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.