Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Community members, sponsors and families gathered at The Zones youth center in Santa Rosa last month for an evening of music and fundraising. By the end of the night, nearly $50,000 had been raised to support after-school programs for local students. Held on Oct. 10, the “Zillions for The Zones” fundraiser benefited The Zones, a community-based youth development program serving kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout Santa Rosa. Founded in 1949 as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Santa Rosa, the organization rebranded in 2023 to reflect a broader mission spanning five focus areas: academics, athletics, creative arts, health and wellness, and workforce development. About 130 guests attended the event at the organization’s recently renovated center at 1011 Hahman Drive, across from Montgomery Junior and Senior High School. The building features a recording studio, gaming room and teen lounge – spaces designed to offer young people a “second home” after school. “There’s a big drop-off in funding once kids hit 13, and that’s exactly when they need guidance and support the most. Zillions for The Zones helps us bridge that gap,” said Amber Heidtke, executive director of The Zones, in a statement released after the event. “This event keeps our programs running, and our teens engaged in something positive after school.” During the event, attendees toured the youth center and placed bids in a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses, including Sports Basement, The Flamingo, The Inn at Occidental, Cattlemen’s, Snoopy’s Home Ice, Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, and the 6th Street Playhouse. A live “paddle raise” further boosted contributions. Guest speakers included Dr. Amie Carter, superintendent of the Sonoma County Office of Education; Ash Vaid of Poppy Bank, a partner in the center’s renovation and teen programs; as well as longtime member Nash Medders and Casey Williams, who reflected on the organization’s early years.
