News about future activities, grants and gifts!
Carlson House
The Saratoga Monte Sereno Community Foundation is
participating in a feasibility study aimed at determining the
viability of restoring and enlarging the Carlson House to serve
as a shared-use community center which might provide space for
events, meetings, and offices. Built in the 1930’s, the Carlson
house has historic significance for the city of Saratoga. It is
located on the northwest corner of the West Valley College
Campus facing Fruitvale Avenue. Due to lack of resources, the
building had not been maintained or in use for many years. A few
years ago, West Valley College proposed demolishing the
building, but a vocal and passionate community outcry ensued,
causing West Valley to abandon that course of action. The
building is continuing to deteriorate and it may not be
salvageable in the near future. The Saratoga Monte Sereno
Community Foundation has teamed up with West Valley College, the
Rotary Club of Saratoga, the City of Saratoga and Bob Sheppard
(grandson of the original owner of Carlson House) to fund a
feasibility study to be completed by San Jose firm Anderson
Brule Architects. The study, which is expected to take about 3
months to complete, should result in a conceptual plan and
vision for the project. If the study suggests that the project
is financially viable, the Saratoga Monte Sereno Community
Foundation hopes to support further development of the project
business plan and site development.
 Movie
in the Park
SMSCF sponsored the Movie in the Park last September. A large
number of your neighbors gathered in Wildwood Park to view
National Treasure, enjoy the free popcorn, and await the
announcement of the raffle winner. This was a cooperative effort
with the Saratoga City Council, Saratoga Parks & Rec, the
Saratoga Downtown Association, and the Saratoga Chamber of
Commerce. Thank you all! We hope to repeat the event next year.
Saratoga Foothill Club holiday baskets for the less
fortunate
 This
year marked the fifth year of SMSCF funding for the Holiday
Basket Project organized by the Saratoga Foothill Club. This
grass roots effort rallies volunteers and donors to help those
in need. Baskets of food are distributed to those who live in
low-income housing, seniors, and others in need in our
community. Churches and schools work with the Club to identify
individuals and families who might benefit. The Foothill Club
has been doing this work since 1952. Members gather the fixings
for a holiday meal, gift certificates, and other items from
merchants and prepare a gift basket for each family.
Continuing Joe’s Trail Direct Donor Gift:
The anonymous donor for Joe’s Trail has selected SMSCF as the
conduit through which the payments for the trail will be made.
It is an exciting development for SMSCF because this is a
significant community asset. She has agreed to continue funding
through SMSCF for the next year, and she is considering
investing her entire charitable giving budget through SMSCF.
Current Goals!
 The
new board continues to be excited about the Foundation. Planning
and visioning the future, the SMSCF Board’s goals are: 1) to
increase the foundation’s assets; this will be accomplished
through communication and dialogue with individuals,
non-profits, businesses and corporations; 2) To fund one $2,500
scholarship annually at the high school level for academic and
leadership excellence. The recipients will be selected by the
school; specifically, a graduating senior who will be attending
a four year college/university. The scholarship fund will assist
the students with funds for tuition and books; 3) continuing
with past projects which have been successful; and 4) of course,
assisting the community where possible in developing other
interests.
Calendar of Events:
Look forward to our upcoming spring event and the 2010 Movie
in the Park! Hopefully, the second year will be even more fun
than our inaugural year, 'though the weather for the movie this
year was perfect.
|
