A Key Clubber guards the carnival prizes at last year's Cache Creek event

The Kiwanis Family House has been invited to furnish volunteers to staff a special event for the 2500 employees of the Cache Creek Casino and their families. The picnic event will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the Yolo County Fairgrounds, 1125 East Street, Woodland, CA.

The Kiwanis Family House is recruiting Kiwanians, Circle K members and key clubbers and others from throughout the CalNevHa District who want to have as much fun as a volunteer can have plus helping the Kiwanis Family House raise much needed operating funds. The Kiwanis Family House will receive $6,800 for our participation while we have a blast being a part of the action. We are in need of volunteers for set up on Tuesday, June 19th (9AM – 12PM), for the day of the main event on Wednesday, June 20th (shifts listed below) and take down on Thursday, June 21st (9AM – 1PM). Volunteers can sign up to work more than one day and to work more than one shift on the day of the main event (June 20th) as an estimate of 200 volunteers will be needed on that day. Please note that our volunteers may not bring children younger than 14 to the event under any circumstances

The main event on Wednesday will start at 7:30AM and end at 8:15PM. We are dividing our work force into three separate work shifts:

7:30 AM to 2:00PM

11:00AM to 4:00PM

2:00PM to 8:30PM

We volunteers will help operate seven midway games and twenty fun attractions. We will also serve

Kiwanians master the art of making cotton candy at last year's Cache Creek event

snacks such as cotton candy, sno-cones, churros and ice cream. Some of us will be barbecue cooks and will prepare and serve other food items.

Special notes:

• Set up and take down will require a few volunteers who are able to do moderate lifting of inflatables and other attractions.
• Dress code: shorts are OK but no “cut-offs”, no sandals or open-toed shoes. T-shirts will be provided but the quantity will be limited and may have to be shared with other shifts (wear over the volunteer’s own clothing).
• Smoking is prohibited anywhere on site.
• Lunch will be served to all volunteers on Wednesday

Please join us, have fun, and make this event a huge success. Mark your calendars and please call or email Gary or Emily to sign up for any day and shift.

KFH volunteer coordinator contacts:

Gary Christensen (916)215-1460, gjcsmc@aol.com

Emily Chirk (714)213-0716, echirk@gmail.com

The Kiwanis Chili Challenge
and
The Moose Chili Challenge

Benefiting the Kiwanis Family House and Moose Charities

Sunday, June 10th, 11 AM – 4 PM
At The West Sacramento Moose Lodge
3240 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento

Admission is FREE
Chili Tasting $10

The Kiwanis Chili Challenge is chili prepared by local Kiwanis Clubs competing for bragging rights and a perpetual banner that the winning club can display at their club meetings for a year.
The Moose Chili Challenge prepared by local Moose Lodges competing for bragging rights and a perpetual trophy that the winning lodge can display for a year in their lodge.
Festivities to Include:
Arts and Crafts, Music, Food, Raffle, Kids Area, Chili Tasting and much more!

Download the flyer
For more information, contact Steve McIntire at (916) 467-7306 or semdbsc@comcast.net

Community Link Capital Region stated this about the business, individual, and non-profit nominees:  This year’s nominees reflect the breadth and depth of community service in the Sacramento Region and vividly demonstrate that volunteerism and community service are thriving despite the community’s challenging economic environment.

The Kiwanis Family House was selected from among 13 nominees in the Service Clubs and Associations category.  In reflecting on the prestigious recognition, House Director Dan Germain lauded the organization’s many team members for their contributions to the organization’s record of service.  “We are proud of the statement this award makes about the strong leadership of the KFH Board of Directors, the impressive daily efforts of the staff who ensure the facility is always in a state of readiness, the valued impact of the volunteers without whom we could not serve, and the wonder of one of the most impactful sustained programs in all of Kiwanis International.”

She saw a need and believed Kiwanis could change things. Vern bought into the vision and sold it to the local Kiwanis Clubs and we built the House. Leona and Vern lead us and paved the way for all of us that have followed. As I listened to speakers at her memorial talking about all the things Leona accomplished, how she would not take no for an answer, all the children she helped even taking them into her home, I realized how fortunate we are that she was there for us . During her service I thanked the Lord several times that Kiwanis and each of us have been so lucky to have had a person of Leona’s stature in our life. She was a great lady and a good friend and her strength and support over the years to all of us helped make us strong enough that we will be able to keep her legacy, Kiwanis Family House, serving needy families far into the future.

Bill Hooper
President KFH Board of Directors

Leona’s family had requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kiwanis Family House or Arden Christian Church. If you would like to make a donation to the Family House in her memory, please use the link below and Leona’s family will be notified of your gift.

To open a chart showing all the families served during January 2012 and their hometowns,  click here.

Families Served by KFH - January 2012

The Citrus Heights Kiwanis board of directors unanimously votes to approve personal emergency response system company, Life Connect Home Services’ offer of a monthly charitable contribution to Kiwanis Family House for every customer who mentions Kiwanis at time of purchase.

January 24, 2012 — Sacramento, CA - In response to Kiwanis Family House’s current financial needs, Life Connect Home Services, LLC, which provides personal safety products and solutions, is now donating 10% of all of their monthly monitoring charges from their Kiwanis members directly to the Kiwanis Family House. This is not just a one-time gift, but will continue for the life of the Life Connect Home Services member’s service! It is also not limited to active Kiwanis members, but also to referrals.

Max Woodford, president and CEO of Life Connect Home Services, and Kiwanian, says, “Our hope is that this substantial monthly contribution will help the Kiwanis Family House raise much-needed funds for operation while offering the very best, most affordable personal and home protection for our Kiwanians and their loved ones.”

To raise awareness for Kiwanis Family House and how Life Connect Home Services can help this and other charities, Life Connect Home Services is available for studio interviews or live coverage onsite at Kiwanis Family House.

Praise for the Kiwanis Family House
“To all Kiwanis Family House staff and the volunteers of Kiwanis Family House:  We stayed here for two weeks, including Christmas. If it were not for the Kiwanis Family House, we would not have maintained our sanity. Thank you, thank you for this place and the many volunteers who keep it going. This is an amazing place.”

“We thank Kiwanis House so much for the gracious hospitality that was extended to our family during a very stressful and worrisome time. Staying here has been a great help in allowing us to be near to our son when he needed our support the most.”

About Kiwanis Family House
Kiwanis Family House is dedicated to providing temporary housing and support to families of seriously ill or injured children and adults being treated at the UC Davis Medical Center and Shriner’s Hospital.

About Life Connect Advantage
With the ability to provide protection for your family, with or without a home phone line, LCA has catapulted the personal emergency response system into the 21st century. LCA’s groundbreaking system provides affordable protection not just for seniors, but for anyone who lives alone, caregivers in the home, younger or disabled family members, and people in assisted-living or care facilities. LCA monitors are trained to determine the level of response needed and they work hand in hand with law enforcement and emergency personnel to get immediate assistance to those in need. To learn more about Life Connect Advantage, visit www.lifeconnectadvantage.com or call toll-free at 1-866-516-2787.

Life Connect Home Services, LLC
2377 Gold Meadow Way, Suite 100
Gold River, CA 95670

Contact Person: Max Woodford
Phone: 916-847-0755
Email: mwoodford@lifeconnectadvantage.com

Click here for a printable “Life Connect” flyer

Mr.Germain will be responsible for the daily operations of the House, including oversight of the staff, volunteers, and guests.  Additionally, Mr. Germain will assist the Board of Directors in executing the Strategic Plan, playing an active role in fundraising, grant writing, and outreach to the local community, Kiwanians, and sponsoring Kiwanis Clubs.

Mr. Germain began his Kiwanis affiliation as a member of Circle K International while attending college, and served as Governor of the Cal-Nev-Ha District for one year and Vice President of Circle K International the following year.  He is currently a member of two Kiwanis clubs, East Sacramento-Midtown and Old Mission (Kansas).  A Past Club President of both clubs, Mr. Germain currently serves as an Advisor to the California State University (Sacramento) Circle K Club.   Mr. Germain’s qualifications include 22 years with the California Highway Patrol in various positions including Commander and Assistant Chief, with broad operational and policy responsibilities in the Business Services and Administrative Services Divisions of the CHP.

Most recently, Mr. Germain served 4 years as Chief Operating Officer at Coalition for Independence in Kansas City, Kansas, a non-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities.  In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of the Operations Department, including facilitating business processes, customer service, center accreditations, agency policy development, facilities oversight, occupational safety, and emergency procedures.

In addition to being a long-standing Kiwanis club member and volunteer, Mr. Germain is currently a Board Member of MAAP, Inc., a non-profit agency, and for 20 years served as a coach/volunteer in the Elk Grove Youth Soccer League.

Gary Christensen, who has served as Interim House Director since January 1, 2012, will resume his volunteer position as Development Director after ending his tenure as House Director on March 31st.  In this key role, he will continue to provide fundraising and operational support to help ensure the future success of the Kiwanis Family House.
The Board of Directors is grateful to Mr. Christensen for his service as Interim House Director, and looks forward to the leadership Mr. Germain will provide to the volunteers and staff of the Kiwanis Family House.

The Kiwanis Family House is dedicated to providing temporary housing and support to families of seriously ill or injured children and adults being treated at UC Davis Medical Center and Shriners Hospital in Sacramento.  Originally opened on July 23, 1984, the Kiwanis Family House was built through the efforts of many Kiwanis club volunteers from the Sacramento area in response to the urgent need for temporary housing for families of pediatric patients at the UC Davis Children’s hospital in Sacramento.

“Own The Clouds: The first Guide to Investing in Cloud Computing Companies”, by Joyce Blonskij

Join all of us from the Kiwanis Family House to celebrate the online book launch for  “Own The Clouds – The First Guide to Investing in Cloud Computing Companies” http://www.owntheclouds.com/, authored by Kiwanis Family House Board Treasurer, and renowned financial advisor, Joyce Blonskij.

Her new book is about finding and investing in technologies that are changing the face of our planet. Just think, had you bought 5-shares of Microsoft for $100 back in 1986 when they went public – you’d have just over $40,000 today. Well, the next huge shift in technology is here and it’s called: Cloud Computing.

“All you old-timers like me, you’re going to embrace tech and clouds after reading this amazing book, so much so, that you’ll be giving it as gifts to everyone you know and care about. I will be giving my kids this book and making sure they read it because it will allow us to work together as we plan for my grandchildren. Own The Clouds should be taught in our schools.”
-Bill Hooper, Retired High School Principal, Orangevale, CA
President of Kiwanis Family House Board of Directors
Trustee of California Nevada Hawaii Kiwanis District of Kiwanis International

But first, please consider becoming a “FRIEND” of Own the Clouds. It’s easy, simple and quick. There is no cost, no traveling is required, and you’ll be doing yourself, your friends, and The Kiwanis Family House a huge service by helping get the word out and inviting others to join our launch party. (Joyce is donating her proceeds to charity.)

As a “FRIEND” of Own the Clouds you’ll receive a set of prepared announcements that are ready to be shared with your family and friends on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, in newsletters, blog posts, and of course, as an e-mail, which I’ll ask you to send out and post the morning of March 6th. It’s all done for you, just cut and paste, that’s it.

As a thank-you and to recognize you for your help and support, Joyce will list your name and website (optional) on the ”Own the Clouds” party site in a special “Friends” section.

So please consider becoming a “FRIEND” of Own the Clouds and get recognized for your support.  Just click on this link: http://hasmarkservices.com/campaigns/jb.html OR send an email to Jenn at: jenn@hasmarkservices.com” and she’ll help you get signed up.

Thank you so much for your consideration of this project. With your support, much needed funds will be raised for the Kiwanis Family House, not to mention your friends will have a fantastic resource to learn about and discover those cloud computing companies with silver linings through the incredible tips and insights only found in this book.

Be a “FRIEND” of Own the Clouds, and get recognized for your support:  http://hasmarkservices.com/campaigns/jb.html

PARTY DATE: Tuesday MARCH 6th, 2012
TIME: Starting at Midnight (It’s a 24-hour “virtual” book launch party online)
PLACE: http://www.owntheclouds.com/

Purchase a copy of Own the Clouds during our 24-hour party on March 6th from Amazon.com, and come back to Own the Clouds party site, register and receive your FREE party bonus gifts! Bonus gifts are only available during the 24-hour book launch from http://www.owntheclouds.com/

What others are saying about Own The Clouds:

“Awesome book! Growing up in the era when TV’s had rabbit ears, I realize more than ever that technology is here to stay and evolving. This book has given me a way to move into the future. At last, I feel less like a greenhorn and more like a pro. Thank you Own The Clouds.”
-Lynne P. Thomson, Past President, The Kiwanis Club of Placerville
The Prouty Ranch historic site on the Pony Express Route, Placerville, CA

“This first of its kind book is going to make a difference in your life, and the lives of others. When you purchase of copy of Own The Clouds a portion of the authors proceeds is donated to support sick and hungry kids, through a variety of charities starting with The Kiwanis Family House, The Ronald McDonald House, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and food banks. I’d callthis a win-win for everyone!”
-Max Woodford, President of Life Connect Advantage, Kiwanis Club of Citrus Heights

“Own the Clouds provides a step-by-step roadmap for finding technology companies that even non-technical folks can follow…a valuable guide for us all.”
-Rita Beall, SVP Central Operations Manager, River City Bank
Board of Director for The Kiwanis Family House, and Vice President Greater Sacramento Kiwanis Club

Click on this link now to become a FRIEND of Own the Clouds: http://hasmarkservices.com/campaigns/jb.html

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, December 27, 2011

A long-standing member of the East Sacramento-Midtown Kiwanis club, Mr. Christensen has served as a Past Board President of the Kiwanis Family House from 2002 to 2005, and was instrumental in leading the capital campaign which successfully raised the funds needed to build the current Kiwanis Family House on the campus of the UC Davis Medical Center, which opened in July of 2006.  As the volunteer Development Director, Mr. Christensen has continued to provide fundraising and operational support to help insure the future success of the Kiwanis Family House.

Mauda Butte, currently House Director, will take on the role of Guest Relations Coordinator beginning January 1, 2012.  In this new role, Ms. Butte will be responsible for ensuring that guests of the Kiwanis Family House receive needed services and support during their stay.  Ms. Butte is a longtime member of two Kiwanis Clubs, Sacramento West and KFH, and is a former Lt. Governor for Kiwanis Division 7.

The Kiwanis Family House is dedicated to providing temporary housing and support to families of seriously ill or injured children and adults being treated at UC Davis Medical Center and Shriners Hospital in Sacramento.  Originally opened on July 23, 1984, the Kiwanis Family House was built through the efforts of many Kiwanis club volunteers from the Sacramento area in response to the urgent need for temporary housing for families of pediatric patients at the UC Davis Children’s hospital in Sacramento.
The search for a permanent House Director will begin shortly.