News Archives - Benicia Community Foundation

Benicia Unveils Monument Honoring Hometown Hero Harold Bray – May 18, 10 am-11:30 am at Eunice Jensen Park, Benicia

cfox@aviandesign.net — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:24:24 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2024

Media Contact: Nancy Herrera | (415) 425-8179 | readandgrow@yahoo.com

Benicia, CA – The Benicia Community Foundation is delighted to announce the unveiling ceremony for the Harold Bray Tribute and Indianapolis Veterans Memorial, honoring Benicia’s beloved hometown hero, Harold Bray, and the remarkable service and sacrifices of all our veterans.

This event will take place on May 18^th from 10am-11:30am at Eunice Jensen Park in Benicia, California.

Harold Bray, a retired Benicia Police Department officer and lone living survivor of the tragic USS Indianapolis naval disaster, was awarded the Purple Heart and the WWII Victory Medal for his extraordinary perseverance and resilience. The Harold Bray Monument will serve as a tribute to Mr. Bray and all veterans, signifying our loyalty to our community and country.

The unveiling ceremony will commence at 10:00am at Eunice Jensen Park, at the corner of First Street and Military East, where the Harold Bray Tribute and Indianapolis Veterans Memorial will stand as an enduring symbol of bravery and dedication.

“We are honored to unveil the Harold Bray Tribute and Indianapolis Veterans Memorial in Benicia,” said David Batchelor, Chair of Benicia Community Foundation. “This monument will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and inspire us to uphold their legacy of service, community camaraderie and patriotism.” www.BeniciaCF.org

Following the unveiling ceremony, visitors and residents are invited to take a ride on a charming trolley car that will be available to transport visitors up and down First Street in Benicia throughout the afternoon, offering a delightful way to explore the city’s vibrant streets and historic landmarks while celebrating the enduring spirit of our community.

Join us as we pay tribute to Harold Bray and the legacy of all veterans who have served our nation with honor and sacrifice.

The post Benicia Unveils Monument Honoring Hometown Hero Harold Bray – May 18, 10 am-11:30 am at Eunice Jensen Park, Benicia appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

It Starts with the Heart Community Event – March 9, 2024 from 5pm to 10pm at the Benicia Clock Tower

cfox@aviandesign.net — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:51:10 +0000

2nd annual it starts with the heart gala – 11×14 poster – 54 sponsors

Benicia Community Foundation, Inc. will host the 2nd Annual IT STARTS WITH THE HEART Community Event, March 9, 2024 from 5pm to 10pm at the Benicia Clock Tower. This major fundraiser is a fun-filled dinner and dancing event. The proceeds from this event will be used for programs that support our local community. We are seeking event sponsors and donations from our community allies for this important community event.

The post It Starts with the Heart Community Event – March 9, 2024 from 5pm to 10pm at the Benicia Clock Tower appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

Playground of Dreams

cfox@aviandesign.net — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 22:44:30 +0000

VOLUNTEERS PULL TOGETHER TO RESTORE HISTORIC PLAYGROUND

Fans of Benicia’s Playground of Dreams in City Park are signing up to help restore the beloved facility at volunteer workdays planned September 15th and 16^th.

“No construction skills are required – just compassion for the hundreds of children who enjoy this playground every year,” said Kristine Passalacqua,” Vice Chair of The Benicia Community Foundation/ Benicians Adopting Benicia.

Adults and children over the age of 12 who want to help with the volunteer workdays are encouraged to visit the foundation website, Beniciacf.org, and fill out the preregistration form and the liability waiver forms on the Projects tab. Then, come to City Park the morning of the 15^th and/or 16^th with gloves, hats, sturdy work shoes, and work clothing ready to get a little dirty on behalf of Benicia children.

“We will start Friday morning, 9:00 am (September 15^th) by sanding and preparing the structure to be sealed,” said Passalacqua, one of the founders of Benicia Community Foundation. “Then, we will complete the job on Saturday, Starting at 8:00 am using sprayers and sealant provided by City Staff’s Parks and Community Service Department.”

“The workdays follow a prior weekend in May when the city replaced aging wood throughout the structure. The Playground of Dreams was built by volunteers in five days of Spring 1992 after thousands of Benicians young and old spent the previous year planning and fundraising for the build. The construction cost taxpayers the bargain price of $35,000. It was an historic occasion when this was built by our community, and scores of Benicians have told me of the strong connection their families still maintain with it.” says Dan Smith, a former City Councilmember who is campaigning to restore the facility.

The Benicia Community Foundation, Inc. looks forward to working together with Rotary, Lion’s, Kiwanis, Soroptimist, The City of Benicia, and our community on this wonderful project.

PLAYGROUND OF DREAMS SEALING PROJECT OUTLINE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15^TH

8:30 am registration – Sandpaper, sanding blocks, and shovels will be on sight.
9:00 am start/12:00 finish – Group photo, Create teams of 4 for each section of the playground, Shovel sand from around bases of structure that need sanding. Sand areas that could cause splinters or are rough.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16^TH

7:30am registration
8:00 am start/2:00 finish – Group photo. Employees from the City will demonstrate the sealing process. Create teams of 4 for each section of the playground. First person shovels sand away from structure. Second person sweeps sand from structure. Third person sprays the wood with the sealant. Fourth person back rolls sealant into wood. Lunch provided at noon.

Suggested items to bring/wear – Work clothes, sturdy shoes, hat, sunglasses, work gloves. If possible, bring a shovel (with your name on it). We will provide the sandpaper and sanding blocks. Saturday the City will provide shovels, sealant, sprayers, rollers, safety glasses, disposable gloves. Bathrooms in the park will be open. First Aid will be the Fire Dept next-door.

Please print, sign, and date the playground of dreams waiver below and bring it with you the day of the event. Also, sign the electronic Benicia Community Foundation release of liability and photography release waiver form.

Playground of Dreams Workday Saturday, September 16, 2023
WAIVER OF LIABILITY and PERMISSION FOR PUBLICITY

Volunteer sign-up for the Playground of Dreams Sealing Project

The post Playground of Dreams appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

Harold Bray Bronze Statue and Monument – Open to the Public: The Harold Bray Statue Unveiling July 7th, 2023, at 6PM at the Commandants Quarters in front of the Clock Tower

cfox@aviandesign.net — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:48:25 +0000

Harold Bray, the lone living survivor from the legendary USS Indianapolis

The Benicia Community Foundation, Inc. is working with the City of Benicia, Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall, and Solano County to design and place a bronze statue paying tribute to our hometown hero Harold Bray, retired Benicia Police Officer, and the lone living survivor of the legendary USS Indianapolis that its last mission to help end WWII. This life-sized bronze statue will stand nearly seven feet tall, affixed to a pedestal, surrounded by several bronze sponsorship legacy plaques, personalized engraved bricks, concrete benches, and a storyboard displaying the history of Harold Bray and the USS Indianapolis. The Benicia Community Foundation projects are supported by generous sponsorships from residents, groups, organizations, and businesses. We sincerely appreciate your support.

Click here to read more about the Harold Bray Statue and Monument Here

The post Harold Bray Bronze Statue and Monument – Open to the Public: The Harold Bray Statue Unveiling July 7th, 2023, at 6PM at the Commandants Quarters in front of the Clock Tower appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

It Starts with the Heart Community Event – May 20, 2023, from 5pm to 10:30pm at the Benicia Clock Tower

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 20:45:53 +0000

Benicia Community Foundation, Inc. will host the 1st Annual IT STARTS WITH THE HEART Community Event, May 20, 2023, from 5pm to 10:30pm at the Benicia Clock Tower. This major fundraiser is a fun-filled dinner and dancing event. The proceeds from this event will be used for programs that support our local community. We are seeking event sponsors and donations from our community allies for this important community event.

Honoring our active Military from Benicia

cfox@aviandesign.net — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:38:03 +0000

The Benicia Community Foundation/ Benicians Adopting Benicia in conjunction with the City of Benicia would like to honor our active Military from Benicia. We will be putting up banners on the light post up and down First Street (and possibly also on Military) with the picture ofthe person serving their branch of service and their name. To dothis, we need the names of those serving, their picture in uniform, the branch of service and their names as well as their permission. We are asking for your help to make this possible. Do you have a loved one or know of someone from Benicia serving in ourarmed forces? Please help us with this very special project come to life. If you have information or questions, we can be reached at:

Kristine Passalacqua
kpsid@sbcglobal.net
707.373.4329

Kathy Adams
Ksmith5347@aol.com
707.718.2350

EB Cain (Retired Army
Eb.cain@yahoo.com
707.718.0299

The post Honoring our active Military from Benicia appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) Helps Restore Community Park Picnic Tables

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:26:27 +0000

Benicia, CA. Supervised and in collaboration with Benicia’s Parks and Community Services Department, a team of volunteers and Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) members recently took on the process of sealing about 60 picnic tables at the Community Park.

The process was simple. First volunteer crew: Remove the staples, nails and other attachments to about 60 newly rebuilt wood picnic tables. Next crew followed to wipe and brush the tables off. The third crew applied sealant and rolled it onto the tops, sides, below and each side bench.

The volunteer event was sponsored by Benicians Adopting Benicia (BAB) which is part of the BCF and received significant support from the City’s Parks and Community Services Department.

According to BCF Chair David Batchelor, “We appreciate the level of thought, care, and resources it takes to maintain our beautiful city parks, recreation, and historic areas, and we are pleased the City allows us to pitch in and help from time to time!”

Vice Chair Kristine Passalacqua said, “We are so happy to work with the City on another beautification project: To be able to aid the City; To maintain and preserve our wonderful resources is an honor and we look forward to our next project in July which we will announce details soon.”

BAB has worked on several City Beautification projects including Alvarez Park, St. Paul’s Square, City Cemetery and more.

“BAB brings heart to solving community challenges and is dedicated to supporting our community and local charities, while building community camaraderie,” added BCF Executive Director Terry Scott.

“It is our mission to build strong, giving relationships with the City and many Benicia non-profit organizations with BAB projects and grant donations that help each achieve their community-based goals,” he added.

The BCF’s mission is to invest in the promise of Benicia by connecting people and resources to benefit all who live, work and play in Benicia. BCF is a registered non-profit 501 C ( 3 ) organization.

If you would like to volunteer for a future BCF community project,l please contact Leeann Cawley at Lcawley@BeniciaCF.com.

The post Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) Helps Restore Community Park Picnic Tables appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

2022 Friends and Classmates Reunion

cfox@aviandesign.net — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:46:20 +0000

To all our Friends, Family, and Classmates,

Needless to say, “YOU” helped make our 2022 Friends and Classmates Reunion remarkable and memorable.

We had over 240 guests floating around, having fun, sharing stories, and creating lifetime memories. It seems we will never lose the kinship we have for one another. So many good memories, interesting life stories, and welcoming smiles and hugs by all!

The event went well, incredible band, good dinner, an abundance of raffle prizes galore, fun decorations that created a festive evening, security for safety, and all the giving committee members and volunteers taking charge, helping, and filling in; thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you again to all our guests!!!

The post 2022 Friends and Classmates Reunion appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

Benicia Dog Festival

cfox@aviandesign.net — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:28:09 +0000

The Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) is proud to announce its financial support for the October 15^th Benicia Dog Festival—organized for the rescue and care of animals affected by natural disasters in our region.

Last week, BCF board members presented Dog Festival founders Gaul Culley and Kelly Dillingham with a general grant to help to support the event.

“I would like to sincerely thank The Benicia Community Foundation for their generous support of the inaugural year of The Benicia Dog Festival,” said Gaul Culley, event Founder.

“Kelly (Kelly Dillingham, Operations Coordinator, The Benicia Dog Festival) and I had a chance to meet with the Board of Directors of the BCF, made up of individuals with families that have lived in Benicia for multiple generations. We were invited to share the vision of the Benicia Dog Festival, and the Board was so very supportive. We are very grateful; to be acknowledged by the Benicia Community Foundation,” she added.

“We are so honored to partner with the team organizing The Benicia Dog Festival,” said David Batchelor, BCF Chair, “BCF brings heart to solving community challenges and is dedicated to supporting our community and local charities while building community camaraderie,” he added.

According to Ms. Culley, “Not only is this festival going to serve as a fun day to celebrate our most loyal members of the community- DOGS! but also serves as a fundraiser to support the organizations that rescue and care for animals that are affected by natural disasters and declared emergencies. The funds raised from this event will not be used until there is a need from a natural disaster or a declared emergency occurs in our area. The Solano Association of Realtors Foundation, which is a 501c3 organization that is overseen by members of our community that are in the real estate industry.”

“It is our mission to build strong, giving relationships with many Benicia non-profit organizations with grant donations that help each achieve their community-based goals,” added BCF Executive Director Terry Scott.

“Supporting The Benicia Dog Festival is a perfect example of a local partnership between two local groups to make Benicia a better place through active philanthropy,” said Donna Koontz, BCF Board Secretary.

The Benicia Dog Festival is a one-day free admission event on October 17 from 11AM-4PM. Some of the fun things that will be happening at the event include a dog and me agility contest, a red carpet runway costume contest, a pet adoption event, shopping at vendor booths, and K9 Police demonstrations, to name a few. At 3:30PM, there will be a pet blessing for the dogs at the event and a ladybug release honoring our furry friends that are no longer with us.

The Benicia Community Foundation joins a special group of sponsors that include: Valero, NexGen K9 Dog Training, CrossCountry Mortgage, Twin Oaks Real Estate, Inc., Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific, ReMax Gold, Krystle Properties Compass, Creative Clips, Benicia Plumbing, Fairway Mortgage, Junk 180, Sandovals, Featherer Pet, A Zillion Air, Inc., ZW Branding.

Attending the grant presentation was BCF Chair David Batchelor, Kristine Passalacqua, Vice-Chair; Steven Green, CFO; Kathy Adams, COO; Donna Koontz, Board Secretary; and Terry Scott, Executive Director. Representing The Benicia Dog Festivals were founder Gaul Culley and Kelly Dillingham, Operations Coordinator.

For Information on The Benicia Dog Festival, please visit BeniciaDogFestival.com.

The post Benicia Dog Festival appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.

Kaneka Aerospace and Benicia Community Foundation

cfox@aviandesign.net — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 19:05:19 +0000

“We are working closely with the Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) and have already started building some significant community involvement through a generous donation to BCF last year.”

The post Kaneka Aerospace and Benicia Community Foundation appeared first on Benicia Community Foundation.