You're Invited: Raffle Drawing at Manitou Grill

Get Ready to Empower! This Fall

Client Spotlight | Aaron

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Back by popular demand, Merrick's Summer Raffle is only one day away from declaring the winner on Thursday, June 24 at 4 pm. If you haven't purchased any tickets yet, there's still time! Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased using cash, check or a debit card. All inquiries about ticket sales should be directed to Megan Kuneli at (651) 789-6207 or megank@merrickinc.org.

Although ticket buyers do not need to be present to win, you are invited to join us on the patio of Manitou Grill in White Bear Lake on Thursday, June 24, at 4 pm for the drawing. Manitou Grill is located at 2171 4th Street, White Bear Lake, Minnesota. You may view the location of Manitou Grill using Google Maps. You could be one of our lucky winners!

We're excited to announce that Merrick, Inc.'s Empower! Lunch will return to Vadnais Heights Commons on Thursday, October 14, 2021, after a one-year hiatus. Even more exciting, this year's keynote speaker will be Super Bowl champion and 15-year NFL veteran Matt Birk.

A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Matt Birk was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. A six-time Pro Bowl Selection and two-time All Pro, Matt proved to be an undisputed leader on the field and was named the sixth smartest athlete by Sporting News. More importantly, he has established a legacy of community service that will last far beyond his years of football.

If you are interested in hosting a table at Merrick's Empower! Lunch, please contact Karen Herrera at (651) 789-6202 or karenh@merrickinc.org. Stay tuned for more information about Merrick's Empower! Lunch in the coming months.

On May 24, clients, staff, friends, family, and community partners gathered at Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, WI, for Merrick, Inc.'s 26th Annual Charity Golf Scramble. Fears of rain permeated the morning hours, however by midafternoon the clouds had parted revealing a gorgeous blue sky making Executive Director John Wayne Barker instantly regret choosing a cowboy (complete with boots) as the theme for his hole. The day concluded with appetizers in the clubhouse as the contest and raffle winners were announced. For a list of winners, please visit https://merrickinc.org/events/2021-golf-scramble-winners.

Merrick's Charity Golf Scramble as told by the numbers ...

Overall, the event was a great success, and with the addition of the funds raised from the Summer Raffle, we are expecting to reach our fundraising goal of $59,580. Special thanks to our many sponsors, namely Lake Area Bank, for their support and help in making this event possible. Pictures from the event, taken by volunteer Steve Kjelland, may be viewed on our website.

Aaron loves cookies. They are his favorite treat, and he isn’t afraid to let you know when he wants one. He will repeatedly make the shape of a circle with his fingers (likes he’s holding a cookie), and after placing his finger tips on the palm of his other hand, will make a twisting motion. However, Direct Support Professional Corey sees right through Aaron’s mischief. In response, she will raise both her hands, palms facing up, wiggle her fingers and say, “Wait.” Seeing this, Aaron will stop, but he isn’t one to give up so easily. A couple minutes later he will be back at it again. This interactive communication would not have happened six years ago.

Prior to enrolling at Merrick, Aaron was employed by a program where American Sign Language (ASL) was not used, not even with Aaron who is deaf. When he was first hired by the workshop, staff tried to teach Aaron some simple work tasks, but such tasks never held any interest for him. They eventually switched Aaron to sensory activities but sign language was out of the question. All that would soon change as it was around this same time that the workshop announced its intention to close.

In light of this news, Aaron’s mother, Sue, visited several programs in search of a new service provider. During her initial tour of Merrick, Sue was impressed by how in-tune staff were to clients’ needs and preferred communication styles. Shortly after enrolling Aaron at Merrick, Sue knew she had chosen wisely. Whereas staff at the workshop were reluctant to use sign language, the staff at Merrick used sign language with Aaron from the very beginning and even branched out into less explored forms of communication such as picture boards.

These days Aaron’s time at Merrick is spent engaging with a plethora of life enrichment activities such as jigsaw puzzles, coloring pages, and horticulture therapy. One of his favorite activities is playing catch. Except he doesn’t play catch with a baseball. Aaron plays with a large bright pink ball with white polka dots and makes little sounds of delight as he watches the ball fly through the air and bounce off his outstretched finger tips. Aaron’s life isn’t all fun and games though. Staff are continuously introducing him to new ASL signs, and most recently have been focusing on teaching him staff name signs.

After five years at Merrick, Sue can definitely say she’s noticed a difference. These days, Aaron is often described as laid back and easy-going, and that wasn’t always the case. Now whether that’s partly because he’s not as young as he once was or because of Merrick, Sue can’t say for certain. But she wouldn’t bet against either.

Did you know that you can support Merrick, Inc., through our monthly giving program "Champions Club?"

On average, Merrick receives $75 in government reimbursements per day of services provided. However, the cost of services averages $80 per day, creating a $5 gap that when multiplied by 375 clients over 261 program days a year creates a $450,000 annual gap. Your monthly gift can help close this gap.

In one year's time, a monthly gift of just $10 closes the gap for 1 month of services for 1 client. During any given month, clients at Merrick experience a plethora of services: life enrichment activities that range from music therapy to arts and crafts; meaningful job opportunities that ensure a steady paycheck; and community outings with friends. And you can help make that possible for the price of going out to eat at a fast food restaurant.

It takes a champion standing alongside adults with disabilities to realize Merrick's mission. You can be a champion starting right now by making a monthly pledge that will have a lasting impact in someone else's life. All you have to do is say "yes."

Questions about Merrick's Champions Club?

Contact Megan Kuneli at megank@merrickinc.org or (651) 789-6207.

Not ready to become a monthly giver? Consider making a one-time gift to Merrick. Whether you give $10, $25, or $100, your gift makes a difference. Your gift can help us fill the gap.

(651) 789-6200 | Info@merrickInc.org | www.MerrickInc.org