The Treasure Island Dinner Roast Was An Event To Remember
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A Quarterly Publication of Home of Guiding Hands 2nd Quarter 2021
The Treasure Island Dinner
Roast Was An Event To
President’s Message
Remember
On a balmy Saturday evening in June,
Dear Friends, HGH hosted The Treasure Island
As we enter our 504th day of Dinner Roast at Singing Hills Golf
the COVID-19 pandemic (but who’s Resort in their beautiful outdoor
counting), I can’t help but reflect garden.
on the countless hours, dedica- Guests arrived at a scene right out of
tion, and sacrifices endured by Pirates of the Caribbean, dressed as
our entire team. This is espe- pirates, wenches, mermaids, and other
cially true of our direct support imaginary characters. They enjoyed
professionals who, in trying specialty cocktails and appetizers,
times, remained committed to pirate characters vexing the crowd, enticing silent auction packages,
providing the best care possible. a three-course meal, and music to dance by from the Mighty
Untouchables.
I’ve mentioned in previous
reports that much of my time The event netted over $100,000 for the programs and services
and effort is spent with local, supporting the men, women, and children with special needs that
state, and federal officials. My HGH serves.
endeavors aim to increase wages The dinner roast also honored
for our staff and establish reim- Mark Klaus’s, President/CEO, ten
bursement rates that reflect the years at the helm. Special guest
quality of service and support “roasters” invited were Mayor Bill
our team provides to some of Wells and long-time supporter
our most vulnerable citizens! Dave Walker. Other elected officials
Winston Churchill said, “Never like Senator Toni Atkins, Supervisor
give up on something that you Joel Anderson, Councilmembers
can’t go a day without thinking Steve Goble, Michelle Metschel,
about.” and Phil Ortiz, Morgan Foley,
Santee City Manager Marlene Best,
I am thrilled to report that on and Captain Rob Ransweiler of the
July 12th, Governor Newsom El Cajon Police Department appeared on-screen in a surprise video.
signed a California State Budget
that includes significant invest- The occasion was joyous and filled with laughter and fun as people got
ments for people needing and reacquainted with one another and in-person events.
providing developmental services. Thank you to our Gala committee, sponsors, roasters, volunteers, and
continued guests for creating a memorable night. continued
President’s Message continued
Below are just a few of the
changes coming our way:
HGH Welcomes
– A five-year phase-in of rate
reform for service providers that
James Gonzalez
support more than 350,000
individuals with intellectual and
to the Board
developmental disabilities (IDD)
in our state. This is a $2 billion
historic investment and is being James Gonzalez was born and raised in Imperial Valley, CA. After
referred to as “the most important graduating from Central Union High School in 1992, he immediately
legislation in the history of stepped into his family’s small insurance business, which he later took
California’s IDD community, over in 2011.
second only to the Lanterman
During this time in 2004, his son Santiago was born, and at the age of
Act itself.”
four, was misdiagnosed with delayed speech. James joined the parent
– The creation of a training and support group, Autism Support of Imperial County (ASIC) where after
certification program for direct attending several meetings, he discovered like characteristics of his son
support professionals to those children of the parents in the group. In 2009, Santiago was
– Funding for language access diagnosed with Autism, known today as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
and cultural competency That following year, James shared his son’s story for perspective donors
for the annual ASIC Golf Tournament. His message was simple: “A
– Restoration of funding for
picture may say a thousand words, but, my son with autism has only a
social recreation and camp as
few words. ASIC helps several families with obtaining services and
well as educational services and
providing valuable information and resources.”
non-medical therapies
Impressed by James and his advocacy, the ASIC Board elected James as
– Additional funds and incentives their Board President.
for individuals seeking employ-
ment When asked why he joined the HGH Board, James said, “I hope that I
may contribute equally to HGH as I have contributed to ASIC. Trust me,
– Unfreezing of rates for many I know that it takes a great team (board) in order to excel, as I would not
group homes that have remained be anywhere without the individuals that have helped me get here.”
frozen since 2008.
Lastly, requirements to develop Returning Board officers include Rick Doremus–President, Trevor
a person-centered system that Yates–Vice President, Stacey Poon-Kinney–Secretary/Second VP, Michael
will better meet the needs and Harris–Treasurer, Isaac Blumberg–Immediate Past President. Returning
desires of individuals that receive members include Paul Botte, Kirk Ehrhart, Marcie Hanna, Cindi Harris,
services, their families, and Debby McNeil, and Ben Trovaten.
providers.
There remains a tremendous
amount of work ahead to imple-
ment the programs and changes
mentioned above. My team and
The Ladies Enjoy
I are proud to be actively involved
and look forward to the changes
A Night Out
that affect so many lives. For the first time in well over a
With sincere appreciation for year, the ladies at Castillo Verde,
the opportunity to serve this residents of one of our 30 com-
great organization, munity-based homes, enjoy time
together outside of their home.
Mark Klaus The ladies were thrilled to be
President & CEO dining at one of their favorite
restaurants.
Moments Captured From The Treasure Island Dinner Roast
Randy Jones and Mark Klaus Joan Klaus
The HGH Gala Committee
The Walkers, Sarkarias, and Linda Toussaint Denise Clark and Jan Tharp Laurie Purcell
Assadians
Jessica Hershey and Captain Jack Sparrow. Or is it? Drum Macomber Dean West and Pamela Starmack
At Home of Guiding Hands, we encourage teamwork
WE ARE HIRING! and strive for open and honest communica�on.
We act with integrity and professionalism and treat
HGH is one of the largest providers all persons with mutual respect.
of services for men, women, and
children with developmental and intellectual
JOIN OUR TEAM in advoca�ng for, inspiring, and
empowering people with special needs. They will
disabili�es in San Diego and Imperial Coun�es.
forever change your life.
Our mission, “to improve the lives of those we Visit guidinghands.org/careers to apply or call
serve,” is carried out in the work we do every day.
619-938-2886 to learn more about our opportuni�es.
1908 Friendship Drive
El Cajon, CA 92020-1154
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Twitter Handle: @GuidingHands_
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at www.guidinghands.org.
Friday, October 22nd Board of Directors (as of July 2021)
at Singing Hills Golf Officers: Members:
Resort at Sycuan. Rick Doremus Paul Botte
President Kirk Ehrhart
Craft beers, on-course Trevor Yates James Gonzalez
games, swag bag, and food Vice President Marcie Hanna
stations galore will be Stacey Poon-Kinney Cindi Harris
available to every player. Secretary/Second V.P. Debby McNeil
Online registration opens Cocktail reception follows Michael Harris Ben Trovaten
September 1st the tournament. Treasurer
Isaac Blumberg
Immediate Past President
Milestone Staff Anniversaries (Apr-Jun)
Thank you for your years of dedication!
5 YEARS 10 YEARS
Traci Hicks Nyaliep Ruach Please Donate
Kaitlynn Shadoan Neaz Rasheed
Tiffany Long Elizabeth Maki
When you give to HGH, 85.4 cents of every dollar
Sarah Davila 15 YEARS you goes directly back to our programs and services.
Sonia Brambila Elsa Chira HGH programs and services support more than 4,000
Brenda Barton Lolita Perez individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities
Alexandra Rogers Thanie Dang each year. Be our partner in honoring, advocating for,
Ian Quin Elizabeth Ramsey and empowering these amazing individuals.
Rebekah Maupin Make a donation at www.guidinghands.org
Frances Perez 20 YEARS
Guadalupe Chave Justine Smith
Blanca Neder 25 YEARS Our Mission:
Alma Vitela Wendy Smith To improve the lives of those we serve.
Genevieve Orr Jan Adams Our Vision:
To be recognized as the premier
35 YEARS provider of a dynamic spectrum of individualized
Lisa Blucher services supporting persons with special needs.
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