Snowball Shopping Spree

EDITOR:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County would like to thank premier sponsors Ken and Leilanie Steers from the Steers Foundation and El Dorado Disposal, a Waste Connections company, for their continued support that allowed over 150 kids to shop at Target in El Dorado Hills during the third annual Snowball Shopping Spree “It’s for the Kids” event. The children beamed with happiness as they joined together with dedicated community volunteers to shop for necessities and share in some holiday cheer. Without their generous support, this event could not have taken place.

A huge thank you also goes to Jeff England and all the El Dorado Hills Rotarians who served up a delicious breakfast for the families who waited for their kids to shop. U.S. Bank sponsored a child-mentor match for an entire year. The El Dorado Hills Firefighters Association financially supported this event, and additionally, brought fire engines for the kids to explore and learn what it takes to be a firefighter. Target even picked up the sales tax so each child could use their full gift card. Mansour at Town Center kindly allowed us the use of their building for check in and breakfast along with Sellands Market. Santa Joe was again remarkable with the children.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department brought along some of their crime-fighting canines and graciously took the time to shop with some of the children. Thanks also to Fish and Game for bringing some of their dogs for children to pet and share in the Christmas spirit.

A very special and heartfelt thanks to Vern and Cyndy Pierson, founders of the Snowball event, for their tireless efforts and dedication to the children of this community. Along with Vern and Cyndy, an incredible volunteer committee organized this amazing event.

We so appreciate all of you community members who gave up your Saturday morning to be with our children and support their parents who, undoubtedly, will forever be grateful for your help and kindness. We at BBBS give our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your support, generosity and compassion. It really does take a village to raise a child and we have a fantastic village here in El Dorado County. Thank you all.

JUDY KNAPP
Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County