As many of you know, I created a competition between Central Valley Elementary, Middle, and High School students to paint murals for each of the walls. These 11 students were chosen out of 55 applications to paint these murals. Each student received $75 and their school's art program received $75 as well. These students worked tirelessly for several weeks on painting these murals. Our youngest applicant was in kindergarten and our oldest was in 12th grade.
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Although Thursday was a rainy day, it did not stop more than 100 people to come out to Grace's Place for the Ribbon Cutting. The childcare center was filled with donors, students, parents as well as my longest supporters. While this is the completion of Grace's Place, it's not the end. Grace's Place will continue to serve the women and children of the Hacienda for the rest of time.
It's such an honor to be invited to receive this award. You know this all started when I was in the 3rd grade, when I realized that some children were born into situations that were different from mine. I started talking to my mom then eventually I takes to one of her friends Mrs. Maggie Fainer-Towne, a volunteer at MHS, and I instantly fell in love with this organization and what they were doing to give back to the community. Then when I went on the tour of the Hacienda I saw a need for these children to have a safe place to play. I started talking to Laura Whitehouse, my mentor, and I told her that I wanted to do something about this. During this entire process she was always the one that was there for me. She was the one who believed in me from the beginning. Because of her belief in me I began to believe in myself. Giving back is just something that I want to do with my life. A wise man once said, "If everyone who sees a problem expects someone else will take care of it, then nothing gets done."
Whenever I meet new people and share what I have done with this project, they always ask "Why are you doing this?" The first time someone asked me this, I was speechless. I had no words. It took me weeks to realize the answer. It was so simple. I figured out that it's all about the kids. These children have been put into situations that they didn't do anything to deserve. When I'm having a down day I look at pictures like this and instantly I remember why I'm doing this.
When I was thinking about the answer to this question I kept asking myself "Why are you doing this?... why are you doing this?... why are you doing this?" Immediately I thought, why not. I might have only been 15 at the time and my only source of income is from babysitting jobs, but by all means I have the heart and the voice to do this and I am going to give everything that I can to help out. So even if you think that you have nothing to give.. let me tell you... you're wrong. Give what you have. My dad gave his wonderful landscaping techniques. My mom gave her legal advice when writing out information for the press release for the Ribbon Cutting. Just remember, you may not be someone to the world, but you can be the world to someone. And think about it. If everyone says someone else will do it, then eventually nothing gets done. We officially have completed the turf areas! This is amazing! We now are in the final steps of Grace's Place. On October 23, 2015 Central Valley students will have submitted their mural applications and by the 30th they will know if they have been selected to paint for the Hacienda. That is the last and final step before our ribbon cutting on December 10, 2015.
Finally, we have come to finish the installation of the playground equipment. Thank you to all of the contractors and all of the donors for making this a reality. The next and final step of Grace's Place is to finish the Mural Competition! Once that is done we will be having the ribbon cutting in December of this year!
As many of you may know, I have created a competition between Central Valley Elementary, Middle, and High School students to design and paint murals onto each of the walls. Below you will find an attachment of the flyer and application for this competition. Feel free to apply as many times as you would like and also feel free to ask me any questions at [email protected] Thank you!
Finally, the Game Time equipment is fully installed. The next step is to get the crushed rock put in place and then finally the rubber surfacing will be poured in place. Thank you to all the Rotary Clubs in Fresno and the private donors for your donations to this project! It would be impossible without your passion and commitment.
Within just a few days, the equipment went from in a box to up and ready to use! In just a few days the rubber surfacing and the rest of the shade structures will be put in! How exciting?!?
A huge thanks to Marrs Playground Installation Co. for doing the job right! Without your dedication and tireless efforts in the Fresno heat the playground would not be complete! Thank you so much! |