We never stop creating affordable housing options for folks in Chico.
Hello, to our wonderful supporters!
In recent weeks, CHAT has welcomed many new staff members, volunteers, and interns. We are feeling the buzz of new energy as we continue to take on this rewarding and challenging work. Connecting and collaborating with our community partners is such an integral part of everything we do, and I remain grateful for everyone who contributes to the amazing efforts to support people through stable housing. Research is clear that only when someone is housed, safe, and supported can they begin the process of healing. So, during this month celebrating love, thank you to each and every person who, either directly or indirectly, has helped CHAT change lives. Speaking of which, we have a lot of exciting news to share, including a "save the date" for an upcoming campaign geared toward moving many additional community members out of homelessness in 2024. Read on!
With gratitude,
Nicole Drummond, CHAT executive director
Honored beyond belief
CHAT's Sarah Graham (left) and Nicole Drummond (middle) are congratulated by Shannon McGovern of Cal Water during the Chamber of Commerce's recent Awards & Installation Gala.
A night to remember: CHAT Director of Finance and Development Sarah Graham and Executive Director Nicole Drummond were thrilled to learn that the Chico Chamber of Commerce named CHAT Nonprofit Business of the Year. The award recognizes CHAT's many years working to lift up the community through affordable, sustainable housing—efforts that not only are life-changing for CHAT's residents but also greatly benefit Chico at large.
We are passionate about creating stable housing, and we don't expect to receive awards as a result. Nevertheless, it sure feels good to know that the business community values the work our staff, volunteers and community partners put forth through innovative solutions to homelessness.
Thanks a million to each Chamber member who voted for CHAT! It truly is a boost to receive such an honor. We very much appreciate the Chamber's commitment to bettering the community.
Open your heart
A month of giving: Join CHAT next Wednesday, February 7, as we launch an ambitious campaign to buoy our work in 2024.
Here's the thing: The need for stable housing in Chico is at an all-time high. Locally, more people than ever are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We know this from the Continuum of Care's biennial homeless census, and the sheer volume of people visibly living on the streets, but we also see the huge lines at food pantries. People are struggling and CHAT can provide a lifeline—if we have the resources.
Let's use the power of love in February to move people out of homelessness!
CHAT: A name to trust
We are pleased to announce that CHAT has earned top marks for transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar): The Platinum Seal of Transparency. This is the organization's highest ranking! It places CHAT in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency.
Candid's mission is to “revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving.”
Why does this matter to CHAT supporters? It means having the utmost confidence that CHAT is worthy of your generous charitable contributions.
Brava!
Pianist Lily Tao (middle) visits the CHAT office to drop off a donation from the memorial concert she organized for the late Dr. Robert Bowman.
CHAT would like to extend a huge round of applause to local middle-schooler Lily Tao, who organized a concert to honor the late Dr. Robert Bowman—the renowned local music educator, accomplished musician and CHAT benefactor. Thirteen-year-old Lily did everything from inviting the participating musicians and scheduling rehearsals to performing piano and emceeing the event.
A classically trained pianist and singer, Lily said that she was quite pleased with the turnout at the Jan. 19 event at St. John’s Episcopal Church. More than 150 people attended the recital, including relatives of Dr. Bowman coming from all over the country. Family members were also able to attend on livestream. The program included such acclaimed works as Beethoven’s Sonata Op 49 No. 2.
Dr. Bowman and Lily performed in the same improvisational group. He was very supportive of her musicianship, including by driving her to recitals and accompanying her to various performances around Northern California.
“Music was his everything,” Lily told CHAT. “It was his life, and I’m glad we were able to commemorate him through it.”
In addition to being passionate about music, Dr. Bowman championed affordable housing solutions, including those provided by CHAT. As such, all of the proceeds raised at the memorial concert were donated to CHAT.
Suffice to say, Dr. Bowman will be much missed and long remembered by the local music community and everyone here at CHAT. We greatly appreciate Lily’s efforts to pay tribute to him.
Support black-owned businesses
Did you know that February is Black History Month? If you're wondering how to celebrate, a good first step is making an effort to support local, black-owned businesses.
The North Valley Community Foundation has compiled a list of establishments and organizations in Butte County. Click here to check it out (scroll to the bottom of the page). While visiting NVCF's website, you can read up on various local social justice initiatives.
Speaking of which, CHAT wants to give a huge shout out to our friends at Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association (OSCIA), who won A Toast to Equity Award! Learn more about OSCIA here.
We also recommend checking out the amazing work of the African American Family & Cultural Center. The organization's mission is to "empower and embrace African American families & communities by reclaiming, restoring and revitalizing our cultural heritage, values and identity." Follow them on social media to keep updated on local events, including their upcoming Block Party, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 17.
Mark your calendar!
Mic drop: Please come cheer for CHAT on Saturday, February 24, at The Big Room, as we join the roster for the 2024 Community Lip Sync Challenge! The event is a benefit for the Music Therapy Impact Fund, which provides music therapy for many worthy populations, including teens/youth experiencing trauma and mental health challenges, as well as adults with brain injury.
CHAT will square off against the returning champions, Enloe Health and Hospice, along with these fabulous performers:
• Chico Speech & Language Center
• The Educators
• Square Deal Mattress Factory & Upholstery
• Whiskey River Band
There also will be a pre-show performance by popular local musician Max Minardi. Get your tickets here. CHAT will be showing off our best moves and helping support another great community partner! See you there!
A thoughtful donation
Big ups: We want to give a huge shout out to our incredible friends at Earl's Performance Plumbing for their recent donation. We appreciate you! CHAT could not do the work we do today without the contributions from generous supporters in the business community and beyond. Together, we can create a stronger community by reducing homelessness through affordable housing solutions!
Carbs for a cause
Come hungry: Join us for our annual pancake feed benefit on Sunday, March 31, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at the beautiful CARD Center Rose Garden. During Pancakes for CHAT, you can load up on all-you-can-eat flapjacks, along with other delicious breakfast/brunch foods.
We even have you low-carb folks covered with servings of sausage, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit.
What's more, we're holding an egg hunt for the kiddos, and the Easter bunny will make an appearance for pictures. Bring your appetite and support a worthy cause. Click here for tickets.
As always, thank you for reading our email news. Please consider forwarding this email to share CHAT's vital work with friends, colleagues, and family members who may be interested in helping further local housing solutions.
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