My time as the Event Coordinator for Arch Collaborative, formerly known as One SAFE Place and Children’s Legacy Center, is coming to a close. This position has been full of purpose, collaboration, and community impact. Arch Collaborative does vital work, providing holistic, family-centered care for victims of trauma who have been impacted by abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. Arch Collaborative offers many ways to get involved year-round, whether through supporting our emergency shelter needs, volunteering, or attending one of our unparalleled events. If you want to truly experience the vision and heart of Arch Collaborative, participating in our annual Dancing with the Shasta Stars and Crab Feed fundraiser is a must!
One of my favorite parts of this role has been planning these incredible events that bring people together for such a meaningful cause. Each event offers something unique to the public and every moment is crafted to connect people, inspire joy, and support our community.
If you’ve ever wondered what “disco elegance” or “Hollywood glam” looks like, this is it! Inspired by the glitz of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, our local version invites six local “Shasta Stars” to partner with professional dancers and compete on stage, with proceeds benefiting Arch Collaborative’s essential programs. This event is extra special because our stars aren’t just learning dance moves—they’re also hosting their own fundraising events throughout the community, from golf tournaments to concerts. It’s inspiring to see how deeply committed they are, using their skills and networks to raise awareness and funds. The Cascade Theatre truly shines on this night, filled with energy, elegance, and community spirit. It is a must-see event in Shasta County!
Thirty-eight years ago, the incredible team at Shasta Women’s Refuge (later to become One SAFE Place and Arch Collaborative) put on their first annual Crab Feed fundraiser to support individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Who could have imagined that this fundraiser would evolve into a cherished community tradition, uniting people in a shared commitment to uphold the legacy of support and care for our most vulnerable residents? At our annual Crab Feed, you’ll find a sea of delicious food, friendly faces, raffles, auctions, and, of course, all the crab you could dream of eating! There’s even a “King/Queen Crustacean” who leads the inaugural Crab Conga Line (you read that right!) of volunteers toting crab buckets, delivering dinner right to your table! Crab Feed is one of the largest fundraisers within Arch Collaborative and we are so honored to carry on this tradition. The event is a blast and couldn’t run without the generous help of our volunteers who bring smiles, serve tirelessly, and keep the event running seamlessly. Come for the crab, stay for the cause!
Working arm in arm with volunteers, staff, and community members to put on these events has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. What people see on the night of the event is the finished product—unseen are the months of preparation that go into executing every detail. From ordering 4,000 pounds of crab, to carefully selecting the Shasta Stars, there’s so much that happens behind the scenes. But it’s truly the incredible volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and performers who bring each event to life. Together, we transform months of brainstorming, planning, and hard work into unforgettable experiences that enhance the whole community.
There is nothing like watching the community come together at these events. People from all walks of life gather, connect, and celebrate a shared purpose. Businesses, families, volunteers, and attendees all unite in support of our mission, reminding me why these events are so impactful.
How You Can Make a Difference
If you’re inspired by the work Arch Collaborative does or you resonate with supporting those in our community that have been impacted by significant trauma, please know that there are many ways to get involved! Here’s how you can connect:
As my journey with Arch Collaborative ends, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause and for all the moments of community support these events inspire.
I encourage you to join us next time—whether it is dancing the night away or digging into some delicious crab, I assure you will not be disappointed. You will leave with a smile, knowing that together, we are making a real difference!
