The 2012 Art Van Million Dollar
Charity Challenge is dedicated in honor of Eleanor M. Josaitis, co-founder of Focus: HOPE.
“I voted for my favorite charity!”
I just voted and so should you. Help your favorite charity WIN $25,000 this month! Join Art Van by voting on Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge. >
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- ArtVanFurniture: Our Hope Awards last night honored 150 great Michigan charities, and kicked off a $50,000 contest! http://t.co/e17yLKOh
- ArtVanFurniture: @suckahpunch @p2wy should be! We take your request seriously-but if it doesn't stick, there is a # to press during the message to stop it.
- ArtVanFurniture: Our 4th annual Charity Challenge starts Friday morning- vote for your favorite Michigan charity to win $25,000! Go to http://t.co/gL7nzMQy
VOTE UNTIL May 31, 2012
All you have to do is VOTE – and you can help your favorite charity win an ADDITIONAL $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 bonus grant!
In this, our 4th year of Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge. we’re supporting the 150 great Michigan charities we’ve selected over the past 3 years. All we ask is your vote, and to spread the word to your friends!
Just FIND YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY, register to vote and make a difference. You can vote only once, and then encourage your friends and family to vote for your charity. The voting leaders will be posted on the website ArtVanCharityChallenge.com, so check back and see who’s in the lead!
We encourage you to tell your friends, share on facebook and tweet away. HURRY, voting ends May 31, 2012. Feel free to comment on your charity’s page, ralley for them and show your support. You can also DONATE to their cause through Crowdrise.
Good luck Charities!
March 7, 2012 2:15 PM
This week our featured charity is Women’s Caring Program.
The Women’s Caring Program (WCP) began in 1979 as a circle of friends who met at the home of WCP Founder Carol Walters. As time passed, this growing group of women became especially concerned about the childcare needs of working families. They created the Women’s Caring Program in 1995 and launched the ChildCare Commitment program. The statewide ChildCare Commitment program was created to help disadvantaged and working poor families not eligible for child care payment from another funding source. It gives tuition assistance for children from birth to five years for quality care and early education. WCP works to break the cycle of poverty by promoting academic achievement early in the life of a child. Awards are distributed on a statewide basis with priority focus in regions with high population density and corresponding poverty levels. More than 1,000 families in 64 of Michigan’s 83 counties have been helped with awards. The group’s mission is to serve as leaders for supporting children and families on the road to independence through early childhood development.
February 27, 2012 12:57 AM
This week our featured charity is Womans Resource Center.
For nearly 40 years, Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has served as a vital resource in our community; helping women find their path to economic self sufficiency. Our mission, “to improve women’s workplace and economic opportunities” is realized by walking along side women in transition, encouraging them to believe in themselves and teaching them the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. We achieve this mission by providing comprehensive employment services that include career-focused assessments and exploration; personal career/employment coaching; classes to build job-seeking and life skills; mentoring and peer support; getting “dressed for success” in our Working Women’s Clothes Closet; and connections to employment and educational opportunities.
February 19, 2012 6:06 PM
This week our featured charity is Samaritan House.
Samaritan House is a community service organization devoted to assisting with the basic needs of individuals and families within our community . By recognizing the needs of those in crisis and mobilizing local organizations and volunteers , Samaritan House has consistently provided emergency services to our neighbors since 1994. In this endeavor, the first priority has been to help feed those in need; however, other basic necessities, such as shelter, clothing and utilities are also concerns addressed in our program
February 13, 2012 9:11 PM
This week, our featured charity is Renaissance Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Healthy Kids and Kidneys (HKK) is an 8-week, evidenced-based program. The program measures an increase in student’s physical activity, fruit, vegetable, whole grains and low-fat dairy products consumption, with an emphasis on prevention of chronic disease including diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Since 2003, HKK has served over 3,000 5th–8th grade students in 53 partnering schools throughout Southeast Michigan. The Renaissance Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan have partnered to prepare community volunteers and experts in the areas of nutrition and physical activity to deliver this program as lay health educators in the classroom. The program is evaluated through comprehensive student pre- and post-program surveys, assessing knowledge and healthy lifestyle behavior change. Since 2009, students have consistently identified positive healthy behavioral changes on post-surveys. During the 2010-2011 school year students reported an average 66% positive change in healthy behavior. With supportive partners, continued success, and additional funding, the Healthy Kids and Kidneys program is ready for expansion in the 2011-2012 school year.
February 7, 2012 12:45 PM
This week our featured charity is Hospice of Northwest Michigan
For thirteen months following the loss of a loved one, Hospice of Northwest Michigan provides bereavement services to Hospice families with the goal of facilitating and normalizing the grief process. Additionally, upon request, we provide these same services to the community at large, as well as to work places where a fellow employee has died suddenly or under tragic circumstances. Learning to grieve in a healthy manner promotes better mental health and mitigates the negative effects of not grieving properly, depression, loss of productivity and even suicide. The program provides personal contact through bereavement visits and phone calls; printed literature; timely cards marking birthdays and other important anniversaries; group workshops dealing with grief, annual workshop entitled “Handling the Holidays”, and an annual memorial service honoring all of those who have passed away in the last year. We also provide community education and on-going outreach services. These services are provided by a bereavement coordinator, social worker, and pastor who assist our team of specially-trained volunteers in rendering these services. Our services are provided at no charge to those receiving the services.
January 29, 2012 9:18 PM
This week, our featured charity is Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation.
With an estimated increase of 71% in Michigan’s senior population from 2000-2030 (Michigan Dept. of Treasury, Aug 2009), Presbyterian Villages of Michigan is committed to strengthen the culture of wellness for seniors within PVM facilities and throughout their neighboring communities to meet the growing this population’s needs and desires including the ability to age in place, have choices in care and lifestyle, and live healthy and engaged lives. Founded in 1945 Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) is respected for its responsiveness to seniors’ emerging needs and creating and delivering solutions with integrity and compassion. PVM serves 3,500 seniors of all economic means in 24 facilities statewide through subsidized and market-rate housing services including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Guided by our Christian heritage, we serve seniors of all faiths and create new possibilities for quality living. We strive to by the leader in senior living and to enhance the communities we serve.
January 22, 2012 12:23 PM
This week, our featured charity is The Community House Association, Inc.
The current downturn in the economy has affected our state significantly and the cultural and educational opportunities for Michigan’s children have been negatively compromised. Many non-core programs, previously part of every school curriculum, have been downsized or eliminated. Children are the unfortunate victims of these challenging times, particularly underserved children whose families are unable to afford extracurricular activities. TCH fills a part of the deficit through its outreach programs which are directed towards educating, enriching, bringing awareness to, inspiring and empowering the children of southeastern Michigan. These programs help children to become motivated, productive and educated individuals with the potential to develop into important contributors to the future of our state. TCH affects positive change with its: StoryTellers Guild, encouraging reading as the foundation of all learning; Student Our Town art exhibition, promoting the importance of art in creating successful, dynamic individuals; 21st Century Leaders, training students to bring constructive change to their communities; Race Relations & Diversity Task Force, inspiring students to become advocates of diversity to overcome racism, prejudice and discrimination; and Classical Brunch Outreach Concerts, using classical music to impact the lives of children, helping them to flourish and develop. Please visit our website for more information>
January 21, 2012 4:36 PM
This week our featured charity is Samaritan House.
Samaritan House is a community service organization devoted to assisting with the basic needs of individuals and families within our community . By recognizing the needs of those in crisis and mobilizing local organizations and volunteers , Samaritan House has consistently provided emergency services to our neighbors since 1994. In this endeavor, the first priority has been to help feed those in need; however, other basic necessities, such as shelter, clothing and utilities are also concerns addressed in our program. Please visit our website for more information>
December 11, 2011 2:52 PM
This week, our featured charity is Ozone House, INC.
Ozone House is a community-based, nonprofit agency that helps young people lead safe, healthy and productive lives through intensive intervention and prevention services. The Art Van grant will go towards employment training for homeless youth.
December 5, 2011 6:41 PM
This week, our featured charity is Coalition on Temporary Shelter
Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) provides homeless people with a continuum of services beginning with emergency shelter and ending with permanent housing. COTS exists to alleviate homelessness by providing an array of services that enable people to achieve self-sufficiency and obtain quality, affordable housing. Art Van’s grant will go towards COTS’ Bright Beginning’s program. The program targets the physical, emotional and developmental challenges faced by homeless children and provides classes and coaching for parents.