Bake Sale Benefit Today at Bill Marsh

From Ron Smith, HR Director at Bill Marsh:

Well they say “if you build it they will come”; we have built the opportunity to help out a young man and his family and are hoping you have the chance to come participate in the biggest bake sale / silent auction you have ever seen. The cookies, cakes, pies and silent auction item have been flowing through the Bill Marsh doors and we making them available to a generous public at 9am this morning. I would list all the items, but I couldn’t do them justice. We will be open from 9am – 5pm today at the 1621 S. Garfield location. I must say this has been an amazing flurry of activity so far and can not wait to see what happens today. If you are unable to attend today’s benefit and want to participate, we are accepting donations made out to Matt Fruge and sent to the Dealership (attn: Ron Smith), I will put my address below. I also attached a news release that gives you a little back ground on Matt’s situation. Give me a call if you have questions, other wise I look forward to seeing you some time today.


If you have baked goods or silent auction items that you want to donate, we will find room for them and gladly take them today.

www.billmarshbakesale.com

Thank you for all of you that have already made this a huge success and for those that will be here today participate,

Ron Smith, PHR
Human Resources
Director, Bill Marsh Automotive Group

Donations can be sent to:
Bill Marsh Auto Group
Attn: Ron Smith
1621 S. Garfield
Traverse City, MI. 49686

Great Lakes Children Museum

There are a few time slots where we need volunteers to assist with activities and programming during the last week of December. There are 2 reason why we need a few more volunteers this year…we have scheduled special activities each day during the school break and in order for the museum to reduce expenses, each one of the administration staff had their work week reduced by one day. The last reason necessitates a few more volunteers.

Listed below are the days and times we need volunteers to assist with the activities:

1. Christmas Break Special Activities

Monday, December 27th- - - Feed the Birds
Bring a few feathered friends right up to your window with munchies you make to put outside for them. The birds will love you and so will the squirrels.
First shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm): need 1 volunteer
Second shift (12:30 to 2:30 pm): need 2 volunteers

Tuesday, December 28th - - - Flakey Fun
Try out some wacky science experiments with snow and ice. And . . . make and take a snowy craft or two.
Morning shift time slot is filled.
Second shift: need 2 volunteer

Wednesday, December 29th - - - Geo Dome Adventure
Help construct a geodesic dome out of newspaper. You will be amazed at just how strong some geometric shapes can be!
First shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm): need 1 volunteer
Second shift(12:30 to 2:30 pm): need 2 volunteers

Thursday, December 30th - - - Wild and Wintery
Make and take nature crafts that you can only do this time of year.
First shift(9:30 am to 12:30 pm): need 2 volunteers
Second shift (12:30 to 2:30 pm): need 1 volunteers


2. New Years Eve Day Special Activities

Friday, December 31th
Can’t wait until midnight? Countdown to 2011 at Noon amid the Great Lakes Children’s Museum festivities! It’s midnight somewhere in the world. Watch the ball drop and make some noise. New Years activities begin in the Great Lakes Room at 10:00am. (Party hats, noise makers and time capsules) Count down starts at 11:59am.
First shift (9:30 am to 12:30 pm): need 1 volunteer
Second shift (noon to 2:30 pm): need up to 3 volunteers

Kalkaska Community Campaign

Michigan Schooner Festival

Over 100 volunteers are needed to assist the Maritime Heritage Alliance during the Michigan Schooner Festival September 10-12 in Traverse City.

The festival will bring together six tall ships in West Grand Traverse Bay of Traverse City. The festival is geared for all ages and offers rides aboard the ships, evening cruises, a “Pancakes with Pirates” breakfast, kid’s activities and “Blue Shadow” will headline the entertainment with a performance on Saturday evening during the Parade of Sails.

Volunteers are needed for registration, kid’s games, cleanup, recycling, passenger/dock assistants and beverage tent.

The Maritime Heritage Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
To sign up call Susan McQuaid at the United Way of Northwest Michigan Volunteer Center at 947-3200 Ext. 205 or send an e-mail to susan@unitedwaynwmi.org

Thank You and Thank You!

As we are just a week away from our 15th Annual Day of Caring we wanted to take a moment and thank some of the people and places who make this day a reality.

Huntington is our Presenting Sponsor, and they have been sponsoring the Day of Caring for 9 years. Our Pancake Breakfast Sponsors are Sara Lee, Elmers, and Sam's Club. In Kind Sponsors include: Michigan Schooner Festival, Morse Moving, Leelanau Roasters, Bay Area Recycling for Charities, and WTCM.

And last but certainly not least are the businesses and agencies who volunteer to fulfill the needs of our area nonprofit agencies on the Day of Caring:

Global Marine Insurance
Faith Reformed Church
Scenic Trails Boy Scouts Council
Consumers Energy
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Intelligence Agency
Hagery
Fifth Third Bank
Best Buy
Alfie Designs
Huntington
Traverse City Record Eagle
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
ECI
WKLT
La Senorita
Disability Determination Services
Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Services
Traverse City Northstars
Traverse City Rotary Charities
The Young Professionals
The Arbors of Traverse City
United Way Board of Directors
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
Traverse Legal
Great Wolf Lodge
Tom Emling
Tony Ryan - DHS
Meijer
UPS
Sara Lee
Northwest Michigan Works!
Viktor Incentives
US Coast Guard
Dennis, Gartland, & Niergarth
H&R Block
Painting & Decorating Contractors of America
Cherryland Electric
Grand Traverse Industries
TCAPS
Food Rescue
Wells Fargo
Northwestern Michigan College
The Larkin Group
Grand Traverse Heritage Center Board of Directors
Traverse City West High School Band
NMC Dorms


On behalf of United Way of NWMI and all the agencies involved in the Day of Caring.... THANK YOU for all of your time and support.

We'll Make You famous!

If you volunteer for a nonprofit agency we would like to take a picture of you and use it in our upcoming campaign to appear in the Traverse City Record Eagle and surrounding newspapers.

Photos will be taken on August 25 from 10am to 4pm and Thursday August 26 from 10am to 2pm. Your individual photo shoot will take about 15 minutes and we will give you a black Live United t-shirt to wear (and keep) for the photo.

Please contact Michelle Gallagher for more details and to sign up, 231-947-3200 x 201 or michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org

If you would like to see last year's ads, check them out on our website.

It's just so beautiful....

Do you know this place? It's a place that is rich with history and accomplishment. A place that blesses our senses with music, art and inspiration. A place where people become intertwined with nature, culture and friendship. A place without boundaries. For all of these reasons and more.... I love this place.

If you love this place also, please leave your comments. Up for grabs is a gift card to Auntie Pastas.

Day of Caring

This year marks our 15th Annual Day of Caring, which will be held (rain or shine) on Thursday September 9th.

We will kick off the day with a pancake breakfast, starting at 8am at the Open Space. We'll get you well fed and reved up to go out and spend the day working on your special project. We do have quite a few projects already submitted, check it out on our website and be the first to sign your team up! http://www.unitedwaynwmi.org/DOCProjects.html

Remember, not all projects need to be done on the 9th, but we would still love to have you join us for breakfast, no matter what day you are doing your volunteer project.

On Wednesday September 15th we will be having a Thank you party, in conjunction with Business After Hours at Mt. Holiday. We hope you can attend and help us celebrate all the great work that was done on the Day of Caring.

If you have any questions please contact Susan McQuaid 231-947-3200 x 205 or email her susan@unitedwaynwmi.org.

Habitat for Humanity - The Womens Build

After just about giving the answer away last week, I got a correct guess. My last vacation was with Habitat for Humanity. I spent a rainy Tuesday helping to build a house for a hard-working mother and her two daughters. Last fall Habitat for Humanity received a large donation from the estate of Sandra Schlueter. Sandra was a dedicated Habitat for Humanity volunteer and one of the first women officers in the US Air Force. In memory of Sandra, Habitat for Humanity dedicated the Women Build Project. Women from our area have come together to build a house just outside of Maple City. It was amazing to be a part of it, even though it was just one day. I worked with a great team of women lifting and raising the roof trusses, they were heavy! Habitat hopes to have the house completed by late August so the new homeowner and her daughters can be settled in before the school year begins.


Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit our community needs now more than ever. Their purpose is to help deserving families obtain quality, low cost homes. Partner families invest hundreds of hours, also known as sweat equity, into their home and into homes of other partner famiies. Their mortgages are interest free and go directly into a revolving fund that helps Habitat for Humanity build additional homes. It's a great concept, and one that is making a tremendous impact in Northern Michigan.

Habitat uses volunteers in every portion of their existance. Every home is built under volunteer manpower - and you don't have to be knowledgeable about construction to help. I did it and I really have no idea how to build things, just ask my husband. In addition to building homes Habitat for Humanity runs a retail store they have dubbed "ReStore". They accept donations of used building materials and sell them back to the general public. At "ReStore" volunteers are needed to help pick up donations, stock goods in the store, handle the cash register and anything else that may come up during the day. Habitiat for Humanity would not be in existence if it were not for its volunteers.

If I have in some way peaked your interest in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity please contact Carrie Ullery-Smith at cullerysmith@habitatgtr.org. Carrie would be delighted to help you become involed with the Habitat for Humanity community. And if you are a woman there is still time to help with the Womens Build Project. Trust me, you won't regret volunteering!

Lastly, congratulations to the new homeowner. It was wonderful to meet you. May you enjoy many happy years in your new home. Check out some of the touching notes volunteers wrote on the walls of the home while it was being built. Don't you just love it?

Day of Caring 2010

The 15th annual Day of Caring is Thursday, September 9, 2010 and we have teamed up with The Grand Vision! We have also added the first Youth and Family Day of Caring on Saturday September 11, 2010 in partnership with Faith Reformed Church.

We’ll start with a Community Pancake Breakfast at the Open Space at 8:00 am on Thursday September 9 for those teams participating on that day. We’ll also kick off the Youth and Family Day of Caring on Saturday September 11 with a pancake breakfast at Faith Reformed Church for those youth and family teams participating that day. Following the breakfasts, teams will spread out across northwest Michigan to do a day of service.

The Grand Vision will team up with the United Way for the 15th annual Day of Caring. The Grand Vision is a transparent process led by citizens who are willing to make things happen. It’s built upon a basic belief that the citizens of the region can make decisions today to create the region of tomorrow. We are so pleased to join forces to promote our shared vision of citizen action through volunteerism. To find out more, visit www.thegrandvision.org.

Faith Reformed Church is partnering with the Day of Caring for our first Youth and Family Day of Caring. Their volunteers are always open to exploring new ideas or partnerships with other individuals and/or groups who are looking to improve the welfare of the people who live in and around the Grand Traverse area. For more information contact Karin Stevens, Director of Children’s Ministries and Volunteer Development, at karins@faithreformedchurchtc.org.

Ripe for the picking!

Nope, I'm not talking about cherries, although they certainly are ripe for the picking! I'm talking about the prize for the person who correctly guesses my destination. The prize is really quite fabulous and I would love someone to have it, and then tell everyone they know where they got it. Would you all be willing to do me a favor? Will you share this blog on your facebook page? It's easy to do, just click the share button in the upper right corner. My goal in writing this blog is to build awareness for the United Way and the Volunteer Center, educating people about various non-profits in our community and motivating them to volunteer their time and effort. Our community is chock full of hard working, vibrant people who want to have meaningful volunteer experiences, and we at the United Way want to help people find those opportunities. We have partnerships with over 200 non-profits in the surrounding five counties... we know what kind of volunteers they need and can pass that along to you. It's what we are here to do and we love to do it!

That being said I am going to throw out another clue on my last experience. Take a good look at this picture, the clue is screaming at you!

Inspiration, rain and fancy saws

I'm off to my next destination... one of my favorites. Only because I have been active with this organization since high school. I love the work of all non-profits, really, I do. Now on to the fun part - can you guess where I went and what I did?



I can't wait to read your guesses! The winner this time around gets a TART Smart Commute Reflective Arm or Ankle Band, just like the one I have on (and no, I don't ride in my heels!)

We have a winner!

Finally, a guess... and a correct one! I went to the TART Office and spent some quality time in their building. Are you familiar with the TART organization and what they do? I am sure you are at least familiar with the trails themselves as they are such a vibrant part of our community. Every day hundreds of people use the trails that cross thru Traverse City and bring people in from Acme and Suttons Bay. Not only does TART raise funds to build these trails, they advocate for healthy lifestyles, outdoor recreation and alternative transportation. Each year they hold great events such at the Tour de Tart -a ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, Smart Commute week - a week of finding a way to commute other than using your vehicle, and Tails to Trails - a 5k dog and owner walk. Each event promotes their
mission and raises awareness for the TART organization.

The day I visited I helped assemble a large mailing for their summer campaign. A great group of volunteers and myself stuffed, sealed and labeled over 5,000 pieces of mail. It was a big job, but it was a necessary job.


Since TART is a non-profit, they rely on donations from individuals heavily. They also rely upon the time and effort of their volunteers. Volunteers assist with office duties, such as the mailing I helped with, they help plan and implement the events mentioned previously, they help direct TART by serving on their board of directors, they help clean and maintain the trails. Along with many more things. TART is always in need of volunteers and many of their opportunities are family friendly.

My volunteer experience at TART was almost too good. They had a fabulous lunch, delicous deserts and yummy soda. To top it off they had a massage therapist come in and give chair massages to the volunteers. Seriously. I absolutely took part in the massage.



If you are interested in helping TART through volunteering please visit their website at www.traversetrails.org or call them at 941-4300. They would love to have you, and I am sure that you will love volunteering for them.

I'm eager to share my next destination with you - and in similar fashion I will have an awesome freebie for whomever guesses correctly! Stay tuned for the next piece, I will be posting it next week.

Clarification and one last clue

I feel that I should clarify just who is on this awesome vacation. It's not Steve.

And it's not Michelle.

It's me... Amanda.


Yes. I am vacationing and waiting to give out this lovely prize. I am (not) waiting patiently. To speed the process up a bit I am throwing one last clue your way. Does this picture make it easier?



Do you know where I went on the first stop of my vacation? I'm not good at keeping surprises, sooner or later I'm going to give in and just share the awesome pictures and ideas I have about my first stop just because I couldn't wait any longer. I really, really want to give away a prize first though. So take a stab, any guess is better than no guess!

FREE!!.. Lions Youth Football Camp

United Way of Northwest Michigan, in partnership with the Detroit Lions is giving away two scholarships to the Detroit Lions Football Camp, to be held here in Traverse City. The camp will run from 8:30am to noon June 28 – July 1 at Traverse City West Junior High.

The Lions Youth Football Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-14, kids will be grouped based on age and skill level. The Camp is non contact and designed to improve, beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill levels. Fundamentals of all positions on offense, defense and special teams will be taught, in addition to life skills such as teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, and the importance of education.

Winning one of the scholarships is easy, simply drop off any non-perishable food item(s) to the offices of United Way of Northwest Michigan, 521 S Union Street, and you can fill out a registration form and be entered to win. The food drive and registration will begin Monday June 7 and run through Friday June 11. Our offices are open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and food items can be dropped off at any point during those hours. The winners will be drawn and notified on Monday June 14 (need not be present to win).

Vacation Ramblings

I started my vacation last Friday and loved it. I'm the kind of gal that appreciates small things. I love the smell of rain, the neatness of books lined up on a shelf and the thought of having chickens. I'm not allowed to have chickens in my subdivision so I only get to enjoy the thought of them. Have you heard about the company that rents chickens? Super cool, and I am super sad that I can't rent some. Moving on. The location I visted was just that kind of place. It helped me focus on the small things. The company and conversation were simple and the reason I chose to visit was simple. I liked it and I wanted to learn more about it. I would love to share it with you... but I am going to hold out until one of you guess where I went. I have posted a different picture to entice you. I don't think any of you need a hint, this clue should give it away. The prize is still up for grabs - a coveted Live United T-shirt. It's the United Way's signature shirt and it's awesome. Now take a guess - I'm waiting!

Smart Commute Week

Smart Commute Week - Smart Commute Week - June 7-11, 2010

www.smartcommutetc.com

What is Smart Commute Week?
The goal of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative ways to get around town. Smart commuting includes bicycling, walking, carpooling or taking BATA. The purpose of Smart Commute Week is to promote alternative transportation and to educate area residents of the benefits of a smart commute. Smart commuting includes many benefits for your health, for the environment and for your pocket book. Smart Commuting increases our mobility with less pollution.

What is your commute costing you?
In addition to saving cash, did you know that you could keep approximately 19 pounds of CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere for each gallon of gas you don't use? Saving money and reducing the impact driving your car has on the environment is easier than you think. Use this Commute Cost & Carbon Emissions Calculator to calculate the financial and environmental benefits of alternative transportation.

Lost Generation

This is great! A palindrome video, check it out.

Detroit Lions Youth Football Camp

2010 SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMPS

Coming to Traverse City June 28 - July 1. Scholarships are available!!

All-pro Punter, Nick Harris will be there!!!

•Boys & girls ages 6-14 are eligible to participate and will be grouped based on age and skill level
•Youth camps are non-contact and designed to improve beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill levels
•Fundamentals of all positions on offense, defense and special teams will be taught in addition to life skills such as teamwork, communication, sportsmanship and the importance of education.

For more information or to sign up go to their website: www.detroitlions.com

That's it! I'm going on vacation.

I'm going on a long vacation. I'm a little burnt out and I think some time out of the office will help, I am sure you understand. Do you ever feel like your ability to be productive ends when your to-do list gets past ten items? When did we stop living in the moment and start living in chaos? When you look back at each day do you feel satisfied? Most days I don't, and I really want to change that. I know what makes me happy... why did I ever think that I couldn't do what makes me happy everyday? What kept me from realizing and living my dreams? I know the answer to that... I did. I am the only one keeping myself from being who I want to be and doing what I want to do. It's time for that to change. I love to help people. I want to visit Nicaragua with my church and help build an orphanage. I want to help my fellow community members grow out of poverty and realize their dreams. It's simple, I just want to help and it doesn't really matter where. Therefore, I am going on vacation. I am going to do what I want to do. Do you want to come on vacation with me? You're welcome to come, but if you don't I'll warn you now. I'm not sending postcards. I'm going to leave today and I already know where I am going first. This vacation is going to about living your dreams. Can you want to guess where I am going? I'll give you a hint. See if you can guess from the picture below and to make it even better I'll give away a prize for to the first person who gets it right. The first person to guess correctly will win a lovely, highly coveted Live United T-shirt.

Free Beach Bums Tickets!

We are going to be giving away several sets of Beach Bums tickets. In order to win them you have to be a fan of our Facebook page. Each week for the next month we will be drawing names from our Facebook fans, so join us on FB and WIN WIN WIN!

Join Here!

Also...

Because you all are such great volunteers we would like to invite you a Beach Bums game on Wednesday, June 23rd. The game will be dedicated to celebrating volunteerism, the time and effort you give and the difference you make in the lives of people you serve. The United Way is offering you tickets at a reduced rate – they are just $5 for a seat back chair. You are welcome to buy tickets for your entire family, bring everyone along to enjoy in the fun. To make the deal even sweeter you can also purchase a food voucher for a hot dog and a bag of chips for only $2.50! These prices are 50% off of the normal pricing. If you have never been to a Beach Bums game now is the time – you won’t find a better deal. There will be lots of giveaways and a raffle. To reserve tickets at these prices please email Amanda Hilt Amanda@unitedwaynwmi.org or stop into the office before Monday, May 17th. The tickets need to be pre-paid by this date. We hope all of you can make it; we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Earth Day

On Saturday April 24th there are several events that surround the celebration of Earth Day, see below for the details.

United Way of Northwest Michigan needs volunteers to help with the cleanup of an illegal dump site located in our community. The event will be held from 10am until 1pm, the location is still tentative (unfortunately we have lots to choose from). Interested volunteers are asked to dress appropriately, adult sized work gloves will be provided. In the spirit of Earth Day, Bay Area Recycling for Charities will be present to take any material that can be recycled. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. If you are interested in helping with this event please contact Amanda Hilt at 231-947-3200x206 or Amanda@unitedwaynwmi.org.

Little Artshram is holding their annual Earth Day Parade which will begin at 1pm, leaving from Central Grade school. This year’s theme is Pedal Power. The parade will wind through downtown Traverse City and end at the Hannah Park (next to the Heritage Center). There will also be a community picnic and puppet theatre to enjoy afterwards. If you would like to be involved in the parade please contact Penny at info@littleartshram.org, workshops are being held on April 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th from Noon until 5pm at the Little Arthsram studio located in building #36 on the State Hospital grounds.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is hosting a dune restoration bucket brigade at the Arcadia Dunes from 9am until 1pm. This project will involve some heavy lifting. For those interested in less physical work they will need volunteers to plant trees, do trail maintenance and clean up a historic dump site. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to come and enjoy the day. Bring your water bottle… light snacks and additional water will be provided. If interested please contact Lee Maynard by phone or email at 231-929-7911 or lee@gtrlc.org.

TART Trails will be holding trail cleanup work bees at two locations on the Leelanau Trail, the Boardman Lake Trail and the 3 Mile Trail from Parsons Road south from 9am until 12pm. Interested volunteers of all ages are welcomed to come with gloves, trash bags, brooms and loppers. Anyone available to help can contact Missy Luyk for more details at missy@traversetrails.org

The Goodwill Run for Shelter needs volunteers to help with route direction for the runners and basic cheering for all of the participants. Volunteers aged 8 and older are welcomed to help with this event. The race begins at 9am and starts at Willow Hill Elementary school. If you are interested please call Karl from Greenlight Marketing at 231-995-0619.

Imagine...

I received this in an email from a co-worker this morning and I think it is worth sharing...

If you could fit the entire population of the world into a village consisting of 100 people, maintaining the proportions of all the people living on Earth, that village would consist of:

57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 Americans (North, Central and South)
8 Africans

There would be:

52 women and 48 men
30 Caucasians and 70 non-Caucasians
30 Christians and 70 non-Christians
89 heterosexuals and 11 homosexuals

6 people would possess 59% of the wealth and they would all come from the USA.

80 would live in poverty
70 would be illiterate
50 would suffer from hunger and malnutrition
1 would be dying
1 would be being born
1 would own a computer
1 (yes, only one) would have a university degree

If we looked at the world in this way, the need for acceptance and understanding would be obvious. But, consider again the following:

If you woke up this morning in good health, you have more luck than one million people, who won't live through the week.
If you have never experienced the horror of war, the solitude of prison, the pain of torture, were not close to death from starvation, then you are better off than 500 million people.
If you can go to your place of worship without fear that someone will assault or kill you, then you are luckier than 3 billion (that's right) people.
If you have a full fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over you head and a place to sleep, you are wealthier than 75% of the world's population.
If you currently have money in the bank, in your wallet and a few coins in your purse, you are one of 8 of the privileged few amongst the 100 people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married, you're a rare individual.

Work like you don't need the money.
Love like nobody has ever hurt you.
Dance like nobody is watching.
Sing like nobody is listening.
Live as if this was paradise on Earth.

Free Community Meal

When: Sunday, March 28 & Sunday, April 25
Time: 5:30pm
Where: Bellaire Senior Center

Join your neighbors for a great, free meal and a fun night out!
Food donated by local restaurants and a SUNDAE BAR for dessert

This is a free meal for one and all, and the general idea behind it is we'd like to provide a good hot meal and a fun night out to those in Antrim County that could use it. We've been putting on the meal for about 6 months now. Restaurants in the area have provided most of the food, and we're averaging around 50 guests.

A Day Without Shoes!

On April 8, United Way of Northwest Michigan is going barefoot for One Day Without Shoes. It might be cold, it'll probably be uncomfortable, and our feet will certainly get dirty, but by doing so, we’ll help raise awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a person’s life.

We hope that you will join us for our barefoot walk through downtown Traverse City on April 8. We will be meeting at the United Way of Northwest Michigan offices at noon. We’ll leave from the United Way and walk down Union Street to Front street then walk down Front Street to Cass and back to the United Way offices on Union.
In addition to our barefoot walk we will also be hosting a shoe drive April 5 through the 9. Bring new or gently used shoes to the United Way offices at 521 S Union Street. Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

One Day Without Shoes is an annual event that was started by TOMS Shoes in which students, friends, parents, strangers, and co-workers host or join barefoot events. Some go barefoot for an hour, some for the whole day, but all become a part of a greater movement toward change.

This April 8, please lead by example by going barefoot, and help mobilize our community to be a part of One Day Without Shoes.

Free Pistons Tickets!!

For those who’ve given – of their time, their wisdom, or their compassion – the Pistons want to give back to you. As part of the Pistons’ season-long commitment to giving back to the communities across Michigan and beyond where their loyal fans live and work, the Pistons are rewarding volunteers and mentors through the “Helping Hand” program. All who have participated in volunteer activities since Jan. 1, 2009 – or those who agree to volunteer in their community before April 12 – will be rewarded with a free ticket to any one of three Pistons home games.

“Being good neighbors is part of the fabric of the Pistons family,” said Alan Ostfield, president and CEO of The Palace. “We took that core principle from our late owner, Mr. Davidson, one of the greatest philanthropists our region has ever known, and try to live it every day and every season.”

“From our recent Pistons Care telethon that raised well over $400,000 to feed Michigan families in need to our ongoing efforts to outfit Michigan schools with books and computers, we never forget that it’s important to give back to the areas that make what we do possible. Recognizing those volunteers who share that belief with a free ticket to a Pistons game is a small way to acknowledge their efforts.”

The Pistons.com/helpinghand Web page lists volunteer opportunities in Metro Detroit and statewide. After completing a day of service, participants can log onto the Web page or redeem their free ticket for April 2, April 7 or April 12 games at The Palace for service days from Jan. 1, 2009-April 12, 2010. In addition, volunteers can purchase additional 200-level tickets for $5 or upgrade to a 100-level seat for $25. Visit Pistons.com/helpinghand, call (248) 377-0100 or visit The Palace box office to take advantage of these special ticket offers.

Fans can also submit volunteer stories for a chance to be honored or honor someone they know during the April 12 Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors season finale and Fan Appreciation Night at The Palace. The online submission form also can be found on Pistons.com/helpinghand.

The gift of tickets to volunteers continues the Pistons community night program that for the 2009-10 season has included fund-raising for the Karmanos Cancer Institute for Breast Health Awareness in October, honoring America’s military service personnel on Veteran’s Night in November, benefiting St. Vincent de Paul during December Pistons games, providing shoes for Detroit-area children as part of the Samaritan’s Feet charity in January, celebrating Black History Month with various outreach efforts in February, and hosting the Pistons Care Telethon to benefit the Food Bank Council of Michigan in March.

Be Counted!

In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.

The majority of the country will receive English-only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form.

Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law. If you have questions about the census or need help completing the form visit the United Way on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between March 19 and April 16. A census worker will be at United Way (521 S Union St) on these days between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.


Did You Know?

-In 2008,$16 billion in federal assistance was allocated using data from the Census.
-For every 100 missed people in the count, a community could lose $1.2 million over a 10-year period.

Vote For Your Favorite Snowman

Help pick the winner! Vote for your favorite Live United Snowman each snowman picture has a number on it, simply email me the number of the snowman you think is the most creative. Voting ends Thursday 3/11 at midnight. Winners announced on Friday 3/12. Email votes to michelleg@Unitedwaynwmi.org. Please vote only one time.

Slide-A-Thon

At Great Wolf Lodge – Traverse City, we put fun first. On Friday, March 26, 2010 we’re planning on some record-setting fun: We’re going to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “Longest Distance Water Sliding in 24 Hours in Multiple Venues.” All 11 Great Wolf Lodge locations will simultaneously participate in the record-breaking attempt. The Great Wolf Lodge “World’s Largest Waterslide-a-thon” will take place over 24 consecutive hours with one designated slide per resort. Every slider who descends the designated slide will count toward breaking the record for longest distance traveled on waterslides over a 24 hour period.

Participants in the Great Wolf Lodge “World’s Largest Waterslide-a-thon” will be asked to donate $1 per slide or $10 unlimited, with proceeds from the company’s U.S. locations going to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Great Wolf Resorts will be matching each donation, up to $50,000. Funds raised at the lodge level will go to their local chapters. Matching funds from Corporate will be donated to the National program. Along with this we are sending a sponsorship form to help collect these donations.

We need your help! Please contact Jenn Gillner at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City to schedule your participation in this one of a kind event. One hour time slots are available with a group maximum of 40 participants.

231-499-8770 or jgillner@greatwolf.com

We look forward to your help in the World’s Largest Slide-a-thon Event!

Fun and Easy Fundraising Idea

We're always looking for new ways to raise money. La Senorita Mexican Restaurants has a new program called the "Give Back Fiesta" that looks like a simple way to raise some extra money for your nonprofit organization.

"La Senorita has a long standing tradition of being a local favorite. The La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta program is our way of thanking the local communities for their patronage. It is La Senorita's privilege to give something back to the local communities and to support your good work."

Let La Senorita help make your fund raising easy, while promoting a fun filled Fiesta for families, friends and co-workers! Many organizations have raised more money in one day through the La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta program than they did all year with other fund raising programs.

The La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta program is easy to promote and administer. On an agreed upon date, your organization is invited to come to a specific La Senorita restaurant. Your organization will earn 20% of the total guest checks of your organization's supporters. All your supporters have to do is turn in the Gives Back Tokens when they pay. You will earn 20% on lunch, dinner, food, alcohol, Fiesta To Go and gift card purchases. All you have to do is promote the La Senorita Gives Back Fiesta in advance and pass out the Gives Back Tokens. La Senorita will provide you with a kit with ideas on how to make the most of your Fiesta. Your check will be mailed to you within three weeks!

For more information on this program contact your local restaurant. In Traverse City call Michael Jackson, Garfield location, at 947-8820 or Lura Reude, US 31 location, at 946-4545.

Fundraiser at Lil Bo

Party at Lil Bo Pub & Grill

Monday March 15, 2010

5pm to 9pm

It's a fundraiser for Third Level Crisis Center's Transitional Living Program

Monday raised will go to transitional living apartments where youth coming out of foster care or homelessness can live while they learn skills to live independently.

The goal is to raise $7000.00 for two units by October 1, 2010.

The cost is a $5 donation at the door. Lil Bo is donating 50% of sales, 25% tips, all money raised from a silent auction and raffle will go to the Transitional Living Program

For more information contact:

Third Level
231-922-4800

spiotowski@thirdlevel.org

Our first Snowman!

You can submit your Live United snowman photo to michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org

Snow Day with United Way!!

United Way of Northwest Michigan announces a winter fun raiser. “A Snow Day with United Way” is trying to see how many snowmen our community can build. Build a snowman with United Way will not only give people a reason to get outside but will also help raise awareness one snowman at a time.

A Snow Day with United Way snowman building contest will run through Friday, March 5. People wishing to participate should build a snowman that incorporates the “Live United” slogan. Ten random entrees will be awarded a $10 Wilderness Crossing gift certificate. A grand prize of a $100 gift certificate to Wilderness Crossing will be awarded to the builder of the most creative snowman. To enter submit a picture of your snowman to the United Way through Facebook or email them to michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org. Entrees will be received until midnight on Friday, March 5. Help remind the community to Live United and have some fun with A Snow Day with United Way. The entries will be posted on the United Way Facebook page and on our website www.unitedwaynwmi.org.

United Way of Northwest Michigan seeks to efficiently raise and effectively distribute both financial and volunteer resources to support community determined initiatives that improve the lives of community members in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Information about the United Way can be obtained through their website www.unitedwaynwmi.org or by contacting them directly by either calling 231.947.3200 or emailing michelleg@unitedwaynwmi.org.

RAOK - Day Four!

No - I'm not tiring of being kind. I'm still loving every minute of it. It's been a great week and I have made great progress in being gracious, humble and all around good. Yesterday I smiled at every person I saw - seriously. And just about everyone smiled back, I guess it really is contagious. No face masks needed, bring on the smiles!

Steve continued on his quest of kindness by delivering treats to his sons elementary school. Michelle K and her son baked cookies delivered them to a neighbor and Susan is showing us all up by devoting her whole weekend as a volunteer for the Comedy Festival.

Got anything to share?

RAOK - Day Three

It's becoming a way of life for me, not to say that I wasn't a kind person beforehand. I has just been very uplifting to plan something for the next day that is completely selfless. I've also been waiting for the perfect opportunity to do something immediate. To see a need and do it, no planning involved. I just haven't seen it yet - or maybe I am not looking hard enough. Enough babble, on to my Deeds o' the Day. On Wednesday I delivered goodies to the office staff at my childrens elementary school (Yeah Westwoods)! My youngest two had a hard time letting go of the goodies, but they did - without bribery.

Michelle G picked up and delivered two loads of goods to the Salvation Army and Melissa treated herself to a much needed stress reliever that was long overdue.

Did you do something? Will you share?

RAOK - Day Two

Day two of RAOK week. Can you hear my mischevous cackle? Mua haa haa. Still tons of fun, still tons of deeds to be done. Curious as to what I did? I, Amanda, left my husband a little love note. I'm surely not the romantic type, so this was stepping way outside of the norm for me. The funniest part is that he never saw it! Oh well. Still glad I did it.

Steve was back at it as Mr. Kindness as he helped someone to their car with packages and shoveled the sidewalk at his church. Michelle Krumm dusted the snow of strangers cars for them and gave much needed love (in the form of treats) to her pooch at home.

What did you do? We are anxious to hear!

RAOK Week - Day One

Day one of Random Acts of Kindness week went exceedingly well. We are so excited to share some of our Monday activities with you and would love it if you shared your good deeds with us also.

What fun. I, Amanda, love helping people, doing nice things for others and seeing their reactions. It is such a great way for me to break the monotony and remember that the world does not revolve around me and my family – who knew?! On Monday we (my lovely kiddos and I) baked a nice big batch of brownies, cut them into cute little hearts and packaged them up. Then we secretly delivered them to our neighbors. We took dinner to our nanny, delivered flowers to the hospital and loved every single second of it. I can’t wait to do more!

Michelle Gallagher helped a friend build a difficult spreadsheet for an upcoming project. Steve took time from his day to play football in the snow with his son (probably one of the best RAOK’s possible) and Susan gave an open parking spot to other people behind her. Let’s all give ourselves a pat on the back!

More to come tomorrow!

Random Acts of Kindness Week

February 15 – 20 is Random Acts of Kindness Week. The United Way of Northwest Michigan is asking everyone to get involved. The staff of the United Way has pledged to perform good deeds throughout the week and we have asked our partner agencies to do the same. Acts of kindness can be as simple as putting a treat on your co-workers desk, giving someone a compliment or shoveling your neighbor’s sidewalk. Imagine what a difference we could make if we all did something nice, every day.

Let us know if someone did something nice for you or if you performed a Random Act of Kindness. We will be posting our deeds on our blog - http://unitedwaynwmi.blogspot.com/.

Looking for a few good people!

We have some exciting event coming up here in Traverse City. These are great opportunities to be involved with, please read below for the details.

I am sure you have all heard about the Comedy Festival that is being held next weekend – so awesome! Just like the Film Festival, the Comedy Festival will be run entirely by volunteers – and that means you! The volunteer opportunities are listed in detail online, where you can sign up also. Please visit the State Theatres volunteer website to view and sign up for opportunities. Please note that the final volunteer schedule and sign-up will not begin until Wednesday, February 10th.

Sunrise Rotary needs help with their Shoes & Snacks Fundraiser next weekend. Everyone is invited to Timber Ridge campground on Saturday, February 13th from 2pm until 4pm to enjoy the beautiful snowshoeing terrain and have some great snacks. All of the proceeds benefit their Backpack for Kids program which provides backpacks full of school supplies to area children. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, clean up, trail monitoring and snack distribution. If interested in helping please contact Jessica Luckey at 932-6238.

Lastly, the Winter Wonderfest is still looking for a couple of volunteer to help at the beer tent and with the Sup’r Bowl. See below for the specific shifts and contact Kathee McCafferty if you are able to help.

Sup’r Bowl
Monitor loading and unloading of vendors – 10:00am until 11:30am
Event tear down – 3:15pm until 4:15pm
Beer Tent
ID checkers – 6:45pm until 9:00pm
Clean up - 5:30pm until 9:00pm
Event tear down - 8:45pm until 10:00pm

Family Volunteering Opportunities

Andres Place, a non-profit dedicated to enrich the lives of people with physical, emotional and cognitive challenges through the therapeutic and social enrichments of the arts, is holding a Valentines Open Skate on Saturday, February 13th from 3pm until 6pm. Dress up in a costume from your favorite era as places will be awarded for first, second and third places. Come out and skate along with nostalgic music, have your pictures taken and pass love notes… it is bound to be a good time. Volunteers are needed to judge the costumes and help in the gift shop. Are you available to lend a hand? If you are please contact Michelle at 231-709-9152.

The Chamber of Commerce is looking for someone to help at the front desk to greet visitors, answering phones, maintaining brochures, mail, copying and light administrative work. The Chamber would love to have someone who could volunteer on a regular basis, every morning or every afternoon would be ideal. This opportunity would be perfect for someone looking to build their resume, or a college student looking for a great work experience and the opportunity to learn about how the Chamber of Commerce assists with growing business and building community.

Give Kids A Smile

Give Kids a Smile Day is a day of free dental cleanings, exams, and x-rays for children that do not have dental insurance. Dentists offices throughout the community will be participating during the months of January and February. For a complete list please contact Arlene at the United Way offices 947-3200 x 208.

Friday, February 5th from 9am until 4pm
Garfield Dental Group, Dr. Ronald C. Chao
2815 N. Garfield, Traverse City, MI 49686
Please call 231-947-4380 for an appointment.

Habitat Home Rehab Project Fundraiser

2010 Habitat Home Rehab Project Fundriaser

Host: TAAR & the Home Builders Association

Location: Williamsburg Dinner Theatre

When: Friday February 12, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Phone: 231-941-4663

Share a night out with the one you love

Support Habitat for Humanity - Grand Traverse Region by joining TAAR and the Home Builders Association for a Valentine's weekend fundraiser, benefitting HFH-GTR's first ever GREEN rehab project.

Your evening will include: dinner, entertainment, a live auction, a silent auction, and the satisfaction of knowing you've helped one family in need realize their dream of home ownership.

Tickets are $55/person or $100/couple. For reservations please call: 231-941-4663.

VASA Looking for Volunteers

The 2010 North American VASA Cross-country Ski Race is searching for volunteers to assist in both indoor and outdoor tasks for this year’s weekend events February 12-13-14th. Examples of volunteer jobs are: ski the course the morning before the race to smooth the ski tracks and remove fallen branches, pack skier registration bags, act as crossing guards at snowmobile crossings, pass out water at aid stations, help with the awards ceremony, help clean-up after the race, and more. Most activities will take place at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort at 4050 E. Hammond Road in Traverse City on both Saturday and Sunday February 13 and 14, 2010.

Volunteers are encouraged to sign up via the internet at http://www.vasa.org/ and click on the volunteer link, or for more information call Lisa Taylor, Race Director, at 631-2195.