Community Financial Support
The Satchels of Caring Foundation received multiple grants and donations in the 3rd quarter of 2011 due to the hard work and research of Donna Naab, our Secretary/Grant Developer. Thank you Donna! We were recipients of a Genentech grant, Aesera Care Hospice Foundation grant, and a $1,000 donation from Cindystock, an all day music festival to support the Yates Cancer Fund for Hope. The Foundation also received a $500 donation from BNY Mellon because our most recent board member, Eileen Tenenbaum, wrote and inspiring story entitled, "Why I Volunteer". Her story will be featured on BNY Mellon's employee website during their Community Partnership Campaign. A copy of the story follows:
Why I Volunteer
by Eileen Tenenbaum
Four years ago my niece, Angie, was diagnosed with acute leukemia. A friend volunteered at an organization called Satchels of Caring. They provided a satchel to Angie. It was filled with therapeutic and inspirational items for women with cancer, including a soft turban, headscarf, journal, bookmark, inspiration message, relaxation music CD, hand/body creams, lip balm and other items. Angie not only used the items such as the turban and headscarf, but also wrote in the journal daily. Angie’s son Aaron was only 7 when she died and his grandparents are now raising him.
Since then I have been volunteering at Satchels of Caring. On 3 occasions I have been honored to lead groups of BNY Mellon employees to provide services helping the Satchels of Caring Foundation. I was amazed the first time I signed up to lead a group in December 2010. Within a few hours of the BNY Mellon Community Partnership Volunteer Opportunity email being sent, there were over 40 employees who contacted me that wanted to volunteer. The foundation has room for about 30. But Satchels of Caring set-up a second day in order to accommodate all the BNY Mellon volunteers. Everyone at the foundation is a volunteer also, so they had to make arrangements to get off at their work to be there to guide the BNY Mellon volunteers. In the end there were 60 volunteers that attended one of the 2 volunteer days in December 2010. Activities completed ranged from selecting the fabrics and trim for the kit to make the satchels, cutting fabrics, filling the finished satchels with the items mentioned above, selecting and sewing buttons on satchels, making tags, decorating the journal covers and other activities to help in completing the satchels. I arranged for another day in May 2011 and again Satchels of Caring foundation had to set-up a second day in order to accommodate all the BNY Mellon volunteers. I typically spend about 30 hours at home prior to the BNY Mellon day, preparing the items that we will use to decorate the journals. I like decorating the journals because I know how much Angie used hers.
I also volunteer 4 hours the second Tuesday of every month and 1 hour a month at lunch-time. In addition I spent about 50 hours helping the foundation prepare for their annual fundraiser in May.
So many employees that have volunteered from BNY Mellon are cancer survivors. Many volunteers told me that they wanted to make going through this difficult time, just a little easier for others. Volunteering not only gives cancer survivors the opportunity to give back to someone who is going through the same experience, but also gave those of us that know someone with cancer, the same opportunity.
We have been able to make such a difference to this organization. The foundation tries to distribute over 1000 satchels every year and through the efforts of BNY Mellon volunteers, they are already well on their way for 2011. When the director thanked the group at the end of the day, there were tears in her eyes and in many of the volunteers as well.
Since then I have been volunteering at Satchels of Caring. On 3 occasions I have been honored to lead groups of BNY Mellon employees to provide services helping the Satchels of Caring Foundation. I was amazed the first time I signed up to lead a group in December 2010. Within a few hours of the BNY Mellon Community Partnership Volunteer Opportunity email being sent, there were over 40 employees who contacted me that wanted to volunteer. The foundation has room for about 30. But Satchels of Caring set-up a second day in order to accommodate all the BNY Mellon volunteers. Everyone at the foundation is a volunteer also, so they had to make arrangements to get off at their work to be there to guide the BNY Mellon volunteers. In the end there were 60 volunteers that attended one of the 2 volunteer days in December 2010. Activities completed ranged from selecting the fabrics and trim for the kit to make the satchels, cutting fabrics, filling the finished satchels with the items mentioned above, selecting and sewing buttons on satchels, making tags, decorating the journal covers and other activities to help in completing the satchels. I arranged for another day in May 2011 and again Satchels of Caring foundation had to set-up a second day in order to accommodate all the BNY Mellon volunteers. I typically spend about 30 hours at home prior to the BNY Mellon day, preparing the items that we will use to decorate the journals. I like decorating the journals because I know how much Angie used hers.
I also volunteer 4 hours the second Tuesday of every month and 1 hour a month at lunch-time. In addition I spent about 50 hours helping the foundation prepare for their annual fundraiser in May.
So many employees that have volunteered from BNY Mellon are cancer survivors. Many volunteers told me that they wanted to make going through this difficult time, just a little easier for others. Volunteering not only gives cancer survivors the opportunity to give back to someone who is going through the same experience, but also gave those of us that know someone with cancer, the same opportunity.
We have been able to make such a difference to this organization. The foundation tries to distribute over 1000 satchels every year and through the efforts of BNY Mellon volunteers, they are already well on their way for 2011. When the director thanked the group at the end of the day, there were tears in her eyes and in many of the volunteers as well.
Recent Press Coverage of Satchels of Caring:
Tribune-Review, December 25, 2011 Thousands donate time, money to aid Western Pennsylvania Non-Profits
Post-Gazette, Monday, May 23, 2011 Foundation's Satchels Carry Message of Hope to Cancer Patients
Pittsburgh Business Times, Friday, May 13, 2011 Click here to view the Bags, Bellinis & Brunch benefit photo featured in After Hours
Tribune-Review, Thursday, April 28, 2011 Satchels of Caring Shows Cancer Patients They're Not Alone
Post-Gazette, Monday, May 23, 2011 Foundation's Satchels Carry Message of Hope to Cancer Patients
Pittsburgh Business Times, Friday, May 13, 2011 Click here to view the Bags, Bellinis & Brunch benefit photo featured in After Hours
Tribune-Review, Thursday, April 28, 2011 Satchels of Caring Shows Cancer Patients They're Not Alone
2011 PNC Community Caring Award, April 2011
President Heather Knuth receives award at the annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure Dinner
Congratulations to Heather!
At the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pittsburgh "A Celebration of the Promise" Dinner on April 27, 2011 hosted at the LeMont, Heather was presented with this award for her support of Komen and the breast cancer community.
Heather is one of the founders of the Satchels of Caring Foundation and breast cancer survivor. Her board of directors, volunteers, and her loving husband Kevin, were on hand to cheer her on.
She graciously thanked all of the partners, supporters, and helping hands who made this award possible for everyone involved.
See her picture in the Post-Gazette SEEN Column here!
Year in Review – 2010
The Satchels of Caring Foundation would like to thank everyone who helped make 2010 such a successful year!
The Satchels of Caring Foundation would like to thank everyone who helped make 2010 such a successful year!
As we look back at 2010, we would like to thank everyone who has volunteered, participated, sponsored and encouraged the Foundation in our efforts to support women with any type of cancer. Since our program began in 2003, we have distributed 5,285 satchels (including more than 1,000 in 2010) to area women undergoing chemotherapy. Our generous volunteers are involved in all stages of production—sorting and cutting fabric, sewing satchels, content preparation and filling satchels.
We are looking forward to another exciting year in 2011. For more information, to request a satchel, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 412-220-7822 or visit www.satchelsofcaring.org. Thanks for making a difference in our community, and we wish everyone a healthy New Year!
- Distribution Partners: All monies raised are used to fund the contents of the satchels, all of which are quality items either donated or purchased at favorable rates. We fill the satchels with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Center, Gilda’s Club, Hill House, Hillman Cancer Center, and to the following hospitals and facilities: Magee-Womens, West Penn, Allegheny General, St. Clair and UPMC North Hills Passavant. We also provide satchels, by request, to individual patients. Our county outreach program is operating in nine additional counties, touching the lives of women in Armstrong, Centre, Clearfield, Erie, Indiana, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties, and thanks to a partnership formed with Adagio Health, Inc, we will be serving Butler, Huntingdon and Greene counties in 2011.
- Recognition and Grants: Our Foundation has received grants and donations this year from the Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® (Komen), the Pittsburgh Gives Charitable Gift Card program, The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation, KMA & Associates, the Yates Fund for Cancer Hope, Centre City Tower management, the AseraCare Hospice Foundation, the BNY Mellon Community Partnership, and from a number of individuals. We are grateful for all of our supporters who participated in The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Day of Giving 2010. These donations received a 20% match from the Foundation. A special thank-you to Eileen Iorio for preparing and administering the annual Komen grant which is key to funding our activities. In May we received a Pink Ribbon Team Certificate from the CEO of Indiana Regional Medical Center. The certificate is given to those “who provide selfless time, talent, support and care to women diagnosed with breast cancer.” Our President-elect, Heather Knuth, was nominated by the Board and was chosen for the 2011 Women of Integrity award. The award is presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women to four regional business women who have balanced career and civic responsibility by mentoring others and supporting their communities. She was honored at a luncheon held on December 1. Congratulations, Heather
- Community Involvement: On December 17, our workspace at Centre City Tower was the scene of a Girl Scout sleepover. Cranberry Township Senior Troop 20520 worked late into the evening, donated supplies and cash, and glowed with holiday cheer. Two Community Action Days held on December 14 and December 16 with employees of BNY Mellon were one of the year’s highlights. Project leader Eileen Tenenbaum of BNY Mellon organized the event in which over 60 employees donated nearly 400 volunteer hours preparing hundreds of satchel contents. In conjunction with Komen, we hosted a group of 45 Girl Scouts and their moms on November 6. Sixteen school administrators from California volunteered their time and talent as a service project through Pittsburgh Cares, as did 12 members of the BNY Mellon Trust Company. The Cancer Program at St. Clair Hospital hosted a Community Action Day on September 18. Many thanks to Cindy Yates and her PPG group for making more than 200 satchel ID tags. And our favorite Eagle Scout, Alex Speidel, received a Cancer Control Merit Award from ACS for spearheading the male satchels pilot program.
- Fundraising Events: Our First Annual Bags, Bellinis and Brunch Fundraiser on April 18 was a huge success which raised over $5,500 for the Foundation. Peggy Finnegan, WPXI news anchor, served as honorary chair. In the fall we conducted a raffle during the CREW Pittsburgh Wine Tasting event, sold Macy’s Shop for a Cause passes, and participated in a Charity Gift Wrapping session at the South Hills Village Macy’s.
We are looking forward to another exciting year in 2011. For more information, to request a satchel, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 412-220-7822 or visit www.satchelsofcaring.org. Thanks for making a difference in our community, and we wish everyone a healthy New Year!
ACS Cancer Control Merit Award, December 2010
American Cancer Society selects Eagle Scout Alex Speidel to receive award for work developing male satchel.
American Cancer Society selects Eagle Scout Alex Speidel to receive award for work developing male satchel.
Congratulations Alex!
In recognition of his efforts and ingenuity in creating the male satchel program for the Satchels of Caring Foundation, Alex Speidel was selected to receive the 2009-2010 Cancer Control Merit Award from the American Cancer Society.
Comments from the Arnold Palmer Cancer Pavilion in Latrobe, PA (excerpted from the award application):
These amazing satchels go to our New Male Patients, or to existing male patients who have just completed a portion of their treatment regimen as a "milestone" type of gift. We also share the story of how these came to fruition, Alex Spiedel's unwavering dedication and desire to initiate and complete this project. What an amazing gift.
Alex is quite an amazing young man. He had a dream, he recognized a need, and he did not give up until he saw this through to completion.
The men are VERY touched that we now have something special and PRACTICAL for them. Alex really listened to our needs. When I spoke with him initially, I suggested a small accessories-type bag with socks, shaving cream, etc...but Alex took this to a higher level and incorporated even more into this project. What insight. I am telling you that it brings our male patients to tears when we share our story/Alex's story and give to each of them this very unique satchel.
Comments from the Arnold Palmer Cancer Pavilion in Latrobe, PA (excerpted from the award application):
These amazing satchels go to our New Male Patients, or to existing male patients who have just completed a portion of their treatment regimen as a "milestone" type of gift. We also share the story of how these came to fruition, Alex Spiedel's unwavering dedication and desire to initiate and complete this project. What an amazing gift.
Alex is quite an amazing young man. He had a dream, he recognized a need, and he did not give up until he saw this through to completion.
The men are VERY touched that we now have something special and PRACTICAL for them. Alex really listened to our needs. When I spoke with him initially, I suggested a small accessories-type bag with socks, shaving cream, etc...but Alex took this to a higher level and incorporated even more into this project. What insight. I am telling you that it brings our male patients to tears when we share our story/Alex's story and give to each of them this very unique satchel.
4th Quarter Update – 2010
The 4th Quarter has been a busy time for the Satchels of Caring Foundation! In October we again participated in the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Day of Giving. With their improved donation process this year, we received a great response along with matching funds for our donors’ contributions that day. We would like to thank everyone that made a donation.
Then in November, we hosted our second Girl Scout event of the year at Centre City Tower with over 30 participants. A representative from the Pittsburgh affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure began the day with a presentation on breast cancer awareness to help the girls earn their pink badges. They then went straight to work making satchel tags, tying ribbons, assembling satchels, cutting fabric and sewing buttons. The girls were so enthusiastic about helping that they elected to have an overnight sleepover at CCT in December, in lieu of their usual holiday party, where they will continue to work on the satchels while watching movies and eating pizza.
Also in November we successfully continued our efforts to meet our annual fundraising goal. Board members and volunteers organized the CREW Wine Tasting raffle, participated in a Charity Gift Wrapping session at the South Hills Village Macy’s, and received a donation from the annual KMA holiday party for a total of $1,500 in combined contributions.
Our last scheduled event for the year is a two-day BNY Mellon Volunteer Session on December 14th and 16th, where 60 of their employees will donate time and supplies to our program during the course of their workday. Through the outstanding organizational efforts of Eileen Tenenbaum, BNY Mellon Treasury Services Operations, the bank is also generously making a monetary donation for each employee that participates.
Finally, we are on track to reach our 2010 goal of distributing 1,000 satchels to 14 organizations and hospitals, covering nine different counties. This wouldn’t have been possible without all the support and gracious donations from our friends and volunteers, and we thank all of you for your help over the past year!
Then in November, we hosted our second Girl Scout event of the year at Centre City Tower with over 30 participants. A representative from the Pittsburgh affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure began the day with a presentation on breast cancer awareness to help the girls earn their pink badges. They then went straight to work making satchel tags, tying ribbons, assembling satchels, cutting fabric and sewing buttons. The girls were so enthusiastic about helping that they elected to have an overnight sleepover at CCT in December, in lieu of their usual holiday party, where they will continue to work on the satchels while watching movies and eating pizza.
Also in November we successfully continued our efforts to meet our annual fundraising goal. Board members and volunteers organized the CREW Wine Tasting raffle, participated in a Charity Gift Wrapping session at the South Hills Village Macy’s, and received a donation from the annual KMA holiday party for a total of $1,500 in combined contributions.
Our last scheduled event for the year is a two-day BNY Mellon Volunteer Session on December 14th and 16th, where 60 of their employees will donate time and supplies to our program during the course of their workday. Through the outstanding organizational efforts of Eileen Tenenbaum, BNY Mellon Treasury Services Operations, the bank is also generously making a monetary donation for each employee that participates.
Finally, we are on track to reach our 2010 goal of distributing 1,000 satchels to 14 organizations and hospitals, covering nine different counties. This wouldn’t have been possible without all the support and gracious donations from our friends and volunteers, and we thank all of you for your help over the past year!
2011 Women of Integrity Award, December 2010
Pittsburgh Professional Women selects board member Heather Knuth to receive distinguished award.
Pittsburgh Professional Women selects board member Heather Knuth to receive distinguished award.
Congratulations Heather!
The Satchels of Caring Foundation is excited to announce that board member Heather Knuth has been selected for the 2011 Women of Integrity award. The Women of Integrity award is presented by Pittsburgh Professional Women to four businesswomen in the Western Pennsylvania region each year. Awardees are women of distinction who have balanced career and civic responsibility and who share their success by mentoring others and supporting their communities. As you are all aware, Heather's tireless effort, caring, insight, and motivation have been a driving force behind our success and she is truly deserving of this recognition. She accepted her award on December 1st at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association in Oakland in front of family, friends, and guests. Please visit http://www.pittsburghprofessionalwomen.net for more information. We are truly proud of Heather and all her accomplishments!
Satchels of Caring Foundation and Alex Speidel appear in iN South Fayette community magazine, Summer 2010
IRMC Pink Ribbon Certificate,
May 2010
Satchels of Caring Foundation receives accolade from Indiana Regional Medical Center
May 2010
Satchels of Caring Foundation receives accolade from Indiana Regional Medical Center
Letter from Steve Wolfe, CEO of Indiana Regional Medical Center:
On behalf of Indiana Regional Medical Center, I would like to thank CREW and you for support that you have given to Birdie’s Closet, housed in the M Dorcas Clark MD Women’s Imaging Center, through the Satchels of Caring Project. The Satchels have become an integral part of a tangible spiritual resource component offered to women diagnosed with breast cancer in our women’s center. This year we are hoping to incorporate the satchel into an afternoon tea that involves relaxation, meditation, music and yoga for recently diagnosed patients.
When women visit Birdie’s Closet they are delighted to pick out a satchel that suits them best. Staff members also find themselves waiting eagerly to see what choice a woman will make, since it says a little more about her. Helpless spouses, family members or friends have visited the women’s center not knowing where to begin with support or how to help a loved one and the Satchel has given them an inroad to communicate and offer a loving touch and needed support.
Your efforts to keep this project growing are greatly appreciated. When IRMC first came on board, you were most gracious to work us into your geographical area. We feel that your project exceeds all expectation and truly adds to the uniqueness of our closet resources for cancer patients and families.
Please accept a Pink Ribbon Team Certificate from Indiana Regional Medical Center. This certificate is given by IRMC to individuals and groups who provide selfless time, talent, support, and care to women diagnosed with breast cancer.
When women visit Birdie’s Closet they are delighted to pick out a satchel that suits them best. Staff members also find themselves waiting eagerly to see what choice a woman will make, since it says a little more about her. Helpless spouses, family members or friends have visited the women’s center not knowing where to begin with support or how to help a loved one and the Satchel has given them an inroad to communicate and offer a loving touch and needed support.
Your efforts to keep this project growing are greatly appreciated. When IRMC first came on board, you were most gracious to work us into your geographical area. We feel that your project exceeds all expectation and truly adds to the uniqueness of our closet resources for cancer patients and families.
Please accept a Pink Ribbon Team Certificate from Indiana Regional Medical Center. This certificate is given by IRMC to individuals and groups who provide selfless time, talent, support, and care to women diagnosed with breast cancer.
2nd Quarter Update – 2010
Our 1st Annual Bags, Bellini’s and Brunch Fundraiser on April 18th was a huge success! All attendees enjoyed a scrumptious brunch prepared by Chef Charles of the Culinary Artists Gourmet Catering Group, a purse silent auction, and a heart-felt speech by our honorary chair, Peggy Finnegan, news anchor for WTAE. We exceeded our goal for this first-time event by raising over $5,500 for the Foundation! With that support and other generous grants, the Satchels of Caring Foundation is right on track to deliver another 1,000 satchels to women with cancer in 2010.
A Call for Support: We are in need of a few items to include in the satchels such as travel size lotions, all natural lip balms and journals. If anyone is interested in donating these items or has a contact of someone that may be able to donate them, we would sincerely appreciate your help.
A Call for Support: We are in need of a few items to include in the satchels such as travel size lotions, all natural lip balms and journals. If anyone is interested in donating these items or has a contact of someone that may be able to donate them, we would sincerely appreciate your help.
Satchels of Caring Foundation appears in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's SEEN, April 2010
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, April 2010
The Bags, Bellinis and Brunch event was held by the Satchels of Caring Foundation on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Chatham Village Clubhouse and raised $5,500 for the Foundation.
From left to right, Betsy Krichten - Foundation President and Event Co-Chair,
Peggy Finnegan - Honorary Chair, and
Leslie Waldron - Event Co-Chair.
From left to right, Betsy Krichten - Foundation President and Event Co-Chair,
Peggy Finnegan - Honorary Chair, and
Leslie Waldron - Event Co-Chair.
CREW Pittsburgh and CREW Pittsburgh Foundation Agree To Dissolve Formal Ties, January 2010
CREW Pittsburgh and CREW Pittsburgh Foundation have mutually agreed to end their seven-year association. The decision became effective on January 1, 2010; the Foundation’s proposal to separate was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of CREW Pittsburgh at a November meeting.
The Foundation will now be known as the Satchels of Caring Foundation.
“The strength of the Foundation has been the commitment of CREW members both physical and financial,” said Heather J. Knuth, Outreach Director of the Foundation. “We want all CREW members to know how important their participation has been, and we encourage their ongoing involvement.”
The approval by the CREW Pittsburgh Board is based in part on the results of a recent survey of the membership concerning the strategic goals and future direction of the chapter.
The separation will enable the Satchels of Caring Foundation to broaden its management team by reaching out to committed individuals who are not CREW Pittsburgh members and who have loyally supported the Foundation over the years. It will also enable CREW Pittsburgh to focus on its core mission of advancing and empowering women within the commercial real estate industry, and to concentrate its efforts and resources on programs like UCREW and CREW Careers.
We are proud of what we have accomplished together. We look forward to continued growth and success as we chart our new courses.
The Foundation will now be known as the Satchels of Caring Foundation.
“The strength of the Foundation has been the commitment of CREW members both physical and financial,” said Heather J. Knuth, Outreach Director of the Foundation. “We want all CREW members to know how important their participation has been, and we encourage their ongoing involvement.”
The approval by the CREW Pittsburgh Board is based in part on the results of a recent survey of the membership concerning the strategic goals and future direction of the chapter.
The separation will enable the Satchels of Caring Foundation to broaden its management team by reaching out to committed individuals who are not CREW Pittsburgh members and who have loyally supported the Foundation over the years. It will also enable CREW Pittsburgh to focus on its core mission of advancing and empowering women within the commercial real estate industry, and to concentrate its efforts and resources on programs like UCREW and CREW Careers.
We are proud of what we have accomplished together. We look forward to continued growth and success as we chart our new courses.
Year in Review – 2009
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation would like to thank everyone who made 2009 such a success for our charity.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation would like to thank everyone who made 2009 such a success for our charity.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation is now the Satchels of Caring Foundation. Spread the word! As we look back at 2009, we would like to thank everyone who has volunteered, participated, sponsored and encouraged the Foundation in our efforts to support women with any type of cancer through our Satchels of Caring Program. Since our program began in 2003, we have distributed 4,221 satchels to area women undergoing chemotherapy; our goal for 2010 is 1200 satchels. Our generous volunteers are involved in all stages of production—sorting and cutting fabric, sewing satchels, content preparation and filling satchels.
· Distribution Partners: One hundred percent of the monies we raise are used to fund the contents of the satchels, all of which are quality items either donated or purchased at favorable rates. We fill the satchels with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through the American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Center, Hillman Cancer Center, and to the following hospitals and facilities: Magee-Womens, West Penn, Allegheny General, St. Clair, UPMC Passavant and UPMC Natrona Heights. We also provide satchels, by request, to individual patients. Our satellite outreach program touches the lives of women in Centre, Clearfield, Indiana, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland Counties.
· Recognition and Awareness: The Satchels of Caring Program has received grants and donations during 2009 from the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen), the Pittsburgh Foundation Wish Book, the management of Centre City Tower (proceeds from a tenant event), loyal volunteers from BNY Mellon, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, KMA & Associates, the Yates-Fund for Cancer Hope and the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation. We were selected to participate in the Google Grants Program, which funded an in-kind online advertising account to assist with donations and volunteer recruitment. We are excited to be a charter member of The Pittsburgh Foundation’s new online charity database, PittsburghGives. It matches local charities with potential donors through the use of a detailed, searchable profile. And in our first venture into social media, the Foundation has posted a youtube video!
· Community Involvement: The Foundation, in conjunction with Komen, hosted a group of Girl Scouts (each of whom earned her pink ribbon badge) and their moms on each of two Community Action Days. Community events were held at the Indiana Regional Medical Center, where volunteers filled 100 satchels sewn by Indiana Helping Hands to distribute to area cancer patients, with Pittsburgh Cares, a local volunteer organization, and with Campus Cares, when we welcomed 10 Carnegie Mellon graduate students. Throughout the year we also participated in such events as Daffodil Days, the Komen Race for the Cure, Walk for the Whisper, the ACS Survivor Day Conference, the ACS Rock for the Cure, and a Gateway High School benefit dance for Komen. Senator Jane Orie continued her support of our mission by inviting us to participate at a Senior Expo in her district. On each such occasion, Board members make presentations, or host an information table aimed at educating the attendees about our activities, solicit volunteers, and promote cancer awareness. Thanks to the efforts of Alex Speidel, a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 2, we will soon have a male version of the Satchels of Caring Program, which will fill a need at the Cancer Caring Center and the Arnold Palmer Center in Westmoreland County.
· Fundraising and other Events: As a result of sponsorships, ticket sales, and an auction, the Seventh Annual Golf Outing, held in August, resulted in net proceeds for the Foundation of approximately $8,000. An auction conducted at a CREW Pittsburgh Wine Tasting event netted $830. We honored our volunteers and satchel recipients at Gilda’s Club during our fourth annual Celebration of Caring, featuring live performances by harpist Peter Sterling of Santa Monica, California.
We are looking forward to another busy and fulfilling year in 2010!
· Distribution Partners: One hundred percent of the monies we raise are used to fund the contents of the satchels, all of which are quality items either donated or purchased at favorable rates. We fill the satchels with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through the American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Center, Hillman Cancer Center, and to the following hospitals and facilities: Magee-Womens, West Penn, Allegheny General, St. Clair, UPMC Passavant and UPMC Natrona Heights. We also provide satchels, by request, to individual patients. Our satellite outreach program touches the lives of women in Centre, Clearfield, Indiana, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland Counties.
· Recognition and Awareness: The Satchels of Caring Program has received grants and donations during 2009 from the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen), the Pittsburgh Foundation Wish Book, the management of Centre City Tower (proceeds from a tenant event), loyal volunteers from BNY Mellon, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, KMA & Associates, the Yates-Fund for Cancer Hope and the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation. We were selected to participate in the Google Grants Program, which funded an in-kind online advertising account to assist with donations and volunteer recruitment. We are excited to be a charter member of The Pittsburgh Foundation’s new online charity database, PittsburghGives. It matches local charities with potential donors through the use of a detailed, searchable profile. And in our first venture into social media, the Foundation has posted a youtube video!
· Community Involvement: The Foundation, in conjunction with Komen, hosted a group of Girl Scouts (each of whom earned her pink ribbon badge) and their moms on each of two Community Action Days. Community events were held at the Indiana Regional Medical Center, where volunteers filled 100 satchels sewn by Indiana Helping Hands to distribute to area cancer patients, with Pittsburgh Cares, a local volunteer organization, and with Campus Cares, when we welcomed 10 Carnegie Mellon graduate students. Throughout the year we also participated in such events as Daffodil Days, the Komen Race for the Cure, Walk for the Whisper, the ACS Survivor Day Conference, the ACS Rock for the Cure, and a Gateway High School benefit dance for Komen. Senator Jane Orie continued her support of our mission by inviting us to participate at a Senior Expo in her district. On each such occasion, Board members make presentations, or host an information table aimed at educating the attendees about our activities, solicit volunteers, and promote cancer awareness. Thanks to the efforts of Alex Speidel, a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 2, we will soon have a male version of the Satchels of Caring Program, which will fill a need at the Cancer Caring Center and the Arnold Palmer Center in Westmoreland County.
· Fundraising and other Events: As a result of sponsorships, ticket sales, and an auction, the Seventh Annual Golf Outing, held in August, resulted in net proceeds for the Foundation of approximately $8,000. An auction conducted at a CREW Pittsburgh Wine Tasting event netted $830. We honored our volunteers and satchel recipients at Gilda’s Club during our fourth annual Celebration of Caring, featuring live performances by harpist Peter Sterling of Santa Monica, California.
We are looking forward to another busy and fulfilling year in 2010!
President's Volunteer
Service Award, May 2009
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation announces it has awarded its first volunteer with the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD to Natalie Weida, age 10, of Baldwin, PA.
Service Award, May 2009
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation announces it has awarded its first volunteer with the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD to Natalie Weida, age 10, of Baldwin, PA.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation Honors Volunteers with President’s Volunteer Service Award Award, a Prestigious National Honor for Volunteer Service
Pittsburgh, PA – CREW Pittsburgh Foundation today announced it has awarded its first volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.
Established in 2003, the Award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. As one of thousands of Certifying Organizations participating in the Award program, CREW Pittsburgh Foundation confers the award to recognize the outstanding achievements of its volunteers. Natalie Weida, age 10, has received the bronze level award recognizing her more than 50 hours of community service, and Virginia Weida has received the silver level award recognizing her more than 250 hours of community service in 2008.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 200 volunteers perform community service each year on behalf of the organization. Supporting women with all forms of cancer, CREW volunteers assist with the creation of “Satchels of Caring”, handmade fabric tote bags that include therapeutic and inspirational items that are distributed free-of-charge to women going through chemotherapy. Over 3000 Satchels have been distributed throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area since 2003. Volunteers include CREW Pittsburgh members and friends, local area middle and high schools, some local colleges, and even recipients of the Satchels that want to give back, among others.
“In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps, and called on every American to make a lifelong commitment to volunteer service. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals and families who have answered that call,” said Georgine Golitko, Treasurer of CREW Pittsburgh Foundation.
“America’s volunteers work to make our communities stronger and safer. As a Certifying Organization for the Award program, CREW Pittsburgh Foundation is proud to be aligned with this prestigious volunteer award, and we are especially proud of our volunteers who have made volunteer service a central part of their lives.”
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an award for volunteer service that every American – from every age and every walk of life – can aspire to achieve. To be eligible to receive the Award, individuals, families and groups submit a record of their annual volunteer service hours to participating Certifying Organizations, such as CREW Pittsburgh Foundation, that will verify the service and deliver the Award. Award eligibility for individuals and groups is based on hour requirements varying by age.
“These recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award are role models for all Americans,” Georgine said. “Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering. Volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a Nation, through their commitment.”
The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group created by President Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making to our Nation. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofits and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteering.
For more information about how to qualify for the President’s Volunteer Service Award and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.
Established in 2003, the Award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. As one of thousands of Certifying Organizations participating in the Award program, CREW Pittsburgh Foundation confers the award to recognize the outstanding achievements of its volunteers. Natalie Weida, age 10, has received the bronze level award recognizing her more than 50 hours of community service, and Virginia Weida has received the silver level award recognizing her more than 250 hours of community service in 2008.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 200 volunteers perform community service each year on behalf of the organization. Supporting women with all forms of cancer, CREW volunteers assist with the creation of “Satchels of Caring”, handmade fabric tote bags that include therapeutic and inspirational items that are distributed free-of-charge to women going through chemotherapy. Over 3000 Satchels have been distributed throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area since 2003. Volunteers include CREW Pittsburgh members and friends, local area middle and high schools, some local colleges, and even recipients of the Satchels that want to give back, among others.
“In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps, and called on every American to make a lifelong commitment to volunteer service. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals and families who have answered that call,” said Georgine Golitko, Treasurer of CREW Pittsburgh Foundation.
“America’s volunteers work to make our communities stronger and safer. As a Certifying Organization for the Award program, CREW Pittsburgh Foundation is proud to be aligned with this prestigious volunteer award, and we are especially proud of our volunteers who have made volunteer service a central part of their lives.”
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is an award for volunteer service that every American – from every age and every walk of life – can aspire to achieve. To be eligible to receive the Award, individuals, families and groups submit a record of their annual volunteer service hours to participating Certifying Organizations, such as CREW Pittsburgh Foundation, that will verify the service and deliver the Award. Award eligibility for individuals and groups is based on hour requirements varying by age.
“These recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award are role models for all Americans,” Georgine said. “Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering. Volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a Nation, through their commitment.”
The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group created by President Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making to our Nation. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofits and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteering.
For more information about how to qualify for the President’s Volunteer Service Award and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation in Whirl Magazine, February 2009
Whirl Magazine, February 2009
Foundation President Betsy Krichten appeared in the February 2009 issue of Whirl Magazine, Pittsburgh’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine. Betsy and Maureen Murray, of Maureen Murray Associates, are pictured with award-winning harpist Peter Sterling at the CREW Celebration of Caring on November 8th at Gilda’s Club in Pittsburgh.
Year in Review – 2008
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation would like to thank everyone who made 2008 such a success for our charity.
As we look back at 2008, we would like to thank everyone who has volunteered, participated, sponsored and encouraged the CREW Pittsburgh Foundation in our efforts to support women with any type of cancer through our Satchels of Caring Program. Our national organization, CREW Network, is one of the first professional groups of its kind to create a philanthropic service branch, and we are gratified by the success of our efforts locally. Since our program began in 2003, we have distributed more than 3,200 satchels to area women undergoing chemotherapy; our goal for 2009 is at least 1,000 satchels. Our generous volunteers are involved in all stages of production—sorting and cutting fabric, sewing satchels, content preparation and filling satchels. Whether you have just learned of our program, or have been a CREW supporter for years, you might be interested in knowing more about the Foundation:
• Distribution Partners: One hundred percent of the monies we raise are used to fund the contents of the satchels, all of which are quality items either donated or purchased at favorable rates. We fill the satchels with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through the American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Hospital, St. Clair Hospital, and, by request, to individual patients.
• Recognition: North Hills Junior High School, a participant in our program, received a citation for its efforts from Senator Jane Orie. Ingomar Middle School’s principal won the 2008 Bob D. Schiller Memorial Cancer Research and Support Award. A journal drive by a Mt. Lebanon Girl Scout troop earned them the Silver Award from the Girl Scouts of America. The Satchels of Caring Program has received grants and donations during 2008 from the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen), the Pittsburgh Foundation Wish Book, the HPC Foundation for Hospice, and the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation, as well as an Ortho Biotech sponsorship grant.
• Community Involvement: Through the assistance of a network of volunteers known as “helping hands” we sponsored a successful Community Action Day with approximately 100 Girl Scouts and their moms at Gilda’s Club. They prepared contents for the 600 satchels delivered to Komen in 2008. Other Community Action Days were held in conjunction with Komen, and with Pittsburgh Cares, a local volunteer organization, as part of its Hands on Pittsburgh 2008 service days. Throughout the year we also participated in such local events as Daffodil Days, the Komen Race for the Cure, Walk for the Whisper, the ACS Survivor Day, a health fair sponsored by Centre City Tower in downtown Pittsburgh, two teas in Hermitage, Mercer County which educated women about environmental factors contributing to cancer, the Celebration of Learning at North Hills Junior High, and Teacher In-Service Days conducted by the Clairton and Thomas Jefferson school districts. During these events Board members have made presentations and/or hosted an information table aimed at educating the attendees about our activities and encouraging volunteerism. Two of our Board members, Heather Knuth and Virginia Weida, appeared on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live television show hosted by Kristine Sorensen. In 2008 we also began expanding our program to the neighboring counties of Washington, Butler, Centre, Clearfield, Erie, Indiana, Mercer and Westmoreland counties. We established relationships with patient navigators who will be encouraged to eventually assume responsibility for these satellite programs.
•Fundraising and other Events: As a result of sponsorships, ticket sales, and an auction, the Sixth Annual Golf Outing, held in September, resulted in net proceeds for the Foundation of more than $20,000. In November 2008 we honored our volunteers and satchel recipients at Gilda’s Club at our third annual Celebration of Caring, featuring live performances by harpist Peter Sterling of Santa Monica, California.
• Distribution Partners: One hundred percent of the monies we raise are used to fund the contents of the satchels, all of which are quality items either donated or purchased at favorable rates. We fill the satchels with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through the American Cancer Society’s (ACS’s) Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Center, Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Hospital, St. Clair Hospital, and, by request, to individual patients.
• Recognition: North Hills Junior High School, a participant in our program, received a citation for its efforts from Senator Jane Orie. Ingomar Middle School’s principal won the 2008 Bob D. Schiller Memorial Cancer Research and Support Award. A journal drive by a Mt. Lebanon Girl Scout troop earned them the Silver Award from the Girl Scouts of America. The Satchels of Caring Program has received grants and donations during 2008 from the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen), the Pittsburgh Foundation Wish Book, the HPC Foundation for Hospice, and the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation, as well as an Ortho Biotech sponsorship grant.
• Community Involvement: Through the assistance of a network of volunteers known as “helping hands” we sponsored a successful Community Action Day with approximately 100 Girl Scouts and their moms at Gilda’s Club. They prepared contents for the 600 satchels delivered to Komen in 2008. Other Community Action Days were held in conjunction with Komen, and with Pittsburgh Cares, a local volunteer organization, as part of its Hands on Pittsburgh 2008 service days. Throughout the year we also participated in such local events as Daffodil Days, the Komen Race for the Cure, Walk for the Whisper, the ACS Survivor Day, a health fair sponsored by Centre City Tower in downtown Pittsburgh, two teas in Hermitage, Mercer County which educated women about environmental factors contributing to cancer, the Celebration of Learning at North Hills Junior High, and Teacher In-Service Days conducted by the Clairton and Thomas Jefferson school districts. During these events Board members have made presentations and/or hosted an information table aimed at educating the attendees about our activities and encouraging volunteerism. Two of our Board members, Heather Knuth and Virginia Weida, appeared on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live television show hosted by Kristine Sorensen. In 2008 we also began expanding our program to the neighboring counties of Washington, Butler, Centre, Clearfield, Erie, Indiana, Mercer and Westmoreland counties. We established relationships with patient navigators who will be encouraged to eventually assume responsibility for these satellite programs.
•Fundraising and other Events: As a result of sponsorships, ticket sales, and an auction, the Sixth Annual Golf Outing, held in September, resulted in net proceeds for the Foundation of more than $20,000. In November 2008 we honored our volunteers and satchel recipients at Gilda’s Club at our third annual Celebration of Caring, featuring live performances by harpist Peter Sterling of Santa Monica, California.
2008 Bob D. Schiller Memorial Cancer Research and Support Award
Tammy A. Andreyko, principal of Ingomar Middle School, was selected to receive this award for the school's participation as "Helping Hands" for the Satchels of Caring Program.
Tammy A. Andreyko, principal of Ingomar Middle School, was selected to receive this award for the school's participation as "Helping Hands" for the Satchels of Caring Program.
Tammy A. Andreyko, principal of Ingomar Middle School in the North Allegheny School District, was selected to receive the 2008 Bob D. Schiller Memorial Cancer Research and Support Award (sponsored by Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.) for the Satchels of Caring program.
This award is presented to schools and principals who have promoted programs that support cancer research or survivors of cancer.
Satchels of Caring—The eighth-grade students of Ingomar Middle School were the first students in the Pittsburgh region to pursue participation in the “Helping Hands” service learning sewing project as part of the Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum. For the last four years, students have been sewing “Satchels of Caring” bags for a project sponsored by the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Pittsburgh Foundation. CREW has been committed to support women with cancer in the Greater Pittsburgh area since 2003. CREW representatives assemble the fabric kits for the bags. The kits are then sewn using a student-created assembly line process and embellished by the students with buttons sewn on by hand to create unique shoulder-bag satchels. After they are sewn, they are returned to CREW to be filled and distributed to women undergoing chemotherapy and through Cancer Caring Centers, Hillman Center, Gilda’s House and the American Cancer Society.
This award is presented to schools and principals who have promoted programs that support cancer research or survivors of cancer.
Satchels of Caring—The eighth-grade students of Ingomar Middle School were the first students in the Pittsburgh region to pursue participation in the “Helping Hands” service learning sewing project as part of the Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum. For the last four years, students have been sewing “Satchels of Caring” bags for a project sponsored by the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Pittsburgh Foundation. CREW has been committed to support women with cancer in the Greater Pittsburgh area since 2003. CREW representatives assemble the fabric kits for the bags. The kits are then sewn using a student-created assembly line process and embellished by the students with buttons sewn on by hand to create unique shoulder-bag satchels. After they are sewn, they are returned to CREW to be filled and distributed to women undergoing chemotherapy and through Cancer Caring Centers, Hillman Center, Gilda’s House and the American Cancer Society.
Talk cheap, Help isn't
June 2008
June 2008
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, published June 12, 2008:
Talk may be cheap, but for The Mad Gabbers, it is also productive.
This girls' after-school discussion group at South Allegheny High School made 12 satchels for female cancer victims while -- what else? -- gabbing. The satchels, to be filled with head scarves and inspirational readings, are for "Satchels of Caring," a charity of the non-profit, Commercial Real Estate Women - Pittsburgh.
"The beauty of our program is the `circle of giving'," said Virginia Weida, of Baldwin Borough, a CREW director.
The satchels, measuring 13 inches by 15 inches and fashioned from donated materials, are distributed through the American Cancer Society. Since 2003, CREW Pittsburgh has helped make 2,100 satchels.
Teacher Terri Mitchell said the project "teaches the girls about doing something for other people, and they get to spend time with other girls."
To volunteer, call 412-201-2664.
Talk may be cheap, but for The Mad Gabbers, it is also productive.
This girls' after-school discussion group at South Allegheny High School made 12 satchels for female cancer victims while -- what else? -- gabbing. The satchels, to be filled with head scarves and inspirational readings, are for "Satchels of Caring," a charity of the non-profit, Commercial Real Estate Women - Pittsburgh.
"The beauty of our program is the `circle of giving'," said Virginia Weida, of Baldwin Borough, a CREW director.
The satchels, measuring 13 inches by 15 inches and fashioned from donated materials, are distributed through the American Cancer Society. Since 2003, CREW Pittsburgh has helped make 2,100 satchels.
Teacher Terri Mitchell said the project "teaches the girls about doing something for other people, and they get to spend time with other girls."
To volunteer, call 412-201-2664.
President's Volunteer
Service Award
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation is proud to announce the availability of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD.
Service Award
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation is proud to announce the availability of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation has a long proud history of volunteer service. In recognition of these outstanding achievements, CREW Pittsburgh Foundation is proud to announce the availability of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment. Established in 2003, this new AWARD is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation has teamed with hundreds of organizations and businesses across the country to deliver this Award to our most outstanding volunteers. As a Certifying Organization of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, we can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the AWARD criteria.
Children, adults, families and groups can receive the AWARD and, given their ongoing service activity, many of our volunteers may already meet the requirements (see sidebar). To qualify for the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, volunteers simply submit a record of their service hours to Georgine Golitko, Treasurer and we will verify the service and deliver the AWARD. Volunteer service hours are not limited to those performed on behalf of CREW. In fact, service hours can be accumulated through work on a variety of projects throughout the year. The only requirement is that the necessary hours be completed within12 months; recipients can qualify for a new AWARD each year.
The PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation – created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation. To learn more and find out how to qualify for the AWARD, contact Georgine, our AWARD administrator, or visit http://www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov.
To be eligible to receive the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, applicants' service hours must be confirmed by a registered Certifying Organization. There are three levels of the AWARD varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period:
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation has teamed with hundreds of organizations and businesses across the country to deliver this Award to our most outstanding volunteers. As a Certifying Organization of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, we can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the AWARD criteria.
Children, adults, families and groups can receive the AWARD and, given their ongoing service activity, many of our volunteers may already meet the requirements (see sidebar). To qualify for the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, volunteers simply submit a record of their service hours to Georgine Golitko, Treasurer and we will verify the service and deliver the AWARD. Volunteer service hours are not limited to those performed on behalf of CREW. In fact, service hours can be accumulated through work on a variety of projects throughout the year. The only requirement is that the necessary hours be completed within12 months; recipients can qualify for a new AWARD each year.
The PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation – created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation. To learn more and find out how to qualify for the AWARD, contact Georgine, our AWARD administrator, or visit http://www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov.
To be eligible to receive the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, applicants' service hours must be confirmed by a registered Certifying Organization. There are three levels of the AWARD varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period:
Kids - 14 and younger
Bronze Award 50 - 74 hours
Silver Award 75 - 99 hours
Gold Award 100 or more hours
Bronze Award 50 - 74 hours
Silver Award 75 - 99 hours
Gold Award 100 or more hours
Young Adults - Ages 15 - 25
Bronze Award 100 - 174 hours
Silver Award 175 - 249 hours
Gold Award 250 or more hours
Bronze Award 100 - 174 hours
Silver Award 175 - 249 hours
Gold Award 250 or more hours
Adults - Ages 26 and up
Bronze Award 100 - 249 hours
Silver Award 250 - 499 hours
Gold Award 500 or more hours
Bronze Award 100 - 249 hours
Silver Award 250 - 499 hours
Gold Award 500 or more hours
Families and Groups (two or more people)*
Bronze Award 200 - 499 hours
Silver Award 500 - 999 hours
Gold Award 1,000 or more hours
*Each member contributing at least 25 hours towards the total
Bronze Award 200 - 499 hours
Silver Award 500 - 999 hours
Gold Award 1,000 or more hours
*Each member contributing at least 25 hours towards the total
Year in Review - 2007
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation would like to thank everyone who made 2007 such a success for our charity.
CREW Pittsburgh Foundation would like to thank everyone who made 2007 such a success for our charity.
As 2007 is quickly drawing to a close, the CREW Charity Committee would like to thank everyone who has volunteered, participated, sponsored, & encouraged the CREW Pittsburgh Foundation in our efforts to support women going through chemotherapy. Our national organization, CREW Network, is one of the first professional groups of its kind to create a national philanthropic effort, and we are thrilled with the success of our local efforts to make a difference locally in the lives of women.
Our charity outreach programs focus on supporting women with any type of cancer, including encouraging participation in Daffodil Days, Race for the Cure, Walk for the Whisper, Survivor Day, Relay for Life, and our own Satchels of Caring program. The Satchels of Caring Program is a true community effort. Since the program began in 2003, we have distributed more than 1,400 Satchels to area women undergoing chemotherapy for any type of cancer, and we are on track to distribute another 800+ satchels this year alone! Whether you have just learned of our program, or have been a CREW member for years, we thought that you may be interested to know more about our process:
· Production: Our Satchels of Caring are created as a kit by volunteers using donated materials and trims, and then sewn by area middle and high schools, colleges, local groups, and individual volunteers. Through this program, CREW Charity Committee members are able to visit the schools and mentor young women (and men) to the importance of giving back to their community as well as raising awareness of possible careers in real estate.
· Distribution: The funds we raise go towards the contents of the Satchels, which are quality items that we get at below market rates and in-total cost us around $25-$30 for each Satchel. We fill the Satchels created by the students with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through ACS’s Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Centers, Hillman, Magee, Gilda’s Club, and also direct distribution which we call CREW2CREW.
· Recognition: Our program gained national recognition in 2005 by winning the CREW Network Community Award. Two participating schools in our program have gained state recognition and grant money, with the most recent award a citation from Senator Jane Orie. Our program has also gained local recognition in 2006 and 2007 by receiving grants from both the Komen Race for the Cure Pittsburgh Office and the Pittsburgh Foundation.
· Community Involvement: Through our distribution channels, we have found many “helping hands” along the way to help us spread the word about our program. This year we had two large Community Action Days with the Girl Scouts at Gilda’s Club, organized by Komen Race for the Cure Pittsburgh Office to help area Girl Scouts earn their pink ribbon badges. CREW committee members were joined by over 170 girls and 60 moms over the two days to work on tasks for our Satchel program. We also had successful Community Action Days at La Roche College in January, and St. Clair Hospital in October. Throughout the year we also participated in many local events including: Survivor’s Day, Relay for Life, Macy’s Shop for a Cause, Station Square Healthy Works Fair, South Hills Interact Conference, Skate for the Cure at RMU Sports Center, and Dance for the Cure at Gateway School District.
· Events: Our Second Annual Celebration for Caring, featuring the harp music of Peter Sterling, was held in May. From our sponsorships, ticket sales, and auctions, we raised over $4,000 or contents for another 160 Satchels! The Fifth Annual Golf Outing was held in October, and all together we made over $16,000 for the CREW Pittsburgh Foundation (almost double last year’s amount, WOW!).
Our charity outreach programs focus on supporting women with any type of cancer, including encouraging participation in Daffodil Days, Race for the Cure, Walk for the Whisper, Survivor Day, Relay for Life, and our own Satchels of Caring program. The Satchels of Caring Program is a true community effort. Since the program began in 2003, we have distributed more than 1,400 Satchels to area women undergoing chemotherapy for any type of cancer, and we are on track to distribute another 800+ satchels this year alone! Whether you have just learned of our program, or have been a CREW member for years, we thought that you may be interested to know more about our process:
· Production: Our Satchels of Caring are created as a kit by volunteers using donated materials and trims, and then sewn by area middle and high schools, colleges, local groups, and individual volunteers. Through this program, CREW Charity Committee members are able to visit the schools and mentor young women (and men) to the importance of giving back to their community as well as raising awareness of possible careers in real estate.
· Distribution: The funds we raise go towards the contents of the Satchels, which are quality items that we get at below market rates and in-total cost us around $25-$30 for each Satchel. We fill the Satchels created by the students with therapeutic and inspirational contents, and then distribute them through ACS’s Look Good Feel Better program, Cancer Caring Centers, Hillman, Magee, Gilda’s Club, and also direct distribution which we call CREW2CREW.
· Recognition: Our program gained national recognition in 2005 by winning the CREW Network Community Award. Two participating schools in our program have gained state recognition and grant money, with the most recent award a citation from Senator Jane Orie. Our program has also gained local recognition in 2006 and 2007 by receiving grants from both the Komen Race for the Cure Pittsburgh Office and the Pittsburgh Foundation.
· Community Involvement: Through our distribution channels, we have found many “helping hands” along the way to help us spread the word about our program. This year we had two large Community Action Days with the Girl Scouts at Gilda’s Club, organized by Komen Race for the Cure Pittsburgh Office to help area Girl Scouts earn their pink ribbon badges. CREW committee members were joined by over 170 girls and 60 moms over the two days to work on tasks for our Satchel program. We also had successful Community Action Days at La Roche College in January, and St. Clair Hospital in October. Throughout the year we also participated in many local events including: Survivor’s Day, Relay for Life, Macy’s Shop for a Cause, Station Square Healthy Works Fair, South Hills Interact Conference, Skate for the Cure at RMU Sports Center, and Dance for the Cure at Gateway School District.
· Events: Our Second Annual Celebration for Caring, featuring the harp music of Peter Sterling, was held in May. From our sponsorships, ticket sales, and auctions, we raised over $4,000 or contents for another 160 Satchels! The Fifth Annual Golf Outing was held in October, and all together we made over $16,000 for the CREW Pittsburgh Foundation (almost double last year’s amount, WOW!).