FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Picasso's Café, Bakery and Catering Co. sends a team to assist
Habitat San Gabriel Valley
Personal commitment is made from eight selfless employees

Monrovia, CA. (May 30, 2009) – Eight volunteers representing Picasso’s Café joined forces early Saturday morning to help their local chapter of Habitat for Humanity with one of its newest build projects in the San Gabriel Valley. The team included six employees who volunteered their personal time to “be a part of something bigger than themselves” which was the motivating factor in giving up a Saturday, according to Mylene Neufarth, Picasso’s restaurant manager.

The volunteers included Picasso employees Mylene Neufarth, Christina Vien, Amy Northrop, Angelina Mungia, Christopher Mendoza, and Victor Ramirez as well as Elmer Munguia the husband of Picasso’s Chef, Angela Munguia as well as a Picasso customer, Brian Hoskin. For this construction effort, the team from Picasso’s cleaned and organized until one of the members found herself “lying on the sidewalk completely exhausted.”

Brittany Klaassen, Volunteer Coordinator of Habitait for Humanity, stated that “Picasso’s was the first company to welcome our chapter to the area when we first moved in and they helped us get on our feet. Our need for volunteers on a consistent basis is significant and it’s great when a visible company like Picasso’s leads by example”. “Habitat’s mission is very much in-line with Picasso’s in that the core of both organizations is to help the community and take an active, responsible role,” said Marissa Buckisch, Executive Vice President Marketing, Special Events & Corporate Accounts at Picasso’s. She added, “This event is the next organic step in a relationship where two parties with a common interest come together for the greater good of the community.”

Amy Northrop, a caterer at Picasso’s has always been interested in participating in volunteer events and the example shown by her fellow Picasso employees encouraged her to contribute. “I am in the middle of finals at Cal Poly, Pomona and I have been so stressed-out but I wanted to give back and show my support for my community”. Picasso Chef, Angelina Munguia who also enlisted her husband for this event, stated that “…taking my mind of my troubles and helping someone less fortunate has been very rewarding for both of us.”

It wasn’t all work and no play for Team Picasso. In fact, according to Team Leader Mylene Neufarth, “We filled up big dumpsters, swept dirt and organized tools and equipment but we also challenged each other to wheelbarrow races and laughed and shared with each other all day. It’s a great way to get to know the real personality of your fellow workers”.

If you are interested in being a part of the Monrovia project by volunteering or simply by making a contribution, please visit the website above, or contact Brittany Klaassen at the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, 626.387.6899

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About Picasso’s Café, Bakery and Catering Co.
As the community’s largest local private catering company with over 20 years of business, Picasso’s is focused on providing you, our dining guests in Irwindale and catering guests worldwide, with quality food products and events, consistent service, and all at a competitive price. Picasso’s commitment is to be an active responsible leader in the community and to support the personal and professional growth of the underprivileged of all ages locally. In addition, Picasso’s commitment is to express gratitude daily by being a shining example of the restaurant industry through our catering donations, monetary sponsorships, volunteer work and support of local nonprofit groups and organizations and nationwide relief efforts. For more information, visit www.PicassosCafe.com.

About Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley
Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley is a not-for-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income, hard-working families through the American dream of homeownership. Rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator, Habitat works together with local sponsors, donors and volunteers to build communities and build families throughout the San Gabriel Valley. To learn more about Habitat San Gabriel Valley or to make a donation or volunteer call (626) 387-6899 or visit www.sgvhabitat.org

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

For more information, please contact:
Picasso’s Café, Bakery and Catering Co. Marissa Buckisch Exec. VP Marketing, Special Events & Corporate Accounts (626) 969-6100 restaurant@picassoscafe.com	Habitat for Humanity SGV Brittany Klaassen Volunteer Coordinator (626) 387-6899 volunteernow@sgvhabitat.org

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