Deborah Smith
Worked Behind the Scenes from 1998 – 2007
Became an official member November 2007
Deborah was one of the first people who shared our vision that we met in 1998. Immediately, she provided us with valuable information as it related to people living in shelters. We were amazed at the number of children who were residing at the Henry Robinson Multi-Service Center where Deborah worked as a Chef. We fell in love with the idea of helping those youth in the shelter. Deborah along with her Mother Betty Berry paved the way for us to begin our work.
That was truly the beginning and a wonderful blessing to have met Deborah and worked with her for many years. Deborah immediately started supporting all of our efforts. She preferred to work behind the scenes by purchasing supplies for school, our annual Christmas celebration for youth in homeless shelters and in anyway she could. In 2007, she rolled up her sleeves at the 7th Annual Back to School Giveaway and helped to make sure we met our goal to provide over 5,000 youth with school supplies.
Deborah will be sorely missed. This past August (2007) Deborah came out to our 7th Annual Back to School Giveaway, rolled up her sleeves and said “Dee” I am here to help you. She could see that we definitely needed help. We were attempting to organize and stuff 5,000+ backpacks for youth in Oakland and surrounding areas. She did not hesitate and worked until it was done doing what she did best making things happen. She did not stop then as she eagerly made herself available to be involved with the Annual Christmas Celebration. She shopped for the children adding her special creativity to make sure they would be pleased and they were.
Later at Christmas time, Deborah was so eager to shop for kids that she would check in a say, what about this for “James” or whoever the child was, and she would say I think he would like something else since he is, whatever the age was. Not only did she shop and shop, she came out to help sort and place the items in Christmas Bags for distribution to youth on December 15th but she was there on December 15th helping all over to make sure the 150 youth received their gifts in an orderly fashion.
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ALSO IN MEMORY OF
We want to also honor and acknowledge the support of Chauncey Bailey, Oakland Post Editor and Raj Gulati, Real Estate Developer/Santa Rosa.
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Dear Lend a Hand Foundation (LAHF) Dise/Gardere/Smith Scholarship Applicant:
On behalf of the LAHF Board of Directors and the Dise/Gardere/Smith Scholarship Committee, I am pleased to invite seniors in high school to apply for the LAHF Dise/Gardere/Smith Scholarship.
Please timely submit:
1) The attached application- CLICK HERE
2) Two (2) letters of recommendation by non-family members or friends. Letters may come from teachers, counselors, employers or religious leaders.
3) Transcrips from all high schools attended.
a. What your career goals are, and
b. How you will assist the socially disadvantaged with your education.
All materials must be received by March 1, 2008. Please mail all materials to the attention of the LAHF Dise/Gardere/Smith Scholarship Committee: PO Box 27411, Oakland, CA 94602.
To be eligible for the scholarship the scholarship recipient must enroll in a college or university and all scholarship funds will be sent to the scholarship recipient's financial institution.
You will be notified by April 15, 2008 if you have been awarded the scholarship. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Yolanda Smith at (510) 553-1562.
Good success with your studies, and with your service to the community.
Cordially,
Yolanda Smith
On behalf of the LAHF Dise/Gardere/Smith Scholarship Committee.
