4 Paws for Ability Fundraiser

On June 6th, BALANCE sponsored an event to raise funds for Ashlee deDeigo to recieve an Autism Assistance Service Dog.
Click here to read the Santa Cruz Sentinel article

The following was written by Bill deDiego, Ashlee's father:

I am the parent of a special needs teenager named Ashlee. Ashlee, her brother, stepmom, and I moved to Santa Cruz from San Jose three years ago.
Ashlee was introduced to Kid Quest around the same time we moved here and has been attending and enjoying it ever since. Besides getting to know the incredible Directors of Kid Quest in Nichole and Colleen, I also came to know Vicky by assisting with fund-raising for the Human Race.
Last November, in a passing conversation with Vicky, I mentioned that our application had just been accepted by the non-profit, 4 Paws for Ability, for Ashlee to receive an Autism Assistance Service dog. We talked about the various fund-raising mechanisms that 4 Paws recommended, because with this non-profit it is the responsibility of the receiver of the dog to raise all funds, and our task was to raise $11k. This is when Vicky sprung into action to assist--and assist she did.
Vicky asked her webmaster, Kent, to create a website for folks to donate towards Ashlee's dog. Through website donations we raised half the needed funds for Ashlee's dog. Vicky then offered up the use of her home for an auction benefit that was held in June, where we raised the other half.

Nichole and Colleen, speaking at the fundraiser

Vicky and Kent mentored me through the benefit semantics, helping with invitations, a schedule of events, program, and key contacts of others that could help with donating their time or supplies. Kent even volunteered his band to play at the event. And my caterers for the event were who else, but Nichole and Colleen.
I am so very thankful of what Vicky, Kent, Nichole, and Colleen did for Ashlee. I am thankful of this incredible community in which we live whereby the Santa Cruz Sentinel published an article about our family and our desire for Ashlee to receive a service dog. And I am thankful for all the local businesses that donated items for the benefit and the auction that helped us raise the required funds. Lastly, I am thankful for my loving family who supported Ashlee and me for this cause. I hold nothing against San Jose, but this is an incredible place in which we live, with incredible people. Having a special needs daughter with so much support around us is a wonderful blessing.

Oh, and by the way. Ashlee has named her dog to be - BLAKELY.
~ Bill deDiego

CAC Award Ceremony

On Saturday the 16th the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) from the North Santa Cruz County SELPA held its Fifth Annual Awards for Exceptional Achievement. The event was hosted again by Victoria George here at the Daubenbiss House. This year’s event was bittersweet as BALANCE’s own Minja Peabody received recognition for her outstanding work as an Instructional Assistant yet amidst the joy, we said goodbye to a very dear friend and colleague. Dan Cope, Assistant Superintendent of Soquel Union Elementary School Districts, is stepping down as SELPA director. He will continue as SUESD director of SPECIAL ED. His primary responsibilities were overseeing the special education programs for the school district. Dan has 34 years of service in public education and his departure was a teary one.
Also, Santa Cruz City Schools Director of Special Education, Marilyn Torp, will be switching to half time in the fall. Marilyn received an astounding 13 nominations! To commemorate such an achievement, Vicky presented Marilyn with a scrapbook containing each nomination.

A special thank you goes out to James Hughes for making the day complete with his tasty treats and sinful delights.

Human Race 2009
The Human Race was a phenomenal success again this year! This was my fourth year participating and it never ceases to amaze me how much support BALANCE4Kids receives. This year our team included BALANCE staff, teachers, families of students, and even a few Directors of Special Education. With over 70 team members, we were able to raise $21,276! I remember back in 2005, when I was a mild mannered IA, BALANCE was ecstatic to have raised $4,000. In 2006 we had 10 team members raise $250+, thus earning a massage. This year we had 25! It looks like we are going to keep Ramona, everyone’s favorite masseuse, busy for weeks to come!

The Human Race is more than just a great way to raise money. The whole event brings close good, caring people who are willing to donate not only money, but time. Nothing portrays this better than the atmosphere surrounding the big day. Clumped together in the scenic Natural Bridges are hundreds of people all sharing a common goal. As far as the eye can see are groups of teammates, families, and friends, laughing and enjoying each other’s company on a wonderful, sunny Saturday morning. Sipping on some of the free coffee, I conversed with an older gentleman with a dog. He made me laugh as he explained, jokingly, that he used his dog as a conversation starter with the “ladies.”
Thank you, each and every one of you, that supported BALANCE this year. BALANCE is in and of itself just an idea; it’s the love, support and dedication from our family and friends that make us great.

The top three fundraisers this year, and winners of bragging rights for the year are:

Henry Hooker $3,000
Henry is a parent to one of our regulars at the Kid Quest Center.

Nichole Griffin $1,800
Nichole has been an avid fundraiser for years. She is a professional fundraiser and a top-notch employee. In years past Nichole and I have competed feverishly for title “Top Fundraiser” and bragging rights. She put me to shame this year.

Michelle Royo $1,400
I’m not sure how Michelle found time to fundraise in between her two jobs, or is it three now? But nonetheless, fundraise she did!

3rd Annual CAC Art Competition
and Balance4kids Art Exhibition

Click here to see all the art submissions!

Community Advisory Committee and Balance4Kids Art Show and Poster Competition bring teachers, students and families together.

Poster Contest Winner

There was a festive atmosphere in the COE boardroom last Tuesday evening (Feb 24) as live music played and administrators, teachers, students, families and friends chatted and enjoyed scrumptious appetizers. The occasion was the third annual CAC and Balance4kids Art Show reception, celebrating the artistic talents of students with special needs in Santa Cruz County. Approximately one hundred people attended.


Popular Vote Winner

The art had brightened the walls of the COE building throughout February. The theme was “Under the Sun” and the students had been free to interpret this, as they liked, resulting in many different ideas such as “Chasing Rainbows”, “Big Cloud”, “Super Heroes” and “William the Leopard.” All those attending had the opportunity to look at the art and vote for the one picture that they liked the best. Also three local artists, Gayle Ortiz, Jill Tardif and Lori Wilson were enlisted as judges and given the task of choosing one picture to be used for this year’s CAC poster, which is put on display at every public school site.

With seventy-seven entries the art show has grown in popularity since its inception two years ago and students from pre-school through post-secondary education took part. The concept for the Art Exhibition and Reception was the brainchild of Wendy Harrison, who continues to coordinate the event each year. The art was of a high standard and showcased the students’ sense of color and texture, imagination and creativity. The students who were able to attend were delighted to see their work on display and proud to show their work to family and friends. The music was provided by Lite Blue and helped make the event both relaxing and fun.

The event was sponsored by BALANCE4Kids, a non-profit agency that fundraises to provide grants to teachers, provides instructional aides in the classroom and provides respite help and after school activities for students with special needs at Kids Quest and The Club Quest Social Center. The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) also sponsors the event. The CAC is a group of parents, educators and other interested community members, who want to make a difference in the education of all of our children. The goal of the CAC is to improve and protect the education of children with special needs