Taylor Family Foundation Says Annual 'Day in the Park' Fundraiser a Success

A performance by Grammy-award winning artist k.d. lang at this year’s Day in the Park auction fundraiser helped to drive donations over $1.2 million. Other local celebrities Steve & Gayle Mariucci, Narsai David, Sue Hall and Doug McConnell were on hand to encourage fundraising efforts.

Steven & Marilyn Rivera of Rivera Vineyards donated 100 cases of their 2007 Rivera Vineyards Cabernet to honor Barry and his dream. The wine helped to raise funds to expand the music therapy program. Bringing in a resounding $150,000. This will bring the gift of music therapy to children at camp and in local hospitals. A private concert with
Shana Morrison will bring the gift of music to two winning bidders bringing in a total of $32,000!

The festivities started with an epicurean ensemble showcasing more than 70 Bay Area restaurants and California wineries. Including Walnut Creek Yacht Club, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Yankee Pier and Wente Vineyards. All of who have supported the event for more than a decade. Local celebrity guest emcees included longtime supporter, Doug McConnell (former Bay Area Backroads host), Sue Hall (KOIT 96.5), and Narsai David (KCBS). Proceeds from Day in the Park go directly towards funding and facilitating The Taylor Family Foundation’s (TTFF) summer camp programs at Camp Arroyo. Each year our camp
programs provide a free summer oasis for nearly 3000 Northern California children suffering from chronic and critical illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS, autism, Crohn’s, celiac disease, brain tumors, pediatric cancer, developmental disabilities and more. At camp children have an opportunity to “just be kids” without being judged or ridiculed by others.

They meet other children with similar conditions, gain self-esteem, self-respect and make long lasting friendships.

Since its inception in 1990, TTFF has raised more than $20 million to better the lives of thousands of children and provide their families with a respite from ongoing challenges. In addition to funding camp programs, TTFF provides financial and emotional support for children and families in the community whose children are in medical crisis. TTFF is proud  to be able to provide this opportunity to more than 45,000 children.

—Information and photo submitted by the Taylor Family Foundation

Photo: Steven Rivera, Elaine Taylor & DawnMarie Kotsonis (Auctioneer)