Celebrating Big Changes and Bigger Dreams: A Recap of Zillions and our Ribbon Cutting!
We are still buzzing with excitement from two monumental events that took place recently at 1011 Hahman Drive: Our inaugural fundraiser luncheon, Zillions for The Zones, and the Ribbon Cutting & Open House for our newly remodeled facility. Both events were a testament to the incredible support we have from our community to deliver high-quality enrichment programs for kids and teens, and we are thrilled to share the highlights and successes of these special days with you!
Zillions for The Zones: A Day of Generosity and Inspiration
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Zillions was an overwhelming success, and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who came out to support the launch of the first ever program for teens on the east side of Santa Rosa. All the funds were raised from sponsorships and our paddle raise will go directly toward empowering and inspiring local teens in a safe environment.
~~ Why a fundraiser? We want to offer free, drop-in programing to teens in East Santa Rosa who need a safe, supportive space off-campus, but we need you to make it happen. It’s always a good time to show your support. Please GIVE TODAY. ~~
The event was filled with energy and heart, and we’re so proud of the impact it made. Here are some of the highlights:
- Tours:
We loved getting to show off the brand-new spaces in our newly remodeled facility. The enthusiasm you brought and your ideas for what we can do with kids in our afterschool program and with teens were amazing! For those who were familiar with our old floorplan, the remodel was a breath of fresh air and the excitement you brought made all the changes worth it!
- Guest Speakers: We were honored to have several amazing speakers including Jeff Tibbitts from the City of Santa Rosa, Violence Prevention Program. Jeff reminded guests that a new building is just a start, it takes many people’s care, mentorship, and guidance to make programs the best they can be. We also heard from students from Montgomery High School and what the new center means to them. Their perspectives were powerful, illustrating the real, life-changing work we’re doing. Followed them, a touching perspective was offered by Casey Williams, who spoke about how our programs he participated in as a young person made a difference in his life.
- Paddle Raise: We had SO much fun during the paddle raise! The generosity of our guests was overwhelming. The most exciting moment came from the suspense of who would be the final bidder on our $100 level prize of a dinner and overnight stay at Safari West. Thanks to everyone who raised a paddle for kids and teens!
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our new teen program is officially set to launch this November. We can’t wait to see how this program will continue to shape the futures of young people in our community.
VIEW THE PHOTO ALBUM ON FACEBOOK.
Ribbon Cutting & Open House: A New Chapter Begins
Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
The following week, we celebrated the grand reopening of our beautiful facility with a Ribbon Cutting & Open House. This day marked a huge milestone for our youth center, and it was wonderful to share the occasion with so many members of our community.
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The event began with a moving ribbon cutting ceremony, where CEO Amber Heidtke spoke about the importance of this new space, and rededicated our outdoor space to in memory of former member, Jose Ignacio "Iggy" Barragan. As the ribbon was cut, the crowd erupted in applause, signifying the official start of this exciting new chapter.
- Facility Tours: Guests were given guided tours of our state-of-the-art facility. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—many parents and community members commented on how incredible the spaces were, particularly the opportunities they’ll offer for creative and educational growth.
- Meet & Greet with Staff: Attendees had the chance to meet our dedicated staff, who are the heart and soul of our programs. It was great to see so many engaging conversations about the future of our youth center and how we can continue to support young people in our community.
- Community Connection: The event was also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other supporters and celebrate the power of community. The atmosphere was filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation for all the new opportunities this space will provide for the youth in our area.
VIEW THE PHOTO ALBUM ON FACEBOOK.
Looking Ahead
These two events were not only celebrations of what we’ve accomplished but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. We are excited for the future, with the new teen program launching soon and the new facility set to become a hub of creativity, learning, and growth.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who attended, donated, and supported these efforts. Your generosity and belief in our mission make everything we do possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for the next generation.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, program launches, and how you can continue to be involved in our mission.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
-- The Zones Team
