October is going to be busy and full of activities and events, in Redlands.

I will be participating in the Believe Walk October 2^nd, in memory of my mom who passed away from multiple myeloma in 2012. I will also be walking for my sister-in-law who fought stage 4 ovarian cancer and has been cancer free for 5 years. We all know someone who has or will fight the battle against cancer, let’s hope the cures are on our doorsteps. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will have a California Energy Upgrade booth at the event. Please stop by and learn about all the great ways to save energy.

On October 31^st downtown Redlands businesses will be participating in the annual trick or treat event. I look forward to taking my grandson again this year. We plan to make a night of it and have dinner at one of our extraordinary restaurants downtown.

The Redlands Chamber Dog Jog/Run is coming up on November 5^th. I would like to thank the Redlands Sewing Center for their generous donation of dog bandanas. The dogs are going to be styling with these adorable bandanas. Hope everyone has a great month and I look forward to seeing some of you at these events.

Redlands Chamber presents the first ever, Dog Jog, Saturday, November 5^th in downtown Redlands. It’s a 5k-ish course that ventures into the streets of Redlands. Runners and their furry friends will em”bark” onto the course trotting through the tree lined streets of Redlands on a closed course, beginning and ending in downtown.  Sponsored by Alta Vista Credit Union, All Four Paws Pet Care, Barich & Associates, Redlands Sewing Center, Allstate Insurance – Todd Underwood, Pacific Specialty Insurance, Super 8 Motel, Office Solutions, LLC and SCE the first of its kind in the city, the Redlands Chamber Dog Jog is a fun filled event for two and four legged members of every family looking for a unique Saturday morning event.

As part of the fun our two legged athletes will all receive an official Redlands Chamber Dog Jog T-shirt and our four legged competitors will each get a race bandana. At the finish line human joggers will be greeted with cookies and of course we can’t forget our pooch pals where milk bones will be waiting for them. An official finish line dog tag will be given to every team.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Redlands Animal Shelter to assist in the ongoing rescue and adoption efforts.

Registration is now open both online at www.redlandschamberrun.com and at the Chamber office.

Join the hundreds of runners, walkers, strollers and stutters on November 5^th at 8:00 AM.

Children’s Fund providing hope for a brighter future

The idea of the Children’s Fund was recommended in 1985 as a better way to deliver services to at-risk children that fell under the responsibility of the respective County departments.  Led by Patrick J. Morris, the then presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, a Policy Council was formed. After reviewing many scenarios the endorsement was made to add a nonprofit 501(c) (3) component to the Children’s Network.

In 1986 Children’s Fund was founded.  Jack H. Brown, then Chairman & CEO of Stater Bros. Markets was the Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Realizing that children “in the system” were not always getting their needs met, Children’s Fund was created as a non-profit organization to be able to serve the children in our county who are in the most need of our support.

This year Children’s Fund has helped more than 53,000 children in San Bernardino County, bringing the total served since its inception in 1986 to more than 1.4 million children.

Children’s Fund established an Emergency Needs Program, which provides at-risk children with items such as food, clothing, beds, rental and utility assistance, medical and dental care.

Throughout the year, Children’s Fund collects backpacks filled with school supplies, winter coats to help children stay warm in the colder areas of their region, and hygiene products to provide for the basic needs for at-risk children.

After school programs, violence and gang intervention, and mentorship programs receive funding from Children’s Fund.  There are many programs that Children’s Fund supports throughout the year, supplying thousands of children with much needed items.

The San Bernardino County Amber Alert System received support from the Children’s Fund, allowing local law enforcement to link into the national system and communicate child abductions more quickly and effectively.

They have partnered with organizations that provide effective programs for at-risk children, including CASA, Parent Project, THINK Together, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Angel’s Charity Closet, Music Changing Lives and Highlanders Boxing Club.

If you would like more information about Children’s Fund or would like to donate log on to www.childrensfundonline.org or call 379-0000