Downtown Ventura Raffle Benefits Victims of Thomas Fire
In the first week of December, several fires broke out throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, including the Thomas Fire. Consequently, it feels as if the entire Southern California area has been set ablaze. As of this morning, the Thomas Fire was 45% contained and headed toward Montecito. As a result, it’s managed to take down 750 homes. Due to this tragedy, local businesses want to do something to help those affected. Therefore, they’ve put together a Downtown Ventura raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit victims of the Thomas Fire.
Downtown Ventura Raffle
With #downtownventurastrong, several local businesses banded together to create a Downtown Ventura raffle. Between now and December 21st, visit any participating business to pick up your raffle ticket. Your $5 ticket could net you a prize of $30 to $50 in gift cards to spend at various businesses in the downtown area. Fifteen lucky winners will be chosen in a drawing held on December 22nd from the entries. Feel free to purchase more than one if you’d like. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Ventura County, earmarked specifically for those impacted by the Thomas Fire.
Businesses Participating in the Downtown Ventura Raffle
- Aloha Steakhouse
- B on Main
- Beloiseau Boutique & Gallery
- Buenaventura Gallery
- Cibara Salon
- Harvest Cafe
- La Catrina Folk Art
- Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
- MidiQueen Handbags
- Plum Gift Boutique
- The Refill Shop
- Rosie Lee Imports
- Sea Things
- Tattered Door
- Ventura Visitor’s Bureau
We want to thank everyone who participates. Whether it be those directly affected by the fires, firefighters, or their families, this Christmas is going to be especially difficult for many. Please do whatever you can to help.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists
Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 Campaign Ends Soon
As if the Marine Corps wasn’t cool enough. Since 1947, they’ve been collecting toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season. You can be a part of their efforts. But you must hurry. The Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 campaign ends December 10th. This ensures that all toys donated reach local boys and girls in time for Christmas.
Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017
The Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 campaign needs toys for boys and girls ages infant to 12. Everything is accepted. If you have children or grandchildren, think about the kinds of things they like. Dolls, action figures, games, art supplies, toy cars…everything is welcome. Just make sure it is new and unwrapped. After December 10th, the local Marine coordinator arranges the pickup of donations from our local drop off points. Then, these toys get sorted into gender and age categories at a central warehouse. Finally, they get distributed to church groups, community agencies, and local welfare organizations.
Can’t make it to the drop-off point in time for the Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 campaign? You can still contribute by donating online. The money will be used to purchase toys wherever there is a deficiency so that no child gets left out. Since Toys for Tots is made up entirely of volunteers, 97% of the money raised goes directly to the kids, with 3% used for marketing materials.
Drop-Off Locations for Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017
The following locations generously volunteered to host a drop-off box for Toys for Tots this year. Please visit them during their regular business hours.
- Harbor Cove Cafe (1867 Spinnaker Dr) – Anyone who brings in a new, unwrapped toy receives a 10% discount (ends Dec 10th)
- Sierra Pacific Mortgage (1583 Spinnaker Dr #213) – 9 am to 4 pm Monday thru Friday until Dec 8th. They’re located just upstairs from the Boatyard Pub. After lunch at the pub, take a stroll upstairs to drop off your toy donation.
- Silhouettes by the Beach Salon (1591 Spinnaker Dr) – Make an appointment for a cut and style so you’re ready for all the holiday parties (805-650-9014). But make sure to bring something with you for the toy drive. They accept donations through the end of business on Dec 10th.
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, approximately 15 million kids in the USA live below the poverty line. If they struggle to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads, imagine how difficult Christmas must be for these families. You can make all the difference in these children’s lives this holiday season. Drop off a toy or two for the Ventura Harbor Toys for Tots 2017 campaign by the end of this week. Merry Christmas!
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists