Get Ready for Wish List 2024
(Our biggest year ever!)
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What Kind of Elf are You?
Each year, our amazing volunteer "elves" make the holidays magical for the youth at Vista Maria by filling stockings, fulfilling wish lists, and turning our Vista Boutique into a festive wonderland. We'd love for you to join us this year!
New this year, we are including several foster families, and ALL of the youth in our Wraparound program. This means we have about 40 more lists than last year (about 130 total!), so we need LOTS of elves to help fulfill their wishes!
Shopper Elf
Many of our youth have never experienced the magic of making a wish list or celebrating a truly joyful holiday. As a Shopper Elf, you can make this season special by fulfilling all four items on a child’s personal Wish List. Each list costs between $200-$300, and your generosity will make a lasting impact!
Wish Lists will be available in early November, so be sure to sign up soon. Email Jessica Marcetti or...
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Stocking Elf
Help fill stockings with fun extras! Purchase items from our stocking stuffer list, which can be found at local stores or on our Amazon and Target wish lists.
Angel Elf
Donate gift cards to Kohl’s, Old Navy, Target, and Amazon to fulfill the last-minute wishes of youth who come into our care in December.
Workshop Elf
Our Vista Maria Boutique and offices become like Santa's Workshop every December, and we need lots of help sorting, organizing, and preparing gifts. Volunteer hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact Maddie Phillips to volunteer!
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Empowerment Lunch
Supporting Youth Aging Out of Foster Care | |
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Last month, over 170 supporters gathered at the stunning Grosse Pointe War Memorial for a meaningful lunch on the water. This event supports youth who are aging out of foster care and facing homelessness. Together, we explored how to make a real difference in their lives.
Aisha, an Independent Living client currently studying physical therapy at Albion College, shared her inspiring journey. She spoke about the invaluable support she received from our staff during her transition from foster care to college life. Her story really shows how a little support can spark a powerful transformation.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and attendees, we raised over $60,000 to support our independent living programs, helping youth like Aisha discover a future filled with possibilities!
Your support not only empowers these young people to lead independent lives but also raises awareness of the unique needs of youth who are aging out of foster care. Thank you!
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Thank You, 2024 Sponsors:
Valet Sponsors:
Ally Financial
Amerisure
Table Sponsors:
Ascent Global Logistics
Cinnaire
Comerica
Epitec
Ford Motor Company
IBM
James Group
Microsoft
Russ Agosta
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This year's Dolly Drive was a resounding success! Thanks to your support, we raised over $57,000 in support of Vista Maria's vital programs. These funds will significantly impact our foster care and adoption programs, allowing us to provide the best possible care and support for the youth we serve. We also collected a massive pile of dolls, toys, and Squishmallows, which will bring comfort and joy to all the kids we serve.
Along with our emcee for the evening, MoJo in the Morning's Shannon Murphy, guests heard from a few of our inspiring foster parents, Courtney and Scott, who shared their experiences as foster parents, and the importance of allowing kids to be kids.
"It’s not only the day-to-day care but going above and beyond to let them be kids. To let them try to stay up all night on Christmas Eve to catch a glimpse of Santa or hear reindeer on the rooftops. It’s all of the hard work and care, along with the spark of joy, that makes life truly magical. That’s where Vista Maria comes in, and that’s also where YOU come in."
- Courtney, Foster Parent
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We spent the rest of the evening trying our luck at the mystery wine pull, dancing to DJ Walker, sipping signature Whiskey Factory cocktails, and snacking on those amazing mini coney dogs!
It was a wonderful evening, with so many people coming together to build a strong network of support for youth in foster care. We hope to see you again next year!
Thank You, 2024 Sponsors
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Gold Sponsors:
Ascent Global Logistics
Epitec
Magna
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Bronze Sponsors:
Dykema
Kienbaum, Hardy, Viviano, Pelton, Forrest
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Silver Sponsors:
Ally
Fifth Third Bank
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Corporate Sponsors:
Advantage One Credit Union
Amerisure
Bowman and Brooke
The Bowles Family
Family Heating and Cooling
KPMG
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Put Your Heart to Work: Be a Mentor | | |
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Right now, we have 5 residents who are waiting for a mentor – a volunteer who can donate one hour per week to help empower our youth and transform their lives.
Share your individual attention, insight, and compassion to help a teen who needs you. You and your mentee can share activities, talk about the week, and build confidence along the way.
If you’re female, at least 20 years of age, and interested in learning more, click the button or contact Maddie Phillips at 313-203-4991 or mphillips@vistamaria.org to get started!
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It’s hard to believe that 2025 is right around the corner! As a reminder, if you are 73 or older, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your retirement accounts before December 31st. And you can use these funds to support Vista Maria.
Vista Maria's Board Chair, Greg Spinazze explains,
"Not only does this support a cause you care about, but it also minimizes the tax impact."
Click here to read more from Greg or visit vistamaria.org/donate for more ways to support!
Questions? Please contact Renee Pompi, at rpompi@vistamaria.org or 313-203-4994.
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Nothing says “it's fall y'all” like an afternoon packed with food, fun, and pumpkins. At the first-ever Fall Jamboree, residents and families enjoyed games, treats, and even some pumpkin decorating. Decked out with hay bales and festive decorations, the Jamboree helped everyone leaf their worries behind and embrace the cozy season ahead! | | | | |
