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The Giving Circle of Alexandria
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News & Events
October 2008
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 Dear Giving Circle Members and Friends,
The Giving Circle of Alexandria has begun its fifth program year with a new look and new opportunities. Visit our updated website, www.givingfullcircle.org, to learn more about our $275,000 strategic investments in Alexandria and our participation in community service events. Whether you are a Founding Member or joined more recently, you made an
important decision to engage in our community, to connect with other women and make a difference
for children and families in Alexandria. And, while we have a new look, the core mission, Preparing Alexandria's Children for Success, remains the same. There have been some incredibly exciting things happening this summer. Our hope that we could support sustainable change beyond our financial gifts is happening for both Healthy Families Alexandria and the Playgroups. Read on for details on these exciting developments. With great success comes great expectations, and the organizations and the people we help are looking to us for leadership in a challenging year. Our goal for the membership renewal season now upon us is to raise $60,000 between by December 31, for a total of $100,000 in member investments this year. While ambitious, stretching our personal financial commitments to The Giving Circle will be essential to take advantage of the important opportunities The Giving Circle has to make lasting and systemic change for families in Alexandria. While our purpose is to help others, we have found our own lives enriched in so many was through The Giving Circle. We look forward to learning about our community's needs and making a difference with you in the coming year. Sincerely, Peggy Morrison-Curtis & Holly Sloan SmithCo-Presidents, The Giving Circle of Alexandria
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Exciting News from Healthy Families Alexandria!
Recognition for Alexandria Site
Healthy Families Alexandria (HFA) has been selected as one of two (out of 38) sites in Virginia to go to scale - this means tremendous resources will be focused on securing the state and local money needed for HFA to be in a position to serve ANY family in Alexandria that qualifies for the program. Healthy Families Alexandria could serve an additional 238 first time parents each year and give them the resources they need to raise children who are healthy, happy and ready to learn.
Carol Freeman, Program Manager for HFA, commented that "We are extremely grateful to the Giving Circle for their strong, unwavering support of the program for the past four years ... Strong community support is one of the major reasons we were chosen." She further noted that The Giving Circle gift has brought the program additional publicity and financial support.
There is a big caveat - the state and local money is not secured yet. Healthy Families needs our advocacy help in the months ahead to make sure this happens. Click here to be transferred to our website to find out how you can help.
To learn more about Healthy Families Alexandria, and its parent organization, Northern Virginia Family Service, visit their website by clicking here.
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Family Fun Day a Big Success!
Giving Circle Volunteers Help the CAC Organize Its Debut Event
1200 Alexandria residents joined in on the fun at The Center for Alexandria's Children's (CAC) first ever community-wide Family Fun Day Saturday, September 20, 2008 at John Adams Elementary School. While the CAC spread its message "Protecting Children and Strengthening Families," Giving Circle volunteers spread their energy helping out at the moonbounces, petting zoo, face painting and arts and crafts stations. Thanks to all the Giving Circle members who supported this great community event! To learn more about the Center for Alexandria's Children, click here to visit their website.
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Fall Educational Forum
Tuesday, November 18
Vote for your preferred time for the next educational Forum! Click here to visit our website and help us decide what time of day works best for most members. Enter your vote in the gray box on the left of our home page.
This year's fall member education event will focus on the continuum of services for children and families in Alexandria. Details on location to follow.
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Playgroup Developments
Expansion and Coordination
This summer, Giving Circle member and former child development specialist for the Alexandria Public Schools, Carri Stoltz and a Ph.D. candidate from George Washington University undertook systemized, informative research into playgroups throughout Alexandria.
By interviewing and developing relationships with leaders of the many and diverse playgroups in the City, they are developing a comprehensive understanding of current playgroups. The goal is a shared effort to strengthen current efforts and potentially expand playgroups in targeted, meaningful, and sustainable ways.
Our hope is that the playgroups become a tool to expand outreach for overall human services to local families.
Stay tuned for further developments regarding The Giving Circle and playgroups in Alexandria.
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Community Service Highlights
Summer Activities
In June, Giving Circle Kids and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House teamed up on a Food Drive for ALIVE!'s Family Emergency Program. Kids donated and sorted 540 items from ALIVE's shopping list, including canned tuna and meat, peanut butter, cereals and oatmeals, dried fruits, and other pantry staples. Participating kids were treated to a hands-on healthy cooking demonstration and snack with nutritionist Catherine Sumner. In July, several Giving Circle members supported the ALIVE House summer camp initiative. Each year, children connected to ALIVE! House have the opportunity to attend a week-long camp in Virginia's Northern Neck. Giving Circle members stepped in to help secure camp supplies for the children. Members from the Community Service Committee worked to plan and manage the "Resource Family Barbecue and Magical Fun for All Ages." This annual picnic supports local foster care families and foster children. The Giving Circle plans to be part of this event again next Summer - with member Gwen Cloutier taking the lead - and we are seeking help with implementation and sponsorship. If you would like to be involved in upcoming Community Service events, please send an email to Margaret Rizzi.
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Calendar Updates
Membership Open Houses - Bring a friend or colleague to any of these events to introduce them to the benefits of investing in the community. - Thursday, November 6, 7:00 - 9:00 pm - at the home of Alison DeCourcey
- Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 - 9:00 pm - at the home of Helen Morris
- Thursday, November 13, 7:00 - 9:00 pm - at the home of Tracy Nickelsburg
Please let us know if we should expect you! RSVP by clicking here - remember to include your name (email addresses are not always clear!), which event you plan to attend, and number of guests. Gift Committee Meeting - Meetings of the Gift Committee are open to all members. Come and participate in the discussion about 2009 Gifts. - Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 - 8:00 pm - at the City Attorney's Office, 310 King Street, Old Town.
Visit the calendar page of our website for event and meeting dates.
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