On Saturday, October 26th, the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District (H.A.R.D.) Foundation hosted its inaugural Donor Appreciation Picnic. Over 120 guests gathered to celebrate a beautiful fall day at the historic Mt. Eden Mansion in South Hayward, enjoying a warm and heartfelt event dedicated to gratitude and community.

The H.A.R.D. Foundation’s Board of Directors organized this special occasion to extend a sincere thank you to donors and community members for their generous support throughout the year. Linda Cliff, H.A.R.D. Foundation Board President, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to all of you and your generous support, the H.A.R.D. Foundation is looking better than ever!”

Youth Volunteers and members of the new Youth Ambassadors program warmly welcomed guests, ensuring everyone felt at home and enjoyed the festivities.

A Day of Fun, Music, and Connections

Guests were treated to a delicious picnic lunch from Splurge Events, with the new H.A.R.D. mobile stage showcasing live music by local band Gold Dead. Their mix of country tunes and classic Grateful Dead covers kept the energy high, adding a special touch to the day.

For a close encounter with nature, staff from H.A.R.D.’s Sulphur Creek Nature Center introduced attendees to their resident animals, including Rosy the rosy boa, Flash the box turtle, and adorable guinea pigs Petunia and Moma Maple. Outdoor Recreation staff brought fun for all ages, setting up games that entertained both the young and young at heart, while the dedicated Volunteers In Parks (V.I.P.) joined the picnic after spending the morning enhancing Mt. Eden Park.

Celebrating Community Support

The H.A.R.D. Foundation is dedicated to supporting the Hayward Area Recreation & Park District’s mission to create safe, clean, and green parks and to offer programs focused on health, wellness, learning, and fun for everyone. Executive Director Steven Love noted, “We celebrate our community of supporters whose generosity fuels the mission of the H.A.R.D. Foundation. Our supporters are the heart of the Foundation.”

This special event highlighted the invaluable support of the community and reaffirmed the H.A.R.D. Foundation’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy future for all who enjoy our parks and programs.