The reading will highlight the first day of the two day Father Fred Summer Book Sale. The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 30 and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 31.

Throughout the two days event, all preschool and school aged children will be eligible to pick out two free books courtesy of the Bank of Northern Michigan. Shoppers of all ages can purchase vintage books, collectibles, children’s books and tapes, cookbooks, art and coffee table volumes and paperbacks, along with videotapes, CDs and DVDs. All items will be priced to move! Discounts will be given on large volume purchases.

“What a treat to have Doug help us encourage reading just as he has encouraged writers to write,” said Martie Manty, Executive Director of Father Fred. We hope it will bring more families to the Book Sale and more visibility for the National Writers Series as well. We have books for all ages — over 8,000 titles — assembled for the sale. Proceeds go towards our food and financial assistance programs.”

For more information on the Summer Book Sale or The Father Fred Foundation,
call (231) 947-2055.

About the National Writer’s Series: The Traverse City National Writer's Series, co-founded by Doug Stanton, investigative journalist Anne Stanton and attorney Grant Parsons, is also the creator of the National Writers Series Scholarship program, whose mission it is to support young authors planning to study writing in college. Series organizers are partnering with area schools, libraries, bookstores, and businesses to host the events and fund the scholarships. For more information, visit nationalwritersseries.org.

About the Grand Traverse Heritage Center: The Grand Traverse Heritage Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the Grand Traverse region. The Heritage Center maintains the Con Foster Collection and a museum on Grand Traverse history and has numerous history related events throughout the year.
Visit gtheritagecenter.org.

Stay tuned…My Fair Lady is planned for summer 2010!

Photo Caption -Thespians: Claire Simon, Marie Freundl, Caeli Gibbons, and Anna Thorson

"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.

By Martie Manty, Executive Director

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.

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.

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.

“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.

If you have a story or encounter with Father Fred that you would please to share, please call 231.947.2055 ext 18 or email frfredbioproject@gmail.com.

Burritt's Fresh Markets is located on 509 W Front Street in Taverse City.