OREANDA-NEWS. February 17, 2011. Five local organizations were recognized today at a community luncheon held by the City of Fremont and Alameda County, in partnership with Toyota and Fremont Bank. Abode Services, the Fremont Education Foundation, the Fremont Family Resource Center, Ohlone College and Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments (SAVE) were awarded a combined USD 324,000 in grants from Toyota at today’s event, which was held at the Fremont Main Library.
 
The grants recognized these organizations for the difference they have made in addressing some of the most pressing needs of the Bay Area, despite the challenging economic times. Speakers also highlighted the benefits of partnerships between government, corporations and nonprofits in working together to improve local communities.
 
“Nonprofit organizations often provide the community with services that government agencies and corporations can’t offer on their own. It is important for us to recognize the great value that these and other nonprofits bring to our community,” said Bob Wasserman, mayor of Fremont, “We commend these five organizations for their relentless support of the people of Fremont.”
 
“Today’s event and continued support from Toyota and Fremont Bank are great examples of what it means to be a good corporate citizen,” said Scott Haggerty, Alameda County Supervisor. “We hope that other corporations in our county will continue to support these and other organizations in their communities.”
 
In addition to recognizing these organizations, Toyota and the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) announced the “Wonderopolis Family Challenge: Fremont Edition,” a new and exciting program aimed at inspiring and engaging families in the pursuit of education and learning together. While still under development, the challenge will feature a series of online and offline activities including quizzes on Fremont’s history, online games featuring Fremont attractions, family field trips to community events, scavenger hunts, among others. The “Wonderopolis Family Challenge: Fremont Edition,” which will launch this summer, will give participating families a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.
 
“Toyota is very proud to support the critical work of these organizations in the Bay Area,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of philanthropy at Toyota Motor North America.  “Our commitment to education makes us equally excited about launching Wonderopolis in Fremont. As we celebrate our 20th year in partnership with NCFL, we know that their model of families learning together will be a success in the Fremont community.”