[Photo above: Far left Teresa Kwan representing Joe Terry, and Francisco Ramirez representing himself 5 bicycles and, Charlotte Kobayashi for one bicycle]
On April 22, 2016, through our combined efforts of San Rafael Elks Lodge, private donors — Joe Terry, Wendy Brache, Charlotte Kobayashi , Francisco Ramirez and Bob Gordon, entertainment attorney in Mill Valley, 16 additional bicycles, helmets and locks were awarded to the 4th graders who wrote letters of why they deserved to receive a bicycle.
The awards assembly held at the school’s multi-purpose room included all three fourth grade classes, staff and some parents . All the donors from the respective organizations and individual donors were present to award each child his or her bicycle, helmet and lock, along with certificates.
Mary Christian represented Wendy Brache, Charlotte Kobayashi represented herself and Francisco Ramirez represented himself to award 5 of the bicycle, helmets, and locks.
[Below photo Molly Schmidt of CVNL, Bob Gordon in the middle with glasses, a private donor second time around; Mary Christian representing Wendy Brache of Colorado; behind Mary is Sarah Gaidano Program Coordinator and Joe Tato of San Rafael Elks – blue shirt]
[Below photo: left to right: San Rafael Elks’ individual donors, Officers and Trustees with the 4th grade recipients. San Rafael Elks provided about half of the 26 bicycles]
And, below is Francisco handing out awards to the 5 recipients who received his generous prize money for outstanding work at CVI]
We would also like to thank the following individuals for making sixteen 4th grader students very happy: Sarah Gaidano, Program Coordinator for Bahia Elementary arranged all the logistics at the school working with teachers; Principal – Cecelia Perez; and the 4 grade teachers and students; Tony Tom of Bicycle Odyssey of Sausalito, who purchased and assembled all the bicycles and San Rafael Elks’ Team -Dennis McNell, Monica McMillan, Joe Tato, Tad Inouye, Travis Jones, Itamar Bikszer, Elks Trustees & Officers for their continuous support in getting the logistical details completed.
We look forward to our continued partnership in serving our communities in Marin!
[By Charlotte Kobayashi]
