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Microsoft volunteers visit Devereux California for “Day of Caring”

Great news! Staff and residents of Devereux California welcomed approximately 130 Microsoft employees to its campus in Goleta on the afternoon of Monday, January 25th. Throughout the afternoon, Microsoft volunteers completed a total of seven projects, everything from providing technical assistance to completing renovation and beautification tasks.

A previously unused outdoor courtyard was transformed to a welcoming oasis. Microsoft provided waterproof paint for the flooring of the Weisman Courtyard and volunteers assembled patio furniture, fountains, planters, and potted plants. Other volunteers washed and detailed 20 agency vehicles and provided a “winter clean-up” of the Devereux California Greenhouse. Others provided expertise in analysis of digital billing forms and the Devereux California’s website.

The most fun of all, however, was creating an outdoor “carnival” with the ladies and gentlemen of Devereux California. The carnival consisted of games and arts and crafts activities, including face-painting, pottery pot painting, painting and decorating picture frames and playing fun games for prizes. Jackie, a Devereux individual and longtime employee of Devereux California, said the Day of Caring ranks as one of her favorite events. Jackie made it her mission to let Cassi Noel, Manager of External Affairs, know “This was the best event ever! I had so much fun with all the Microsoft people.”

Microsoft not only supplied the manpower, but also generously contributed $6,500 to cover the costs of project supplies. Additionally, Microsoft pledged an additional donation in the amount of approximately $7,500 to benefit the ladies and gentlemen served by Devereux California. “We are very grateful to Microsoft and Lisa Mundy, Microsoft coordinator for this project, for coordinating this wonderful day of service and for the donation to our center. I hope they enjoyed visiting our campus, and meeting our staff and individuals as much we enjoyed hosting them,” explains Amy Evans, Executive Director of Devereux California.

The Day of Caring culminated in a Latin themed dinner celebration, held at Bacara Resort and Spa the following day, in which 50 Devereux staff and individuals attended. “It was truly a magical event,” said Evans.

• This article appears in the Santa Barbara Independent.
• This article also appears in the Noozhawk.

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