May 7, 2012 (La Mesa) – The committee for La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade is raising funds for this year’s annual parade on June 2.  Its financial goal is $15,000 which will be used to offset operational expenses, including transportation costs for school marching bands, public address equipment and traffic control set up.

There are different levels of sponsorship available and all donors will receive a support poster for display.  A sponsorship form, including information on the different levels is available at Sponsorship Opportunities & Benefits Form.

May 1, 2012 (San Diego) -- Fresh Start Surgical Gifts will be hosting a charity Roast and Toast Sam Diego on May 19 at The Tango Del Rey Palace, 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego.  The event, which benefits Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and a bone marrow registry drive for “Smiley” Ricky Martinez, will include live musical performances by Spanish guitar maestro David Maldonado, Lenny Morris, Gabriel Valentin and Ben Verela, a dance show, comedy by Brew Ha Ha Entertainment, Chinese raffles and the Roast.

Sam Diego, an East County resident, is well known for his support of numerous community and charitable causes in East County. 

April 27, 2012 (Santee) – On April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. an estimated 250 volunteers will clean-up, beautify and restore the area of the San Diego River Trail in Santee.  Volunteers will meet at the northeast pavilion in the Walmart parking lot, 170 Town Center Parkway.

The event is sponsored by Mormon Helping Hands with the City of Santee, the San Diego River Park Foundation, Santee Kiwanis and Santee-Lakeside Rotary Clubs joining in the community effort.

April 22, 2012 (Santee) -- Join family and friends of Grant Fisher on April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Joe’s Old Fashion BBQ, 205 Town Center Parkway, Santee to help raise funds for his financial recovery. 

Fisher, a San Diego County Credit Union employee, has spent most of this year confined to a hospital bed recovering after he was run over by an elderly driver in the bike lane of Sorrento Valley Boulevard during a lunchtime bike ride.

April 21, 2012 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring its annual Bowling Tournament on May 11, 6:00 p.m. at Parkway Bowl, 1280 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon.  All funds raised will benefit the programs of the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Foundation which includes the Lexington Ave. Peace Patrol, support for local foster families, literacy and nutrition programs locally and abroad, bringing clean water to a village in Kenya and more.

April 5, 2012 -- Miss Rancho Jamul, Stephanie Grecco and Miss Teen Rancho Jamul, Gigi Gauthier we crowned Saturday, March 31 at the pageant held at the Steele Canyon High School Theater.

Stephanie Grecco is a 21 year old student at Cuyamaca College, and is currently working toward her Associates Degree in Music Industry Studies. She plans to attain her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance. Stephanie enjoys singing, song writing, playing piano and guitar, and hopes to one day impact lives with the music she creates.

 March 26, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Donate a gently-used formal gown to the San Diego County Library for their annual Prom Dress Drive and Gown Giveaway and make a difference in a local teen’s life.  The dresses can be dropped off at the El Cajon County Library branch at 201 E. Douglas Ave. between now and April 20. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2012 (Alpine)—A spinal tumor and life-threatening infection have left Bill Weaver, a dedicated education leader and advocate for East County’s  children, in need of community help.  I ask our readers to join in efforts to help Bill, who requires continuing in-home care while recovering from a long hospital stay. There are two ways you can help.

On Monday, April 2 from 3-10 p.m., the Alpine Tavern & Grill at 2502 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine will host “Beers for Bill,” donating 20% of proceeds to help pay for Bill’s medical expenses.