Capital Campaign Blog

Campaign Spotlight:
Debbie McGraw-Block

We are very grateful to Debbie McGraw-Block for her volunteerism and generous Community Gifts contributions toward CRC’s Capital Campaign. Debbie has been a CRC supporter for 40 years and a volunteer for five years. In this spotlight, Debbie shares what inspires her to support CRC.

“I think the client community will see that CRC and the overall community value them. We so often have clients tell us that someday they are going to be on the other side of the window volunteering with us. The new space will tell them their dreams and hopes are valid and CRC is there to help make them come true.”

Q&A with Debbie McGraw-Block

CRC: What inspired you to get involved with CRC?

Debbie: Shortly after I moved to Cardiff in 1985, I learned about CRC and the great work being done to support victims of domestic violence. I have been proud to be able to support the mission of CRC with modest donations over these 40 years.

Early in the COVID pandemic, I learned the CRC Food & Nutrition program was looking for volunteers and I jumped at the opportunity. Between the volunteers and the clients, it’s a program that doesn’t let go of you, so five years later I’m still happily volunteering. 

CRC: Can you share more about your volunteer role and what it means to you?

Debbie: I volunteer one day a week at CRC’s First Light nutrition program. This program provides food for the day for individuals in need. We help clients choose fresh items such as sandwiches and salads, fresh fruit and snacks, and drinks, bread and dessert. Thanks to individual and store donations, we usually have a variety of healthful and tasty foods available.  

First Light is a joyful program for both the volunteers and the clients. My volunteer partner and I can spend on average about five minutes per client, which allows us to not only help them choose their food items, but to engage in friendly and meaningful conversations. We look forward to visiting with regular clients and worry when someone doesn’t come over a period of weeks. When serious needs are obvious, CRC staff are next door to lend a hand.

CRC: What motivates you to support Community Resource Center and our mission?

Debbie: I love the communities of Cardiff and Encinitas. I especially like the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that includes people and families of all economic strata. Maybe it reminds me a little of Fullerton, the city I grew up in. Need exists in every community and in a healthy community, organizations are created to address the need, whether they are faith-based or community-based. Economic need has become a serious issue in Southern California, and we see it daily in Encinitas. CRC has grown and developed over the years with a particular mission to help address the economic need as well as other needs. I have admired CRC and am particularly impressed with the organization since John Van Cleef became the CEO. His steady and determined leadership and vision is inspiring. 

CRC: Are there particular experiences that have been especially meaningful to you?

Debbie: There are many examples I could site but I’ll mention a couple. One client who came weekly for several years was finally accepted in a housing program that would allow him to regroup and restart. The nutrition program was there for him during many difficult months. Another client mentioned to us that he was an artist but didn’t have any art tools, paper and colored pencils, to create pictures. A CRC volunteer brought him a bag of supplies and the next week the client presented us with two lovely landscapes as a thank-you. 

CRC: Can you share more about your history of philanthropy?

Debbie: The concept of sharing was ingrained in me from an early age. When I received an allowance of $1 per week for specific chores, I was expected to donate 25 cents in the collection box at church. My mom made giving fun. For example, during Easter we made dinner baskets and delivered them to families that she knew were in need through her work as an elementary school teacher. Although both of my parents worked full time jobs and put most of their weekend effort into house projects and raising two kids, they found time for volunteer work. Their examples rubbed off on me as I have engaged in various volunteer roles including board service, treasurer roles, nonprofit volunteer management and involvement with CRC. All these roles have been very meaningful, but only CRC has provided me a real hands-on opportunity to personally help people. 

CRC: What inspired you to give to the capital campaign?

Debbie: After volunteering at the Food and Nutrition Center for several years and then seeing the vision of the space transformed, I knew I had to help. The addition of restrooms, a welcoming waiting room and expanded food storage and preparation spaces are particularly meaningful to me. I think the client community will see that CRC and the overall community values them. We so often have clients tell us that someday they are going to be on the other side of the window volunteering with us. The new space will tell them their dreams and hopes are valid and CRC is there to help make them come true. I wish I could fund the whole project but I’m proud to be able to pitch in. 

If you’d like to learn more about CRC’s capital campaign, how you can support our shared vision for a new campus, and what naming opportunities are available, please visit the campaign website or send a message to OneHeart@crcncc.org.