Kingsburg community unites to support local foster youth with cultural fundraiser

KINGSBURG, Calif. (FOX26) — The community of Kingsburg is joining forces to raise money and collect suitcase donations for local foster youths.

The Kingsburg Chaplaincy, in partnership with the Kingsburg Kiwanis hosted the Taste of Culture Fundraiser Sunday, April 6th, at the Kingsburg Covenant Church at 1490 Lincoln Street.

The event showcased delectable cuisine from 14 different nationalities including Swedish, Filipino, Mexican, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Yemeni, German, Armenian, African and Indonesian.

The fundraiser also featured live music and an auction for a Rick Alonzo Ministries’ painting.

Cathleen Lawler, the Taste of Culture organizer, was inspired to organize a fundraiser for foster youths from her work as a Kingsburg police and fire chaplain, seeing the tremendous needs of children in foster care.

“Often, foster care children have few possessions and are faced with daunting, life-changing events such as relocating to new homes and schools,” Lawler said. “We, as a community, have the opportunity to support our local foster youths, welcome them to our city, and provide their families with resources to thrive.”

There are around 20 foster youths enrolled in Kingsburg schools including Kingsburg and Kings River elementary schools and Kingsburg High School.

The concept for the fundraiser originated from Lawler’s experiences interacting with local foreign exchange students and enjoying various cultural elements from previously working internationally for much of her career. Lawler’s goal is to raise funds for foster youths while celebrating Kingsburg’s rich diversity by sharing delicious world cuisine.

Attendees were encouraged to bring gently-used suitcases to the event, since that is an essential item needed by many foster youths.

All proceeds from the event have been channeled through the Care Portal used by schools and agencies to vet the various needs of foster care families and children in crisis.