BFWC to Honor Supporters at the 15th Anniversary Dinner, Built to Last

SAN LEANDRO, CA (June 9, 2003-2008)- Building Futures with Women and Children (BFWC) (formerly known as the San Leandro Shelter for Women and Children), a nonprofit agency providing support and solutions to women and children coping with homelessness and domestic violence, is preparing for its 15th Anniversary Dinner Celebration, Built to Last.

On the evening of June 19th, BFWC will present Partner for the Future Awards to several honorees- Susan Rampa, Tony DeSimone, George Dini, Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker, Jot Mangat, Reagan Pruitt and Rachel Gurnell for their involvement and support of BFWC over the past 15 years.

"I am involved with BFWC because the need is so great," said Former BFWC Board President, Susan Rampa. Rampa has been involved with BFWC since it began as a temporary, emergency shelter. "I remain dedicated to this agency because throughout their history, goals for expansion, growth and improvements were constantly being set and attained regardless of financial cutbacks. The services provided for all of the women and children at all of our sites, and beyond, are nothing short of stellar!"

Longtime business supporter, The Englander Sports Pub and owner Jot Mangat, has been a sponsor of BFWC's fundraisers for several years. Mangat, has been involved with BFWC for the past 5 years and says he will continue to give back to the community. "I am involved with many charity organizations because the community helps us keep our business running," said Mangat. "Being involved is the least I can do to give back to the community."

Volunteering with BFWC as the shelter handyman since 1991, honoree George Dini says his greatest contribution to BFWC is a continuing one. "Just knowing that I do make a difference by being available to the shelter at all times is my reward," said Dini.

Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker has been involved with BFWC for the past 10 years as an advocate and supporter. When asked why she was involved with BFWC Lai-Bitker said, "I strongly believe in its [BFWC] mission to serve and empower women and their families."

Join the staff, volunteers, business partners, and community supporters of BFWC at Built to Last on Thursday, June 19, 2003-2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo. Seating is limited and tickets are currently on sale for $75 ($60 for each additional ticket). A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible.

Built to Last will offer an evening filled with great food catered by Grand Catering, wine courtesy of The Englander Sports Pub and a performance provided by Afia Walkingtree and Spirit Drumz, an all-female percussion ensemble. Afia Walking Tree is a world-class percussionist, afra-musicologist, ritualist, and priestess of the Afrakan drumz. Her workshops, performances and CD Soul Affirmationz are testimonies to her belief in the human potential and in awakening our voices within. www.spiritdrumz.org

BFWC was originally founded as an overnight winter relief shelter at St. Leander's Church in 1986. In 1988, BFWC renovated and expanded to what is now the 30 bed San Leandro Shelter, which to this day is the only homeless shelter in the city of San Leandro. In 2003-2008, BFWC is the second largest homeless agency in Alameda County, operating two emergency shelters, a domestic violence safe house, transitional and permanent affordable housing, a toll-free crisis line, a children's program, and an outreach program- reaching over 4,000 women and children each year.

Generous businesses sponsor Built to Last, which include: The Englander, Precision Graphics, Two Bears Press , Jan Linver, Patricia A. Wintroath C.P.A., Louise Lovewell with Remax and Motion, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Montclair Women's Club, Susan & John Rampa and Bank of the West. Those interested in attending Built to Last, can visit the website or contact BFWC at (510) 357-0205 to receive information on how to become a sponsor or purchase tickets.

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