The annual Community Day of Service in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach has expanded into the Community Weekend of Service.
More than 1,000 people are expected to roll up their sleeves and work on projects throughout the two cities Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28.
The event, which for years has been sponsored by the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council, originally was designed so people of faith could serve the communities they lived in. This year, event organizers are broadening their appeal so that anyone can participate.
“The more people who can help the better,” said event chairman James Pike. “Our faith communities are so supportive of this weekend and will continue to show up. But we also wanted to give other people of goodwill an opportunity to give back, too.”
For the first time this year, large corporate service programs such as that of Hyundai will be involved, as will high school service clubs.
Among the projects chosen in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach: park beautification work at the Fountain Valley Sports Park; planting trees at the Shipley to Shore Nature Trail; cleaning up Sully Miller park; helping seniors get their houses up to code; working at the Huntington Beach Wetlands; and packing food for the hungry.
“We’re expecting almost 1,000 people doing almost 20 projects,” Pike said. “It’s going to be a ton of people doing a ton of things with lots to show at the end of the weekend.”
Among the organizations and businesses expected to be participating this year are: the cities of Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach; Alzheimer’s Family Services Center; the Assistance League of Huntington Beach; Chandler Properties; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Congregation B’nai Tzedek; Garden Grove Mosque; Holy Spirit Catholic Church; Hyundai Motor America; King of Glory Lutheran Church; Lutheran Church of the Resurrection; Pacifica Institute; Republic Services; Rise Against Hunger; St. Bonaventure Catholic Church; St. Mary’s By the Sea Church; Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church; Surf City United Methodist Church; and Temple Beth David.
To get involved, or for a list of projects, visit justserve.org
And don’t forget . . .
The Fountain Valley Rotary Club will host its third annual Bowl a Strike for Students bowling tournament Saturday evening, April 27, at Fountain Bowl.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Fountain Valley School District and its literacy program, and Fountain Valley, Los Amigos and Valley Vista high schools. The tournament also benefits the Rotary Club’s Every Student Succeeding program and annual Teachers Recognition Breakfast.
Additionally, the tournament will benefit Robyne’s Nest, a local charity for homeless students, and the Rotary Club-sponsored Interact Club at Fountain Valley High.
Cost to bowl is $75 per person or $300 for a team of four. The evening includes a taco bar and silent auction.
For more information on sponsorship and registration, call Marla McGee, fundraising chairwoman, at 714-394-5856 or email marlam@socal.rr.com
The event begins at 4 p.m.
And one last reminder about another Saturday event: The Fountain Valley Historical Society and Fountain Valley Living Magazine are presenting Spring Jubilee, a fun, old-fashioned fair featuring a vendor’s village showcasing the work of local crafters, and home and garden businesses offering services and products.
Spring Jubilee is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Park, next to the Fountain Valley Library. The event and parking are free and will include food, a deejay, a barbershop quartet, games for kids and more. Information: 714-847-7714.
It’s quite the weekend!