BAY POINT, CA (July 1, 2015) — The 12th Annual Unity in Community was held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Ambrose Community Center, located at 3105 Willow Pass Road, Bay Point, CA 94565.
The event, whose presenting sponsor was the Bay Point Partnership, emphasized unity for Bay Point because it brought together the rich cultural diversity of the community. The family-oriented day featured 50 community resource tables which included Kaiser Permanente, John Muir Health, Habitat for Humanity, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, American Cancer Society, 1 deposit casino nz.com Supervisor Federal D. Glover’s Office, among others. Residents took part in free health screenings, a very large clothing giveaway for 400 people from White Pony Express, prizes, and a free lunch to the first 700 people who registered.
Families were entertained by local entertainment from Folkloric dancers, cheerleaders, Zumba dancing, a cooking demonstration, and activities from Kaiser Educational Theater. Children could also help build playhouses and a doghouse from Habitat for Humanity.
Community Benefit/Community Health Specialist for Kaiser Permanente, Molly Bergstrom said, “Bay Point Unity in Community is not your average health fair. It’s a powerful community building tool that brings together residents and service providers, and celebrates the diversity in Bay Point.”
Program Coordinator, Cynthia Garrett, worked hard putting this annual event together. “The best part of the event is providing resources to the community that they wouldn’t otherwise get. It’s exciting and empowering to know that this event uplifted the people and encouraged them,” Garrett said.
A few residents outside of Bay Point also came to partake in the festivities. Antioch resident Woodrow Austin traditionally brings most of his 13 children to this event. “I’ve gone every year,” Austin said.
Akilah Briscoe, a resident of Clayton, stated, “Everyone is very friendly. It’s a beautiful day to be around community people and it’s free.”
Funding comes from the generosity of the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund, Kaiser Permanente, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Other sponsors included Center for Human Development, Ambrose Park and Recreation, Bay Point Family Health Center, Bay Point First 5, Brighter Beginnings, Contra Costa Health Services, Habitat for Humanity, John Muir Health, and White Pony Express.
Written By: Laura Pedraza