February 2018 Newsletter
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN MARGARET!!! 2018 “WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT” HOORAY!!!
(Here’s how I started the newsletter BEFORE I heard the above news this morning….ironically, January’s “hard act to follow” has been equaled).Knowing that January’s meeting (and our $10,000 grant) would be the preverbal “hard act to follow,” we wanted to insert something a little different/interesting into our winter February meeting. First of all, the weather seemed more like Spring but this is always a good thing as our minds (even though tricked) were thinking brighter thoughts.
We proceeded with our normal meeting agenda and later added a little forum to ratchet up participation and enthusiasm for our group going headlong into a New Year.
We normally have the monthly Gift Basket circulating from the beginning of our meetings. Liz Cotter had signed on to donate a gift basket for February….and she did indeed have the gifts with her Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, as we were rearranging chairs for the “new February look,” the main [glass] vessel of her gift basket fell to the tile floor and splintered into a million pieces. Liz will try another Gift Basket next year. Cassandra Missal will be provided the gift basket for March.
Our Random Act of Kindness Award ($100) was given to a young woman whom Deacon Paul Kosinski was aware of who definitely needed a lift. We have to be aware that there a so, so many people in desperate straits. They don’t know where to look for helping hands and are reticent to ask. It warms our hearts to know we provide just a little bright spot when we can.
Our monthly Charity Raffle of $440.00 was won by Miss Effervescent, Fran Sisto. Fran split her winnings into two “gives.” Operation Comfort Food (Joe Cohen) will receive $220.00 and our new, revitalized Adopt-a-Pantry Program (AAPP) will receive the other $220.00. To extend the Adopt-a-Pantry give, we can also report that Jamie Daragjati donated $160.00 (from a Psychic Night event at her place of business) to a pantry so we have $380 toward a $500 pantry donation.
We welcomed FIVE new Giving Circle attendees Wednesday evening. We hope Laura Giudice, Sophia Zarzano, Theresa Troiano, Lisa Bova Hiatt, and Stella Lombardi found our ‘good works’ enticing enough to continue. We award them all two Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards (one for themselves and one to give to someone they see struggling) as their first Giving Circle “assignment.” The cards for these five ladies will be given to them at the March meeting since the cards themselves hadn’t made their way into our bag of meeting stuff.
Next, in our efforts to make sure we celebrate internally all our wonderful volunteers, we presented Joel and Nancy Cohen a gift box of Cabot cheeses and named them “Lifetime Achievement Members” of the Giving Circle.
MORE SIGNIFICANT MONEY MATTERS
We continue to acknowledge and humbly thank unbelievable acts of kindness to us. Northfield Bank has assured us $1,000 earmarked for P.S. 19 (Jeanne Raleigh) for a workshop for young adolescents and parents. The project explores, teaches and monitors good social skills and behavior. Lisa Lamantia was instrumental in securing this grant.
We received $560.00 from Patricia Benanti in Honor of her sister, Joan Wilton. Joan is our member and friend who also is instrumental in the SI Soroptimists International. Patricia made this family collection (again, in Joan’s Honor) and then has had it matched by the Retirees Matching Gifts Program from Exxonmobil Foundation; thus, we will add $1,120.00 to our account; once we concur on where best to use this money, we will inform Patricia and her family and, of course, Joan. We want to brainstorm a little on where these funds would make the most impact.
WRITTEN ACCOLADES
Most important (to all Not-for-Profit organizations) is community exposure. It is vitally important for our community (and beyond) to know and understand our mission of assisting underserved children, seniors, military and homeless. Therefore, we thank both the “Staten Island Advance” and “Staten Island Business Trends” for featuring the Staten Island Giving Circle in January and February.
SILive.com is instituting a new, more efficient way for organizations to share event information. We will take full advantage of http://www.silive.com/entertainment/#incart_std. The news article also suggested that we use tips@siadvance.com to request news coverage of event ideas. There is a form for SILive Event Listing which we will try out right away.
New Segments
In January, one of our primary focuses was to discuss how we could revitalize our many on-going initiatives and make room for new ideas. We want to do this one-by- one with the on-going projects. We started with discussion about our Adopt-a- Pantry program. Begun in 2014, this is a gem of a community outreach idea. The program title mimics the national Adopt-a-Highway idea. With our program, we were looking for businesses, organizations and individual to sponsor one of our (now) 42 Staten Island Food pantries. Our initial plans in 2013 were to solicit monetary pledges – a donor would choose a pantry and commit to an on-going (monthly) or annual money pledge. And we did indeed realize over $40,000 using this MO. However, we felt that this is an initiative that should be pulling in way more interest. So In January Charlotte Sciarrino, Jamie Daragjati and several others volunteer to form a committee and get AAPP rocking. On Wednesday evening, Jamie gave us a comprehensive update on the Committee’s first meeting. We were all wowed.
To recap Jamie’s report, let me list some of their very viable ideas:
· Basket Bash at Confections on Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m.
Raffle tickets for the event will be $20/each; Charlotte is ordering 1,000 tickets
First Prize: $2,500; Second Prize: $1,000; Third Prize: $500 (the girls modified the amounts that Jamie announced at the meeting a little. And the drawing for these prizes will probably happen at the October “Dine Out for Pantries” (see below)
· Touch Stone Crystal – Laura Giudice will donate 20% back from her commission for every party booked through the Staten Island Giving Circle
· Arlene Viviano is going to look into what we can coordinate with the Staten Island Museum as a fundraiser
· OCTOBER DINE OUT FOR PANTRIES IDEA – We feel this is a real winner – the Committee will try to gather as many restaurants on Staten Island who will participate on a given October evening to donate 20% of that night’s proceeds to the Giving Circle for distribution to pantries
· The Committee will market $500 business sponsorships through the Giving Circle Facebook. This would provide the business Instagram and website link to your business; Large poster for windows and tax deduction letter. For $250, the business will appear on the Giving Circle Facebook and Instagram and receive the poster and tax deduction letter. For $100, the business would get the poster and tax deduction letter. For $50, we would give the business the tax deduction letter.
The AAPP Committee will meet again on Tuesday, March 6 at Panera on Richmond Avenue at 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.
**The next on-going initiative to get discussed and “talked up” will be our Teachers’ Closets Project. Please be sure to attend our March 21 monthly meeting to get involved in this discussion.
Just a reminder, our next Those Who Do award will be made at our April meeting (start of our second quarter). Who will be our second achievement award of the year?
We didn’t have anyone volunteer for a “Ted Talks” for February, but we’d like to be sure to have someone for March….be brave; it’s only for three minutes. It’s a great platform to spew your community passion and let us learn more about you. This is particularly good for new people so we can learn about you and your altruism.
If you aren’t acquainted with Ted Talks, please google www.Ted.com and see this innovative way to platform passions. Also, I can make a few suggestions for categories on which we’d love to see more advocacy….how about literacy, gun control, mental health, nutrition, adoption, stamp collecting, environmental and/or climate issues…..As I said, I could name hundreds and I will, at some point, pare down my list and make one 3-minute talk (which as you know will be difficult for me….the 3-minute limit might stifle me).
Please contact me if you want to make a Ted Talks presentation at the March 21st meeting. This is a great way, especially for newer people, to tell us a little bit about yourselves and let us know your community service passions.
NEW PROJECTS/IDEAS FOR 2018
We had so much to cover in our February meeting, that brand new project ideas didn’t get enumerated….watch out for the March meeting! Think Summer Olympics for underserved kids; Military Meals and Mental Health; Pajama Parties for kids at Project Hospitality’s children’s shelter; Food Center for Seniors; Community Garden; International Potluck Dinner [internal].
GUEST SPEAKER
Laura Alfano, Community Outreach Coordinator for ARCHCARE [The Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York] spoke very articulately and convincingly
Community of the Archdiocese of New York] spoke very articulately and convincingly
of Archcare’s Time Bank Project. Time Bank is a free volunteer service exchange program open to everyone. Members “bank” their time helping each other, providing and receiving services, assisting neighborhood organizations, and participating in member-led group activities. For instance….Do an Errand and earn 1 Hour, then you can “spend” the 1 hour getting computer help. This program seems to be right in our wheelhouse. Laura passed out application forms and generated an interested response. Take a look at: www.archcaretimebank.org and call (844) 880- 4480 for more information. You can e-mail Laura at: lalfano@archcare.org. There are endless possibilities here; Laura was encouraging us to become organizational members so the hours accrue to a bigger pot faster.
Our speaker for March will be Laura DelPrete of Staten Island Community Organizations Active in Disasters [SI COAD]. Laura is just a fountain of invaluable information.
FEBRUARY’S SURPRISE SLANT ON DISCUSSION
Deacon Paul Kosinski took the floor to facilitate an open forum-type discussion of Giving Circle business, events, ideas, concepts, thoughts going forward. We had even set up the seating uniquely for this meeting in an effort to garner full attention and make this segment feel very businesslike and important.
We were so exhilarated by last month’s successful plea for volunteers to boost the Adopt-a-Pantry initiative, we wanted to keep that enthusiasm going. We will try to select one on-going initiative (or new idea if it surfaces and is felt to be “super”) each month to concentrate our revitalization efforts to.
One thing to insert here that is vitally important to us, I believe, is that our organization should remain grassroots; we needn’t be working toward building an empire; we need to keep our mission clear, simple and effective.
But we felt that we needed a more OVERALL Development Plan, which always, of course, includes brainstorming for fundraising (so we can continue to assist all our project targeting the underserved). So Paul encouraged thought and discussion on an “Umbrella” level plan, leader, committee to network and brainstorm fundraising ideas. Peter Schwimer raised his hand to volunteer to lead this mission. And Peter is the one who suggested to me that we refer to it as a long-term development plan and not repeatedly call it “fundraising.”
After Peter said he could commit to chairing/leading this new discussion on a development plan, several others jumped on board to be his support group. Liz Cotter, Fran Sisto, and Fran Iannone led the charge.
Liz has suggested that each of us participate in a little “survey” which will be explained in a separate e-mail very shortly to work to create and 2-minute elevator pitch that every member can offer to others inquiring about us and then to, of course, enhance extemporaneously. This is an exercise to create a stand-out BRANDING of our organization. This concept is important to the furtherance of our
BRANDING of our organization. This concept is important to the furtherance of our
organization and so we have decided to address it separately in another e-mail so you are sure you understand and participate. So be independently brainstorming questions and information like:
1. What is SIGC, what do they do?
2. Mention volunteering on the fundraising, fun raising or community care committee.
3. By doing, so SIGC serves four main areas: seniors, veterans, children and the disenfranchised.
Many thanks to Paul for tackling this new vision of generating lively discussion and opinions. Everyone was really engaged and everyone participated. It was gratifying and exciting to see everyone’s enthusiasm. These discussions will continue for the next few months to help shape the SIGC going forward in the way you would like it to be.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS (at a glance)
March 21, 2018 – Monthly Meeting at the Old Bermuda Inn at 7 p.m.
Our “bring along” for March will be a few “different items” for food pantries. We are suggesting, mustard, ketchup, relish, maple syrup, instant coffee. Think outside the usual food pantry requests this time. Also, paper products are needed and essential. These items are little “pricier” than canned chicken soup, but they are all anxiously desired. We’ll distribute to a number of pantries.
APRIL 8, 2018 – I (Evelyn) will be honored at a luncheon at the Staaten at noon as a recipient of an Award of Distinction from New York State Women, Inc., Staten Island Chapter. As you might guess, I am hoping many of you will come and learn with me the good works of NYS Women, Inc. and enjoy a lovely Spring luncheon and gathering. I am very happy to report that several of you have already signed on. Thank you both personally and for our wonderful Staten Island Giving Circle. Read the particulars by clicking on: file:///C:/Users/Evelyn/Documents/2018%20annual%20women%20of%20distinction% 20pdf.
APRIL 16, 2018 (Monday) – This is our annual trip to the Ronald McDonald House in Long Island to prepare dinner for the families there that particular evening. Last year, Steve Hagis and Lynn Sherman and family members shouldered all the planning, buying, schlepping, etc. and they also donated their own money (say nothing of time) as there was a very large contingent of dinner guests there that night. Hopefully Steve and Lynn will be available to guide interested Giving Circle volunteers this year. Let us know if you are interested in this very heart-warming, gratifying Giving Circle “give.”
APRIL 20, 2018, 6:30 p.m. – Meals on Wheels is honoring the Staten Island Giving Circle (along with Ed Canlon of Canlon’s Restaurant and Michael Burke, owner of Denino’s Restaurant) at their Carriage Ball, “April in Paris” elegant fundraiser. The event will take place at The Vanderbilt and will be an exquisite evening. This is the perfect event for couples as well as a nice group of singles. Meals on Wheels in an organization with which we feel great symmetry. Please try to “Save the Date” for April 20; the official invitations will be out shortly and I will e-mail them to you. Please try to think about attendance at this beautiful fundraiser.
ALWAYS LOOKING FOR USED CELL PHONES AND EYE GLASSES
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you will remember. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.”
P.S. Pat Schwimer has a queen-sized hide-a-bed and swivel rocker that need to be taken asap so their new furniture can come in….any need for these two items? Please contact Pat right away at: pasnp1@aol.com . Bonnie Arciero suggested that offers like this be directed to the family of ten that was burned out last week; the family is trying to secure storage space.
Also, if anyone is interested in a Hammond church organ, let me know or a beautiful full dining room set (table, six chairs and huge hutch/china cabinet….vintage).
Explaining our Monthly Raffles:
As a way of shortening the newsletter’s content, we’ll explain the raffles here at the end of the newsletter each time; if you know these long-established portions of the meeting, you can stop reading here.
CHARITY GIFT RAFFLE – SINCE OUR INCEPTION IN 2008, WE HAVE OFFERED OUR INNOVATIVE CHARITY RAFFLE AT THE END OF OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS. THE TICKETS ARE $10 AND WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE, OF COURSE, TO BUY MORE THAN ONE….AND, IF YOU CAN’T BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT AT A MEETING, YOU CAN SEND YOUR DONATION FOR A RAFFLE TICKET VIA OUR WEBSITE AND/OR PAYPAL LIKE OUR PARTICIPANTS FROM IDAHO, FLORIDA AND WATERTOWN DO. IF WE COLLECT $500 OR MORE IN THE MONTHLY RAFFLE, WE PICK TWO WINNERS. IF THE “POT” COMES IN UNDER $500, THERE IS ONE WINNER.
THE WINNER OR WINNERS CHOOSE THE CHARITIES OF HIS/HER CHOICE TO WHICH THE MONIES ARE SENT. TO DATE (APRIL 2017) WE HAVE COLLECTED AND DISTRIBUTED OVER $125,000 TO A VARIETY OF WORTHY CHARITIES. THIS IS A NOVEL IDEA WHICH GIVES OUR PARTICIPANTS OWNERSHIP OF A GREAT DECISION (WHAT CHARITY TO TARGET) AND GREAT PERSONAL SATISFACTION. ABSENTEE PURCHASES ARE ENCOURAGED; YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AT THE MEETING TO WIN AND CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY.
GIFT BASKET RAFFLE – IT OCCURRED TO US IN LATE 2015-2016 THAT SOME MEETING ATTENDEES HAD NEVER WON THE MONTHLY CHARITY RAFFLE, TRY AS THEY MAY. SOME OF OUR ATTENDEES HAVE BEEN COMING SINCE OUR INCEPTION IN 2008. WE NEEDED A SOLUTION SO THAT THE RAFFLE “GIVES” WERE MORE INCLUSIVE.
SO WE DECIDED TO ADD ANOTHER FEATURE TO OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS. WE INVITE PEOPLE TO SIGN UP FOR A MONTH EVERY NEW YEAR (SO WE QUICKLY FILL A LIST OF 12 PARTICIPANTS). THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT WON THE CHARITY RAFFLE IN ALL THEIR TRYING. SO EACH MONTH A NEW PERSON MAKES UP A GIFT BASKET WITH THEMATIC GOODIES (AND WE ASK THAT THE BASKET REPRESENT $100+ OF GIFTS). THE BASKET IS RAFFLED OFF FOR $2/TICKET OR 3 TICKETS FOR $5. THE TICKET WINNER TAKES THE BASKET AND THE PROCEEDS OF TICKET SALES GO TO THE CHARITY OF THE GIFT BASKET DONOR’S CHOICE.