Last month we at Go Platinum Lending were handing out free pumpkins to past and future clients in a celebration of our anniversary. This month we’re teaming up with Montecino & Associates in an effort to help the Marine Corps Reserve collect “Toys for Tots”. Toys for Tots has been around for 61 years and all the toys and money that we collect here in Eastern Madera County will be given back to the children in Eastern Madera County. We understand that many people are struggling financially this year – but if you are able to spare a few dollars for a new toy, think about the difference you can make for a child when they too have a present to open on Christmas day.

Christmas should be a happy family time – and by no means should it be measured in materialistic wealth. But Christmas should also be the time for joy and smiles. The way “Toys for Tots” works is that the Marine Corps Reserve will distribute the toys to the parents of the needing children. By donating a toy, you will make Christmas a joy for a child or two and also support our Marine Corps reserves.

The new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off in our Coarsegold office at

35285 Highway 41 # C. The gifts can range from $1 to $20 – the children receiving them are all ages from newborn to teens.

The last day for donations is December 12th so don’t wait.

We thank you for your support.

Today I took my children to the Historic Cobb Ranch located just North of Fresno off of Highway 41.  When we arrived I did not realize that it cost $5.00 just to enter.  My first thought was to turn around, go to another pumpkin patch, and save that $5.00.  I paid the measley $5.00 and was glad I did.  It was such a cool experience for the children.  The Cobb Ranch really knows how to entertain its guests.  The grounds are unbelievably tidy, there are animals to see, a corm maze to get lost in, a hayride, a train ride and many others attractions.  My children had such a blast.  I was happy to support such a wonderful place.  I know their Christmas Tree Farm is just as exciting and wonderful. 

The community of Eastern Madera County is mourning the loss of one of their children. Last week sixteen year old Danny Zabicki lost his battle with cancer. Danny was a sweet and talented young man that was an inspiration to all that knew him. His parents, well known and respected, own one of Oakhurst’s best places to eat, The Crab Cake’s Restaurant.

There will be a fundraiser on Monday, October 27, 2008, from 12:00am to 7:00pm. for the Zabicki family. The event will be held at the Crab Cake’s Restaurant Patio. This will be a great opportunity to honor and remember a fine young man that was taken from us so soon in life.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to this fine family.

For information call Heather 559 676-5056 or Linda 559 683-6993.

I remember my first haunted house.  I was scared out of my mind!!!  I vowed I would never go in another haunted house.  After many years, when I was at college, I went with a group of friends to FRIGHTMARE.  This haunted house was in downtown San Diego and it was SCARY.  I will never forget being at the back of the line and feeling our way through the dark.  After screaming the entire way through the haunted house we saw a light at the end of the tunnel.  As the light grew larger and larger we figured we had survived.  That was until a man in a freaky mask came up from behind us and fired up his chainsaw.  My friend and I went from the back of the line to the front of the line in less than 1 second knocking over everyone who was in our way.  As we stumbled over the last person we looked up and saw the busy street of downtown San Diego.  We stood up looked at eachother and turned our heads back towards the exit of the haunted house just in time to see our other friends flying out the door of the haunted house.  We all caught our breath and just started laughing.  From that moment on I was hooked.  Each year I look forward to all the great haunted houses.  As Halloween approaches I can’t wait to go to a haunted house. 

 On that note.  the Sierra Lions Club of Oakhurst is hosting their 2nd Annual Haunted House at the end  of October.  Not only can you attend and get scared out of your wits but you can also sponsor a tombstone.  Let’s join together and help the Lions Club raise money for their organization.  I can’t wait to go! 

The telegraph fire in Mariposa this past month left many community members homeless.  These victims have experienced many people’s worst nightmare.  Many of us shake our heads in disbelief wondering what we can do to help.  Drop off sites have been set up for donations of clothes, household goods, and anything you think these victims may need.  My challenge to all of you living in Madera, Mariposa, and Merced counties is to go through your homes and pack up clothes you don’t wear, furniture you don’t sit on, kitchen items you don’t use, and anything that is collecting dust that you would be willing to donate.  I know with the help of community members of Mariposa, Oakhurst, Bass Lake, Coarsegold, Raymond, Ahwahnee, Fish Camp, and North Fork together we can help these victims to get back on their feet.  For more information you can call 209-966-2000, for monetary donations call 209-966-2456 or log onto abc30.com. 

MUDD Volleyball- Dare you to get dirty. 

Every year in August local fire departments, radio stations, and other organizations put on a MUDD Volleyball tournament.  This fundraiser is guaranteed to be the most fun event you will participate in.  You will laugh harder than you ever had and of course, you will get dirtier than you could ever dream.  It is held in Fresno off of Shaw and 99 near the Island water park.  All proceeds go to the March of Dimes foundation that is dedicated to finding a cause of pre-mature babies.  Put on an old pair of shoes, some old clothes and join us for a day of fun.  This year it will be held on August 23.  For more information contact the Fresno City Fire Department or log on to http://www.eteamz.com/FresnoMuddVolleyball/ . 

Hope to see you there!!!!

In continuation to the post on Wednesday.

The Club is hoping to reopen its doors to the many children who are still in need of their services.  Current deadlines have been set for funding.  The club must have bank account balances of at least $75,000 by November 1, 2008 in order to reopen.  They will also need to increase the cost of membership from $10 per child per year to $20 per child per month in order to stay open.  Families who cannot afford the membership fees will not be turned away. 

The club has been without a corporate sponsor since 2003 and would love for a company to sponsor them.  After being in operation for 10 years and helping so many children, it would be a shame to not be able to stay in operation.

Look for more upcoming events that will directly benefit the Harry H. Baker Boys and Girls Club.  On Saturday, June 14th, come join Mat and Shred It in the Sierra Star parking lot.  Bring up to 3 boxes or bags of paper to shred for free.  There will be an additional charge for additional boxes.  They will also be selling hot dogs, shaved ice, and there will be a car wash.  Where else can you eat, de-clutter and wash your car all in one stop?

Come on everyone.  Help Mat and the Harry H. Baker Boys and Girls Club!

On Saturday, May 24th, there will be a invitational golf tournament at the Sierra Meadows County Club in Ahwahnee to honor Dr. Gary Pence.  Tee off begins at 9:00 a.m.  The entry fee for golf will be $100 and will include a great day of fun.  All net proceeds from the Dr. Gary Pence Invitational will benefit the ALS Association.

Dr. Pence is a mountain resident and has ALS, which is otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  There is currently no known treatment for ALS and approximately 5,000 new people are diagnosed with the disease annually.  The ALS Association focuses on improving the quality of life for those living with ALS.  This golf tournament kicks off several activities that are planned to benefit the ALS Association.
 
There will also be a fundraising dinner and raffle on May 24th as well.  The cost of admission is only $12 per person.  The ALS Walk will be held on June 1st at the Grizzly Stadium in Fresno.  There is no admission fee and donations are not required to participate, but are greatly appreciated.  The walk beings at 11:00 AM.  All participants will receive free admission to the Grizzly game that begins at 2:05 PM.

If you would like more information about the upcoming tournament, call (559) 683-4494 or if you would like to make a donation, contact Mary Pence at (559) 683-4090.

Sober Grad Night celebrations are now popping up all around our country.  For years, some seniors have celebrated their completion of high school with unsupervised parties where alcohol is being provided and consumed.  These sober parties offer a safe alternative for teens to celebrate together and still have a fantastic time.

The Yosemite School Sober Grad Night is in need of funding.  They are currently $5,000 short of what they need to pull off their big bash.  The party will begin at 8:30 p.m. on June 11th and will directly follow the commencement ceremony.  Seniors will able to stay up all night and hang out with friends.  There will be games, food and prizes to be won.

Participants are required to check in soon after the graduation ceremony ends at the high school.  This is a “lock-in” party.  If they chose to leave, they will not be allowed to come back into the party.  There will be prizes awarded all night, but only those in attendance will be eligible to win them.

The committee is in need of big ticket prize items.  Suggestions would be a trip, a computer or even a car.  They are also looking for donations of smaller items that college bound students would need.  Suggestions would be blankets, blenders, clocks, microwaves and radios.  Gift cards are also a good idea.

If just one alcohol related crash, one injury, one arrest, or especially one death is prevented, then all the work that volunteers have put into making a fun and safe party for grads, would all be worth it!  If you are interested in helping out this very worthwhile cause, contact Tammy Thacker at (559) 683-4667 ext. 319.

Relay For Life is kicking off their spring fundraisers around the country once again.  It is the world’s largest fundraising walk held.  In 2007, the Relay For Life raised over $405 million dollars worldwide.  The money raised is used to fund research, spread cancer awareness, cover treatments and cures and celebrate survivorship.

After the opening ceremony, everyone is sure to enjoy the “survivors lap” that is taken by those who have survived this horrible disease.  There are 23 teams that are registered so far this year for the 5th Annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Eastern Madera County.  Festivities will be held on Saturday May 15 at 9:00 a.m. until Sunday May 16th at 9:00 a.m.

Team members will run or walk for the entire 24 hour time period.  Each team will need to pay $150 registration fee and each team member is asked to raise $100 in donations.

Each year, luminaries are placed around the track and lit at dusk.  They will remain lit until dawn.   It is truly an awesome site to be seen.  Luminaries can be purchased to honor a cancer survivor or to honor someone who has lost their battle with cancer.   The cost of purchasing one is $10 this year.  If you are interested in purchasing one or need more information on this amazing event, contact Janice Ellis at 683-0968 or Lynette Schrank at 683-5066.