A Dear friend of mine and of many in the community of Castaic, was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer.  He is the Business owner of T & M Enterprizes, Tracy Jara. 

This man whom I met at his place of business has helped so many people in our community.  It is apparent when you walk into his store, and see all of the thank You cards from so many of the organizations that he has donated to.  ex AYSO, Live Oak Elementary, CMS, Castaic Elementary, "The Love Ride" girl scouts and boy scouts of America, the miss Castaic pageant, there are so many to name...  Tracy served as the Castaic Chamber of Commerce President, he was voted "Man of the Year" 2 years and business of the year a couple tims, He is truely a pillar in our community. 

We held a fund-raiser  for he and his family on Saturday June 2, 2007 at the Paseo Club.  We had so many people come forward and ask to volunteer, to donate supplies, food, drinks, baskets for the silent auction, and for the raffle... It was amazing to be a part of this special Fund-raiser for one of our own.  We raised over 10,000 for the family to help with Chemo costs.  Thank you on behalf of everyone who helped put this event together. 

Thank You Cyndi Lesinski, for thinking the whole thing up and seeing it through to fruition.  You are amazing.  Thanks to all of the people who took out time in their busy lives to come and honor Tracy and his family and to help ease the financial burden.  The people of the SCV and Castaic, are such a wonderful bunch of home owners business owners family and friends. thanks to the Paseo Club, all of the sponsors, and anyone and everyone that donated for this cause.  You are all very much appreciated.  Doesn't it feel great to help out?

Life is short. Take the time to do things today, do not put them off.  Tell your Family and friends you love them often.  Next time you are in the store or the gas station, or target, or wherever you are, make it a point to be kind to one another.  The person behind the counter may be in a bad way, they may have  a family member who is sick, or lost a job, or are not feeling good about themselves... Be patient with them and remember, life is too short to battle the small stuff, take care of your "Golf Balls" (story you have to read)  they are the most important part of life.  the rest is just filling in the gaps.  Thanks for reading my blog, I Thank God everyday for dying on the cross for me... Have a beautiful week to everyone in the AR community...  Thanks,

Christine Richter