Non-Profit

Copyright © Margaret Michaels 2008 All rights reserved
No part of this copy may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author.

Client:  Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Business:  Fund-raising organization
Project:  Direct-mail request for donations and announcement of matched funds

A Perfect Match
Your gift and the Save America Treasures Grant

Imagine the endless ripples from gentle raindrops on the glassy surface of a still pond.  That's exactly the far-reaching affect and power of multiplication that your gift to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation will command.  Save America Treasures is willing to match every dollar that you contribute.

Dollar for dollar, this generous grant will match donations to a combined total of $150,000.  With this funding, the foundation will be able to complete the Building Condition Assessment document that chronicles the design, construction, and modification of every structure on the Taliesin West site.  Of course, these detailed historical records are critical to future preservation and restoration.

However, the most exciting aspect of this detailed documentation is the virtually unlimited doors of opportunity it opens for additional grants and financial support.

Why is this expensive and time-consuming process even necessary?  Construction of Taliesin West by Wright's young apprentices began as early as 1937. Additions and rebuilding that reflected the community's evolving needs stretched over Wright's lifetime and beyond.  Because Frank Lloyd Wright viewed Taliesin West as a work in progress, his records for this beloved "winter retreat" were not as thorough as they would have been for a finished residence.

Your support of this phenomenal matching-grant opportunity will ensure the documentation of a major element in the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy.  Your generosity will touch the lives of thousands of national and international visitors to Taliesin West through countless generations.  Even more importantly, your gift will assure that Wright's cherished desert masterpiece will endure in its purest form.

Client:  Arizona Head Start Association
Business:  Network of Arizona Head Start Agencies and Leaders
Project:  Excerpts from Annual Report

Head Start makes a world of difference 

For more than 40 years, Head Start programs have been promoting readiness for a successful school experience but also providing comprehensive health, nutritional, social, and other related services to enrolled children and families. In 1995 Early Head Start expanded this national program even further, serving children from birth to age three as well as pregnant women.

Working together for Arizona's children and families

As a national, multi-faceted program focused on the needs of low-income families, Head Start depends upon each state for effective leadership. Arizona's Head Start State Collaboration Office under the Governor's Office for Children, Youth & Families depends upon the strength, influence, and advocacy of the Arizona Head Start Association (AHSA) in unifying scores of Head Start agencies and programs. With a volunteer Board of Directors and five committees that reflect core goals and values, AHSA diligently works to integrate and coordinate this network of services for an efficient, seamless system of care delivery. 

ASHA makes it possible for program and policy developments that affect Head Start families and organizations to be considered in an atmosphere of inclusive leadership, valued diversity and common goals. As a liaison to the entire early childhood community, AHSA relies on internal and external collaboration to enhance and improve comprehensive services for children and families.

Introducing Arizona Head Start Association Officers

Sonya Montoya, President

As a "Head Start graduate," I know first-hand what a strong foundation these programs can give a child. Today, the staff and parents "back home" constantly remind me of the importance of AHSA in advocating for their needs and forming relationships that further their work. "People meeting people" is our greatest value, because working in isolation is no longer effective. Success in this challenging environment demands that we open every door and work together for stronger leadership. AHSA dramatically expands the opportunities for personal and professional growth, thanks to the vision of our founding members. Our committee chairs are program managers who are developing their leadership skills in new and exciting ways. Meetings and trainings strengthen staff and partnering skill sets that carry over to daily work environments. Behind scheduled meetings are a steady stream of phone calls and e-mails that say, "Have you heard about this?" or "I want to be involved." AHSA is an organization of passion, strength, and intelligence where people come together to learn, advocate, serve, and share. 

Melanie O'Neil, Vice-President

My involvement with Head Start over the past 25 years has been truly life-changing. Not only did both of my adopted daughters attend Head Start, my career path and higher education benefited from Head Start's outstanding opportunities for advancement and professional growth. Hiring in as a health aide in 1980, I now serve as the CEO of a Head Start agency and hold credentials that include a two-year certificate in early education, a bachelor's degree in business management, a master's degree in early childhood special education, and a UCLA Head Start Management Fellowship. Over the years, I have seen the tremendous value that AHSA brings Arizona's Head Start community—from fellowship and peer sharing to affordable training, constant program updates, and advocacy on every level. The needs and issues of Head Start remain "at the table" in Arizona largely through AHSA strategies. Other points of pride include our quarterly Board of Director's meetings that are now open to the public, our ability to meet outcomes in spite of staff shortages and budget cuts, the formulation and realization of our strategic plans, and the relationship that AHSA has built with Arizona's Head Start State Collaboration Office. 

Natalie Alvarez, Secretary

My first experience with Head Start was in the role of parent, and I love the value that Head Start places on parental involvement and volunteerism. Both of my children attended Head Start and not only succeeded in school but qualified for gifted programs. Through the years, I have been active on all Head Start governing boards and served as an assistant teacher and later as a teacher. As today's director of the Greater Phoenix Urban League Head Start, I see so many ways that we are making a positive difference in the lives of children and families. Just one of our recent special programs, Literacy Night, met the dual goal of involving dads and placing more than 2,000 books in the hands of Phoenix children. The positive impact of AHSA in assisting each Head Start agency and program to succeed can't be overstated. Combining long-term members with fresh new voices, AHSA promotes a constant stream of communication in a non-competitive atmosphere of sharing, friendship, and collaboration. Agency directors are able to bond and share ideas that can be amplified, empowered, and turned into advocacy. Grants and other opportunities are possible through AHSA advocacy, including years of committee work and documentation preparation that went into Arizona's support of the 2007 federal reauthorization of Head Start. 

Seobaughn Arambula, Treasurer

I am most excited about AHSA's current status of growth and transformation. We are reaching out to new members in Tribal programs as well as to supporters and partners of Head Start, opening windows of dialog across the state and creating a unified voice. AHSA membership makes it possible for Head Start representatives to interface with state workgroups and committees that deal directly with children's issues. They have a chance to become involved with the local groups formed through Arizona Early Education Funding from Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano's Office. These hands-on groups will combine with regional councils and continue to work under First Things First umbrella, led by the state's Early Childhood Development and Health Board. The Arizona Head Start State Collaboration Office funds, empowers, and supports AHSA, including assurance that we are seated on important groups. An important future focus will be strengthening our fiscal base through grant awards, fund-raising activities, and corporate sponsorship. We want to expand the opportunities for Head Start people to work closely with those outside of the Head Start arena who share the mission of serving Arizona children and families. AHSA has already been quick to respond and build essential relationships with Arizona's higher education system to meet the new federal mandates for professional staff advancement. This is truly an exciting time to be involved in early childhood education, but we can only change lives by working together—not in silos—and keeping our eyes on the bigger picture!

Client:  Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation
Business:  Fund-raising foundation for healthcare system
Project:  Copy for request for financial donations

Who would have guessed that a gift to Scottsdale Healthcare would be one of your smartest financial moves?

Sure, it feels good to know that your valuable gift will be helping Scottsdale Healthcare continue our tradition of exceptional, personalized medical care. But we wanted you to be able to take our appreciation to the bank! That's why Scottsdale Healthcare is so excited to offer the financial advantages of charitable gift annuities.

Your generous contribution can earn up to 11.5 percent in dividends each year while it gives you the benefit of a substantial tax deduction. Imagine a source of income that doesn't fall prey to the roller-coaster fluctuations of a volatile stock market—with a higher return than many of the currently available dividends and interest rates.

Client: VistaCare Foundation
Business:  Non-profit support for hospice care
Project:  Excerpts from newsletter sent to current and past donors

Hoe-Down Raises Money and Honors Patient

In true Texas spirit, Tammie Ware and Michelle Madry planned and coordinated the 2nd Annual VistaCare Hoe-Down on October 14, 2003. Both Tammie and Michelle serve as VistaCare Directors of Professional Relations in Lubbock, Texas, where the hoe-down was held. The private party facility of Inside 4 Bar K provided the Western theme for this well-attended event that drew 200 attendees. In addition to enjoying a live band and a delicious barbecue dinner, guests were able to shake hands with several celebrity sports figures. VistaCare Foundation spokesman and baseball hall-of-famer Harmon Killebrew was on hand to sign autographs. Joining him were Texas Tech football players Ryan Aycock, Mike Smith, and Wes Welker as well as Texas Rangers baseball player Laynce Nix.

Beyond raising funds for the VistaCare Foundation, the annual hoe-down honors one of the hospice patients. Tammie explained, "Every staff member had a chance to select our honoree. We work with so many wonderful people, and in a very real sense the hoe-down honors every VistaCare hospice patient. For this special event, we wanted to focus on a patient who reflects the spirit of hospice in warmth, kindness, and caring." One of the high moments of the evening was the presentation of the plaque that dedicated the 2003 Hoe-Down for Hospice to Gary Kenneda. Nearly 15 of Gary's close family members were able to attend the event, along with his hospice medical director.

Tammie and Michelle sought out the support of the community to ensure that the VistaCare Foundation would reap the greatest possible benefit from the fund-raiser. The charge for the venue and fees for media advertising were all donations, and several sponsors defrayed the operational costs. Ticket sales, a silent auction, and raffle tickets boosted the final tally to more than $7,500. Tammie credits a cooperative effort for the grand success, "Our staff sold event tickets, solicited sponsors, and approached vendors about contributing door prizes. The success of the evening has to be shared by all the generous VistaCare employees who were willing to lend a hand."

Wishes Can Come True!

Sam Valdez was surprised last summer when his brother Mike called to ask about the one place that he would most like to visit. Thanks to financial help from the VistaCare Foundation, Mike was able to plan one last vacation with Sam to one of the world's most breathtaking destinations—Yellowstone National Park. In Sam's words, "Death was already knocking on Mike's door, but he overcame every obstacle to spend one weekend of being completely alive with me in God's country."

The story of their weekend trip is a miracle unfolding. During the road trip, Mike was extremely weak, pale, and sick from his battle with cancer. He was just waking from a sleep when they arrived at a place called Bear World, and Mike's eyes lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. The brothers drove through the wildlife reserve filled with bull elk, deer, sheep and rams, and large birds—not to mention bears. Sam remembers the experience vividly, "We stopped to watch some cubs play a game of tag, running up and down in one of nature's comic moments. They were clumsy and awkward with a puppy's playfulness and the uncanny balance of a cat."

Mike's weakness and nausea seemed to lessen with every turn of the winding canyon road. He was pointing out wildlife along the way and building up excitement to see Old Faithful. Sam was amazed at Mike's renewed energy—a miracle he could not explain. Even their fishing experience seemed magical. "I've never seen such aggressive trout!" Sam exclaimed. "My pole was bent with a fighting fish, but others were trying to steal the bait. Mike was so excited to watch the feeding frenzy that could hardly speak." It was Mike who gently placed the prize trout back into the water, watching it swim to freedom.

Sam concluded, "I knew that our glorious adventure would see Mike through his remaining days and would be with me the reminder of mine. My thanks go to the VistaCare Foundation for giving my brother his last wish. Death is a teacher that asks us to stop and appreciate everything around us. Mike's last days were spent noticing and collecting every detail of nature. Take the time to embrace your loved ones every day. 'I love you' can never be said too often."

Holiday Trees Trimmed with Love

Hundreds of VistaCare Hospice patients will be receiving a miniature holiday tree thanks to a project led by volunteer Kathy Thompson. These handcrafted wonders stand only 12 inches high, making them ideal for the smallest of spaces. Kathy began assisting VistaCare Coordinator Nancy Calderwood in 2000 with the idea for the first "tree" project. She laughs at the experience gained and says, "I've learned how to prepare kits for our 'helping elves' and just how many decorations to include. More than 50 volunteers are trimming trees for us this year. Many of our volunteers are VistaCare employees who work on a tree during their lunch breaks or take them home as a family project. The trees give staff members a chance to feel connected to the patients in a more personal way."

Demand for these whimsical gifts continues to grow each year, doubling from last year to an amazing count of 200. Some of the trees are personalized to reflect a patient's special interest or hobby, from butterflies and wolves to sports or crossword puzzles. Every request is met with a creative solution for a true "work of art." Kathy gathers trinkets all year including old jewelry, decorative buttons, party supplies, and small pieces of discarded decorations. Regardless of the theme, each tree features small VistaCare "hearts" and a nesting bird. Kathy explains, "According to legend, a bird resting in the holiday tree brings a special blessing. Our nest is a half-nutshell filled with moss and beads for eggs, and we usually find our doves or small birds in wedding supplies."

VistaCare Volunteer coordinator Marta Davis conveys to Kathy any special tree requests and also coordinates the delivery of each tree—usually through caseworkers and social workers. Marta added, "Because so many VistaCare employees are working on the trees this year, they will have a chance to do some of the deliveries. You can imagine how excited they are to see that first smile on the patient's face." Along with each gift comes a card bearing the VistaCare "hands in a heart" logo and the words:  This item was handmade for you with love by a VistaCare volunteer with material provided by the VistaCare Foundation.

Last Wish Honeymoon

For a couple who had been married for nearly five years but never had the opportunity to enjoy a honeymoon, the chance to spend a weekend enjoying each other's company was a dream come true. VistaCare Hospice patient Marie Barnes is only 37 years old, yet facing the final weeks and months of her life. When the generosity of the VistaCare Foundation made it possible for her to realize her "last wish" of a real honeymoon with her husband Ray, she was thrilled. The couple first planned a short trip away from their hometown of Reno, Nevada; but Ray's employer was unwilling to approve the time away from work. Knowing that the real gift would be quiet moments of relaxation and enjoyment together, Marie and Ray decided to spend Friday evening through Sunday evening at the local Reno Hilton.

VistaCare Social Worker Bobby Vaunn and Case Manager Carol Thompson were touched by the deep appreciation expressed by the couple for a truly "wonderful" weekend. Marie was delighted that she had the strength to do some of the activities, from go-karts to a gigantic swing. Bobby added, "We were able to provide them with limousine transportation, meals in the restaurants, beautiful accommodations, and extra money for a few on-site attractions. The pictures of the happy smiles that Marie brought back to us said it all. We were so grateful to the VistaCare Foundation for making her last wish a reality."

Client:  Church of Joy
Business:  Non-profit religious organization
Project:  Brochure introducing Celebration Village retirement community

Recapture yesterday’s most cherished moments
In a gracious, stimulating new home!

Celebration Village

Imagine the perfect retirement setting…
All the tranquility and beauty of a sun-drenched resort atmosphere
Luxury apartments or two and three-bedroom Casitas
An array of services from laundry and housekeeping to wellness programs
Restaurant-style dining, cultural events, exciting activities
Swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts—even horseback riding
Café, library, bank, beauty/barber shop—every possible convenience at your doorstep

Now wrap the inspiration and warmth of a faith-centered, multi-generational community around that picture, and you have a glimpse of Celebration Village.  Nestled in the heart of the 200-acre Community of Joy campus at Arrowhead Ranch, Celebration Village gently encourages interaction with people of all ages and interests.

Client:  Promise Kids, associated with Promise Village
Business:  Non-profit organization
Project:  Trifold introducing Promise Kids to potential donors

Introducing Promise Kids
Shaping a bright new tomorrow by meeting the needs of our children today

Making the Connection
Chemical abuse, school dropouts, teen pregnancies, gang violence and suicide—the issues facing today’s youth can seem overwhelming.  While it's easy to see that guiding and nurturing our children is one of our most critical needs, the answers are less clear.  Schools, churches, and even parents are often at a loss for positive role models and dynamic ways to reach out and positively interact with children.  Promise Kids has been created for that very reason.

Promise Kids is based on the highly acclaimed Promise Stage System developed by Dr. Tim Coldiron of Promise Village: Home for Children.  Originally designed to offer the promise of hope and healing to “at risk” children, this simple yet powerful system is anchored by eight character traits based on spiritual principles.  Promise Village has been creating remarkable successes with abused, troubled, and neglected children. Now, an exciting new chapter is unfolding.

Dr. Coldiron and Mission Marketing are working in tandem to develop programs for children, families, and communities across the nation.  Promise Kids will be literally driving the powerful message of God’s love right into the streets—or out on the racetracks!

High-Spirited, Exhilarating Programs

Nationally distributed, Promise Kids will be introducing exciting programs with strong ties to the thrill of motorsports and competitive athletics.  These programs are designed to equip and empower children to achieve excellence, integrity, and accountability in relationships with peers, family, and community.  Strengthened and enriched by parental coaching and positive role models, they will provide kids with relevant strategies for daily living.  Crossing socioeconomic and denominational barriers, the Promise Kid program will be available to churches, Bible study groups, Christian education initiatives, and the general public.

Promise Kids Club

From the thunder of finely tuned engines to the amazement of lightning speed, spectators are drawn into the racing experience like no other sport.  Younger children will have the opportunity to join the Promise Kids Club at sponsor locations, racing venues, websites, and Christian bookstores.  PKC members will receive a logo-embellished Club Kit with membership certificate, Promise Kids workbook, registration form, pencil or pen, and "seeds of promise."  As the program grows and develops, the opportunities available through PKC will also expand and diversify — including Bible study programs and other relevant educational materials.

Client:  Church of Joy
Business:  Non-profit religious organization
Project:  Brochure introducing The Crossing family and youth center

Creating a New Reality

Chemical abuse, school dropouts, teen pregnancies, gang violence, and suicide—every newscast shouts out the alarming issues that face today's youth.  Recent community studies have echoed the escalation of these tragedies on our very doorstep.  We can wring our hands, close our eyes, turn our heads—or we can act.

Now is the time for The Crossing—a community youth center that transcends ethnic, economic, and generational boundaries to create a stronghold for education, guidance, recreation and spiritual awakening.  A dynamic, faith-centered anchor against the tide of confusion and desperation.  A place where young people can discover a warm, loving relationship in an atmosphere of safety and support.

While the physical structure and facilities of The Crossing will be entirely new, an experienced staff has already developed highly successful programs serving the youth of the Northwest Valley.  The grand stage is set for a multi-dimensional environment where this proven magnetism of dynamic leadership can gain strength and momentum.

Stimulating, Inspiring, and Safe

The Crossing is a place of hope and opportunity where youth can form engaging relationships with mentors as well as peers—where they can experience a deep sense of authentic caring.  The Crossing offers an exhilarating, contemporary environment of acceptance that constantly renews its own power of attraction by stirring a passionate response in young people.

Yes, The Crossing will respond to urgent needs through its crisis counseling center, youth hotline, support groups, and wellness center.  But even more exciting are the inspirational programs that lead young people on a path of physical, emotional, social and spiritual health.  The Crossing offers a broad range of programs from financial management to conflict resolution and clear communications.

Positive role models, examples of healthy relationships, a sense of being cherished and valued are all cornerstones of The Crossing.  Here, young people can embrace the core values, and acquire the skills that build the self-esteem that will guide them through the minefield of peer pressure.  Through a comprehensive network of services and facilities, The Crossing is positioned to touch the lives of thousands of valley youth and will serve as a model for meeting the needs of youth across the nation.