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!
Archive for the ‘Volunteer’ Category
"I am Father Fred"
Friday, July 2nd, 2010Blood Donors to Win Great Prizes
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010The 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.
"Thank You" for Your Gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure
Monday, June 7th, 2010By Jamie Marsh,Board President
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.
Holy Smokes! Cigar Dinner Sets Record Helping Families
Monday, May 24th, 2010Three 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.
Father Fred Foundation Garage Sale Tops $30,000
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010“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.”
For more details visit www.fatherfred.org.or call 231-947-2055.
For Volunteers, Compassion Is Their Passion
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
Father Fred Foundation volunteers are famous for their compassionate work. Their passion is the driving force behind us getting support to those who need it … fast! Here are the voices of three Spiritual Directors, current and past, saluting volunteers:
"Grandma Moses, at 93, when asked what she was most proud of doing responded, ‘'I helped somebody.' That direct person-to-person help just can't be outdone!"
-Father Fred, 1994
"God gave us Easter and New Life. Let us keep it happening by the gifts we give to others. God Bless You!"
-Father Thome, 2008
"Your gift empowers us to reach out and touch the lives of hundreds who cross our threshold every week seeking relief from their suffering and circumstances."
-Father Iakovos, 2010
Volunteers with Big Ears
Friday, April 30th, 2010
To get in the mood, volunteer Kathie Super decided to wear a pair of floppy bunny ears as she hurried around the Father Fred Foundation lobby last year getting ready to distribute Easter Baskets. Suddenly a small hand was tugging at the side of her pants.
"Are you the Easter Bunny?" asked a little voice.
"No, I'm just the Easter Bunny's helper," said Kathie.
"I'm sure you are the Easter Bunny," said the little voice with very wide eyes. "You have always forgotten me in the past on Easter morning. My name is Isaac."
"Don't worry Isaac, I won't forget you this year," said Kathie, barely hiding the tear in her eye.
Father Fred Hosts Blood Drives
Monday, April 19th, 2010FATHER FRED HOSTS BLOOD DRIVES
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.
Thank You Church Volunteers!
Monday, March 29th, 2010Please extend a big “Thank You” to all church volunteers from many faiths who helped make the Father Fred Foundation Easter Basket project such a success. 1,000 children received a basket this year because of your generous donations of time and treasure.
The Father Fred Foundation is a non-denominational charity providing food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to families and individuals in crisis who live in the five county Grand Traverse region. For more information on The Father Fred Foundation, visit www.fatherfred.org or call (231) 947-2055.
Beautiful Handmade Quilts Donated
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Volunteers Ralph Mills, Dorothy Stein, Peg Mills and Kathy Belovich Received Beautiful Handmade Quilts from donors to help stock the Father Fred Linen Department
