The Arc of Utah
!!!
Hi all, Just wanted to let you know how the gift box went. We are still helping select situations thru January 15th, so these figures will be a little low.
Sponsored individuals, 439
Emergency Day individuals- 378
For a grand total of 817 to date!!!! The most we have done before is 500...
The success of The Gift Box has been the passion of a few individuals and a ton of help from the volunteers, donors and media. Without thtem, it could not have happened!
One of the shining stars of the show donor wise for the 3rd year in a row was Chelsea Charities, see there web site www.chelseascharities.com. Christa Eskelson and her adorable daughters came to the office several times and their family adopted over a hundred individuals that they spread out amongst family and friends. Christa and her family devoted their lives, literally, to the people we all are serving and we will never be able to tell you all how much they are appreciated. Having their great contact with Channel 2, The Arc received huge support true their coverage.
Another shining star that made this volume possible was the donation of the great building, the utilities and even an air card so we could have internet from the Daniel C. Griffy family. Their family donated many hours to moving things, sorting things and general support in addition to a generous financial donation.
The Gift Box was run this year 100% by volunteers!!! The Arc had laid off all staff 3 months ago, so volunteer efforts drove it. Joyce Whalen stepping in and organizing and managing it made serving this many people possible. She rocks!!!!
Without the help of many others it could not have happened. Listing everyone is not possible, so I will do my best to acquaint you with some of the individuals:
I may miss some, but bear with me, we have put in about 60 hours per week for three months and Joyce and I are zombies:
we had 3 that we gave gift cards to this morning (Christmas morning)!!! And Joyce Whalen spent a good portion of her Christmas Eve Day with families that still needed help.It has been awesome!! We were able to help with some Questar gas and gave away 2 wheelchairs.We have some others that we will be helping over the next few weeks.
I want to give special kudos to Doug Bull, a member of the Arc Board for his huge help as a site volunteer!!! and Denise Roberts for a financial donation. Wish more of you would have been able to experience the joy we felt seeing these families truly grateful.
Special thanks go out to people who worked super hard to make this happen. Dan Griffey and Family, North Eastern Services, Vicki Clayson, Workforce Services-members, Nonie Langcaster, Board member- Doug Bull, Brian Carlson from Channel 4 (did two live shows and numerous spots) Gene Kennedy from Channel 5 (did numerous on site interviews) Erika from America First Credit Union, and tons of sponsors and many many others.......approximately 2500 hours of volunteer time made this happen.
Thanks for your part in making this holiday season joyous for so many...
Thanks again and bless you all in this holiday season
Kathy Scott, Executive Director, The Arc of Utah
Call 801-654-8449 for information.
Thanks for all of your support over the years.
donations are no longer being accepted-please ignore this link!
Here is a Legislative wrap -up for the 2008 session :
2008 General Session Final.doc
donations are no longer being accepted-please ignore this link!
