Sunday, December 28, 2014

Jingle Bell Jog - New Date!

Due to weather, the Christmas Eve morning Jingle Bell Jog was postponed to Saturday, January 3.  Ring in the new year with a super fun, super casual jog around Davidson and benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation at the same time.

DETAILS 

What:  3rd Annual Jingle Bell Jog to benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation:  There is a 5k and a 1-mile fun run

When:  Saturday, January 3rd  starting promptly at 9 am

Where:  Davidson Green (look for the amazing balloon arch)


Course:  This is a super casual, unofficial run.  Think of this as a group of friends getting together to jog or walk so run at your own risk.  The course will be laid out in flour.  There are no street closures.  There are no friendly volunteers stopping traffic...just a bunch of people with jingle bells tied to their shoes running through town.  

Cost:  It's free but donations will be accepted for A Giving Spirit Foundation.  With a $20 minimum donation, the first 200 people receive the world's greatest 5k tshirt.  If you'd like to go ahead and sign-up, click on the DONATE button to the right and indicate Jingle Bell Jog in the notes section.  

***Plus, if you attended last year and donated, you will also be receiving your 2013 shirt!  It's already vintage.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

2014 Jingle Bell Jog Details

Please note - the Jingle Jog has been postponed due to weather.  Watch this space for details - we'll have a new date soon! (12.23.14)


Third Annual Jingle Jog to benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation (AGSF)

(read to the tune of jingle bell jog)

jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell jog
jingle bells chime at 9 am eastern standard time
running and walking from the Davidson Green
in a 5K put on by the AGSF teens

jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell jog
jingle bells ring whether you run the 5k or fun run thing
hustle and bustle back to the festive Green
so you can have hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream

what a bright time
it's the right time
to jog the holiday stress away
jingle jog time is a swell time
to get off the naughty list before Christmas day
Giddy-up runners 
pick up your feet
jingle around the block
so you can mix and a-mingle in the fire pit heat

that's the jingle bell, that's the jingle bell, that's the jingle bell jog

DETAILS (in a less annoying format)

What:  3rd Annual Jingle Bell Jog to benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation:  There is a 5k and a 1-mile fun run

When:  Wednesday, December 24th starting promptly at 9 am

Where:  Davidson Green (look for the amazing balloon arch)


Course:  This is a super casual, unofficial run.  Think of this as a group of friends getting together to jog or walk so run at your own risk.  The course will be laid out in flour.  There are no street closures.  There are no friendly volunteers stopping traffic...just a bunch of people with jingle bells tied to their shoes running through town.  

Cost:  It's free but donations will be accepted for A Giving Spirit Foundation.  With a $20 minimum donation, the first 200 people receive the world's greatest 5k tshirt.  If you'd like to go ahead and sign-up, click on the DONATE button to the right and indicate Jingle Bell Jog in the notes section.  

***Plus, if you attended last year and donated, you will also be receiving your 2013 shirt!  It's already vintage.

Afterparty:  For anyone that wants to linger, we're going to have a festive afterparty filled with holiday tunes, a hot chocolate bar and lots of holiday cheer.  Hope you'll join us!


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

Monday, October 27, 2014

2014 Annual Letter

What a difference 6 years makes. 

Six years ago, Laura Somerville Woodall had an  idea that her friends and family could make a real difference in a person’s life.  They were already making a difference in Laura’s  life through  their care, support, and love after her diagnosis with ALS.

Six years ago, Laura asked these friends and family to support her idea. She knew that women out there who have been given devastating news might not have the support system that she had.  These women - these mothers living in our community - would need help to get them through the hardest times.  They would need financial support to help pay for rent, mortgage, electricity bills, medical equipment, and medical bills.  They would need you.  They would need us. 

Six years ago, a seed was planted. 

What started out as a group of 25 friends is now a group of like-minded supporters over 700 strong.  And these are just the ones we know about.  Every dollar stuffed in our donation jar during Davidson Town Day, the Davidson Farmers Market, and other Awareness Month events by people learning of AGSF right at that moment means rent to a grant recipient.  We might not know their names, but they heard what AGSF does  and decided Laura’s idea was worth the investment.

Six years ago, two local mothers were given financial assistance and were able to focus on their health and their families instead of the mounting bills.  And since then, 22 mothers have been given that same opportunity.  In six years, over  $73,000 has helped these families do what Laura intended when she dreamt of this Foundation – focus on the family, focus on getting better and have relief from the financial stress and burden that comes with a debilitating disease.  In 2014, over $21,000 has gone toward mothers like Mrs. S of Charlotte.

Mrs. S., mother of a 14 year old, had already lost her car and home during her second round of breast cancer surgery.  She’s now in treatment for Lymphadema and the financial stress is taking a toll on her health in other ways as well. She has sleepless nights at the fear of losing her home.  Rent or treatment, that’s the choice so many face in situations like these. When she learned that AGSF would pay two months of her rent, she cried on the phone.

Mrs. S then wrote this to AGSF: “Words cannot express how thankful we are to all of you. Thanks for caring and being there for us during a great need in our life.  Thanks for giving us home for tomorrow.  Our hearts are forever grateful to you. God bless all.”

AGSF will continue to support research organizations until there is a cure for ALS. Nearly $10,000 has gone directly to these organizations since 2008, including over $2300 raised during the Shut Down for ALS challenge on May 18th and the amazing ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that overtook the world this August.  

Once again, we thank all of you who have nurtured the seed and been with us as it has grown and taken root. 2014 saw another successful AGSF Awareness Month, a community cookbook created by friends of AGSF for friends of AGSF, the Shut Down for ALS event, and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge movement.

AGSF and Monkees of Lake Norman partnered for their own Wine Bucket challenge – all of the fun, none of the ice water – and the end result was a fun night out and many new pairs of Frye boots on the feet of Davidson residents!

In 2014 we introduced the AGSF Teen Council – a group of dedicated local teenagers who know the meaning of service and are intent on fulfilling the AGSF mission.  Their 24-hour Walk Around The Clock event raised over $10,000 that will go directly toward local mothers needing assistance when health issues impact the family financially.  A huge shout out to Chair Lexi Powers, Chair-Elect Daryl Konstandt and the entire AGSF Teen Council for their time and energy and dedication to AGSF!

And here we are, entering year seven.  We’re planning on continuing the good work started six years ago.  We’re planning on ensuring sustainability for the next six years and beyond.  Your support ensures that Laura’s vision continues to be a reality, helping those who need it most. 

How can you help?  Send your tax deductible donation today!


Sincerely,


A Giving Spirit Foundation Board of Trustees

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The Shut Down for ALS




What would you do if you couldn't talk? Think about it.

On Sunday, May 18th, A Giving Spirit Foundation Board Members and supporters participated in The Shut Down.   Project A.L.S,  a leader in identifying and funding scientific research that will lead to effective treatment of ALS and, we all hope, a cure, created this campaign with the goal of showing support of those affected with ALS by taking a vow of silence.  All money donated to AGSF on May 18th will go toward our annual support of this amazing organization.

During the 24 period of time, participants stayed silent for 2 hours.  While we all had the luxury of knowing that we could get back to our normal lives at the end of the shift, simply concentrating on staying silent brought a new understanding to the disease that we may not have had before


AGSF Board Member Monica Galloway (and husband): "Awareness of this horrible disease."


AGSF Board Member Steve Bragg (and daughters): "A Giving Spirit Foundation."


AGSF Board Member Carly Schiano: "The Woodalls."




AGSF Board Member Erica Felthaus: "Laura Woodall."
.

AGSF Teen Council Member Abigail Woodall: "My Mom, Laura Woodall."

AGSF Teen Council member Amelia Woodall: "Not only my mother, but so I can know how difficult and frustrating not being able to speak is. Keep fighting. You're strong. "

AGSF Teen Council Co-Chair Lexi Powers: "ALS Awareness."


AGSF Board Chairman Lisa Bynum: "All those that do not get to choose to NOT shut down."



AGSF Teen Council Co-Chair Daryl Konstandt: "Awareness."

AGSF Board Member David Stewart: "Laura and AGSF."

AGSF Board Member Temple Day (and daugher): "Our friend Laura Woodall."

AGSF Board Member Lori Tate: "Laura Woodall."


AGSF Supporter Lesley Swartz: "ALS Awareness, Laura Woodall and those making a difference like A Giving Spirit Foundation."

AGSF Board Member Teri Brooks (and daughter): "ALS Awareness."

AGSF supporters: "ALS Awareness."



It's never too young to learn. How would you _____ if you couldn't talk? Teri Brooks' K/1 Multiage class at Davidson Elementary encourages us to "think about it."  Watch her students answer this question and begin to understand just a little bit how ALS impacts lives.   http://vimeo.com/95465605 

Monday, May 19, 2014

Pizza, Dinner and a Haircut! Week 4

AGSF Awareness Month - Week 4

Monday, May 19,  11 a.m.  – 8 p.m.
Davidson Pizza Co. (http://www.davidsonpizza.com/) 300 Mock Road, Davidson, NC (must mention AGSF when ordering)
“Little Space, Big Taste!” The team behind Hawthorn’s New York Pizza has brought NY style pizza, wings and salad to Davidson! They say they spent a year working on the crust and reviews indicate that it was time well spent. Call in your order or walk up to the window and get it to go – just make sure you mention AGSF when you order.  50% of proceeds for these orders will go to AGSF. That’s right, FIFTY %!  Make Monday your pizza day and tell them AGSF sent you!

Wednesday, May 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Brickhouse Tavern (http://brickhousetavern.com/) 209 Delburg Street, Davidson, NC
Looking for a perfect business lunch? Casual dinner with the family? A drink to wind down the day with co-workers or friends? The Brickhouse Tavern is the place to be.  Located in a 120-year-old Davidson Cotton Mill, it’s a distinctive dining experience not to be missed (not to mention the fully stocked bar).  So stop by for food or a drink on Wednesday and support AGSF too!

Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Raefords Barber Shop  206 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC ( 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Need a cut and a shave? Stop by Raefords Barber Shop on Saturday from 8-noon and visit the AGSF table. Pick up an AGSF grocery tote for your Saturday Main Street shopping, a “Feeding Your Spirit” Cookbook and buy raffle tickets for your chance to win cold, hard cash.



Mark your calendar and MAYke it an AGSF month!

May 26 – Davidson Pizza Co.  - 300 Mock Road, Davidson, NC (must mention AGSF when ordering)
May 27 – Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails -    19918 North Cove Road, Cornelius, NC
May 29 – Summit Coffee - 128 South Main Street, Davidson, NC


**Haven't purchased your copy of the "Feeding Your Spirit" cookbook yet?  Get it at  Raeford's Barber Shop on the 24th.  You can also order online using the "Buy Now" button on the left and we'll make sure to get the cookbook to you.**

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Shut Down: Stop ALS




"More than 30,000 of our husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, grandparents and friends are losing everything to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It takes away the simple things—holding a pencil… thumbing a text message… screaming at the TV. It also steals the big things—walking… breathing… talking.

Well, we say: Enough! It's time to shut this thing down. So on May 18, 2014, from 1-4pm, Project A.L.S. is asking you to join The Shutdown. By taking a vow of silence that day, we’ll show our support for our loved ones with ALS.

You can give your silence to save lives, donate, or inspire others to join this movement to find a cure for ALS. However you participate, you'll be making a difference in the fight against this devastating disease. ALS may silence those affected, but together we can raise our voices—and some dollars—to stop ALS in its tracks." - www.projectals.org 

On May 18th, A Giving Spirit Foundation Board Members and supporters will be taking a vow of silence to raise awareness of this disease that takes a voice, and much more.

Support us by vowing silence with us or making a donation to AGSF.   All funds raised on May 18th - whether donations, cookbook or tote sales - will go directly toward Project ALS to assist in their efforts to end this disease.

Learn more: www.projectals.org

Monday, May 12, 2014

Pizza, Sushi, Printing, and Davidson Farmer's Market! - Week 3 (May 12 - 18)

AGSF Awareness Month  - Week 3 (May 12 - 18)

Support Area Businesses and MAYke it an AGSF Month!


Monday, May 12,  11 a.m.  – 8 p.m.
Davidson Pizza Co. (http://www.davidsonpizza.com/) 300 Mock Road, Davidson, NC (must mention AGSF when ordering)
“Little Space, Big Taste!” The team behind Hawthorn’s New York Pizza has brought NY style pizza, wings and salad to Davidson! They say they spent a year working on the crust and reviews indicate that it was time well spent. Call in your order or walk up to the window and get it to go – just make sure you mention AGSF when you order.  50% of proceeds for these orders will go to AGSF. That’s right, FIFTY %!  Make Monday your pizza day and tell them AGSF sent you!
Monday, May 12, 11 a.m. -  10 p.m.Sabi Asian Bistro. (http://www.ilovesabi.com) 130 Harbour Place Drive, Davidson, NC The URL says it all – I love Sabi!  An area favorite for Asian cuisine in a comfortable yet eclectic atmosphere, you’re sure to see friends in the dining room or stopping for take-out.  “Its diverse menu, and strong sense of family and community is what makes Sabi the yin and yang of neighborhood comfort and upscale, trendy dining. It is all the elements of dining in sophisticated city, effortlessly and deliciously executed.” (Lake Norman Magazine).   Make sure to write AGSF on your ticket on Monday! AGSF will receive 10% of proceeds of these orders.
Thursday, May 15, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.PostNet Cornelius (http://www.postnet.com/cornelius-nc10819825-B North Cove Road, Cornelius, NC.Locally owned and operated, PostNet Cornelius is your community resource for quality printing – business cards, booklets, flyers, signs, banners, color copies and finishing services (including binding, cutting and folding). They’re also your spot for stamps and shipping services. Stop by and print something, why don’t you? 10% of proceeds on Thursday will go to AGSF.

Saturday, May 17, 8 a.m. - noon Davidson Farmers Market (http://www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org/)  Located next to Town Hall between Main & Jackson Streets.  Look for the AGSF booth.Stop by the AGSF booth and pick up a “Feeding Your Spirit” cookbook and a canvas grocery tote to help carry home your market purchases. USA Made 10 oz cotton Canvas with 26" long handles and only $10.  
Mark your calendar and MAYke it an AGSF month!
May 19, 26 (every Monday) – Davidson Pizza Co.  - 300 Mock Road, Davidson, NC (must mention AGSF when ordering)
May 21 – Brickhouse Tavern - 209 Delburg Street, Davidson, NC
May 24 -  Raefords Barber Shop -  206 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC ( 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
May 27 – Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails -    19918 North Cove Road, Cornelius, NC
May 29 – Summit Coffee - 128 South Main Street, Davidson, NC  (10% all day and then join us for a special Wrap Up party that night, details to come)



Monday, May 5, 2014

Eat, Drink, Music & Yoga

AGSF Awareness Month - Week 2
Support Area Businesses and MAYke it an AGSF Month!
 
Monday, May 5 -- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
Ben & Jerry's Davidson (http://scoopshops.benjerry.com/scoopshops/davidson/default.aspx) 202 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with dos scoops of helado! Grab the kids and stop by your favorite neighborhood ice cream parlor for a scoop or two to benefit A Giving Spirit Foundation. Featuring guest scoopers David Stewart, Lori Tate, Temple Day and Steve Scruggs. 
 
Monday, May 5,  11 a.m.  – 8 p.m.
Davidson Pizza Co. (http://www.davidsonpizza.com/) 300 Mock Road, Davidson, NC (must mention AGSF when ordering)
“Little Space, Big Taste!” The team behind Hawthorn’s New York Pizza has brought NY style pizza, wings and salad to Davidson! They say they spent a year working on the crust and reviews indicate that it was time well spent. Call in your order or walk up to the window and get it to go – just make sure you mention AGSF when you order.  50% of proceeds for these orders will go to AGSF. That’s right, FIFTY %!  Make Monday your pizza day and tell them AGSF sent you!
 
Tuesday, May 6 – 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Restaurant X (http://www.restaurantx-davidson.com/)   408 South Main Street, Davidson, NC
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 Tuesday to benefit AGSF.
 
Wednesday, May 7, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Toast CafĂ© Davidson  (http://toastcafeonline.com/davidson/)  101 N. Main Street, Davidson, NC
A favorite for breakfast,  lunch and dinner, 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.  Indulge at dinner with one of their many main dishes like Rigatoni Bolognaise and Atlantic Salmon.  Don't forget dessert!  10% of sales on Wednesday will go to AGSF.  (Bonus! Wines are half off by the bottle on  Wednesday!)
 
Thursday, May 8, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m - Carrburritos (http://www.carrburritos.com/davidson/)  445 South Main Street, Davidson, NCCelebrate Cinco De Mayo a few days later this year with Ocho de Mayo at Carrburritos!  Join the fiesta and try the "Laura-rita" margarita.  Laura Woodall helped create this margarita especially for Carrburritos night and $1 from each one purchased will go to A Giving Spirit Foundation. Eat, drink and be merry with the live music of Michael Orlando and Billy Jones!
Saturday, May 10 – 1:00 p.m. 
GottaYoga LKN (http://www.gottayogastudio.com/lkn_home.html 19911 North Cove Road, Suite 12, Cornelius NC
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.
 
Saturday, May 10, 8-10 p.m. –
Rumor Mill Market (http://www.rumormillmarket.com/) 217 Depot Street, Davidson, NC.
By day, Davidson’s largest and most unique shopping experience focusing on putting the “fun in funky.”  By night, a spot to gather and dance to local band Sunday Union.  Well, at least for this one Saturday night it is.  Located near the heart of historic downtown Davidson in one of the few remaining cotton mills, come experience the Market at night!
 
 
Mark your calendar and MAYke it an AGSF month!
 
May 12 - Sabi Asian Bistro - 130 Harbour Place Drive, Davidson, NC  Write “AGSF” at the bottom of the receipt.
May 12, 19, 26 (every Monday) – Davidson Pizza Co.  - 300 Mock Road, Davidson, NC (must mention AGSF when ordering)
May 15 – PostNet Cornelius  - 19825-B North Cove Road, Cornelius, NC.
May 17 -  Davidson Farmers Market  - Located next to Town Hall between Main & Jackson Streets.  Look for the AGSF booth.
May 21 – Brickhouse Tavern - 209 Delburg Street, Davidson, NC
May 24 -  Raefords Barber Shop -  206 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC ( 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
May 27 – Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails -    19918 North Cove Road, Cornelius, NC
May 30 – Summit Coffee - 128 South Main Street, Davidson, NC


**Don't have a "Feeding Your Spirit" cookbook yet?  Get your copy at the Davidson Farmers Market on the 17th or Raeford's Barber Shop on the 24th.  You can also order online using the "Buy Now" button on the left and we'll make sure to get the cookbook to you.**