Sharing Connections Volunteer E-Blast

Notes from Ryan Varju, Director of Operations & Technology

March 2009

A day doesn't go by when we don't think of everything you, our volunteers, do for us - and we want to make sure to draw a little special attention to some of February's new volunteers....and know that you'll join us in making them feel very welcome!

Jon Zilske has been helping in the warehouse and is a jack of all trades. He was referred to us by our very own Friday volunteer, Lori Barclay.
Rolfe Sick and Jim Sullivan, both retired, are now making weekly furniture deliveries to clients that have no transportation. Rolfe was referred by John Kaiser and Jim comes to us via Ann Wohlberg.
Therese Sullivan and Donna Baranko are new Friday volunteers who were self-referred.
Bev Lombardo, a past volunteer, has been helping Regina and Raj Bandhakavi has been helping Anjali, both in the front office.
We can't forget to thank Ken Porrey, who has joined us everday in February and continues to help us Monday through Friday in March, keeping the warehouse in tip top shape.

February 2009 Wrap-Up

Knowledge is power and we wanted to inform you of February's numbers that reflect all the muscle you put into helping serve our families... In February...

Over 200 individuals directly benefitted from our services
We distributed 11 cribs, 37 dressers, 6 full beds, 25 loveseats, 18 queens, 31 sofas, 23 tables and 33 twins!
We received over 100 new requests for furniture
We made eight furniture deliveries to clients
You, our volunteers, donated over 1,095 hours to make it all happen

Thank you for making February another success story in 2009!

Whistle While You Work...

I'm not sure how much whistling you'll hear in the front office this month as all their time will be used crunching the numbers, crossing those "t's" and dotting those "I's". What's keeping them so busy? This month...

Ann Wohlberg will be applying for the Topfer Family Foundation Grant and the Community Memorial Foundation Grant .
John O'Gara has been preparing for and will be working one on one with our auditors on the 18th and 19th (that should explain why he's pulling out his hair).

"Rock the Wall" Benefit

We are doubling our space by breaking through the wall next door!

Mark your calendar and come out and celebrate with us on Saturday, May 30th, from 7pm to Midnight! - Live music by “Local Favorite” - Cash bar – beer and wine - $45 tickets

At the new warehouse space, next door – 5109 Chase Avenue, Downers Grove

Come on out and ROCK that wall! Watch for more information coming soon to our website - and if you're interested in volunteering at this event, contact Ann Wohlberg via awohlberg@sharingconnections.org.

We Know You're A Party Animal...

Don't be shy now, we've already heard all the stories of how much fun was had at last year's Ribfest...and now it's time to make all new memories of friends, music, beer and fun - all for a great cause. Join us again, or for the first time, as we work the beer tent at the 2009 Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest.

Be a part of our team of 50 volunteers on Friday, July 3rd from 4 - 10 p.m. - email Ann Wohlberg to add yourself or your group to our team and help us reach that magic number of 50!

Do You Have the Right Stuff?

We are expanding our space to meet the growing need for our services, but now we need to raise even more funds in this tough economy to support the costs of our mission. To help us raise more money, we are hiring a part-time Development Assistant (15-20 hours per week) to assist Anjali Alva (and who wouldn't want to work with Anjali?). The full job description is available via our website.

Cover letters and resumes should be submitted via email to Anjali Alva by March 20th.

It's Just Too Good Not to Share!

Do you know of someone that may be interested in volunteering or being a part of our Volunteer E-Blast? Forward this email to them today and let them see just how easy it is to sign-up!


	What's happening the week of April 13th through April 17th? If you guessed Our Volunteer Appreciation Week, then you guessed right! You're so great we decided to do it a week early (What? I'm not joking...). Watch the website and volunteer bulletin board for more information coming soon!


	We would like to acknowledge those new faces who volunteered their time in February...
	Raja Bandhakavi
	Donna Baranko
	Amanda Cole
	Greg Connell
	Matthew Curin
	Mark Effrein
	Tyler Hegan
	Donna Kardynalski
	Adriana Landeros
	Rolfe Sick
	Jim Sullivan
	Therese Sullivan


	Need to cancel a day?
	- Cancel Online
	- Email Us


	Yes, that's right - I want your comments, suggestions and feedback on everything from the warehouse to this e-blast!
	- Comment Form

My Two Cents...

So I figured if I could use pictures of my co-workers without asking their permission, I better use a pic of myself as I share a couple of little tid-bits for this month's issue... (just wait until you see next month's pic of Regina)

I'm on day 26 of eating healthy (the bikini doesn't fit like it used to), so a real big "thanks" to everyone who is brining in donuts, baked goods and treats (don't be surprised if you catch me licking all the donuts)
A huge "Thank You" to all the volunteers who have taken our new furniture flyers and shared them with others. We're working hard to get the word out to help us fill up our new space. What? Didn't know about the flyer? Print it directly from the website and post it, share it, give it to everyone - your butcher, your baker, heck even your candlestick maker!
If you've worked with me over the past 3 1/2 years, you probably know how excited I am about the new space. There is going to be a lot going on over the next couple of months to get it ready and I want you to know that you are always welcome to share your thoughts, ideas and opinions with me as we move forward (and when there's paint on my face, someone remind me how fun it is).