Like the song says, “Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks….” Only in this case, swap out those peanuts and Cracker Jacks for chili cheese nachos and a carne asada plate. That’s exactly what people were doing at the Cerritos Sports Complex for the Cerritos Girls Softball Association, on Sunday, June 15th. That’s also where Handing Out Hope volunteers rolled up their sleeves and served up healthy portions of fun and hard work for a good cause. This Father’s Day was a little different for some ‘Hopers’ as they volunteered to take time out and help a local girls’ softball association on the last day of their tournament, while also working for some Continue reading
We Invite You to the Second Annual Benefit Gala
Its that time of the year again. The second annual Handing Out Hope Gala is just around the corner. It seems like only yesterday we were planning for the Launch Party that took place last November at Sabor Restaurant. Up until that point we were just getting established as a newly operating non-profit. We had just returned from a successful project in the Philippines. Then the time came for us to officially present ourselves to world. It was a labor of love on many levels. It was one of the first times we had a function with our then newly acquainted volunteers and being a part of this new team. Our ambitions were on the Continue reading
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Handing Out Hope has Its First Birthday
IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE Handing Out Hope began its journey, and we have come a long way. From the completion of our fi rst project in the Philippines, to the countless fundraisers and most recently, our partnership with School on Wheels, we have been busy providing hope and opportunity to communities that once seemed hopeless. Now, a year later, we fi nd our board expanded with three new board members, who include Peter Aguilera, Kristin McLeod and Simbi Mahlanza, all of whom bring an energized passion to the vision of Handing Out Hope. We have completed two projects, we have three upcoming projects and we are driven by more passion than ever before. As we enter into our second year, we are excited and looking forward to the difference that will be made in many of the lives of those who remain in underprivileged communities throughout the world. Here is to another year of hope, cheers! Happy Birthday Handing Out Hope.
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Double Bar Dash a Success!
“We have a winner for the Cheesecake Factory gift card!” Frank announced excitedly during the raffle. The raffle was part of the Handing Out Hope Double Bar Dash on July 12, 2008. The dash took place at two bars in Long Beach, the Paradise and the Falcon. The sidewalks of Broadway Street were filled with Hope supporters running between the two bars in hopes of winning fabulous prizes such as an Double Bar Dash a Success! iPod. The dashers had to learn about Handing Out Hope and then answer questions at both bars based on the organization in a fun game designed by the Events committee. The top finalists and prize winners were: Aaron D. Cirilo, Roberto Cruz, Angel Moreno and Sergio Soto. A portion of the earnings from both bars benefited HOH. The earnings from the bars in addition to raffle ticket sales netted almost $1200 for Handing Out Hope. Peter A. Aguilera, Events Director, proudly stated, “The Double Bar Dash was definitely a blast! Everyone was telling me how much fun they had and how they wanted to figure out a way to do a game like that at their parties. It is always so rewarding when we are able to have a great time raising money for such a fantastic cause.” Frank Rivera, the President of Handing Out Hope was also pleased at the results, “It was truly amazing to hear people recite our mission statement and tell us about our upcoming projects” The Double Bar Dash was another successful event that not only taught people about Handing Out Hope, but raised money for our projects. A big thank you to the supporters who attended the event!
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School On Wheels Grand Opening Inspires
WALKING INTO THE NEW School on Wheels tutoring center, it was impossible not to feel hope for the future. The cozy center was filled with people chattering, brought together for the purpose of providing education to homeless children. Kids were lined up at the computers, playing educational games and talking to their tutors. The air was filled with optimism and a sense of accomplishment, as well as the anticipation of a long road ahead for the children in need. The School on Wheels partnership was conceived last year, when Handing Out Hope decided to work on a project a little closer to home. School on Wheels is an organization based in the greater Los Angeles area whose mission is providing educational opportunities and enhancement for homeless children. Historically, tutors were paired with a child and traveled to wherever the student was staying at the time – hotels, shelters, etc. – so that even though they were not enrolled in school, the children were not falling too far behind in their education. They are expanding their services and identified the South Central part of Los Angeles as an area with the greatest need of a permanent tutoring center. The Learning Center will be a place always open to the area’s children whose lives are in turmoil. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the work of our volunteers, Handing Out Hope supplied the center with four brand new computers jam-packed with uptodate office software and learning programs. Now, the children visiting the center will have access to the latest technology and learning programs. This is an opportunity for them to develop the skills required to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. The essential element of Handing Out Hope’s mission is providing opportunities for empowerment and self-reliance; education is a first and necessary step. The School on Wheels Learning Center’s grand opening was a celebration of determination, drive and passion. We believe that this is a great project in part because of the dedication of the School on Wheels staff and the community in which it’s working. Speeches at the event, including one by our President, Frank Rivera, carried a strong message of banding together, the importance of education and community and hope for the future. Some of the kids weren’t paying attention, though – they were too busy using the computers. Their enthusiasm can only grow from here.
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