More than 400 motorcycles are expected to participate in the 19th Annual HOG “Ride for Father Fred” on July 17 and 18. Sponsored by the Northern Chapter Harley Owners Group (HOG), activities kick off Saturday, July 17 with a 120 mile poker run ride thru scenic Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie counties with registration from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Classic Motor Sports on U.S. 31, 3939 S. Blue Star Drive in Traverse City. The poker run ride is followed by a bike show in downtown Traverse City from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. featuring participating motorcycles parked along Front Street.
On Sunday, registration for those who want to participate in Sunday’s Ride can register 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. at Classic Motor Sports. A police-escorted processional of bikes will depart at 11:00 a.m. from Classic Motor Sports. The cycles drive north to Grand View Parkway, then east to Center Road heading up the Old Mission Peninsula. Leading the ride will be Father Iakovos Olechnowicz, current Chaplin at the Father Fred Foundation. Along the way, hundreds of people line the route, greet the bikers, honk horns and applaud their support.
Riders are asked to contribute $20 per person to participate in one or both days of activities. All proceeds go to support the work of the Father Fred Foundation. The event pays tribute to the work of Father Edwin Frederick, who created the Father Fred Foundation in 1989. In 2009, Father Fred served over 4,000 families distributing $2 million worth of food, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance. Funding is entirely dependent on the generosity of local communities, including special events with organizations like the local HOG chapter.
For more information on the HOG “Ride for Father Fred” visit the ride registration web site, rideforfatherfred.com, or contact Paul Jarboe at pjarboe@charter.net or (231) 922- 3452.
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!
To help give families a ‘summer boost’ the Father Fred Foundation Food Pantry will be offering a special food package in addition to its usual allocation. For the next 10 weeks, (excluding July 5-9) families with school-aged children will automatically be offered a Summer Boost Bag when they visit the pantry. The bag will include protein, milk, fresh fruits and vegetables. Simple recipes will be included along will all the ingredients for several healthy, family-sized meals.
This new program is prompted by the fact an average of 42% of students in the five-county region took advantage of free and reduced meal programs offered last year at their local schools. Now that these children are home for the summer, family food costs are rising for many who are struggling to get by.
“It’s wonderful to be able to offer families this additional food during the summer when kids are at home and there are more meals to plan for than usual,” explained Norm Bamberg, Operations Director. “Father Fred loved children. This is a project he would really enjoy. By collaborating with the Food Rescue Coalition and the Fresh Food Partnership, we’re able to provide quality, fresh nutrition to families who need it. It’s a win-win for all involved.”
To find out how your family can receive a Summer Boost, or to donate to the Summer Boost program, call (231) 947-2055 or visit the Father Fred offices located at 826 Hastings Street in Traverse City.
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.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank the hundreds of people who volunteer their gifts of time and talent to be the face of Father Fred: listening, caring and sharing with over 4,000 families seeking assistance last year.
Thank you to our donors for your gifts of treasure: a record level of support in 2009. Your gifts of cash, food, clothing, household goods and more gave us the resources to make a difference in the lives of those in need. We humbly thank you for your continued support.
Thank you to departing Board members Shaunna Bradford, Ed Mende and Steve O'Brien for the time and talent you invested in this Foundation during your years of service.
Finally, we welcome new Board members, Mike Witkop and Jim Elkins, as we resolve to continue the Foundation's wonderful legacy of service to others.
Volunteer Derrick Paez drove by a young lady holding a sign: "Need help … God bless."
He could see in her face that this was not something easy for her to do; she was desperate. Derrick didn't have any money and wondered how he could help her. "As I turned the corner, I realized I could let her know where she could find someone to listen, care and share; The Father Fred Foundation!"
Three hundred fifty community members set a record at the 15th Annual Cigar Dinner, held May 13.
Dollars are still being counted, but event organizers project a record year of support for families helped through The Father Fred Foundation.
“We would like everyone to appreciate the tremendous number of hours the Ancient Order of Hibernians put in to make this event so successful,” said David Abeel, Director of Development at the Foundation. “Please thank them, along with cigar sponsors Ashton Cigar Company and Mike Nolan of Nolan’s Tobacconists, event host, Dan Kelly of the Williamsburg Banquet Center, and Tim Smith, Smith & Johnson Attorneys P.C. for his work coordinating this event..”
Major support was also received from AT&T, Kirk Kilbourne of Stifel, Nicholas and Co., Dennis Brodeur and Trevis Gillow of Raymond James, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wicksall, Attorney Jeffery C. Alandt, Bill Marsh Auto Group, Mr. Gary Silverman, Smith & Johnson, Attorneys P.C. and Thompson O’Neil and Vanderveen, Attorneys.
The meal, wine, cigars, food, beer and bourbon and vodka…all were the “Best of the Best.” Dinner guests gave a rousing ovation to executive chef of the 2010 Cigar Dinner – David Denison (Amical) and pre-function chefs – Dan Marsh (Red Ginger), Joseph George (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa), Eric Nittolo (The Boathouse), Paul Olson (Mission Table & Jolly Pumpkin), and Mickey Cannon (Tuscan Bistro).
The salad course was prepared by Carrie Trogan (Hanna). The appetizer course was by Randy Chamberlain (Blu). Entrée’ course chefs were Phil Murray (Phil’s on Front) and Dave Denison and Al Schmidt (Amical). Dessert was created by Joseph George (Grand Traverse Resort & Spa), and breads by Stacey Wilcox (Bay Bread Co.). Other guest chefs that assisted in the meal included Karl Malin (TBA Culinary and Catch Island Grill).
If you were unable to attend this year’s dinner but would like to help families in crisis, call The Father Fred Foundation at 947-2055 or visit them online at fatherfred.org.
Did you know Father Fred shares its financial resources across the five counties with organizations fulfilling similar missions?
Currently, we reimburse the following organizations a monthly amount as they meet with clients with the same kinds of crises we see here at the Foundation: Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN), Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources (KAIR), Leelanau Christian Neighbors/Leelanau Family Support Team, Antrim County's Good Samaritan Family Services, and Love INC. Our goal is to reduce complications as well as transportation costs for people in need by having them seen closer to home.
Using the eyes and ears of the volunteers in these partner organizations to listen, care and share with compassion multiplies the good works the Foundation's blessings can provide!
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.
More than 400 motorcycles are expected to participate in the 19th Annual HOG “Ride for Father Fred” on July 17 and 18. Sponsored by the Northern Chapter Harley Owners Group (HOG), activities kick off Saturday, July 17 with a 120 mile poker run ride thru scenic Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Benzie counties with registration from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Classic Motor Sports on U.S. 31, 3939 S. Blue Star Drive in Traverse City. The poker run ride is followed by a bike show in downtown Traverse City from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. featuring participating motorcycles parked along Front Street.
Volunteer Derrick Paez drove by a young lady holding a sign: "Need help … God bless."
