Celebrate the 37th Annual Because Kids Awards with Family Resource Center!

Dear Friends of Family Resource Center,

Every year, the Because Kids Awards brings our community together to celebrate something simple and essential: that every child in San Joaquin County has the chance to thrive, and every family has a partner in making that possible. This year marks the 37th annual Because Kids Awards, and it comes at a meaningful moment for our organization.

After 23 years leading Family Resource Center, Kay Ruhstaller is retiring, and will remain with us in an advisory capacity through the transition, as Dr. Christina Vela steps in as our incoming Chief Executive Officer. We are writing to you together - one chapter closing, another beginning - because that is exactly what this event has always been about: the strength of a community that shows up for its children generation after generation, leadership after leadership.

Your sponsorship of the Because Kids Awards does more than fund a single evening. It sustains the work of connecting families to the resources they need - whether that's a call to 211, a parent reaching out to our resource center in search of quality child care, or a child learning and growing at our Tier 5–rated preschool - the highest rating a program can earn. It tells every parent, provider, and child in this county that they are not alone in this work.

This celebration is also a chance to recognize the people already doing this work in our community. Each year, we honor outstanding individuals and organizations across eight categories - from business and advocacy to schools and kids helping kids - who have gone above and beyond for the children and families of San Joaquin County. If someone in your circle comes to mind, we would love for you to nominate them.

Enclosed in this packet, you'll find our sponsorship levels and the ways your organization's name and generosity can be part of this year's celebration. Whatever level of partnership is right for you, please know that it becomes part of a much larger story - 46 years of FRC serving children and families - and one we are honored to keep writing with you.

Thank you for considering a partnership with us. We would be glad to answer any questions and to share more about the impact your sponsorship makes possible.

With deep gratitude,

Kay Ruhstaller

Chief Executive Officer, Family Resource Center of San Joaquin County

Christina Vela, D.P.P

Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Family Resource Center of San Joaquin County