Storyteller Children’s Center (Literally) Delivers On Their 7th Annual Lunch With Love Event
Raising funds on behalf of the therapeutic school for homeless toddlers and preschoolers, Storyteller staff, board and volunteers delivered 140 lunches (serving 560 people) to the doorsteps of would-be event guests.
Storyteller Children’s Center held its 7th annual Lunchbox Luncheon this week. As a result of pandemic circumstances, this is the second time the non-profit pivoted from an in-person event to deliver lunch to patrons and donors over a four day period.
Participants received a delicious lunch by Duo and Mission Rose Pasta, which included a choice between homemade vegan soup, chicken noodle soups or fresh pasta. All lunches served a family of four and included freshly baked bread and a bottle of Grenache from Babcock winery.
“Storyteller’s Lunch with Love has been a great success due to incredible community involvement,” noted Storyteller Development Director, Adrienne DeGuevara.”With the support of volunteers, board members and sponsors, we’ve been able to engage long-standing donors and engage new ones. “
As a special bonus, each lunch purchase included an automatic raffle entry to win an original piece of artwork from Pedro De La Cruz, who created the celebrated Montecito Strong bear and whose artwork famously drew a $100,000 auction bid at the Storyteller Children’s Center Gala in 2018.
“While we’re eager to gather again, we are happy to partake in this effort for a second year,” noted Storyteller board member Erinn Lynch. “It offers a much-needed touchpoint with the people who support our Storyteller children and families. These ‘soul food’ lunches are delivered with gratitude and an acknowledged bond as we work together to take care of our community, despite pandemic circumstances.”
About Storyteller: Founded in 1988, Storyteller is a full-time, therapeutic school program that supports children ages 18 months to 5 years in achieving kindergarten readiness. In addition to the approximate 80 students served per year, Storyteller also provides assistance to the entire family unit, with an emphasis on breaking the cycle of poverty for the working poor while preparing children to successfully enter kindergarten.
Storyteller
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www.storytellercenter.org
Executive Director: Dr. Gabriella Garcia
(805) 730-0181
Mission
Storyteller is a therapeutic preschool that serves children and their families toward “Kindergarten Readiness.”
Storyteller serves Santa Barbara’s poorest families, those living below or close to the poverty guideline and who also meet the Federal definition of homeless. This segment of our community may have difficulty accessing and paying for quality preschool.
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We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s Director of Development and/or Executive Director.
Since 2014, it has been an honor to be a member of the Storyteller Board of Trustees and to witness the growth and the impact of this important organization. In my 10 years of involvement, Storyteller has supported 905 children and their families in our community, all of whom face many challenges and adverse experiences. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of the staff and Board, and the generosity of donors, Storyteller graduates are Kindergarten-ready and prepared to thrive.
Support High-Quality Early Childhood Education for Children Facing Tough Challenges
Storyteller’s operational budget serves the therapeutic and trauma-informed curriculums, building the foundation of resiliency that these students will tap into for their entire lives.
It costs about $35,000 to support each student served in Storyteller’s year-round therapeutic program – and 60% needs to come from community contributions and donations. For each student served by Storyteller, they must raise at least $20,000. With the help of The Giving List, they’d like to raise $80,000 for four full scholarships for one year. This amount will help four children build a foundation of social-emotional resiliency, mitigate trauma, and support the family unit in being able to work or attend school.
Key Supporters
Erinn Lynch, Board Co-Chair
Peggy Dodds, MD, Board Co-Chair
Michael C. Wasserman, Vice Chair
Craig Zimmerman, Treasurer
Rachael Stein, Secretary
Gretchen Horn, Governance
Jon Clark
Sharon Kayser
Anna Kokotovic, PhD
Diana Lytel
Patricia Madrigal, PhD
Danna McGrew
Ann Pieramici
Ken Radtkey
Kyra Rogers
Kenny Slaught