Al and Lenise Howard first visited the Father Fred Foundation in Nov. 2006, when offices, client reception and volunteer intake were all squeezed into a 700 sq. ft area.
"We had been praying that God would show us where He wanted to help with a monetary gift. Al was intrigued with what he read and heard about The Father Fred Foundation, and he wanted to stop by and see what it was like. We saw firsthand, not only the need, but also the worthiness of supporting the work you do."
"The waiting room was busy and everyone was either talking on the phone or meeting with someone," said Lenise. An individual waiting for help noticed the Howards and politely suggested they take a number in order to talk to a volunteer.
So, the Howards took a number and sat in the waiting room. They remember being impressed with how little privacy there was. "The need for renovations to treat everyone with more dignity and respect was easy to see," said Al. After a few minutes, their number was called. A volunteer intake worker politely introduced himself and asked how might the Foundation help them.
"Well actually," said Al, "we came here today to make a gift!" After their visit, Al and Lenise made a generous gift of stock to The Father Fred Foundation.
Our theme for the summer edition is “Donors." We salute their support and thank them. They make what we do possible. We continue to be amazed and surprised every year with their generosity and creativity in designing fund raisers and food drives to keep the pantry full and the daily operations of Father Fred on track.
From capital campaign support, to donated Easter baskets, to black tie fund raisers – donors are the daily vote of confidence and fuel that make the Legacy of Father Edwin Frederick continue to thrive.
Here's a great new piece from the good folks at Petersen Productions showing just a few of the many faces of Father Fred in our communities. Please consider volunteering or donating today!
The Father Fred Foundation, in conjunction with Michigan Blood, will host a blood drive on Monday, June 21 at 826 Hastings St., in Traverse City, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All donors will be eligible for two drawings, held in the month of June, for a Detroit Tigers Baseball Package including 4 September game tickets, 2 nights at the Marriott Renaissance, breakfast and dinner for four, plus 4 tickets to Greenfield Village. Blood donors will also be eligible for a weekly drawing for a kayak, courtesy of MC Sports.
“Blood is one of the most precious gifts you can give to your community,” said David Abeel, Director of Development at Father Fred. “We hope the great prizes will incent people to get out and donate.” Please consider making Father Fred your regular place to donate blood. Two more drives are scheduled for Monday, September 20 and Monday, December 20, 2010.
For more information, call (231) 947-2055 ext.18, visit FatherFred.org, or call Michigan Blood at (231) 935-3030.
On June 10, 11 and 12, join Burritt's, and support Father Fred, at Caribbean Days, with sales in every department, reggae music, free samples, prizes, and a festive atmosphere. 5% of ALL SALES will benefit The Father Fred Foundation.
Burritt's Fresh Markets is located on 509 W Front Street in Taverse City.
“Thank You” to the thousands of community members who made this year’s spring Garage Sale Fundraiser at the Father Fred Foundation a great success. Over $30,000 was generated which will go directly into financial assistance services for a variety of critical needs.
“Volunteers and donors were the keys to our success,” said Martie Manty, Executive Director. “Dozens of donors responded to our appeal for furniture and thousands of shoppers came to find treasures on the day of the sale. We estimate over 2,500 attended this year’s event. The proceeds will give a boost to our financial assistance program, experiencing an increase in requests in a variety of areas. Thank you again.”
T.J. Maxx, located in the Grand Traverse Mall, 3350 South Airport Rd, has teamed up with The Father Fred Foundation, to conduct the T.J. Maxx Maxximum Care Drive May 17-22 to collect donations of personal care items. Items sought for collection are essentials that cannot be purchased with food stamps. All donated items will be distributed through the Father Fred food pantry.
The Goal: To collect donations of personal care items that cannot be purchased with food stamps and can be very expensive for families in crisis.
Needed items:
Bar soap
Shampoo
Diapers – all sizes
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Laundry soap
Razors and shaving cream
Toothpaste
Donations may be dropped off at T.J. Maxx May 17-22. Cash gifts welcome!
Questions: Call Kathy or Laurie at T.J. Maxx 231.929.1183
The Father Fred Foundation still needs quality furniture donations for their annual Spring Garage Sale fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale support the Father Fred Client Assistance program.
Quality furniture donations will be accepted through May 14. Please drop off your items at the Foundation, 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, Tuesday thru Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Wednesdays until 7:30 p.m. If you would like to arrange for pick-up, please call (231) 947-2055 to schedule a date/time.
“There have been fewer furniture donations this spring, so we need a surge during the next 3 weeks to fill this part of our sale inventory”, said Martie Manty, Executive Director. “Garage Sale income has been a critical part of our help to families in crisis.”
The Garage Sale fundraiser will take place Saturday, May 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Foundation.
The Father Fred Foundation, in conjunction with Michigan Blood, will host a blood drive on Monday April 26, at 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
“If you are eligible to give, please consider this convenient location,” said David Abeel, Director of Development. “Blood drives are a great way to give back to the community. It is priceless to the family or child that needs blood but only costs you an hour of your time to make the donation. We hope everyone who is eligible to donate will come to the Foundation to serve their community this way.”
For more information, call David Abeel at (231) 947-2055 ext. 18, visit FatherFred.org, or call Michigan Blood at (231) 935-3030 or toll free at 1-866-MIBLOOD.
The Foundation is a non-profit charity providing the following services: 1) funds to meet emergency needs; 2) food from the largest food pantry in Northern Michigan; and 3) quality clothing, furniture and household goods at no cost. In addition, the Foundation strives to treat all clients with respect and encourage hope for their future.
Al and Lenise Howard first visited the Father Fred Foundation in Nov. 2006, when offices, client reception and volunteer intake were all squeezed into a 700 sq. ft area.
