Who is Melanie Barker?
I grew up in our mountain community making me a Coarsegold Cougar and Yosemite Badger alumni. After high school I served in the U.S. Navy. Even though I’ve traveled the world, and have seen some amazing countries, this is my home. As a local Realtor with Bass Lake Realty Oakhurst I’m actively engaged in the industry through leadership roles at the local, state and national levels of the greater Association of Realtors. All of my leadership responsibilities are volunteer positions. Our local association of Realtors has held an annual rummage sale for nine years. I’ve been heavily involved in the rummage sale, including leading it for two years, and in nine years we’ve raised over $100,000 for local charitable organizations. I’m a board member of the El Capitan Educational Foundation that gives scholarships to all local graduates to support Oakhurst Community College. I think this gives you a sense of my commitment to our community. Quite simply it’s my home and I want to do my part to support it. The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors a “campaign” referred to as the Oakhurst Honorary Mayor Race. The “candidates” raise money for their charity of choice, and whoever raises the most money by July 10th becomes Honorary Mayor. The race has provided the opportunity for me to give to an organization that I truly believe in: Manna House.
About Manna House
Manna House is our amazing all volunteer food bank that survives solely on donations to provide a need in our mountain community. In addition to emergency food they help with other needs as they arise including: wood for heat, limited PG&E assistance, clothing, baby items, and more. Between 2006 and 2009 they filled over 64,000 needs in our mountain community. I find that astounding and commendable. It also drives home the point that they are a valuable asset.
Supporting the Manna House Building Fund
In the fall of 2008 Manna House was the recipient of the net proceeds from the Yosemite Gateway Association of Realtors Monster Rummage Sale. During the months leading up to the event I had an opportunity to see how much commitment the Manna House volunteers have to this community providing for those in need, most especially the Chairman, Tom Nicolulis. During that time that he talked about the need to move to another location, and the fundraising efforts taking place to make that happen. The Manna House volunteers have done a bang up job so far raising funds for the new facility, and yet, there is still a shortage for completion of $135,000.
As a candidate for Honorary Mayor I’m seeking all donations possible. I have hosted several fundraising events with a couple of more on the horizon. Every dollar is a vote, so I’m trying to reach as many people as possible to get the word out about the need to finish the new facility.
If you would like to make a charitable contribution you can send a check to Manna House P.O. Box 1658 Oakhurst CA 93644. Please note on the check that it is for the Building Fund or Honorary Mayor. Any amount is gladly accepted with great gratitude. Thank you for your support.