Meadowlarks cut over $240,000 in checks for area charities
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers THANKS FOR HELP- Linda Ramelli, left, of the Camarillo Art Center, receives a check from Meadowlark President Char Scudder and Judy Goulet, who handles project funding for the Meadowlark Service League. The league raised more than $241,000 at three major fundraising activities in the last year, and presented checks to 30 local charities and 18 $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors and continuing college students. The spring luncheon was held last Thursday at Las Posas Country Club.

The Meadowlark Service League makes wishes come true.

Shanna Wasson Taylor, executive director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, said the group's $12,000 donation will help three Camarillo children living with lifethreatening illnesses to realize their dreams.

Accepting the donation at a June 7 luncheon at the Las Posas Country Club, Taylor joined 29 other nonprofit representatives in thanking the group of about 100 members, mostly Camarillo and Somis residents, who donated a total of more than $240,000.

The philanthropic group raises money for charities through three annual events: a tour of holidaydecorated homes in December, a March tennis tournament and luncheon and A Taste of Camarillo- a wine and food festival- in July.

This year's donation was the largest in the club's 40year history. In 2006, the Meadowlarks gave away just over $200,000.

Taylor said their donation last year made a Disney cruise possible for 8-year-old Imani, who has since died, and gave a 12-year old boy named Mo, who is battling leukemia, the chance to meet the New York Yankees.

Meadowlark President Char Scudder said the money they give away is invested right back into the community in the form of essential services and programs.

"It's very rewarding for everybody," Scudder said.

Besides their three annual events, the Meadowlarks raise money through corporate sponsors. This year they added a highend Ventura car dealership to their list of sponsors.

The list of recipient organizations spanned a range of worthy causes, from the After-Prom Party for Camarillo High School students, FOODShare and the Pleasant Valley Historical Society to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and Ventura County Special Olympics.

Lynne West of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County said the league's $7,000 donation will help match 86 foster teenagers with a mentor.

"They can look forward to a future they couldn't have seen for themselves," West said.

Sandie White, program director for CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, will use the $3,000 the Meadowlarks donated to provide support services for their volunteers.

The advocates act as mentors to children who've been removed from their parents' care because of abuse or neglect. They also offer insights to the Juvenile Dependency Court judge, who has to make critical decisions regarding the child's future.

A Taste of Camarillo is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m., July 29, at the Adolfo Camarillo Ranch House. For more information, call (805) 278-6272.

The league also sponsors 18 scholarships to Camarillo and Rio Mesa high school students.