“Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.” Horace Mann
Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services “provides family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical and financial struggles for families of children and teens during treatment, families experiencing anticipatory grief and those who are bereaved.” Although based in Watsonville, the organization serves Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and South Santa Clara Counties in Central California.
LPR PCA’s ongoing commitment to supporting charitable causes was again evidenced on Saturday the 24th when this year’s tour, put on by the Highleys, Vanacores and Mussers, took place on a picture-perfect fall day with 23 enthusiastic members in attendance. Starting in Los Gatos, the group was briefed by Johnny Musser who spoke on driver safety, route quirks and any road activity we should look out for. Slowly exiting the parking lot we headed right on Blossom Hill Road and wound our way through incredibly scenic vistas of meadows, farms, and one or two small rural towns. The tour concluded in Watsonville at the home of Caroline and John Eiskamp. John stood in his large driveway skillfully organizing the P-cars as they rolled in. Our gracious hosts had all the fixings ready for a ‘make-your-own pizza’ lunch, along with appetizers, assorted cold beverages and a lovely garden salad. As we sat around enjoying the appetizers, John stoked the wood-fired pizza oven while we were invited by sections to customize our personal “pizza de resistance.” Never has pizza tasted so good!
In keeping with the spirit of this tour we each turned over our 25-dollar check to Kathy Musser who kept a running total of event donations. As we relaxed and munched our way through culinary delights, participants were encouraged to look over and bid on items displayed for the silent auction. Tastefully wrapped baskets included assorted gourmet chocolates, wine packages, spa packages, Port Basket, Tequilla Basket, hand-made purse and cooking-related tools. Members bid generously and the highest bidders delighted in their new acquisitions. Tony Vanacore even walked around with some fresh-made calzones on his newly acquired charcuterie board as he enthusiastically barked his wares. No takers? Don’t take it personally Tony, we were all very full by this time and couldn’t eat another bite.
All in all we couldn’t have spent a lovelier day, driving our favorite cars and chatting with friends both old and new, while raising money for a good cause. In total, the group raised $3,100 for Jacob’s Heart. That’s definitely a win/win in my book! If you wish to make a contribution to the group total, you can still mail a check made out to Jacob’s Heart to Kathy Musser, 694 Harbor Cove Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 up until October 11th.
For more information and inspiring stories from Jacob’s Heart, go to info@jacob’sheart.org
Nancy Calvin
