News from Assistance League of Indianapolis
On Thursday, December 4, Assistance League® of Indianapolis hosted “Ringing in the Holly Days”, their Annual Holiday Luncheon and Style Show. This fundraising event has become a Holiday tradition for member volunteers and their guests. All attending appreciated this festive celebration that kicks off the holiday season by enjoying the luncheon, style show, silent auction, raffle, and the opportunity for shopping. An added bonus to the day is that proceeds raised benefits the organization’s philanthropic programs. The 2014 Holiday Luncheon Committee, was headed by chairmen Rosy Crowley and Rose Conrad. The beautiful invitations for the event were designed by Kathy Detzler. It was held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel and the decorating committee led by Jane Edington followed through with the theme by decking the room out in lovely holly and bells. The day began with a silent auction filled with many unique items and coordinated by Sharon Gleason and Deb Myers. Adding to the fun was a raffle for a chance to win one of two “Gift Card Trees”. The $1,120 worth of gift cards were donated by Chris Cunningham, owner of Service Plus Heating and Cooling, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gambrel, and Mr. and Mrs. Rick Sanfrey. The beautiful decorated trees were a gift from Kathy Wylam. Attendees enjoyed shopping for clothing and accessories from The Secret Ingredient, an Indianapolis boutique and children’s toys from Kits & Kaboodle Classic Toys. Both retailers donated ten percent of sales made that day to Assistance League. As guests sat down to lunch, they were welcomed by Gloria Slama, president of Assistance League who then introduced the First Lady of Indiana, Karen Pence. Mrs. Pence commented on how the organization strives to help the Central Indiana area by stating, “While their philanthropic programs address the immediate needs of thousands of children and adults each year, it is the long-term, unseen benefits that can make a truly lasting impact in their lives and that of their families.” After the first lady’s remarks, other notable supporters of Assistance League were introduced: Kathleen Hart, Attorney, Partner, Riley, Bennett & Egloff and member of Assistance League Advisory Council; Marjorie Wilkerson, Executive Director, and Patricia Alvis, Secretary Treasurer for MCR Charitable Foundation; Elizabeth Cassleman, Executive Director, Mary Ellen Moore, Program Manager, Erin Trisler, Program Manager, and Estherre Wohlenhaus, Program Assistant from The Clowes Fund. Carol Valentine, Chairman of Grants, then introduced Lee Ann Hoy, Program Director, David Hillman, O.D., Program Director, and Jeff Small, Program Associate from Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. They presented the Assistance League with a $20,000 check which brings their total contributions to the organization to nearly a quarter million dollars. Immediately following lunch, The Secret Ingredient sponsored a fabulous style show with clothes modeled by representatives from the agencies, senior facilities, and schools that Assistance League serves through its philanthropic programs of Operation School Bell®, Shoes; A Division of Operation School Bell®, Beyond the Bell; A Division of Operation School Bell®, ALI Bears, Assault Survivor Kits®, and ALI Friends. Sandy Speer was the liaison between The Secret Ingredient and the models who were: Carol Braden, Executive Program Director, Brooke’s Place; Joanna Lowe, Marketing Manager, Joy’s House; Candace Preston, Caregiver Program Manager, Joy’s House; Catana Philips, BSN, RN, IU Health Methodist Hospital, Center of Hope; Kelsie Scaringe, BSN, RN, IU Health Methodist Hospital, Center of Hope; Angela Johnson, Parent Involvement Educator, Magnet School #90, Ernie Pyle Elementary; Tracy Pruitt, Coordinator of Support Services, Indianapolis Public Schools; Alissa Carmichael, Assistant Principal, College Wood Elementary, Carmel Clay Schools; and Janie Smith, Dean of Students, Lakeside Elementary, MSD of Warren Township. At the conclusion of the day, Judy Tomke and Karen Marie Taylor chaired Auction Check Out as happy guests claimed the items they had bid on in the silent auction. Other behind the scenes workers were Andrea Arbore who handled reservations, Sherri Torres who over saw registration, Nancy Farris who was in charge of programs, Patty Johnson the Fund-a-Cause speaker, and Connie Pollom who is Vice President of Resource Development. Assistance League of Indianapolis is grateful for the generous support of the luncheon’s attendees. Funds raised at this wonderful event enable the organization to continue with their mission of caring and commitment to serving children and adults in the community. To view photos from "Ringing in the Holly Days" click HERE
Since 1997 many of the 43,000 children who have come to Operation School Bell® have received books, in addition to new school clothing, thanks to a memorial bequest. Operation School Bell is one of the philanthropic programs managed by Assistance League® of Indianapolis. Member Volunteers of Assistance League have raised funds for and run this program which provides school clothes and winter jackets for disadvantaged children in our community since 1984. The children are selected by school personnel based on need and bussed to the Operation School Bell shop to select their new clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and BOOKS. In February 1997 Penny Fischer passed away. Penny had been a committed member of Assistance League of Indianapolis. Penny’s family and husband, Charlie, wanted her memory to live on and made the decision to donate her memorials to Operation School Bell. For eighteen years the interest from these memorials has been used to purchase books for children who rarely have books of their own. This fall some of the principle was used to purchase beautiful bookcases so the children can more easily search for the books they would like to take home. Assistance League® of Indianapolis participated in USA Weekend’s 24th annual Make A Difference Day by collecting books donated by member volunteers and the organization’s Operation School Bell® program. Margaret Lawrence, Vice President of Marketing, and member Ruth Ann Arany then delivered them to Teachers’ Treasures, The Indianapolis Boys and Girls Club, and Nora Elementary School for use by Burmese refugee students.
Make A Difference Day was started by USA Weekend, a national weekend newspaper magazine, in 1992 as a day for Americans to set aside some time to improve the lives of others. It has grown to become the largest community day of service in the United States. Assistance League chapters across America collected new children's books to promote literacy. Each chapter distributed the books within their community to agencies and places where they would meet a need. Assistance League of Indianapolis’s community outreach program, “Random Acts of Kindness”, gave members an opportunity to donate books at the August and October Members’ Meeting. Margaret Lawrence headed the donation effort and the distribution of the 1,203 books collected. Assistance League of Indianapolis is proud to join other Assistance League chapters across the county in participating in this day of community service. This instance of caring and commitment of member volunteers is an example of how the organization continues to benefit adults and children of in the Indianapolis area. Each year, The Shining Star Outstanding Member Award gives special recognition to one or more member volunteers who have exemplified outstanding contributions to Assistance League of Indianapolis. Initiated in 2011, the recipients of this award are chosen from nominations given to a selection committee consisting of President-Elect as chairman, immediate past Vice President of Membership, Hours Chairman, immediate past President and immediate past Operation School Bell Chairman. From May through August, the membership is encouraged to nominate those who have given of themselves above and beyond the requirements for membership in Assistance League of Indianapolis. This year’s recipients, Patty McGoff and Denee Damian, were announced at the organization’s September meeting by President-Elect, Patricia Johnson.
Patty McGoff joined Assistance League in 2007 and has logged over 3000 hours in her work with programs and projects. She has served Operation School Bell as a buyer for uniform clothing, merchandise chairman, assistant chairman, and Operation School Bell chairman. In addition, she has worked on special committees, been Donor Recorder, and has been Vice President of Philanthropic Programs for two years. In her remarks while presenting the award to Patty, President-Elect Patricia Johnson said, “Probably one of her greatest contributions, although there are many, is her friendliness, sense of humor and sense of fun. Members enjoy working with her because she is caring and fun loving.” Denee Damian has been an Assistance League member since 1999. She has held many positions within the organization which include Assault Survivor Kits Chairman, Properties Manager, Operation School Bell Vice Chairman, Operation School Bell President, Finance Chairman, Gala Co-Chairman, Shoes Chairman, Bylaws Chairman, Grants Chairman, and Parliamentarian as well as serving on special committees. Denee was President-Elect in 2005-06 and President of Assistance League of Indianapolis in 2006-07. Patty Johnson stated, “She is a no nonsense, straightforward levelheaded member. For 15 years, has given her time, energy, talents, financial support and much more. I could go on, on …” The contributions of service and the volunteer service hours logged by Patty and Denee are inspiring to the member volunteers of Assistance League. Nominated from their peers, these two individuals set an example of caring and commitment to carrying on the mission of Assistance League of Indianapolis in helping underserved Indianapolis area children and adults through the organizations philanthropic programs. Overcast skies and chilly temperatures during the Fifth Annual Hunt Construction Group Charity Golf Outing held at Eagle Creek Golf Club on September 11, 2014, could not prevent the occasion from being a fun-filled, successful day. Assistance League® of Indianapolis was honored to be selected by Hunt Construction Group, an AECOM company, for the fourth time as the designated charity to receive the net proceeds from this yearly event. These funds will benefit Assistance League’s largest program, Operation School Bell ®, .as well as its other philanthropic programs: Shoes: A Division of Operation School Bell, ALI Bears, ALI Friends, and Assault Survivor Kits®. Established in 1984, Operation School Bell provides new clothing and school supplies to qualifying elementary school students from Indianapolis Public Schools and the surrounding Indianapolis area townships of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, and Washington. Event Chairmen Kathy Kerr Wylam and Cindee Potterack spent weeks planning and organizing to make it a day full of entertainment for the participants. They were assisted by a cast of talented Assistance League members who served on the golf event committee. Barb Zurek, Sandy Speer, and Barbara Rominger coordinated the breakfast items. Pat Deyhle and Susie Main organized the special-drink tables while Lynne Hurlbut was in charge of the flowers. Lori Morthalnd and Lesley Pascoe worked on the Gift Card Bouquet. Carol Valentine put together three golf teams to represent Assistance League. Jane Vawter coordinated the event volunteers. The raffle team was comprised of Carol Gambrel, Jill Tanner, Karen Snider, and Barb Diehl. Cathy Weimer and Kathy Knight were in charge of games. Photos were taken by Kim Reitnauer and the outing was promoted to the public by Barbara Kulsrud and Julie Yates. From the very beginning of the day, there were many opportunities for the golfers to enjoy themselves. The Tipsy Toss proved to be very popular as onlookers cheered on the winners who, for a donation, successfully threw plastic rings on liquor bottles in order to win. Golfers could also make a contribution to enjoy cigars donated by Blend Cigar Bar. Sidney Frank Importing, Granite City Foods & Brewery, and Hoosier Momma Cocktail Makers set up tents to dispense complimentary libations to teams involved in the tournament. For a donation, two golf pros, Elliot Elger from Woodland Country Club and Scott Rockwell from Eagle Creek Golf Club, were available to hit drives for the golfing groups. Chances to win one or more of 90 Birdie raffle prizes ranging from restaurant gift cards to golf bags were available throughout the day. Tickets to win Eagle raffle prizes which included four suite tickets to an Indianapolis Colts game; one night stay in the Indianapolis Conrad Hotel including spa and restaurant gift cards; Paddock Penthouse seats to the 2015 Indy 500 including $100 gift card to Marsh; one night French Lick getaway package with gift cards for gas and restaurants; and a JW Marriott two night stay with parking and restaurant gift card were offered. Golfers could also win a Gift Card Bouquet of 18 gift cards from area businesses. During registration, the 180 golfers who played in the scramble competition enjoyed homemade baked goods by member volunteers of Assistance League and drank hot coffee supplied by Julian Coffee Roaster. In commemoration of September 11, bag piper Dave Galloway, husband of member Jan Galloway, played “My Country Tis of Thee”. Eleven members of Assistance League played in the tournament forming three foursomes: Nancy Bennett, Linda Buckner, Rose Conrad, Barb Diehl, Marilyn Elder, Norma Hodges, Pat Lyddan, Leslie Pascoe, Judy Powell, Laura Sanfrey, and Carol Valentine. They were joined by friend of Assistance League, Barb McConnell.
Indianapolis Mayor, Greg Ballard, arrived at the event and thanked Assistance League of Indianapolis for the support they give to disadvantaged students through Operation School Bell. Mayor Ballard stated he was grateful for companies such as Hunt Construction and organizations like Assistance League that are involved in the Indianapolis community helping adults and children in need. He cited that over the past 30 years Assistance league has served over 45,000 children by providing school clothing, winter coats, and other needed new supplies to students. Ken Johnson, Executive Vice President, Division Manager from Hunt, presented Assistance League with a check for $25,507. The total amount raised by this event was $28,080. President of Assistance League, Gloria Slama, stated, "On behalf of the thousands of children and adults that we serve throughout Central Indiana, we would like to thank Hunt Construction Group for selecting Assistance League of Indianapolis as the designated charity for their 2014 Charitable Golf Outing. As a community-based philanthropic organization, our corporate partnership with Hunt has been invaluable. Their generous donations over the years have allowed us to expand the reach of our four philanthropic programs." Assistance League of Indianapolis is extremely grateful for Hunt Construction Group’s generosity in designating the proceeds from this event to benefit the philanthropic programs of Assistance League. To read more about Hunt Construction Group's support of Assistance League, visit the Hunt Construction Group website by clicking Here Marcia Hoffbauer was among twelve honored by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard for community service at a ceremony held on September 22. This was the 22nd year for the Community Volunteer ceremony that honors individuals who have selflessly given time and effort to make the Indianapolis area a better place.
Marcia was chosen for her service to Assistance League of Indianapolis. Over the five years she has been a member, she has amassed more than 3,459 hours volunteering for the nonprofit organization. In addition, she has held many positions including President 2012-2013, President Elect 2011- 2012 and Secretary in 2013-2014 and 2010-2011, as well as many behind the scene roles More recently she took on the job of co-chairman of the Star Gala which raised $99,000 for the organization this spring. Marcia will receive a brick engraved with her name that will be placed on the Mayor's Volunteer Plaza, at the Downtown Canal basin on 11th Street. Andrea Arbore, who served under Marcia as president elect stated, “Marcia is a mentor to many and an inspiration to her colleagues at the organization.” Operation School Bell®, the largest of Assistance League® of Indianapolis’ philanthropic programs has been recognized by Mayor Greg Ballard with a Mayoral Proclamation naming this week, September 14th - 20th as Operation School Bell Week. This distinguished award acknowledges the 31st consecutive year that the program has helped children in the Indianapolis community and for expanding the Program to support clothing needs in the school setting through Beyond the Bell.
The Assistance League of Indianapolis was established in 1984 and is an all member-volunteer nonprofit organization. The organization manages several philanthropic programs throughout Indianapolis and central Indiana, including their largest program, Operation School Bell®. Operation School Bell provides students living in poverty an opportunity to remove some of the barriers that block their way to academic success. This program provides new clothing and school supplies to qualifying elementary school students from Indianapolis Public Schools and the surrounding Indianapolis area townships of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, and Washington. Shoes: A Division of Operation School Bell supplies new athletic shoes and socks to students identified by social workers in all IPS elementary schools as well as the Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren, Washington, and Wayne Townships. Beyond the Bell: A Division of Operation School Bell provides bags of new school clothing to all IPS elementary schools served by Operation School Bell. It meets the need of students who are homeless, displaced or new to their school and are not otherwise served by Operation School Bell. Other philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Indianapolis include ALI Bears which provides teddy bears to hospitals, hospice centers, and abuse management agencies; ALI Friends which provide companionship and activities for seniors and disabled adults at Joy’s House and North Capitol Rehabilitation/Nursing Home; and Assault Survivor Kits® which provide new clothing for victims of assault to wear when their clothing is retained as evidence of the crime. Although preparations never really stop during the summer months, the Operation School Bell® shop officially opened its doors for set up on Monday, August 11. Assistance League® of Indianapolis member volunteers were busily stocking shelves and doing many tasks to ensure everything will be ready when opening day arrives on August 18.
It is expected that 3,400 under-served Indianapolis area students will participate in Operation School Bell during its 2014 – 2015 season. These children will be identified by elementary school social workers in the Indianapolis Public Schools and the surrounding Metropolitan School Districts of Lawrence, Pike, Warren and Washington Townships. Besides cleaning the shop, workers put bar codes on items, entered inventory into the computerized system, and stocked the shelves. Each student visiting Operation School Bell receives new clothing and supplies valued at an average of $115 including a duffle bag, two uniform outfits, a belt, socks, underwear, winter coat, hat/scarf/glove set, two books, hygiene kit, and school supplies. Students who are served by this program enjoy the quality attention they receive during their one-to-one “shopping” experience with an Assistance League member volunteer. Receiving new clothes and supplies boosts confidence, attendance, and academic achievement. To donate to Operation School Bell, Click Here. The Ceremonial passing of the gavel from the current president of Assistance League® of Indianapolis to president elect was held on May 28th at Woodland Country Club in Carmel. Andrea Arbore, 2013-2014 president, passed the leadership of the organization into the capable hands of Gloria Slama. The transition will be smooth due to the close working relationship that is always fostered between each year’s president and president elect.
As president of Assistance League of Indianapolis, Andrea Arbore’s expertise in Information Technology led the charge to initiate the inventory scanning system now in place for Operation School Bell®, the largest of the organizations philanthropic programs. In addition, she built and launched the current website http://www.alindy.org. Arbore stated, “I will be returning to triathlon training and competition, sending my youngest son off to college, traveling with my hubby, and of course, more Assistance League! Operation School Bell, website and other technology to forward our programs will be my focus.” Gloria Slama, the 2014 – 2015 president, is a retired business executive with more than 25 years’ experience in international marketing, advertising, and public relations. She has been a member of Assistance League of Indianapolis since 2001 and has served as Vice President of Marketing and on the Strategic Planning, Policy, Finance, and Resource Development Committees. The New President Elect Patricia Johnson brings valuable community experience to the leadership of the organization. She has served on the Methodist Task Core, been involved in different subcommittees within her church Immanuel Presbyterian, and is a volunteer with The Alzheimer Association. The philanthropic programs of Assistance League of Indianapolis: Operation School Bell®, Shoes: A Division of Operation School Bell®, ALI Bears, Assault Survivor Kits®, and ALI Friends benefit from the caring and commitment that is passed down each year from president to president elect. Retiring presidents never seem to take a well-deserved hiatus; they typically hop right back in to serving in areas where the organization needs them most.
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