Holy Cross Center for Women receives $65,000 donation to fund Fresno summer program

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An organization helping Valley families in need received a big boost Friday afternoon. With a generous donation by Philanthropy Inspired by the Needs of our Community (PINC), the Holy Cross Center for Women will be able to fund its summer program.

Children in Mr. and Mrs. Mora's classroom are spending some time this summer learning all about dinosaurs. These children are just some of about 60 taking part in the summer program put together by the Holy Cross Center for Women -- now in its 16th year.

"I think the children really appreciate it and so do their parents," said Sister Mary Clennon, director of the Holy Cross Center for Women.

Children as young as 4 and up to 17 years old can participate in three individual programs that are divided by age. They include: a literacy program, a cultural literacy program and a junior enrichment program.

"Just to keep one child out of a gang or out of prison, it's well worth it," said Clennon.

Friday morning, PINC donated $65,000 to the summer program, which had been in danger of being eliminated due to lack of funding.

"It's an incredible feeling. To be able to give $65,000 today will make such a huge impact," said Analiese Domingos, founder of PINC.

PINC is an organization that raises money for various nonprofit groups in the Central Valley. Through the years, they've raised more than $250,000 for other groups, including Catholic Charities, the Poverello House and Valley Children's Hospital.

"We are so blessed to have been able to work with such a great organization, and we look forward to many, many more," said Domingos.

Organizers for the summer camp say they are thankful for the gift they received Friday and are looking forward to taking a field trip next month to Sacramento for a tour of the Capitol.

"We try to provide them with opportunities that most of these children otherwise would not have," said Clennon.

For more information on the Holy Cross Center for Women, click here.