Kids' Food Basket Donations Tripled 9/13 and Doubled All September

Our September donations go to Kids' Food Basket, which knows that although poverty is a complex problem, feeding a hungry child is not, and that we all share in the benefits that come from consistent, nutritious food prepared with love. And thanks to a generous donor who chooses to remain anonymous, and donations today, Sept. 13, will be tripled! We've already collected $9,200 that will be donated today, making our total impact $27,600 -- and donations will be doubled for the entire month of September up to $60,000, so there's still time! 

Other worthy nominees this quarter were Men and Ladies of Honor — which trains and mentors youth ages 11-17 in principles of chivalry, honor, moral excellence and courageous leadership — and Step Up, which provides housing, mentoring, educational guidance, and life skills training for young adults 18-24 years old. 

A huge thank you this quarter to Hagar's Hideaway, which generously donated use of their facility for our meeting.

June 3 Meeting Postponed

Our second-quarter meeting originally scheduled for June 3 is postponed for two weeks. We will meet June 17 instead. Hope to see you there! Be well.

Caught up! Muskegon YMCA wins for March 2020

This past Wednesday, we selected Muskegon YMCA's Safety Around Water program, also known as "pool school", as the recipient of our first quarter donations. It's the second time around for pool school after being chosen three years ago. The Safety Around Water program teaches 3rd-graders the skills they need to avoid drowning -- an important skill in a community surrounded by water.

Other nominees this quarter were Hey Radio and debut nominee Solid Rock Housing, which replaced Habitat for Humanity in our community and works to repair homes, refresh communities, and renovate lives.

We're past $350,000 in donations to charities right here where we live and work! Come join us on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December -- and bring a friend!

Catchup #2: Greater Muskegon Support Services for December 2019

Greater Muskegon Support Services celebrated the first anniversary of being chosen as our charity for the quarter by winning again in December 2019. This group operates out of a church on Jarman Street in Muskegon Heights, providing meals and clothing to children and adults.

Unfortunately I missed this meeting while volunteering for the Singing Christmas Tree. If anyone remembers who the other two nominees were, please comment on this post to let everybody know.

Catch-up #1: The Hope Project for September 2019

Wow, I'm really behind! Let's see if I can catch us up a bit.

In September, the Hope Project won our donations, becoming our second three-time winner. The Hope Project works to help victims of sex trafficking, and also earned our donations in September 2017 and December 2015. Other nominees in the third quarter of 2019 were Community Encompass, whose Sacred Suds program is a two-time recipient, and debut nominee the White Lake Area Food Pantry.

We donated $10,600 to the June 2019 selection, Family Promise of Muskegon County.

Family Promise Chosen as Our First Three-Time Recipient

Family Promise of Muskegon County wins our donations for June 2019. It's the third win for the organization that helps moms and dads find and keep secure housing for their kids, but the first in almost six years: Family Promise also was chosen in September 2013 after being our second-ever selection in March 2012.

Other presentations this quarter were for YEP -- the Youth Empowerment Program at Community Encompass -- and HEY Radio.

Our next meeting is Sept. 4 at Sherman Bowling Center. Bring a friend!

Arc Muskegon wins our donations for Q1 2019

The Arc Muskegon, which last won our quarterly donations in June 2014, won again this month to help with its mission of advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other charities presenting this month were March 2017 winner Muskegon YMCA for its "pool school" helping preventing drowning by teaching kids safety around water, and two-time recipient Family Promise of the Lakeshore and its mission of helping moms and dads find and keep secure housing for their children.

Our next meeting is June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Sherman Bowling Center. Sign up here, and bring a friend!