by April | Volunteerism
One of our staples is ensuring we give back to our community in the form of service. During this Christmas season we assisted at the Holiday with Hope Celebration. Each year the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA hosts a holiday celebration on the Saturday before Christmas. This years festival took place Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Purpose
To provide a fun day for families with children during the Christmas holiday season. Each year gifts are presented to thousands children thanks to the generous donations of individuals and businesses.
This year’s event featured
- Arts and Crafts
- Picture with Santa
- One gift per child that is present*
- Music
- Entertainment
- Much more!
We are thankful for the opportunity that the YMCA gave us to assist families this holiday season
by April | Community, Volunteerism
HEART doing our monthly community service and helping less fortunate families at the Season of Love -Block Party
Thousands of people turned out for the community block party hosted by New Seasons Church in Spring Valley Saturday.
The church partnered with “Feeding America San Diego”, Boar’s Head, Walmart, and Ralph’s to feed thousands of people during the “Seasons of Love” Thanksgiving event.
Those who attended the block party got to take home a free Thanksgiving meal, along with clothes, shoes, and baby gear.
“The church is suppose to help those in need. We want to be the example of the church giving back to the community. We shouldn’t always take from the community, we should give back to the community,” Dr. A.B. Vines, senior pastor of the New Seasons Church said.
Always looking for opportunities to serve our community our young men believe that giving back is the root of success and makes you understand just how lucky you are.
by April | Volunteerism
H.E.A.R.T. entered a world of imagination…a Willy Wonka themed Walk and an fun-filled festival for kids. We want children, adults, adults who act like children to come out and have an absolutely scrumdiddilyumptious time benefiting San Diego Center for Children and the extraordinary programs that help thousands of children and families every year in San Diego County.
Imagine a Walk where everyone is wearing a costume, oompa loompas are directing you which way to walk, candy and Wonka-sized lollipops everywhere. Basically every small child’s fantasy, and admit it, yours too. We want you to imagine the unimaginable, and help us turn an ordinary walk in to something extraordinary. So come walk with us and enjoy a little nonsense on Saturday morning.
With our support we helped thousands of children and families across San Diego County get the hope and healing they need. Let’s come together as we help San Diego Center for Children restore the joy of childhood. One Oompa Loompa at a time.
by April | Volunteerism
H.E.A.R.T. volunteered to spend their Saturday morning doing community service followed by lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings (Our newest sponsor). As we volunteered in the restoration of The Famosa Slough wetlands preserve. We planted and took care of California native plants and wetland plants, removed invasives, and cleaned up at the Famosa Slough and Channel. We even had personalized tours of the Slough learned about surrounding plant and wildlife and 
the Slough’s history.
The Famosa Slough is a 37-acre wetland located between Ocean Beach and the San Diego Sports Arena area. It is bisected by West Point Loma Boulevard and bordered by Famosa Boulevard on the west. The channel portion of the slough extends from West Point Loma Boulevard, northward, to the San Diego River Channel. The slough is flushed with salt water from the river channel, and also collects rainwater from the surrounding neighborhood.
As members of the President’s Volunteer Service Award which is the premier volunteer awards program. We encourage our members and other United States citizens or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States through presidential recognition to live a life of service. We believe our work inspires others to take positive action to change the world.
by April | Community, Volunteerism
The Blue Heart Foundation and The Pat on the Back foundation and made a Super pair as they combined to bring 21 children and chaperones Comic-Con International, July 24-27, at the San Diego Convention Center to where children can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day. Orchestrated by the always focused and detailed Dion Sayles, Patrick Turner (POTB) and Tracy Morris (TBHF) spent the day along with other volunteers guiding through the excitement and fun that is Comic-Con.
Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.
Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies, and such evening events as awards ceremonies and the Masquerade; a costume contest, and the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, which showcases shorts and feature length movies that do not have distribution or distribution deals.
In all it was an experience that will not be forgotten by children that otherwise would not have had the opportunity to witness such a unique event. Both organizations strive to provide children with experiences that are both educational and fun. Many of the children that are served are members of the foster care system or from undeserved at-risk areas. Patrick and Tracy are passionate in assisting children by exposing them to a wide variety of “field trips” in order that they may break out of their 
comfort zone.
