Senator Cogdill and Assemblyman Villines Host 5th Annual Fresno-Madera Community Renewal Summit

Senator Dave Cogdill and Assemblyman Mike Villines, both representatives of the Central Valley, today hosted area residents and leaders from non-profit and community-based organizations at their fifth annual Community Renewal Summit. This year’s summit focused on how groups can make the most of their resources during these tough economic times.

“The biggest economic slowdown since the Great Depression has turned too many Valley residents’ American dream into a nightmare.  As a result, community organizations have fewer resources but are serving more people,” said Senator Cogdill.  “This summit helps non-profit groups discover the tools needed to not only survive, but thrive during these tough economic times. I applaud the great work being done to restore our communities with the hope and faith for a brighter tomorrow.”

First organized in 2000 and held multiple times per year in diverse communities throughout the state, the Community Renewal Summits bring community, business and elected leaders together to enhance their efforts to strengthen their communities.

“There is no doubt that this economic downturn has severely impacted the Central Valley. Now, more than ever, many community organizations are serving as a lifeline for our residents but find themselves also struggling as they seek to meet the increased need,” said Villines. “Events like the Community Renewal Summit are a vital step in helping these organizations maximize the resources that are available to them so that our communities, can thrive through community support and cooperation.”

The Fresno-Madera summit included practical workshops providing instruction on how to fundraise and apply for grants. The keynote address was delivered by Rita Gladding, chairperson of the local non-profit Central California Blood Center, who inspired the attendees with the blood center’s continued growth and success in a slow economy and their ability to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art blood center completely debt free. The event also featured presentations from people who developed and now operate some of California’s best community-building programs.

Additionally, the Community Renewal Summit created an opportunity for participants to help the Community Food Bank.  Attendees were encouraged to drop-off nonperishable food items which went directly to the Food Bank aiding them in securing much needed donations, used to provide necessary food to valley residents.