LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lafayette Juniors raise $60,000 for local nonprofit charities


Pictured from left, Cathy Kauder, Mindy Harmeyer, Erica Mason, Deanne Pearn (Contra Costa Interfaith Housing), Tina Frechman, Rachel Blatt, and Jeannine Palmer. Photo provided

The Lafayette Juniors raised $60,000 in the last 12 months for local nonprofit organizations. On June 1, the Lafayette Juniors awarded the funds to Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, Alternative Family Services, The Taylor Family Foundation, and Trinity Center in a special ceremony at the Lafayette Community Center.

Lafayette Juniors has a history of organizing fundraising events like the Rummage Sale in the fall and the Kitchen Tour in the spring to raise money for selected beneficiaries. This year the Juniors chose Contra Costa Interfaith Housing - an agency that has been providing permanent, affordable housing and support services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals since 1991 - as their major beneficiary. The Juniors donated $30,000 to support the work of CCIH, inspired by their vision that every family in our community deserves secure housing and the dignity of self-sufficiency.

Lafayette Juniors also donated $15,000 to Alternative Family Services, and $7,500 each to The Taylor Family Foundation and Trinity Center.

Lafayette Juniors is looking forward to continuing this tradition of giving and is accepting applications from now until July 31, 2017 from all nonprofits in Contra Costa and neighboring counties in the San Francisco Bay Area who serve women, families, and seniors and others requiring assistance. The Juniors will select four organizations from the applicant pool to become their 2017-2018 beneficiaries. Fundraising for these groups will begin this fall. To obtain an application or learn more about the Lafayette Juniors, visit www.lafayettejuniors.org.