 |
| |
Crowdfunding Campaign Wrap-Up
|
Dear Volunteers,
We took a huge leap of faith earlier this year when we decided to raise money for the program by holding an online crowdfunding campaign. We had no idea how it would pan out, and the ambitious fundraising goal of $150,000 we set was daunting. Yet, today I am happy to announce that the campaign raised an initial $33,000, and due to a matching gift of up to $75,000 from a generous donor, that figure has doubled. We expect to receive some corporate gifts that will allow us to take full advantage of the matching gift as well as reach our fundraising goal.
|
|
|
Fundraising in this manner was a completely new frontier for Buddy-to-Buddy, and we are both amazed and grateful for what it has yielded. A few Volunteer Veterans who already give so much even went above and beyond by donating and fundraising on behalf of the program. In addition to receiving donations from friends and family, various organizations have come forward and given their support, such as the Decatur VFW Post 6248 and its auxiliaries, American Legion Post 309 and its auxiliary, and Tawas Bay DAV Chapter 130. Another organization, the Polish Legion of American Veterans, is hosting a Benefit Concert & Dinner to raise funds for us on October 29 in Dearborn Heights. We are so grateful for this outpouring of support from so many groups and individuals.
While fundraising is an activity necessary to keep Buddy-to-Buddy afloat, the core of the program will always be the important work that you do to help improve the lives of fellow service members and veterans. Thank you for being the heart and soul of Buddy-to-Buddy.
Stephanie Zarb
Program Manager
|
|
Our Admin/Project Coordinator, Sierra Sharpe, has accepted a position at HAVEN, a comprehensive organization for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Oakland County. While we are very excited for this new opportunity for Sierra, we will miss her dearly. We thank her for the outstanding work she has done in the 2+ years she has been with the program and wish her all of the best in her new endeavor. You can join us in sending her off by emailing her some good wishes...
|
|
|
Volunteer Veteran of the Month
|
Mike Morehouse was our Volunteer of the Month for August! Mike first trained into the program in February of 2013 and then re-trained in February of this year. As an at-large volunteer not assigned to an armory, Mike assists many student veterans at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where he is a Success Advocate/Veteran Services Coordinator.
Read more about Mike...
|
|
|
We welcomed the following volunteers to our team in August:
Bianca Racine – Bianca served for 6 years in the Michigan Army National Guard, and prior to that served in the Massachusetts National Guard. She’s served as the President of the Student Veteran Association at Lansing Community College and now works in the auto industry.
|
|
|
Christi (C.J.) Cook – C.J. served in the United States Air Force from 1988 to 1994 and again in the Army National Guard from 1999 to 2003. She’s currently earning her Bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing and she’s the Commander of VFW Post # 4837 in Marlette, MI.
Bill Stead – Bill served in the United States Army from 1977 to 1980. He worked throughout his career as a Process Server and Security Guard and has always found joy in working with people. He’s spent the last 8 years volunteering with the Emmet County Sherriff’s Department in Northern Michigan.
|
|
The top log submissions in August:
Alfonse VanHese – 39
Mark Lindke – 31
Joe McClellan – 26
Dee Harris – 16
David Rojas – 12
Thank you for taking the time to submit your logs and using the website to communicate with us. These submissions are key in helping us continue to serve Michigan’s veterans.
|
|
|
Training Anniversaries This Month
|
The following volunteers are celebrating their training anniversaries with the program this month:
Five Years
Fred Turk
Two Years
Juan Gonzales
John King
Thank you for your years of service!
|
|
|
On Thursday, August 26, the Decatur VFW Post 6248 and its auxiliaries and the American Legion Post 309 and its auxiliary presented checks totaling $2,250 to Buddy-to-Buddy. We thank them for their support! View additional pictures from this event...
|
|
|
Clement Inducted Into 3-506 101st Airborne DMOR
|
Earlier this summer, volunteer Paul Clement was inducted into the DMOR (Distinguished Member of the Regiment) for the 3-506 101st Airborne, his unit in Vietnam.
Congratulations to Paul! It is an honor to have him be a part of the program.
|
|
|
October 29 Benefit Dinner & Concert
|
Join us for a night of fun on October 29th! The Polish Legion of American Veterans is hosting a Benefit Concert & Dinner at the Lyskawa VFW Hall in Dearborn Heights to raise funds for Buddy-to-Buddy. The evening will include dinner, a concert by a Neil Diamond tribute band, a cash bar, and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $25 each and all proceeds will go to Buddy-to-Buddy. Purchase tickets...
|
|
|
Program Merchandise for Sale
|
The new lightweight tees are now available in men's and women's sizes! As the weather starts to cool off, we'd like to remind you that men's and women's hoodies, vests, and long sleeve shirts are also for sale. For those of you interested in looking these items over, along with other merchandise items available for sale, visit Ivy Promotion’s website...
|
|
|
Frontlines of Freedom Interview
|
Program Manager Stephanie Zarb was recently interviewed about Buddy-to-Buddy on the Frontlines of Freedom program. Listen to the interview...
|
|
|
Buddy-to-Buddy hosted the recent Region 9 Veterans Community Action Team meeting.
|
|
Mark Lindke at the Saline Community Fair.
|
|
Where Will We Be This Month?
|
Click here to view a calendar of events that either our Outreach Coordinator, Valeria Shipp, or various Volunteer Veterans will be attending on behalf of Buddy-to-Buddy. This calendar gets updated on a regular basis and we encourage you to refer to it frequently.
If there are any events throughout the state that you think might be good for Buddy-to-Buddy to have a table at, please contact Valeria Shipp at [email protected] or (734) 249-0380.
|
|
|
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program
1-888-822-8339 | [email protected] | www.buddytobuddy.org
2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite C | Ann Arbor | MI | 48105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
