October 23, 2022

Barn Dance Raises Funds for Families in Need

The Yolo Crisis Nursery’s Barn Dance was a huge success. Thank you to our generous Yolo County community for coming out to our Barn Dance and enjoying a fun-filled evening of live music, food, libations, and dancing. If you were unable to share in the merriment, not to worry, we’ll see you next fall at the Barn Dance!

The Yolo Crisis Nursery Barn Dance would not have been possible without so many selfless community volunteers, sponsors, donors and donations. It is my genuine pleasure to thank them all on behalf of the Yolo Crisis Nursery and its Board of Directors.

First, I’d like to express tremendous gratitude to the Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery and the Barn Dance’s tireless chair, Sharon Schauer. The inspiration, creativity, and success of the Barn Dance belongs with Sharon and the talented, dedicated, and hardworking group of volunteers.

Nugget Market is well-known in our community not only for their extraordinary grocery experience, but also for generously giving back through their community-based philanthropy. We are grateful to have them as an event sponsor, community partner and supporter of the nursery’s mission. 

We were thrilled once again to have Martha Bernauer, Kim Eichorn, and Snow & Associates, all with Lyon Real Estate, generously sponsor the $2,500 cash prize raffle. Our hearts were overflowing when the winner of the $2,500 cash prize raffle generously donated her winnings back to the Yolo Crisis Nursery to help us serve more children and families! A warm and delicious thank you as well to our Cookie Corral sponsor, Morse Custom Homes and Remodeling.

Our appreciation continues to so many others including, our local line dancing instructors Carrie Gifford and Elise Willis, Clark Pacific for providing and delivering the many straw bales, and Recology for delivering and donating the use of their garbage, recycling, and composting containers. Thank you to the Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery, our many other volunteers which included the Davis Rotary Clubs, the National Charity League, the Davis Farmer’s Market and the Davis Bicycle Hall of Fame for the use of their restrooms. Thank you all!

Every bit of support that’s provided to the Yolo Crisis Nursery directly benefits Yolo County children and families in crisis. October is especially important as it is Domestic Violence awareness month. Last year, the nursery saw a 14.5% increase in the number of client families impacted by domestic violence. The nursery’s combination of trauma-informed care for the children and wraparound services are life-changing for children and their families, especially when fleeing a dangerous domestic situation. 

One of our clients arrived with her daughter, fleeing an unsafe home. They were unhoused, the mother was unemployed, and both mom and daughter needed treatment to recover from abuse they suffered. With the nursery’s support, they mapped out a plan for the family’s future. Mom went back to school and now is on her way to becoming a registered nurse. She now has a great job, stable home, transportation, and provides a wonderful life for her daughter. When you support the nursery, whether it is an event ticket, sponsorship, donation of clothes, diapers, formula, or make a monetary donation, it’s used to protect children and help families find stability, strength and independence. 

Please save the date for our annual Crab Feed on March 11. Individual Crab Feed tickets will go on sale in early January; be sure to sign up for our newsletter at www.yolocrisisnursery.org to stay informed. Information on sponsorships is available now for the Crab Feed by contacting Becky Heard (bheard@yolocrisisnursery.org). This event sells out every year — mark your calendars and get your tickets early! 

I invite all who read this article to visit www.yolocrisisnursery.org and discover the one-of-a kind programs the nursery offers. With your support our early intervention services that nurture healthy and resilient children, strengthen parents, and preserve families will continue for years to come. 

— Jennifer Thayer is the president of the Yolo Crisis Nursery.