Giving July 7, 2023

Friends of the Children – Q2 GIVE

Q2 2023 GIVE

This quarter we raised a bunch of money for Friends of the Children/Lane County!

Thank you to everyone who participated with an RSVP and who gave during our event!  We raised just over $2400!

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down.  Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE to raise funds for a local non-profit.  In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even those unable to attend!).  In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well!   My GIVE has evolved over the years, and I now focus on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

This quarter, I offered a Mucho Gusto catered lunch at Hendricks Park.  KMR Trio joined us and provided live jazz music during the event.  We had a great time socializing, eating tasty food, and raising money to support kids in our community.

Friends of the Children started 30 years ago in Portland, OR by founder Duncan Campbell.  Our local chapter started the Summer of 2020.  They continue to grow and expand to serve more kids and their families.  I have since joined the board as I have been impressed with their science background to making lasting change through a 12+ year commitment to the kids in the program.  Friends of the Children/Lane County is currently expanding into Springfield and our campaign has a matching donor!  If you haven’t already – you can give here and your donation will be matched! Learn more here about what they do here.

If you are interested in being part of these events and you aren’t already – let me know!  They are a fun way to connect with each other and with organizations doing great things in our community!

 

Giving May 8, 2023

Shred Event and Food Drive 2023

Shred Event and Food Drive 2023

What a successful event!  It was great to see everyone who came!

4160 pounds of paper was collected by International Paper to be Shredded.

374 pounds of food was donated plus $50 in cash.  This is a meal equivalent of 412 meals for our neighbors in need!

We do this every year towards the end of April.  If you aren’t on the invite list and want to be – let me know and I’ll be sure to add you!

Giving March 8, 2023

KIDSPORTS – Q1 2023 GIVE

Q1 2023 GIVE

This quarter we raised a bunch of money for KIDSPORTS!

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down.  Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE to raise funds for a local non-profit.  In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even those unable to attend!).  In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well!   My GIVE has evolved over the years, and I now focus on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

At the event this quarter, I offered guests a bottle of local wine.  We offered tastings if folks wanted to hang out a bit and sample. The wine was sourced from the Oregon Wine Lab – a local urban winery I enjoy.  Interested in learning more about the Oregon Wine Lab?  Check out the link below!

KIDSPORTS is a local organization where all kids play. Bev Smith, the executive director, came to our event to chat about what they are doing to support kids and sports in our community.  I have been so impressed with their services in general and particularly how they were able to pivot during the pandemic and keep kids moving and playing.  If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to this organization, check out the link below!

Kaitlin Ward with Summit Funding agreed to match donations from the RSVP’s including any additional donations as well.  In total we ended up raising $3176!  It is exciting to see our impact grow when we do it together.  If you are looking for a great local lender, check out Kaitlin and her link below!

If you are interested in being part of these events and you aren’t already – let me know!  They are a fun way to connect with each other and with organizations doing great things in our community!

 

Oregon Wine Lab: https://www.oregonwinelab.com/

KIDSPORTS: https://kidsports.org/

Kaitlin Ward, Summit Funding, NMLS ID# 2008843, www.summitfunding.net/kward

 

 

 

 

Giving January 13, 2023

2022 GIVE Summary

2022 GIVE Summary

SO GRATEFUL!  Thank you to my clients, friends, giving partners and collaborators for helping continue the spirit of giving.  Helping kids in our community to be more healthy and active continues to inspire me- they are the future.

This last year we gave to: Kidsports, Friends of the Children/Lane County, Kids FIRST, and Food for Lane County

Shout out to our matching donors!!  Heather Ducker/lender with Homebridge; Matt Powell and the team at Blue-inc. Capital; Ingrid Kessler and Andy Burke; and Tanya Powell with BWell Coaching.

For 2022 we raised a total of $12,900!

Since 2018, the GIVE campaign has raiser over $50,000 for our community.

Congratulations and thank you!!  Together, we have been able to make a huge impact. Interested in learning more or taking part?  Please reach out!!

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2023!

Giving October 13, 2022

Kids FIRST – Q3 GIVE

Q3 2022 GIVE – Kids FIRST

Quarter 3 this year we had another fun event and raised a bunch of money for Kids FIRST!

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down.  Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE.  In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even a no RSVP!).  In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well. The last year we have often had a matching donor as well!   My GIVE has evolved over the years, and now the focus is on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

This quarter for the event I offered dinner as it was the start of the school year when things can be hectic! Clients could order a Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza and drink to pick up on my office.  Aly, from Kids FIRST was there to answer questions and share more about Kids FIRST in a casual environment.

Directly from the Kids FIRST website: “When the unimaginable happens to children in our community, Kids FIRST is part of the first response team that supports the healing process. At Kids FIRST, children receive medical exams, forensic interviews, and advocacy when criminal child abuse has been reported.” There is so much more that they do!  Check out the link below to learn more.  I am grateful to be able to partner with this organization and support them in their mission!

 

Ingrid Kessler and Andy Burke agreed to match donations from the RSVP’s and any client donations as well. I was originally introduced to Kids FIRST by Ingrid.  Her interest in them started when the correlation between animal welfare and child welfare became apparent.  Having a long background as a veterinarian it was a natural fit! In total we ended up raising just under $3000!

If you are interested in being part of these events and you aren’t already – let me know!  They are a fun way to connect with each other and with organizations doing great things in our community!

Kids FIRST: https://www.kidsfirstcenter.net/

 

 

 

 

 

 

GivingLocal news September 20, 2022

Friends of the Children – Q2 GIVE

Q2 2022 GIVE

Quarter 2 this year brought a fun event in the sun with food carts and raising money for a good cause!  We had a fun event and raised a bunch of money for Friends of the Children / Lane County.

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down.  Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE.  In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even a no RSVP!).  In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well!   My GIVE has evolved over the years, and I now focus on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

This quarter for the event I offered lunch via 2 food trucks: Sammitch and Red Five Hotdog Company.  Both carts were amazing with their food selection, customer service, and fun attitudes.  Sammitch Food Truck can often be found at lunch time during the week downtown.  I’m already thinking how I can incorporate them again into a client event!

This quarter the GIVE was for Friend of the Children/Lane County!  They are a local organization that provides mentorship for kids – committing to 12 years + no matter what.  Wow!  As I’ve learned more about their mission and service I am blown away by their commitment to the kids and their families for the long haul as well as their commitment to the science behind it all. I have recently joined their board and am excited to support them in more ways going forward. If you want to learn more please see the link below.

Blu-inc. Capital agreed to match donations from the RSVP’s and any client donations as well.  In total we ended up raising $3900!  This is the most my GIVE campaign has given in a single quarter and it’s exciting to see it grow!  If you are looking for a private money lender, a new way to invest, or a solution to a tricky financing situation – check out Blue-inc. Capital!

If you are interested in being part of these events and you aren’t already – let me know!  They are a fun way to connect with each other and with organizations doing great things in our community!

Friends of the Children/Lane County: https://friendslanecountyor.org/

Blue-inc. Capital: https://blue-inc.com/

 

Giving March 7, 2022

KIDSPORTS – Q1 2022 GIVE

You guys!! This quarter was our biggest quarter to date raising over $3200 for KIDSPORTS.

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down. Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE to raise funds for a local non-profit. In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even those unable to attend!). In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well! My GIVE has evolved over the years and currently I’m focusing on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

At the event this quarter, I offered guests a bottle of local wine and chocolate. The wine was sourced from Oregon Wine Lab – a local urban winery I enjoy.  Interested in learning more about the Oregon Wine Lab? Check out the link below!

 

KIDSPORTS is a local organization where all kids play. Bev Smith, the executive director, came to our event to chat about what they are doing to support kids and sports in our community. I have been so impressed with their services in general and particularly how they were able to pivot during the pandemic and keep kids moving and playing. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to this organization, check out the link below!

Heather Ducker with Homebridge Financial Services agreed to match donations from event RSVP’s, including any additional client donations as well. In total we ended up raising $3256! This is the most my GIVE campaign has given in a single quarter and it’s exciting to see it grow. If you are looking for a great local lender, check out Heather and her link below!
If you are interested in participating in future events or fundraising efforts, please let me know! They are a fun way to connect with one other and contribute to organizations doing great things in our community!

Oregon Wine Lab: https://www.oregonwinelab.com/
KIDSPORTS: https://kidsports.org/
Heather Ducker, Homebridge, NMLS# 544769 : www.heatherduckerteam.com

Giving January 10, 2022

Friends of the Children – Q4 2021 GIVE

Happy New Year!  Can you believe it’s 2022 already!?  I wanted to update everyone on my 4th Quarter GIVE from last year and the amazing organizations we partnered with.

The 4th Quarter client event was Mom’s Pies!  What a delicious and locally owned treat to celebrate the holidays and year end!  It is so fun to see everyone that participated and to share Mom’s Pies with clients and collaborators.  For every family that participated I donated an additional $10 and clients brought in donations as well.  We raised an additional $500 for the GIVE!  Together with my quarterly donation we gave $2500 to Friends of the Children.

 

 

   

Do you know about Friends of the Children?  You might not, because they just came to our community in the Summer of 2020.  Their Mission:

“Impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors –  12 + years, no matter what.”

Wow!  They commit to 12 years with a kiddo!  That’s amazing!  What I learned is that even though they are new here they are not a new organization.  Their track record speaks for themselves:

  • 98% avoid early parenting (7X less likely than peer groups; 25 X more likely than their parents)
  • 93% avoid the juvenile justice system (5 X less likely than peer groups; 8.5 X more likely than their parents)
  • 92% enroll, enlist or join the labor force
  • 83% of youth graduate from high school or obtain their GED (2X more likely than peer groups; 3X more likely than their parents)

From their website: “Our model is distinct, courageous and proven. We redefined youth mentoring by creating the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Friends are experts in building sustained and nurturing relationships with youth. Our model is evidence-informed and research-based, and we have proven long-term outcomes to show it works.”

It was an honor getting to know Matt Springer, the executive director, of our local chapter.  Check out our photos together!  If you are interested in getting involved or contributing to Friends of the Children further check out their website at: https://friendslanecountyor.org/

 

   

Giving October 2, 2021

FOOD for Lane County – Q3 GIVE

Q3 2021 GIVE – FOOD for Lane County

Happy Fall!  This is my avenue to update you on my GIVE campaign.  Each quarter, I donate a portion of every commission to a local non-profit.  It has been an amazing experience getting to know various non-profits in our area.  Over the past couple years, I have been able to further support our community by donating over $20,000 to local non-profits.

The mission and philosophy behind my GIVE to non-profits is to support health awareness and physical activity for youth in our community. My passion for youth wellness comes from 20+ years of coaching and continues to grow in partnership with various non-profits who support a similar mission. This last year I started pairing my client events with my GIVE.  It has challenged me to GIVE even more and has allowed me to bring more awareness to the non-profits I’m passionate about through education.

This quarter we had a pizza night!  I provided pizza from Papa Murphy’s to my clients and business associates to enjoy a night off from cooking.  For every family who participated, I donated an additional $10 above my standard donation.  A few clients also contributed to the donation!  In total we were able to GIVE $1800 to FOOD for Lane County!

This time we specified Food for Lane County’s youth programs.  Read below about their programs!

Oregon has one of the highest child hunger rates in the nation

Child nutrition is important to every child’s emotional, physical and mental health. Children depend on nutrients to nourish their bodies, provide energy to grow and facilitate cognitive development. FOOD for Lane County manages three programs that provide Lane County children with the food they need to feel healthy and succeed in school.

Children’s Weekend Snack Pack
The Children’s Weekend Snack Pack program provides school-age children in Lane County with a large bag of easy-to-prepare, nonperishable food to eat on weekends or during school vacations.Three Springfield elementary schools participate in the program: Maple, Riverbend, and Two Rivers/Dos Rios. Umpqua Bank provides funding and volunteers.

For more information about Children’s Weekend Snack Pack, please contact Carrie Copeland at (541) 343-2822.

Cereal for YouthCereal for Youth provides nutritious cereal to children and teens throughout Lane County. Schools and youth programs are active participants in this program. They request cereal from FFLC and distribute it to students for breakfast, as a school-day snack or to take home as an afternoon or weekend snack. We distribute hundreds of thousands of healthy snacks through Cereal for Youth each year.

For more information about Cereal for Youth, please contact Carrie Copeland at (541) 343-2822.

Summer Food Program
We invite all children and youth age 18 and younger to eat lunch for free during the summer months. Employees serve meals at schools and community centers located throughout Lane County. Each summer, FFLC serves thousands of lunches and breakfasts to children through the Summer Food Program.

 

Want to get involved?  Check out their website for ways to volunteer or donate.  https://foodforlanecounty.org/

I am SO grateful to my clients and business associates that have participated in these events.  You have challenged me to GIVE in a bigger way and we’ve been able to do so together in a fun way.

Stay tuned for Q4 event and GIVE!  I hope to see you there 😊

GINA

 

Giving August 17, 2021

Kidsports – Q2 GIVE

Kidsports – Q2 2021 GIVE

Here’s what I’ve been up to!  Each quarter, I donate a portion of every commission to a local non-profit.  It has been an amazing experience getting to know various non-profits in our area.  Over the past couple years, I have been able to further support our community by donating over $20,000 to local non-profits.

The mission and philosophy behind my GIVE to non-profits is to support health awareness and physical activity for youth in our community. My passion for youth wellness comes from 20+ years of coaching and continues to grow in partnership with various non-profits who support a similar mission. This last year I started pairing my client events with my GIVE.  It has challenged me to GIVE even more and has allowed me to bring more awareness to the non-profits I’m passionate about through education.

I am grateful to my clients and business associates that have participated in these events.  You have challenged me to GIVE in a bigger way and we’ve been able to do so together in a fun way.

This quarter we had a picnic in the park!  I provided sandwiches from Jimmy John’s to my clients and business associates.  For every family who participated, I donated an additional $10 above my standard donation.  A few clients also contributed to the donation!  In total we were able to GIVE $1650 to Kidsports!

A little more about Kidsports from their website: “KIDSPORTS is a private non-profit organization in Oregon that provides youth sports programs for pre-K through 12th graders in Eugene/Springfield and surrounding areas. KIDSPORTS teaches children and families the value of physical fitness, sportsmanship, practice and teamwork through sports and activities….All Kids Play is a cornerstone to our organization. Our programs are open to any child who is able to participate regardless of race, religion, creed, sex, ability or financial status.”

I feel so good about supporting an organization who does their best to provide movement, sport, and wellness to all kids!  This donation will go toward their General Federal Free Lunch scholarship and BIPOC scholarship.

Stay tuned for Q3 event and GIVE!  I hope to see you there 😊