Dear editor,

On May 19, Aldea Children and Family Services held its sixth annual fundraising gala, “Planting Seeds of Hope,” at the Carneros Inn. The gala celebrated Aldea’s 35 years of service to the community and honored Betty O’Shaughnessy Woolls. Guests were extremely generous with a moving show of support for our “Fund a Future” lot, generating nearly $22,000 in five minutes. Their donations will be used to partially fund Aldea’s award-winning art therapy calendar, a Photo Life Story project, summer camp for emotionally challenged youth and a Spanish-speaking parents group. The most exciting live auction of the night was a barrel of 2006 Napa Valley wine donated by Silver Oak Cellars and blended by Silver Oak Winemaker Daniel Baron. The barrel sold for $20,000 after some very competitive bidding. All in all, the evening netted more than $100,000, making it the most successful fundraiser in Aldea history!

Many thanks to Event Chair Shannon Ryan, all of those who attended, Napa Valley wineries and businesses that donated items and services, and volunteers; you really made the evening an amazing event!

I also want to extend a heart-felt thank you to Betty O’Shaughnessy Woolls, who was the gala’s honoree. She was presented with a special award for her dedication to Aldea and was recognized as a champion for mental health research. After sharing an emotional and personal story about why mental health is important to her, the message was clear: Mental health is an issue that affects us all. In fact, it is a disease that afflicts as many as one in five adults and one in 10 children each year. With many people often silently suffering, it is pertinent that we move beyond the stigma associated with issues of mental health and adopt an attitude of healing and hope. And with proper diagnosis and treatment, we can help those in need recover from what can be a devastating illness. Thank you, Betty, for your thoughtful words and support over the years.

For 35 years, Aldea Children and Family Services has served vulnerable children and adults who suffer from a variety of mental health and social problems. Issues of neglect, depression and other behavioral and social challenges are often devastating to the individual, the family and the community. Aldea is committed to healing these individuals with professional and compassionate mental health and child welfare services which will assist them with success in work, home and school.

Allen Ewig,

executive director

Aldea Children and

Family Services