Your Gift at Work: August Edition | | |
Welcome to the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan (GSHOM) Donor Newsletter! In our quarterly newsletter, we share inspiring stories from local Girl Scouts and highlight how your support is making a meaningful difference for girls throughout our council.
Girls are getting ready to go back to school and for a new Girl Scout year to begin. As girls across our 34 counties embark on another year of learning, adventure, and leadership, your generosity ensures they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Thank you for being a vital part of their journey!
Stay tuned for quarterly updates to see the impact of Girl Scouting!
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Visit her website to learn more about her project!
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Gold Award Spotlight: Zailey
Larkin Township Park Path
Zailey's Gold Award project stemmed from her passion for improving the Larkin Park Path from Acorn Lane to Larkin Charter Township Park. When making observations for community needs, she found that these areas were not in the best condition for mobile accessibility for everyone to use.
Not only were there not enough bridges to pass through the wetlands easement but the paths were also exposed to roots and dead trees, which caused safety concerns. Once Zailey had decided how to take action, she made a project plan and presentation to share with the Larkin Township Board. In partnership with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, she was given access to the wetlands and rebuilt an existing bridge.
Through determination, Zailey ensured that the township board would continue to maintain the path and create a sustainable park path for everyone. Due to her hard work and dedication, Zailey received the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award Scholarship for our council.
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You are the main ingredient in our recipe for giving girls the opportunity to be Girl Scouts. Local chefs put their culinary talents to the test as they use Girl Scout Cookies to create never-before-seen creations for you to sample. Please join us for our Bake-Off Benefit where your small bites will make a big impact.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center
100 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI
Girls in Girl Scouting experience personal growth and develop strong leadership skills that stay with them throughout their lives. Sponsors of the Bake-off Benefit are making a difference in the lives of local girls and ensuring that all girls can participate in Girl Scouting to learn skills that will shape their futures. All proceeds from this event support Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan where girls gain skills in Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship, STEAM, Leadership & Life Skills, and Outdoor Adventures.
| | Fall Product Program is Almost Here! | | Did you know Girl Scouts sells more than just cookies? From chocolates and nuts to magazines and more, Girl Scouts are turning products into power! The Fall Product Program (FPP) is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a fun, hands-on financial literacy experience that helps Girl Scouts kick of their year with confidence. Through the FPP, girls learn the Five Skills—all while earning funds to support their adventures. | Just like during Cookie Season, girls get the opportunity to sell through their online storefronts, by going door-to-door with paper order forms, and hosting local booths called Nut Huts. With so many ways to sell, girls are gaining a comprehensive knowledge of what it takes to run their first business. From product control to financing to distribution, the Girl Scouts learn it all first-hand. | | |
Girl Scouts learn the Five Essential Skills when they sell cookies!
1) Goal Setting
Girl Scouts learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them.
2) Decision Making
Girl Scouts learn to make decisions on their own and as a team.
3) Money Management
Girl Scouts learn how to create a budget and handle money.
4) People Skills
Girl Scouts find their voice and build confidence through customer interactions.
5) Business Ethics
Girl Scouts learn to act ethically, both in business and in life.
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Girl Scouts: Discover, Dream, Do!
We’re excited to invite new and potential Girl Scout families to a brand-new event that brings together the best parts of what girls can do. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, join us at any Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Regional Center for Girl Scouts: Discover, Dream, Do!
This free, open-house style event is the perfect way to see what Girl Scouts is all about while joining in to experience the fun of Girl Scouting firsthand. Your family will enjoy activities, tasty treats, games, crafts, and more, all while learning how Girl Scouts helps girls grow into confident, curious, and courageous leaders. No registration required, but RSVP to receive a special event patch!
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Girl Scout Color Guard Gets Honor of a Lifetime in Washington D.C.
Over the 4th of July weekend, Troop 40889 had the incredible honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. This solemn ceremony marked a proud milestone in the girls’ Bronze Award project.
Led by Ashlie Pulford, Troop 40889 is working to become the first official, trained Girl Scout Color Guard in the state of Michigan, as recognized by the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. They’re also developing and sharing their training program with other troops in Chelsea to inspire other Girl Scouts, too!
We are so proud of their commitment to service, patriotism, and leadership.
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Planned Giving
Is now the time for you to consider establishing a will or trust? Absolutely!
Without a plan, state laws will delegate the distribution of your assets after your passing, and these laws often exclude charitable organizations from being beneficiaries.
Imagine the impact you could make by naming the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. You have the flexibility to define your gift in various ways—whether it's a specific dollar amount, a portion of your estate, the remainder after fulfilling other gifts, or even the entirety of your estate if your designated heirs are no longer living.
By including the Girl Scouts in your estate planning, you are not just securing your legacy but also empowering future generations of girl leaders. If you want to learn more about how you can make a meaningful difference through planned giving, please don't hesitate to contact Lyah VanSickle, our Chief Development Officer, at lvansickle@gshom.org or 517-742-4707.
Your support can create lasting change!
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