Giving Back: Lending a helping hand to abused children

9:26 PM, May. 7, 2011
Written by
Nina Ronda
The Desert Sun

In this weekly feature, The Desert Sun spotlights valley firms performing good deeds.

Here the focus is on two local groups showing goodwill during April's National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Disneyland outing

In support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Realtor Rob Zwemmer of Keller Williams Realty in La Quinta, sponsored a day trip for 12 at-risk children and their parents to Disneyland in conjunction with the Olive Crest organization.

Since 1973, Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children has brought hope and helped create bright, positive futures for abused, at-risk and neglected children.

Currently, about 1,000 children and families are served by Olive Crest.

Zwemmer and the Keller Williams Group are proud to contribute to the efforts.

“This is such an important cause that everyone should get involved in.

“The care and safety of children is a growing concern as many families are torn apart by economic issues, mental illness, all sorts of major challenges.

“Unfortunately, it impacts the children of the household negatively.

“It is so gratifying to be able to partner with Olive Crest and offer this special day for these local kids,” Zwemmer added.

Information:

• Olive Crest, Rebecca Brown, associate development director (760) 341-8507; www.olivecrest.org/dc

• Rob Zwemmer, Keller Williams Realty (760) 880-9996; rob@desertonline.com

500 Teddy Bears

In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Desert Outreach Foundation distributed 500 teddy bears during its annual Teddy Bear program to local organizations dealing with children in crisis.

Founded in 1994, the all-volunteer, nonprofit group's Teddy Bear program has enabled desert area police, emergency rooms and abused children's centers to provide comfort to more than 6,000 children in crisis.

The Desert Outreach Foundation is dedicated to supporting young people of merit with their academic endeavors and comforting children in crisis at local care and treatment facilities.

The foundation also has provided more than $160,000 in scholarships to more than 60 students.

For additional information, call Jack Williams, Desert Outreach Foundation president, at (760) 831-9046.

What is your business doing to give back to the Coachella Valley?

Share your thoughts with us by e-mailing Nina Ronda at nina.ronda@thedesertsun.com for our feature The Business of Giving Back.