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A Message from Shirley Holder, Founder and President

The Duchess of Vonh Castle
Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself Foundation


Dear Friends, Supporters, Partners:

 

Ten Years ago, on October 5, 2013, The Duchess of Vonh Castle Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself Foundation was founded with the mission to provide exceptional human services programs for the Hungry, Homeless, Afflicted, and less fortunate; teach, motivate, inspire, and encourage with Godly leadership; to work in partnership with other organizations to assist in bringing about an end to homelessness, and to be a catalyst for a better quality of life for those in need. 

 

I would like to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Directors, a talented group of professionals, for their support over these years, in helping to accomplish the organization’s mission.

 

I could not be more excited and proud about where we started and where we are today!  Also, how deeply grateful I am for your support, as well as what your donations and those of others, have helped the Foundation accomplish.

 

Some highlights of these 10 years have been Partnerships formed with the following organizations:

      The San Bernardino City Mission that provides poor families, the homeless, seniors, and shut-ins food,                   clothing, and access to shelter.

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       San Bernardino Valley College – Awarding Student Scholarships

       In 2014, I created the “Never Give up on Your Hopes or Dreams!” scholarship.  I believe that the Dream                 starts with the individual, and for the Dream to become a reality, the individual must have intense                         ambition, perseverance, passion, and hungry enough for that education in order to succeed.

 

This program will assist High School Seniors residing in the County of San Bernardino, who wish to pursue their dreams in the fields of Culinary Arts, Social Work, Music, and Interior Design, with educational supplies and books.​

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Scholarships allow students to continue following the paths they desire, and whatever assistance the organization gives them, is vital in lessening their student financial burden.

 

The name of the scholarship was taken from one of my inspirational quotes - "Never Give Up on Your Hopes or Dreams! They may not occur with your timing, but in God's.  A dream not pursued is a dream wasted.  A hope not believed will soon be forgotten.  Listen only to 'Can' and not 'Cannots',  'Cannots' are impediments to success!"  

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Since the scholarship was created in 2014, six scholarships have been awarded to students in the field of Social Work, and Culinary Arts.

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        Mt. Zion Helping Hands, Ontario

        Provides Food, Clothing, and Spiritual Support to the Community

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        Paralyzed Veterans of America 

        Since 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America has been on a mission to change lives and build brighter futures          for our seriously injured heroes.  The mission—to empower our brave men and women to regain what they          fought for: their freedom and independence.

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The President and Board of Directors were invited to participate in the Inland Empire Veterans Stand Down, (IEVSD) 7th Annual Veterans Day Celebration: Life, Legacy and Beyond, on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.   The President, one of the Guest Speakers, shared inspiring words with the WWII Veterans. Lunch for 150 Veterans, was sponsored by the Non-Profit, and served by the Board of Directors, and volunteers. 
 
I am extremely grateful that despite the global pandemic and economic crises, which created some of the greatest challenges for Non-Profits such as ours, the organization continues to accomplish its mission.

 

While the organization has accomplished a great deal, so much more needs to be done.  More importantly, the challenges we face today are substantially greater than those of the past.  I ask for your continued support to help the organization work towards a solution to the Homeless epidemic which is the most tragic human problem.  Also, continuing to support the Non-Profit with providing scholarships for High School Seniors in underserved communities.

 

Galations 6:9 states "Do not grow weary doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  1 Cor. 15:58 states "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, know that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

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Thanks again to all of you for your unwavering support over these 10 years!  Without your support this amazing work could not have been achieved.  It is people like you who truly make the world a better place to live. Only by working together can we make a difference.

 

Graciously Yours,

Shirley Holder, aka The Duchess of Vonh Castle

President

The Duchess of Vonh Castle

Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself Foundation

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