Our world is a busy place and our lives are filled with many responsibilities–family, work, caring for elderly parents, even cleaning up after our pets. It is easy to think that we are too busy to add one more thing to an already over-crowded calendar. But, the decision to become a Volunteer can add tremendous joy and inner balance to our lives. It helps us to go beyond our world and to experience the struggles and hardships that others feel. Director Barbara Menard has been volunteering at the Joan Kroc Center at St. Vincent De Paul Village part of Fr. Joe’s Villages for over five years. We are urging you to consider becoming a volunteer for a local organization that helps those in need. In the coming months the MFF web site will be highlighting some of the agencies that we fund who are in need of volunteers. Consider the invitation to become a volunteer.
Your life will be enriched by the experience!
Mariposa’s Art provides at-risk youth with after-school art and music programs that focus on developing leadership and social skills, addressing key health issues, and promoting academic and career success. During the 2009-2010 school year, the Menard Family Foundation is helping to support Mariposa’s Art’s Guitar and Art Teach programs. Through these programs at-risk high school…
Continue Reading »
The annual Menard Family Foundation Board of Directors Meeting was held in October 2009 and included a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Trustees Marlene Miller, Marcel Menard and Barbara Menard were treated to encounters with a cheetah, the giraffes, and two Indian rhinoceroses!
Continue Reading »
Director Barbara J. Menard toured the classroom in the newly renovated and rededicated Kalmonovitz Hall at the University of San Francisco. The large corner room includes windows on two sides, moveable tables and chairs, and state of the art equipment. This Theology classroom is named in memory of Bernard P. Menard and James R. Menard,…
Continue Reading »
The University of San Francisco recently honored Ms. Alice L. Waters with the 2009 California Prize for Service and the Common Good for significant service with the poor or marginalized and groundbreaking achievements in pursuit of the common good of all members of society. Ms. Waters is credited with helping found the “slow food” movement…
Continue Reading »
As part of the new Elephant Odyssey exhibit at the San Diego Zoo, the Menard Family Foundation funded the relocation and renovation of the giraffe enclosure. The area provides more walking space for the animal, closer viewing for zoo-goers, and an area for giraffe feeding. Be sure to stop and see the plaque recognizing the…
Continue Reading »
Mary K. Menard and Bernard P. Menard have been recognized by Fr. Joe Carroll at St. Vincent De Paul Village, Joan Kroc Center, for their philanthropy and long-time support. Bernard was among the early group of advisers that Fr. Joe consulted when establishing the center. A plaque remembering them has been placed in the Chapel…
Continue Reading »
The Menard Family Foundation sponsored the third annual Senior Follies, a production of the Christian Community Theater of El Cajon, CA. The cast included 65-70 seniors who ranged in age from 55-94 years. The program, “On The Road Again,” was a singing and dancing tour around the United States including our own Trustee and Director,…
Continue Reading »
Barbara and Marlene were among a large gathering of donors for Rady Children’s Hospital who gathered at Humphrey’s on Shelter Island in San Diego for a reception and live entertainment. One of the teenage ambassadors for the fund campaign shared the story of the life-saving care she received at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Continue Reading »
Directors Marlene Miller and Barbara Menard attended the annual Jazz Supper in La Jolla that raises funds for the retired Religious of the Sacred Heart who reside at their retirement facility Oakwood in Atherton, CA. Sr. Virginia Rodee shared updates on the activities of the sisters and a delicious dinner hosted by the Girard Gourmet…
Continue Reading »
One of the most recognizable “padres” in San Diego is Fr. Joe Carroll. Director Barbara Menard was present at Pet Co Park as the San Diego Padres baseball team honored him for his years of service to the homeless and needy in San Diego. Fr. Joe threw out the first pitch and was gifted with…
Continue Reading »
Barbara Menard journeyed to Hollywood, CA to attend the farewell for Rev. Mike Mandala, SJ and a fund raiser for Blessed Sacrament School. The evening’s events were held in the beautifully decorated school auditorium. This building that dates from the 1920’s is the school attended by Bernard P. Menard and his brothers, Robert and James….
Continue Reading »
Directors Miller and Menard were among the attendees at the annual Mercy Ball benefiting the Cancer Center at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. A personal testimonial by a cancer survivor added to the education of the evening of sharing with patrons, enjoying delicious food and frolicking on the dance floor.
Continue Reading »
Directors Barbara Menard and Marlene Miller helped to welcome the guests at the 4th Annual Della Strada Award Celebration for the San Diego Ignatian Volunteer Corps. The event included live entertainment, a hosted reception, silent and live auctions and the reception of the award by Msgr. Donal Sheehan of Our Mother of Confidence Parish in…
Continue Reading »
Directors Marlene Miller and Barbara Menard attended the annual Scripps Mercy 1000 event at the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. Mercy Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kate Carinder and CEO Tom Gammiere offered updates on current events at Scripps Mercy Hillcrest and Chula Vista.
Continue Reading »
Construction has begun on the renovation of the new Conrad Prebys Emergency Department at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest. Director Menard was present as they dedicated the area and broke ground. The Menard Family Foundation has funded the Quiet Meditation Room within the new ED.
Continue Reading »
The Tomorrow Project hosted their annual soup tasting event and Director Barbara Menard sampled their newest products. The Tomorrow Project is a program of the Homeless Women’s Department of Catholic Charities. It is a job readiness program that assists homeless women in learning the skills for employment.
Continue Reading »
For a second year Director Barbara Menard attended the CA Prize dinner at the University of San Francisco. This award is given to an individual(s) or organization that… The dinner coincided with the alumni reunion weekend where Barbara and her classmates gathered for dinner and reminiscing.
Continue Reading »
Director Barbara Menard participated in the KPBS 50th Anniversary Gala. Flower children with peace signs greeted the attendees and the music of the 60’s filled the air. KPBS was a favorite organization of Bernard P. Menard, and the Menard Family Foundation continues his pattern of financial support.
Continue Reading »
