Sunday, December 22, 2013

Christmas Eve morning Jingle Bell Jog for AGSF





SECOND ANNUAL JINGLE BELL JOG 5K
'Twas the day before Christmas, when all through Davidson town,
Every runner was running, their Santa hats bouncing up and down.
Their shoelaces were tied-up with jingle bells nice and tight
So the magical sound of bells rang out through the mid-morning light.

All of the runners' children were invited to come out and run too
So visions of them crazed with too much energy, would not come true
Mama in her Nikes and I in my old running tee
Headed down to the parking lot at Summit Coffee

As 9 a.m. rang, there arose such a clatter
As runners and pets through the town did scatter
Looking for the 5K trail laid-out around town with flour
That would bring them back to Summit so they could all enjoy coffee hour

So grab your shoes and your kids and maybe your dog too
To head down town and if you donate $20 to A Giving Spirit there'll be a t-shirt for you.  
We'll provide the jingle bells, you provide the fun
And we'll all enjoy a nice Christmas Eve run.

A small group of local Davidson friends are hosting a very unofficial Jingle Bell Jog 5K at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec 24th, the morning of Christmas eve to raise awareness and money for A Giving Spirit Foundation (AGFS).    Everyone that donates at least $20 that morning to AGFS will receive a fun AND attractive t-shirt.   

Even if you can't run, please consider making a donation to AGFS through www.agivingspirit.org and clicking on the donate button. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Summit parking lot and start shortly thereafter.  There's no support along the way...no street closings, water stops or officers directing traffic, but we will have laid out the trail with flour so if you can follow an arrow, you can follow the trail.  We'll have jingle bells to tie on your shoes, but feel free to bring any other festive wear to enhance your holiday look.   There's a 5K route that you can walk or run and then a 1 mile fun run for the kids.  After we are done, we can all grab some coffee and let the kids run around a bit.   

Anyone is welcome so PLEASE forward on to friends and neighbors.  Email me if you have any questions

Thursday, December 19, 2013

It's A Great Day to Give!


Since 2008, A Giving Spirit Foundation has awarded over $50,000 in grants to mothers in the greater Charlotte, NC  area suffering from a debilitating disease. These grants have provided shelter to the families by paying months of rent or mortgage, allowed the lights to stay on, made homes handicapped accessible and purchased medical equipment.

Here are just a few of those stories:

Ms. Y. was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy.  A single mother of 4 children, Ms. Y was physically unable to work for 8 weeks during her treatment and fell behind in her rent and utility payments.  AGSF paid her rent and utilities until she was able to return to work.   

Mrs. J is 42 to years old and the mother of 6 (ages 2 - 16). She was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and her 16 yr old daughter has also recently been diagnosed with cancer. AGSF responded to her grant request and have provided two months of mortgage assistance.

Mrs. W was diagnosed with ALS and needed a new bed with automatic back and leg recline features that will help with swallowing and breathing while she's in bed. AGSF responded to her grant request and paid for the new bed system.

Mrs. U was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and lung cancer in 2012. Her husband is unable to work due to the time commitment to support and care for his wife and daughter. AGSF responded to their grant request and provided 2 months of rent assistance.


Any day is a good day to give a donation to A Giving Spirit Foundation.  You can be assured that your donations go directly to women like those described above or to organizations doing great work searching for a cure for ALS.   

Donate now securely by credit card by clicking the Donate button in the upper right corner.  Or, mail a check to:

A Giving Spirit Foundation
PO Box 815
Davidson, NC  28036

Matching Gift ProgramMany corporations allow their employees to increase the value of their donations to charitable and other organizations through a matching gift from the company.  Please consider checking with your employer to see if they have a matching gift program when making your gift to A Giving Spirit Foundation.

A Giving Spirit Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Don't forget, stay up to date with A Giving Spirit Foundation by "liking" us on Facebook

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Show Your Giving Spirit on Giving Tuesday

You bought for your friends and family on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, now it's your favorite non-profit's turn!  What do you think about donating some of those great savings to A Giving Spirit or another deserving organization?



Your generosity will ensure that a local mother suffering from a debilitating disease will have relief from financial troubles this winter and it will help research organizations get one step closer to finding a cure for ALS.

Please donate online by selecting the yellow donate button above or mail your tax deductible check to the address on the right.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Thank You to Our Community

"The way you get meaning into your life is to 
devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to 
your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."  
 From “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom




Community.  If there’s one thread throughout A Giving Spirit Foundation, it’s community.  Whether we’re talking about a physical location or a group of people sharing the same values and goals, community is what keeps AGSF strong. 

This was made indelibly clear this past May as Davidson businesses and the people of the community showed their ‘giving spirit’ each and every day during A Giving Spirit Foundation Awareness Month.

Davidson businesses stepped forward to support our efforts in many ways.  Some donated a percentage of sales on a given day, others donated the hard earned tips of bartenders from the Saturday night crowd.  Many donated goods for raffle prizes, and one even created a special margarita that remains on the drink menu today (just ask for the Laura-rita the next time you’re at Carrburritos!).  Individual supporters organized a walk and a yoga class, and one teacher inspired her students to create works of art.  Droves showed up to the events, rain or shine ... all to support this organization that first came to life in a home, most likely, down the street from you.

In our 2nd Annual AGSF Awareness Month, we exceeded our goals and raised over $5000. This money will go directly toward mothers in the greater Charlotte, NC area (one of the benefits of being a small, volunteer driven organization is that there are virtually no overhead costs to divert funds).

AGSF helps mothers who are struggling to provide for their family and can’t pay rent, can’t pay for electricity, can’t pay for the basics and they find themselves losing. They’re losing the sense of how to focus on being a family when they’re too concerned with whether or not there will be a roof over their child’s head next month because they can’t afford the basics in life anymore.  They’re not only losing to the physical and emotional aspects of the disease but also to the financial aspects of the disease. 

We’ve received more grant requests than in any previous year and we are asking for your help again.  We want to continue the work that Laura Somerville Woodall asked us – and you – to support back in 2008.  Help the family focus on  the family by relieving some of the financial pressures her disease brings with it.

Mrs. J is just one woman that you have helped this past year.  She is 42 years old, married and with 6 children between the ages of 2 and 16.  Mrs. J was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and, just a few months afterward, so was her 16 year old daughter. The close-knit family was struggling, financially and emotionally, by the double impact of the disease.  AGSF provided a $2000 grant to cover two months of mortgage, allowing the family to focus on getting healthy and not whether or not they could stay in their home.

It is because of you that AGSF has been able to award over $53,000 in grants since 2008, changing the lives of 22 families.  It is also because of you that research organizations like Project A.L.S. and The ALS Association Jim “Catfish” Hunter chapter are making great strides every day in finding a cure for ALS, building awareness of this disease, and supporting families with ALS.

The goals for 2014 are simple: raise enough money to continue funding the grants that have proven vital to many area mothers; continue to support research institutions searching for a cure for ALS; and spread the word about this organization so that it can make a greater impact on the community and secure its legacy for years to come. 

“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”  Paul Shane Spear could have been talking about this organization’s supporters when he said this.  While we are small, our force is mighty. We have seen first-hand how a grant of $500 is just as meaningful as a grant of $1500. You are changing lives with every dollar you donate to AGSF and there are many more in our community just waiting for your help.


Here are four simple ways you can  support AGSF:

1)    Mail your check made out to A Giving Spirit Foundation to PO Box 815, Davidson, NC 28036.

2)     Select the DONATE button on the right to give a gift securely using your credit card.

3)    Participate in AGSF Awareness Month – May 2014 (email agsf@agivingspirit.org)

4)    Spread the word about the good work A Giving Spirit Foundation is doing!



Sincerely,



A Giving Spirit Foundation Board of Trustees


PS:   The best way to stay up to date with A Giving Spirit Foundation is to “like” our Facebook page.  Go to www.facebook.com/agivingspirit and hit the “like” button.  And don’t forget to Share our status updates with your Facebook friends and community! 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

But, Wait, There's More!

May is over and with that, so is 2013's AGSF Awareness Month.  The plan was to focus all fundraising events to May but when Thirty-One Gifts approached us about doing one more fundraiser, how could we say no?   So, for the month of June, AGSF will receive 25% of all sales made from the AGSF catalog!

Totes, purses, wallets, stationary, accessories and more are available in fun designs and durable materials.  Many items can be personalized with names or initials.  Browse the catalog at the link below and you are guaranteed to find something you'll like for yourself, a family member or friend!





The catalog will be available from June 1 - June 30.   This special bag (pictured below) is only available in June and is only $10!  Look for the redemption code on the site to claim it with your order.  You can't get it anywhere else and you can't get it from Thirty-One Gifts any other time of the year.  Perfect for you beach vacation!




Please note, since the party is open until June 30, your credit card will not be charged until June 30 when the party is closed.  Orders will be shipped after the close of the party but should you need something earlier, email Tracy Swett, our Thirty-One Gifts consultant, who can submit the order separately.  She is also happy to take phone orders if anyone would prefer that to the website. 

Thirty-One Gifts is one of America's fastest-growing direct-selling companies that is committed to helping women celebrate, encourage and reward themselves through running their own business as Thirty-One consultants and offering unique gift products to their customers. (source: Thirty-One Gifts Linked In profile page)  

Happy shopping!  Don't forget, 25% of EVERY order will go to AGSF this month so it's never too early to start your Christmas shopping!



Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Last week of AGSF events in May!

We're ending AGSF Awareness Month strong with support from one of our favorite restaurants on Main Street and a relatively new Davidson business that, if you like shoes, you need to know about.

Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse (http://www.flatirononmain.com/) 215 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Wednesday, May 29 - all day
Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is known for their big-city culinary experience set in a neighborhood restaurant atmosphere. Flatiron features locally sourced produce paired with the finest proteins sourced from around the globe.  Don't forget to pair your meal with one of their wines or select a beer from the "beer tower" - a selection of imported and local craft beers on tap.

Please bring this flyer to your meal - lunch or dinner - and AGSF will receive 15% of sales from supporters.


Charlotte Shoe Company (http://www.charlotteshoecompany.com) 202 South Main Street, Davidson, NC (behind Ben & Jerry's)
Friday, May 31st
Who needs an excuse to buy shoes? Charlotte Shoe Company offers a living room atmosphere and an intimate, personal shoe shopping experience.  Stop by between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and check out their many brands and find the shoe for you!  10% of sales will go to AGSF.


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Tuesday's Breakfast, Lunch & Dessert Plans



We've got two great events this week at two of Davidson's favorite destinations.  Please consider dining out (or picking up and getting to-go orders!) on Tuesday, May 21 to support A Giving Spirit Foundation.


Toast (http://toastcafeonline.com/davidson/)  101 N. Main Street, Davidson, NC
Tuesday, May 21
A favorite for breakfast and lunch, you can often see people gathered in front waiting for a table on the weekends.  Start your day strong with a breakfast sandwich, omelet, stuffed french toast or an egg specialty dish and then gear up for the afternoon work day with a wrap, bountiful salad, grilled burger or a home style sandwich.  Don't forget dessert!  10% of sales on Tuesday will go to AGSF.  

Please note, Toast is NOT open for dinner on Tuesday and is serving Breakfast from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ben & Jerry's  (http://scoopshops.benjerry.com/scoopshops/davidson/default.aspx) 202 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Grab the kids and stop by your favorite neighborhood ice cream parlor for a scoop or two to benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation. You might just see a few familiar faces behind the counter!


---------
More events coming in May!


May 29 -- Flat Iron Kitchen + Taphouse - 215 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Diners must present a flyer and 15% of sale will go to AGSF. Pick a flyer up at Town Day, Farmers Market or Raeford's Booths. Or email agsf@agivingspirit.org to request one.  
*Just Added!*  May 31 -- Charlotte Shoe company  - 202 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC (right behind Ben & Jerry's)

Monday, May 13, 2013

Eat, Drink and Yoga!

It's a big week for A Giving Spirit Foundation and we're so excited that these local businesses are showing their support for the organization during AGSF Awareness Month.  Shop, dine and drink to benefit AGSF!  And then relax at the end of the week with a Karma yoga class.

The Village Store (www.thevillagestore.com) 110 South Main Street, Davidson, NC.
Tuesday, May 14 
For nearly 50 years, The Village Store in historic downtown Davidson has offered shoppers an amazing variety of gifts in a charming setting. Every local knows it is THE place to go for your unique gift needs. Shop at The Village Store on Tuesday and 10% of sales will go to AGSF! 


Restaurant X (http://www.restaurantx-davidson.com/) 408 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Thursday, May 16
Restaurant X is a cozy bistro with an eclectic menu of international cuisine made from scratch with fresh, quality ingredients at affordable prices. A unique selection of wines and beers from around the world is offered. Dine at Restaurant X for lunch or dinner on Thursday and 10% of sales will go to AGSF!


Raefords Barber Shop 206 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC
Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. - noon
Need a cut and a shave? Stop by Raefords Barber Shop on Saturday from 8-noon and visit the AGSF table. Pick up a grocery tote for your Saturday Main Street shopping and buy raffle tickets for your chance to win fantastic prizes.  Prizes include "The Giving Tree" one of a kind painting (recently changed from Silent Auction to be a raffle prize); unique, hand made quilts by Caroline Caton; merchandise or gift cards from The Wooden Stone, Dance Davidson, Davidson Community Players, Monkees and Savvy Salon and Day Spa.


Davidson Beverage Company (http://www.davidsonbeverage.com/) 442 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Saturday, May 18, 1 p.m. - closing
Now that you have a fresh cut and shave, you're ready for a night out! Davidson Beverage Company is proud to be THE craft beer store for the Davidson Community. The DBC has over 300 choices for the craft beer enthusiast. With twelve rotating taps and cold singles, you can enjoy your favorite or new favorite craft beer at the bar or on the patio. Grab your friends and support AGSF by having a few beers at Davidson Beverage Company on Saturday from 1 p.m. to closing!  Tip heavily - all tips will go to AGSF!


GottaYoga LKN (http://www.gottayogastudio.com/lkn_home.html) 19911 North Cove Road, Suite 12, Cornelius NC
May 19 - 4:00 p.m.
They say that Yoga is good for the soul and that couldn't be more true here. This is a Karma Yoga Class and will be led by Pam Hansen. There is no fee to attend but donations are accepted. All donations will go to AGSF.

---------

More events coming in May!

May 21 - Toast - 101 N. Main Street, Davidson, NC
May 21 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. -- Ben & Jerry's Davidson 202 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
May 29 -- Flat Iron Kitchen + Taphouse - 215 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Diners must present a flyer and 15% of sale will go to AGSF. Pick a flyer up at Town Day, Farmers Market or Raeford's Booths. Or email agsf@agivingspirit.org to request one.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

You Can Own "The Giving Tree"



"The Giving Tree" painting by acclaimed Syrian artist Etab Hreib and Mrs. Brooks' K/1 Multi age Class at Davidson Elementary School

When asked what would represent the purpose of A Giving Spirit Foundation,  the K/1 multi-age students came up with the idea of painting a "giving tree" based on the logo of the foundation.  They decided that "a giving tree" would produce "hearts, hands, and smiling faces because that is what we use to give/help people."  Together they worked with Etab Hreib to create this beautiful painting and will use it to raise money for AGSF.

The painting will go to the highest bidder via a silent auction that takes place throughout the month of May.  Look for the silent auction bid form  at the various A Giving Spirit Foundation Awareness Month events. Please ask any board member about the The Giving Tree silent auction if the painting and form are not at the event you attend but you are interested in bidding.   You may also contact Teri Brooks via email to check on the latest bid or to place a new bid.  

The person placing the highest bid by May 31st will be contacted via email or by phone.

To learn more about Etab Hreib and her experience with the K/1 Multi age class, check out this article from Davidson News Net.

Edit 5.11.13:  This painting is now included in the AGSF Raffle and not as a silent auction item.  For one $5 raffle ticket, you could potentially own this unique painting!  You can buy raffle tickets at most events or email agsf@agivingspirit.org for more details.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Davidson Businesses Ready for AGSF Awareness Month

In just a few short days, AGSF Awareness Month begins.  This is a big deal for us and we're thrilled to see that support in the Davidson community has doubled since our inaugural AGSF Awareness Month in 2012.

Why May?
We chose May to hold our first AGSF Awareness month to coincide with three meaningful events:
  1. May is ALS Awareness month and since part of our mission is to support organizations searching for a cure for ALS, it is fitting to share this  month.
  2. May 5th is Laura Somerville Woodall's birthday, our dear friend and the person who dreamt up AGSF and then asked friends to make her dream a reality. She's the inspiration for all we do at AGSF.
  3. May 12th is Mother's Day and since our mission centers around helping mothers, what better month to spread the word about AGSF.
How can I learn more about this organization?
Visit our booths at Davidson Town Day on May 4, Davidson Farmers Market on May 11 and in front of Raeford's Barber shop on May 18.  Volunteers will be ready to answer any and all of your questions. 

I love to shop and eat, how can I support AGSF and my local Davidson community?
Shop and dine at these businesses on the days indicated and AGSF will benefit. Please note, some events are during specific time frames during the day so make sure to plan your day to visit that business during the time indicated below.


Raffle, I love a raffle!
Well, then we have good news for you.  We'll be selling raffle tickets and other goodies at the booths.  We have great prizes from Caroline Caton Quilts, Wooden Stone, Savvy Salon and Day Spa, Monkees, Dance Davidson and Davidson Community Players!

OK, I have my calendar ready, where and when can I support AGSF?

May 1 - Sabi (http://www.ilovesabi.com) 130 Harbour Place Drive, Davidson, NC  Write “AGSF” at the bottom of the receipt.

May 4 – Davidson Town Day (http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us)  Main Street, Davidson, NC. Look for the AGSF booth.

May 9, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m -  Carrburritos (http://www.carrburritos.com/davidson/)  445 South Main Street, Davidson, NC

May 11 -  Davidson Farmers Market (http://www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org/)  Located next to Town Hall between Main & Jackson Streets.  Look for the AGSF booth.

May 14 – The Village Store (www.thevillagestore.com) 110 South Main Street, Davidson, NC.

May 16 – Restaurant X (http://www.restaurantx-davidson.com/)   408 South Main Street, Davidson, NC

May 18 -  Raefords Barber Shop  206 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC

May 18 – Davidson Beverage Company (http://www.davidsonbeverage.com/)   442 South Main Street, Davidson, NC

 May 19 – 4:00 p.m.  GottaYoga LKN (http://www.gottayogastudio.com/lkn_home.html)  19911 North Cove Road, Suite 12, Cornelius NC
This is a Karma Yoga Class – there is no fee to attend but donations are accepted.

May 21 – Toast (http://toastcafeonline.com/davidson/)  101 N. Main Street, Davidson, NC

May 21 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. -- Ben & Jerry's Davidson (http://scoopshops.benjerry.com/scoopshops/davidson/default.aspx) 202 South Main Street, Davidson, NC

May 29 -- Flat Iron Grill (http://www.flatirononmain.com/) 215 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Diners must present a flyer and 15% of sale will go to AGSF.  Pick a flyer up at Town Day, Farmers Market or Raeford’s Booths.  Or email agsf@agivingspirit.org to request one.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Get Ready for AGSF Awareness Month!

We're gearing up for our 2nd Annual A Giving Spirit Awareness Month to be held in May, 2013!  Last year was a success and local businesses showed their support throughout the month by hosting events and donating proceeds from sales.


AGSF Awareness month is planned for the month of May to coincide with ALS Awareness month, Mother’s Day and Laura Somerville Woodall's  birthday.  

A Giving Spirit Foundation (AGSF) provides financial assistance to deserving mothers in the Davidson and greater Charlotte, NC area who are suffering from a debilitating disease or other unforeseen health challenge.  AGSF also supports research organizations searching for a cure for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), like Project ALS and The ALS Association.  AGSF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

AGSF was founded in 2008, soon after Laura Woodall was diagnosed with ALS. Laura quickly realized that one of the most challenging parts of living with disease is the toll it can take on the family, mainly due to the new financial pressures that come with ongoing  health issues. That realization prompted her to take action and ask friends to form A Giving Spirit Foundation.

Local businesses that will be holding events this year are Carrburitos, The Village Store, Davidson Farmers Market, Raeford's Barber Shop, Ben & Jerry's and Flat Iron Grill.   We're in discussions with more businesses and anticipate a full month!  The May events calendar will be published as soon as details are finalized.

To stay up to date on the May events, please  like the AGSF Facebook page.

If you would like to know more about AGSF, be a volunteer or request a grant application, please contact agsf@agivingspirit.org.