Discovery Counseling Center’s Anti-Bullying Fundraising Show

By Michael Copeland, Resident since 2002

www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

It was standing room only on Thursday, October 25th at the Village Theatre in downtown Danville, as Discovery Counseling Center hosted their 5th annual Evening of Music and Laughter, a fundraising show benefiting DCC’s anti-bullying program. This year’s show brings back (by popular demand) the very funny comedian Bryan Kellen in addition to a rare acoustic performance by San Francisco rockers Static & Surrender. There was also a surprise special appearance by Hays & Company.

Not very many people know that bullying is widespread and perhaps the most under-reported safety problem on American school campuses.

Contrary to popular belief, bullying occurs more often at school than on the way to and from there. Once thought of as simply a rite of passage or relatively harmless behavior that helps build young people’s character, bullying is now known to have long-lasting harmful effects, for both the victim and the bully. Bullying is often mistakenly viewed as a narrow range of anti-social behavior confined to elementary school recess yards. Perhaps more than any other school safety problem, bullying affects students’ sense of security.

Discovery Counseling Center of San Ramon Valley also offers comprehensive and affordable assistance to school age kids in times of crises, emotional need and life transitions. Their highly regarded anti-bullying program has already been instituted in many of the elementary schools in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Kathy Chiverton, Executive Director at Discovery, says funds from this event will help Discovery Counseling Center to expand their reach throughout the district.

Every dollar raised at the anti-bullying fundraiser goes directly to the cause and the Quest Foundation, a private foundation located in Danville, matches 2 for 1 all funds raised with a generous donation.

With a successful event, over two thousand 4th and 5th graders will be able to participate in Discovery’s powerful and effective antibullying course.

Past shows have included such talented performers as Nashville country artist Paul Jefferson, L.A. singer-songwriter Courtney Randall, Rocker David Victor (formerly of the band Boston), STUNG – the preeminent Police tribute band, and, the incredibly versatile A Cappella group from Vanderbilt University – The Meledors. Additionally, the show has featured the stand-up comedy talents of Tony Camin, David Vanavermaete and Anthony Hill. This year’s show boasted over 20 corporate sponsors including Title Sponsors - Interior Motions and Links for Life Foundation.

I’m very honored and proud to be a part of Discovery Counseling Center’s Anti-Bullying Fundraiser again this year.

The passion of all the people who work so hard to produce a show that raises funds and awareness for such a useful cause is both heart-warming and contagious. I jumped at the chance to come back and do my part. DCC’s fall fundraising committee includes myself as chairman and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, in addition to Zach Haller, Nicole Fornaci, Mary Verstraete, Mark Heavey, Alex Hays, Ceal Barlett, Eric Johnson, Michael Taylor, Michele Milz, Karen Cordeiro, Greg Betty, Mike Mooney, Dave Jones and Sylvia Luneau. Relieved that this year’s event was so successful, the committee will be back at work soon enough planning for next year’s show.

For more information on Discovery Counseling Center’s services visit their website at www.discoveryctr.net.