Childhelp USA ‘Festival of Trees’ helps abused kids

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO/Acorn Newspapers HELPING KIDS-Tane' Arendts, a supporter of Childhelp USA, looks over the gift baskets at the 20th annual "Festival of Trees" event, sponsored by the Buena Ventura Chapter of Childhelp USA. Proceeds from the event will support the "Village," a residential treatment center for abused children in Beaumont, Calif. Childhelp USA tries to make sure that abused children get the help they need.

Despite inclement weather, the 20th annual Festival of Trees holiday gala to benefit the Buena Ventura chapter of Childhelp USA brought out throngs of supporters who hoped to add a little sunshine to the lives of children who’ve been physically, emotionally and sexually abused.

The luncheon, silent auction and "Spring Kitchen" bake sale were staged at the Sherwood Country Club in the community of Lake Sherwood in Thousand Oaks on Dec. 5. While the wind and rain may have been symbolic of the stormy lives of abused children before they arrive at the Village, a residential treatment center for abused children in Beaumont, Calif., the sold-out event was a testament to the hope and resiliency that results from the work of the nonprofit group.

Childhelp USA is about hope—hope that abused children will learn to trust, to love and to be loved. The group offers hope that these children, whose young lives should have been filled with enchantment and wonder rather than fear and dread, will heal under the care of skilled, compassionate and trained therapists. The greatest hope is that they will grow up, become productive, loving adults and break the cycle of abuse.

In addition to welcoming the guests, President Marna DeVane cited some disturbing statistics on abuse.

"I can’t think of a better investment for our future than taking care of our most defenseless," she said.

Such hope has become a reality for many children living at the village. The trained specialists and loving personnel help these children blossom. Vicki Hughes, second vice president publicity, explained that when children first arrive at the facility, they’re often afraid to talk. Caring for injured animals on the village’s farm has helped many children open up and express their feelings of pain, fear and betrayal, which leads to emotional healing.

In addition to caring for farm animals at the Beaumont facility, therapy includes art and a theater program. Most importantly, the group helps children embrace the simple joys of childhood.

Festively themed trees and wreaths, plus gift baskets for every enthusiast—from elegant soirées that included dinner and entertainment for adults to themed baskets for children, the movie buff or the sports nut—were auctioned. Delectable home-baked desserts were available for sale. All proceeds benefit abused and neglected children.

Lynn Elder, community relations director for Childhelp USA, presented the invocation. She recited from I Corinthians, Chapter 13 on the meaning of love: "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."

Joanne Locacsio, chair of this year’s Festival of Trees, also said a few words to guests about the hard work and dedication of the 35 people who worked on the annual fundraiser. Jim Cummings sang a beautiful rendition of "America" and later sang holiday songs.

Margaret McKinnon, the first recipient of the Joan Joyce Sellers Award, which recognizes hard-working members, presented the 2004 award to Donna Yacoobian, executive vice president of the Buena Ventura Chapter of Childhelp USA. "What I’ve given pales in comparison to what I’ve gotten back," Yacoobian said. "We are a little, little, but mighty chapter," she added.

  Mary Chopp presented the Angel Award to Michael Cavilier. The honor is given annually to a non-member who’s supported Childhelp USA. Hughes said that Cavilier has been a generous contributor to the organization for many years.

Childhelp USA was launched in 1959 when actresses Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson reached out to homeless Japanese/American orphans in Japan, who were turned away from orphanages due to their mixed heritages. O’Meara and Fedderson continue to lead the organization as chairman/CEO and president respectively.

The Buena Ventura Chapter is a 120-acre residential facility located near Palm Springs. It is one of nine California groups and auxiliaries that provide residential treatment villages, which are safe group homes for severely abused children from 6 to 12 years of age.

Child-abuse prevention, education and training programs as well as foster care and children’s advocacy centers are also offered through Childhelp USA. The Beaumont facility opened in 1978 and was Childhelp USA’s first treatment facility.

Childhelp USA operates a National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 4-A-CHILD or (800) 422-4453. For more information on joining the local chapter of Childhelp USA or donations, call Marna DeVane at (805) 388-1701.