valley. Based on the community's responses and the Todds' wishes, the initial focus will be to improve the health and well being of residents in the Springs area of Sonoma Valley.

Read more about this work.

Healdsburg Brothers Cook and Raise Funds for the Community

Pedro and Octavio Diaz, local restaurant owners, are supporting the Community Foundation in Healdsburg through Cocinando por la Communidad- “Cooking for the Community.” El Farolito, owned by Pedro, and Agave Restaurant, owned by Ocatvio donate a portion of their proceeds on the last Thursday evening of each month to the Healdsburg Endowment. To date the events have yielded not only added funds, but also lots of goodwill and excitement in the community—and a friendly rivalry between the staffs of each establishment.
“We are proud to be a part of the Healdsburg Community,” said Pedro.  “We can’t wait to see what kinds of donations we will be able to generate month after month with community support,” added Octavio.

Check here for more information about Cocinando por la Communidad.

October 2011

The Ella Bisbee Fund

The Ella Bisbee Fund was established by Ella's family at Community Foundation Sonoma County in her memory to support youth programs in Sonoma County. Currently, funds are being raised to establish an ArtRoom at the Sonoma County Children's Museum which will be named after Ella and will be a place where children can explore their own creativity.

The Ella Bisbee Fund was created in honor of Ella's love of art. To learn more, check out www.ellabisbee.org

Pictured above, Ella's sister Catie holds a trophy that the Bisbee Family received from the Volunteer Center for their efforts in the this year's Human Race.

Sonoma Valley Youth Benefits from Summer Programs

Sonoma Valley Fund's Youth Initiative Summer Program was created to help smooth the transition into middle and high school for local students and to provide healthy summer experiences for youths from low-income families. Over 150 students attended the Enhanced Summer School Program this year, and feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.  The vast majority of students who attended feel better prepared for their new school experience.  Most students also report having been helped with their math and English skills. Early results of scholastic performance, attendance and behavior are extremely positive. Find out more about our affiliate, the Sonoma Valley Fund.

Meet our New Program Staff Member

Karin Demarest is our new Program Officer for Arts and Education. Find out more about her on our website.

Copyright 2011 Community Foundation Sonoma County. All Rights Reserved.