This weekend county residents have the opportunity to have some
fun and at the same time give needed financial help to the
Chamberlain’s Children Center.
Hollister – This weekend county residents have the opportunity to have some fun and at the same time give needed financial help to the Chamberlain’s Children Center.
Members of Leadership San Benito are holding the Family Fun Festival & Flea Market Saturday from 8am to 2pm at Chamberlain’s at 1850 San Benito Street.
Leadership San Benito County is a year-long program that takes people from the community and teaches them how the county works and what unique challenges the county faces, as well as leadership skills. After going through the program, participants are better prepared to be civic and business leaders in the county.
Each year participants choose a public service project. This year, they chose to raise money to build a playground for Chamberlains – a nonprofit organization in Hollister, which has been taking in severely behaviorally disturbed children for more than 30 years.
“Hopefully we can raise funds and awareness of Chamberlain’s and their needs,” said Betty Grace, who is part of the Leadership program this year.
Saturday’s festival will feature a martial arts demonstration, performance by the San Benito High School Scarlet Regiment Band, a bounce house, face painting and carnival games, such as a dunk tank. Hot dogs and other food will also be sold.
The flea market part of the event will consist of some 80 vendors who are renting space at the festival.
Because of behavior issues, the kids at Chamberlain’s can’t play at schools or public parks. But the organization’s facility on San Benito Street has very limited opportunities to play for the center’s 24 kids, with only a small slide and swing and no area for organized sports like baseball or soccer. The improvement’s will help the center fulfill its mission, said acting Chief Executive Officer Doreen Crumrine.
Though costs continue to increase, Chamberlain’s state funding has not increased in five years, Crumrine said.
“I feel very blessed that they picked us as a project,” Crumrine said. “They’re a godsend.”
Leadership San Benito County is currently accepting applications for its 2005-06 class. For more information call 636-7629.
Luke Roney covers politics and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 335 or lr****@fr***********.com
