Making a Difference: Rancho Mesa’s Amber Webb and Anne Wright Volunteer at Camp NAWIC

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Wednesday, June 22, Rancho Mesa team members, Amber Webb and Anne Wright volunteered at Camp NAWIC, at AGC’s Apprenticeship Training Facility in Lakeside, CA. 

Camp NAWIC is a week-long summer camp for girls in grades 9 through 12 that teaches them basic construction skills while promoting an interest in a career path in the construction industry.

Campers learn construction skills through hands-on activities in disciplines such as electrical, plumbing, sheet metal, surveying, and heavy equipment operation. Returners complete a construction project as a team and mentor first year campers.

“This year, I volunteered with NECA for the electrical trade day and we were able to show the girls how to wire up a circuit with a switch and light bulb, bend pipe, install solar panels, learn about careers in the electrical industry and do some ladder safety,” Webb said.

Camp NAWIC is put on by the Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego, an organization set up by NAWIC San Diego to run its outreach programs. NAWIC Chapters all over the country host these camps which facilitate friendship and teamwork while encouraging construction careers for women.

“I have been volunteering for Camp NAWIC since 2015 and it is such an amazing week,” Webb said. “The girls show up for camp on their first day and are scared and timid, but by the last day of camp, they have new friends and the confidence to take on new projects with the trade skills they learned.”

Many Rancho Mesa clients are also involved in this event, namely Melinda Dicharry, the former President of the foundation and the owner of Paradigm Mechanical Corp. Victoria Friar of Chula Vista Electric Co. and Sunrise Bobcat’s Tiffany Carapella and Tosha Carapella were also involved this year.

Rancho Mesa is a proud contributor to the NAWIC mission and its support of women’s careers in the construction industry, and we value our team aiding this cause through their volunteer work.

“Witnessing the exposure that these young ladies had to the creative process that is construction was so enjoyable,” Wright said. “Not many summer camps can actually lead you to a productive career path. NAWIC does an amazing job with this, year after year.”

About Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego
The Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego is dedicated to the advancement of programs focused on educating youth about career opportunities in the construction industry and encouraging them to pursue careers in this field. We work to influence our educational systems, students, and parents to place more emphasis on, and resources toward, vocational education that connects directly to construction industry jobs.

About NAWIC San Diego
NAWIC has over 115 chapters throughout the United States that provide its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.

Client Spotlight: Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon Returns to Raise Funds for UCP San Diego

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Coronado Island welcomed back San Diego firefighters, local TV personalities, Hollywood celebrities, look-a-likes, and caring patrons on Friday, September 24, 2021 to raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County (UCP) at the 38th Annual Firefighters & Friends Celebrity Waiters Luncheon.

Rancho Mesa’s Kim Vasquez, Lori Stone, Alyssa Burley, Sierra Stone, and Jack Marrs were gratified to attend as guests of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies. The event was filled with live and silent auctions, generous tips and sponsorships that raised funds for the organization whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Rancho Mesa is truly honored to have UCP San Diego as a client.

About United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County

UCP is an agency committed to serving people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families since 1958. Working throughout the years to improve services with every step, UCP has program centers in San Diego and Escondido and numerous community based programs serving hundreds of local citizens on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.ucpsd.org.

IICF Hosts Family Fun Night

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, August 12, 2021 the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) hosted a Summer Family Fun Night. The event strikingly raised over 42 thousand dollars, directly benefiting nonprofits who support children’s education and well being in San Diego County through the IICF Community Grants Program.

ICCF is a non-profit made up of insurance professionals who help local communities by providing grants, volunteers, and leadership to nonprofits and charities.

Rancho Mesa’s Ashley Hunter, Brittani Davis, Emily Marasso, Kevin Howard, and Sam Brown had a blast with their kids while they played mini golf, swung at the batting cages, and rode go-karts at Family Fun Centers in San Diego, CA.

Rancho Mesa is a proud supporter of IICF and their mission! To learn more, visit www.iicf.org.

IIAB Hosts Annual Golf Day

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (IIAB) of San Diego, also known as the Big “I", hosted A Day of Golf at Maderas in Poway, CA.

On October 8, 2020, players came out to support the IIAB San Diego and its contributions to the San Diego community.

Rancho Mesa team members, Daniel Frazee, Shane Medlin, Sam Clayton, Dave Garcia, Chase Hixson and Sam Brown showed their support while including Nick Shureen and David Winthers from Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies.

To keep players safe, rather than the traditional awards dinner following the event, winners were announced via email. Players still enjoyed delicious food, as they were provided with lunch that had been placed on their carts before the round began.

About IIAB San Diego

IIAB San Diego is a group of local insurance professionals dedicated to upholding the ideals of the American Agency System. Our Association is founded on mutual respect and support of its members. Through our Association, members access information necessary to further their business. The continuing work of our Association benefits our members, the insurance industry and the San Diego community at large. They stand ready to meet the challenges of both the present and the future through involvement in both profession and the community. To learn more, visit www.iiabsandiego.com.

It’s a Rancho Mesa Halloween Spooktacular!

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

Halloween looked a little different for all of us, this year. But, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t have a little fun while still remaining socially distant.

The team at Rancho Mesa Insurance got to work putting together special goody bags for all the Ranch Mesa kids: candy (small and KING sized), glow in the dark toys, plus masks and “han-itizer,” as the kids at our house call it.

To add to the fun, the kids were invited to stop by the Santee office in costume to safely collect their bags. From scary jokers to minions, skeletons and Peanuts, we even caught a few dinosaur jockeys in the mix. We were visited by Scream, an adorable witch, and my personal favorite, a serial killer. It was nice to see familiar faces, or eyeballs, we haven’t seen a while, in person.

The kids at the Boys & Girls Club received their bags last week and couldn’t be more excited. The look on Max and Julian’s faces says it all!

We hope you all had a safe and happy Halloween, and don’t forget to book that dentist appointment, now!

No Tricks by Rancho Mesa, Just Treats for the Boys & Girls Club

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

Over the last few weeks, as we’ve heard more and more about what a different Halloween this is going to be for children everywhere, we wanted to try and help put a few smiles on children’s faces. “With COVID-19, we all feel a sense of fatigue and desire to go back to life as it once was. But, for now that isn’t possible,” said Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa. “We thought, as the Rancho Mesa family, we could maybe bring some joy to a few children this Halloween.”

So, we came up with the idea to package 500 trick or treat bags; loaded with candy, a gaiter facemask, and mini hand sanitizers donated by Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, and distribute them through two of our clients: the Boys & Girls Clubs of both East County and South Bay.

Rancho Mesa team members, Kim Vasquez, Lori Stone, Alyssa Burley, and Sierra Stone ordered all the goodies and for the last four weeks have been filling the treat bags during lunch. 

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the four of them stepping up and finding the time to make this happen – and I can’t wait to see pictures of the smiles on those children’s faces,” says Dave.

Beginning this week, the Boys & Girls Clubs will begin handing out the trick or treat bags to all the kids that visit the clubs. With each bag, there is a printed card asking them to take a picture of themselves and send it back to us so that we can post their smiling faces for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to check back next week as we post all those smiling faces. Happy Halloween from the Ranch Mesa family!

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Ghosts, goblins and pumpkins, oh my! 

Witches flying on brooms through the sky. 

Halloween is particularly spooky this year,

Thanks to the Evil Dr. COVID we had extra to fear.

But fear not, our RMI team quickly got to work,

On a special surprise that would surely bring a smirk.

Bags filled with candy, toys and masks,

Even some hand sanitizer for those everyday tasks.

Then off to the Boys & Girls Club 500 bags went,

For all the sweet little ones whose days are spent,

With the amazing staff and team at the Boys & Girls Club,

So of course, we couldn’t help but want to spread the love.

From all of us at the Rancho Mesa Team,

We want to wish you all a fun, and safe, Halloween!

Rancho Mesa Attends Annual NAWIC Golf Event

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Services Inc.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter held their annual golf tournament on August 27th, 2020 at the Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, California. This year’s event was conducted a little bit different to ensure safe social distancing between attendees. 

Rather than their traditional golf tournament where players can mingle before and after the round of golf,  they were all given specific tee times throughout the day. 

To reduce the size of attendees and to say “thank you” to past event sponsors, the event was by invitation only. Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group and Kevin Howard, Account Executive, showed their support alongside John Fischl from Sentry Insurance, and Mike Weimann from 24 Hour Express Plumbing & Services.

Players enjoyed individually packaged hand-crafted lunches prepared by the golf course’s snack bar and plenty of refreshments.

To participate in the event, each team donated an opportunity prize for this year’s drawing. Participants purchased drawing tickets to raise money for Rady’s Children’s Hospital and the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF). 

Founded in Fort Worth, Texas by sixteen women, NAWIC’s core purpose is to “Strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.” For over 65 years they have been providing education, professional development, networking and more to their members.  Learn more at www.nawicsd.org.

StudioOne™ Films NAWIC San Diego Contest Video Entry

Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Amber Webb from Ryan Companies and Shelby Ballow from Dowling Construction pictured on the set of their upcoming NAWIC San Diego Chapter video.

NAWIC San Diego Chapter 21’s Amber Webb from Ryan Companies (who is the chapter’s President-Elect) and Shelby Ballow from Dowling Construction (Vice President for the chapter) visited Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ on Monday, March 9, 2020 to film a portion of the chapter’s new video.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is hosting a nation-wide Marketing & Membership Contest. Chapters from throughout the country are encouraged to submit videos showing how NAWIC powers their members, the chapter and their community. Contest winners will be announced at the 2020 NAWIC Annual Conference in Houston, TX in August.

Good luck on the video contest submission and we look forward to releasing the finished video, soon!

Rancho Mesa is pleased to support the NAWIC San Diego Chapter and the local construction industry that it serves.

About National Association of Women in Construction San Diego Chapter
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter, chartered on April 30, 1959, is very active and involved in the construction industry and the community. Each year the chapter participates in a variety of events including educational seminars and conferences, Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), Block Kids (construction awareness program for children in grades 1 thru 6), CAD/Design/Drafting Contest (High School student activity), Camp NAWIC (a week long program designed to mentor high school girls planning to enter the construction industry), college scholarships, joint meetings with other San Diego professional organizations and various activities with local charities. For more information, visit www.nawicsd.org.

Rancho Mesa Sponsors CYT Musical

Author, Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services was a proud supporter of Christian Youth Theater of San Diego’s recent production of Matilda The Musical. The show was performed across the final two weekends in February at the Joan B. Kroc Theater in San Diego.

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational corporation celebrating their 40th year in existence. CYT is an after-school program promoting creativity, self-confidence, and collaboration through theatre arts training. They have grown to be the largest youth theater program in the nation, with programs across the country. To learn more about CYT, visit www.cyt.org. 

Ticket to the CYT San Diego production of Matilda The Musical.

Daughter of Rancho Mesa Executive Vice President, Daniel Frazee, pictured with fellow musical participants.

#GivingTuesday: One Day to do a World of Good

Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to supporting local charities. As a community, we celebrate the season of giving with cherished meals with loved ones on Thanksgiving day. For the next few days, many rush out of the house to stock up on discounted gifts. But, Tuesday has been set aside to give back to the organizations that make a difference in our communities.

The Boys & Girls Club of East County would like to encourage you to embrace “One Day to do a World of Good” by participating in the organization’s celebration of #GivingTuesday.

Club members are getting into the spirit of giving. “Our Club Kids are hard at work raising cans and dry goods for our local food bank. We challenge you to donate this Giving Tuesday. Your gift today can transform a child’s life tomorrow. Donate $3, $5 or $10 dollars today to change a child’s life and spread the giving this season,” reads that organization's flyer.

Donations can be made at bgcec.org/donations/.

About the Boys & Girls Club of East County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County have been developing, implementing, and providing activities and programs to disadvantaged youth since 1961. Operating in the communities of El Cajon, Lakeside, La Mesa and Santee, the Clubs offer three full –service clubhouses with gymnasiums for children 5-10, and two Teen Centers in La Mesa and El Cajon designated for teens ages 11-18. Providing children with age appropriate activities, trained professional staff, state of the art computer labs; cool, clean, well maintained buildings and a safe, healthy atmosphere to learn and grow has been the ultimate goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County. For more information, visit bgcec.org.