A Giving Spirit Foundation

What can a family do with $2550?

2012-01-30T16:42:00.004-05:00

As most people do at the end of the year, A Giving Spirit Foundation took stock of what we accomplished in 2011 and decided we had a very good year. Many deserving families in the greater Charlotte, NC area received grants that, in their words, changed their lives. Thanks to the unending support of many loyal donors, A Giving Spirit gave out $22,938 in grants and $1500 to research organizations searching for a cure for ALS. The average grant awarded was almost $2550.00.

A Giving Spirit Foundation needs to thank our loyal supporters without whom we'd be nowhere. Even though we did not have our annual event in 2011 - this event raises the majority of our funds for the year - we were still able to make a difference in many women's lives. They appreciate you and we appreciate you.

We have big plans for 2012 and we're working hard to find new ways to fundraise so we can increase the number of families we can support. If you'd like to support us financially, please donate by credit card through our secure website (PayPal) or mail a check to us at the address to the right.

Or, if you'd like to make sure someone is working hard to earn your money, head over to our CrowdRise page and see what some of our supporters are doing to raise money on our behalf. You can donate through CrowdRise safely and securely too (http://www.crowdrise.com/agivingspirit). And if you'd like to raise money on our behalf, please try out CrowdRise - it's easy, safe, and pretty cool.

And, if you're interested in donating your time to help at one of our upcoming events, please email agsf@agivingspirit.org.

Join the Crowd

2012-01-08T14:48:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of CrowdRise? It's a cool new platform that allows anyone to raise money for another organization - doing whatever it is they want to do. AGSF isn't picky - if you want to knit the longest scarf and get donations for each foot you knit, go ahead. Or maybe you want to enter yourself in a hot dog eating contest and have your friends donate $100 per hotdog. Or just put a plea out to your friends and family and challenge them to give money to a worthy cause.

Anyway, the point is, if you're doing something that you think you can turn into a fundraiser and raise $10 or $1000 or $10,000 (and anything in between) to help A Giving Spirit Foundation then consider using CrowdRise as an easy way to spread the word and take online donations.

http://www.crowdrise.com/agivingspirit

It's easy to start and easy to receive donations. Just create a project on the AGSF Charity Profile page and start spreading the word!

If you'd like to raise money toward a specific grant request, let us know and we'll talk about some of the deserving families we've received grant requests for and how you can help fulfill the grant.

Giving Where It's Needed

2011-12-08T15:45:00.001-05:00

This time of year it's easy to lose sight of the basics when it comes to gift giving. A Giving Spirit Foundation helps families who just need to pay the power bill, buy groceries and/or pay the rent but can't because their money is going toward surgeries or other necessities due to their health situation.

Here are just a few of the wonderful responses AGSF hears when a grant is approved:

"God will bless people like you in special ways for helping people like me"

"You are the bright light in an otherwise grim and terribly stressful time."

"You have helped make my patients feel like they are somebody worthy of attention and compassion, something that is so often so hard for them to find."

"You have definitely changed a life with this gift."

"Thank You! [She] will now be able to remain in her home!"

Let's continue to help the people who need helping this holiday season - you can do your part by making a donation to A Giving Spirit Foundation.

"They made me feel like somebody."

2011-09-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

September 26, 2011

Dear Friends of A Giving Spirit Foundation,

“What do you say to a mother battling life-threatening cancer when she says ‘We will be homeless, me and my kids’ as she shares the journey of her darkest hour. With eviction looming overhead and not a resource in sight, my patient thought the situation was hopeless. She was ready to give up. Until A Giving Spirit Foundation stepped in to shine their light. To say thank you to what I consider a group of angels on Earth is not enough and I wish I could capture the tears of joy and expression of gratitude that patients share upon receiving news they have been blessed by a grant from A Giving Spirit. It’s like having the front row to watch a miracle take place. One particular mom exclaimed ‘they made me feel like somebody.’ What can you say to that? To all the angels of A Giving Spirit Foundation, my deepest gratitude for shining your light, making miracles happen and giving my patients the precious gift of hope.” Mellisa Wheeler, Blumenthal Cancer Center

Mellisa Wheeler understands all too well the stress that families feel when the mother has been diagnosed with a debilitating disease and the family does not have the financial resources to pay for healthcare and choices need to be made between the mother’s health and the basics like rent and groceries. As the American Cancer Society Patient Resource Navigator for the Blumenthal Cancer Center in Charlotte, NC, she sees this pain and struggle every day. Fortunately, A Giving Spirit has been able to ease the burden for three of her patients this year and the gratitude that these mothers have expressed make it clear that there is a need for A Giving Spirit Foundation in the greater Charlotte community.

Every person receiving this letter deserves some of this gratitude. Without your support, AGSF would have been unable to bring relief to the many families that have received grants over the last three years. In the past year, AGSF has awarded over $13,000 in grants to these deserving families.

Operating under the vision of Laura Woodall, A Giving Spirit Foundation strives to lend a helping hand to deserving mothers in the Davidson and greater Charlotte, NC communities suffering from a debilitating disease or other unforeseen major health challenges. Of equal importance is supporting research organizations who are searching for a cure for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Organizations like Project

ALS, The ALS Association and the ALS division of MDA do fantastic work and are making advances every day. AGSF is proud to support them. AGSF donated $1500 to these organizations over the past year to go directly toward ALS research.

Laura says it best: “It was the invitation from friends and my opportunity to give back that embarked a journey which has proven worthy. A Giving Spirit Foundation (just three years young) has given to individuals who needed assistance, has given to research, has created a board to guide the mission, and has successfully hosted three fundraisers. It is my and my family's hope that this foundation continues to give back. My vision is that A Giving Spirit Foundation will persevere for years to come. Your support will drive that vision. If you find yourself in a position, when you can give or want to give... I strongly encourage you to give to A Giving Spirit Foundation. My wish is that you become a giving spirit.”

For the past several years, AGSF has raised the majority of our funds through the annual Autumn Fest event. Last year’s event raised over $12,000 from attendees, silent auction bidding and donations from supporters unable to attend the event. Again, we thank you all for your contributions last year! A big special thank you goes to Kelly and Steve Gentry, who hosted the event at their beautiful home, local bands Sunday Union and Billy Jones who kept everyone entertained, and especially to the many wonderful women and men on the AGSF volunteer committee (led by Kim Fleming and Melissa Reddick). These people spent countless hours organizing this phenomenal event and it could not have gone more smoothly.

So, we’re giving our volunteers a year off this year from planning the big event. Instead, we’re going to treat this as a building year. We’re working on strengthening relationships in the community and learn how to build a stronger organization that can raise money year round and not be dependent on one large annual event. We’re here for the long haul so that we can realize Laura Woodall’s vision by continuing to make the lives of deserving mothers in the community facing a health challenge a little bit easier.

If you have fundraising ideas or experience and would like to become more involved, please email us at agsf@agivingspirit.org.

“They made me feel like somebody.” And that, my friends, is why we do this.

Sincerely,

The AGSF Board of Trustees

It's a good day to support AGSF!

2011-09-18T13:36:00.003-04:00

Approximately 14 cases of ALS are diagnosed each day. Most who develop the disease are between 40 and 70 yrs of age. The average expected survival time for those suffering from ALS is 3 to 5 yrs.

Any day is a good day to give a donation to A Giving Spirit Foundation. You can donate by credit card using our secure site by clicking the Donate button in the upper right corner of this site.

Or, mail a check made out to A Giving Spirit Foundation to:
A Giving Spirit Foundation
PO Box 494
Davidson, NC 28036

Matching Gift Program
Many 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.

Buy a Book, Support ALS Research!

2011-08-09T19:04:00.001-04:00

A Giving Spirit Foundation proudly supports the work done by Project A.L.S. - they are committed like no other organization to finding a cure for this disease. The actor Rob Morrow is a dedicated Project A.L.S. Board Member and has written a short story about his adventures playing golf in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and proceeds will go to Project A.L.S.

In his words:

My friends, A year and a half ago I played golf in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. It was an extraordinary and inspirational odyssey. I've written a short story about it that is now available on Kindle Shorts. All items on the Amazon Kindle Store can be downloaded and read using the free Kindle app on a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Android and Windows Phone 7. The proceeds are going to Project ALS, which has been making significant breakthroughs toward eradicating not only ALS, but Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal injuries. The day is coming when these afflictions will be a thing of the past. Please make the small donation of $2.99 and get An Actors Nightmare (Redux) for yourself or anyone you know interested in golf and the creative process. We are going to put these diseases behind us, it's just a question of when.

Hope you are all having a great summer and are not being tortured by the golf gods as I am...

Many thanks,

Rob Morrow

So, if you were a fan of Northern Exposure, golf, books, reading funny tales of an actor or just want an easy way to donate money to a wonderful organization searching for a cure to a terrible disease, you'll want to buy Rob Morrow's short "The Actor's Nightmare: Redux" today!

Financial Help Is Available

2011-06-21T20:06:00.003-04:00

Are you in need of financial assistance due to the high costs when suffering from a debilitating disease? A Giving Spirit Foundation may be able to help you. If you are a mother in the Davidson/Charlotte, NC community experiencing financial difficulties due to your debilitating disease, you may qualify to receive a financial grant from A Giving Spirit Foundation.

Nancy Brown of Davidson, NC received a grant earlier this year to help her family of six in the midst of financial issues brought on by three devastating diagnoses . In 1998 her daughter was born with spinabifida. Her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004. Several years later, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We've always managed to keep up with, if not ahead of, our medical issues until this last event,” Nancy explains. “A Giving Spirit Foundation reached out to us at a time that couldn't have been more perfect. We were hard pressed to make the mortgage after a few months and didn't know where to turn for help. That gift relieved the stress we were under and gave us breathing room to figure out the finances, to locate help. It may not have seemed like much, but when your choices are deciding whether to move or how to afford to feed a family of 6 on $100 a month, it was priceless.”

Nancy’s story exemplifies why AGSF works hard to raise funds and provide grants to families in their time of need.

To learn more or request a grant application for yourself or someone you know that fits this criteria, please email agsf@agivingspirit.org.

May is ALS Awareness Month

2011-05-01T22:22:00.001-04:00

If you ask someone if they know anything about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), most will ask if that's the disease Lou Gehrig had. The answer is Yes, but there's much more to know about this disease:

Approximately every 90 minutes, ALS claims the life of one American.
5600 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year.
ALS affects 2 per 10,000 people.
As many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.
ALS occurs throughout the world, with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.

To learn more about how ALS affects people just like you, read "ALS - Anyone's Life Story" on www.als-mda.org.

There are many wonderful organizations fighting for a cure, a few are listed below. Please, help raise funds and awareness in May or any other month of the year.

Financial Help Is Available

2011-02-03T07:41:00.004-05:00

Nancy Brown of Davidson, NC received a grant earlier this year to help her family of six in the midst of financial issues brought on by three devastating diagnoses . In 1998 her daughter was born with spinabifida. Her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004. Several years later, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We've always managed to keep up with, if not ahead of, our medical issues until this last event,” Nancy explains. “A Giving Spirit Foundation reached out to us at a time that couldn't have been more perfect. We were hard pressed to make the mortgage after a few months and didn't know where to turn for help. That gift relieved the stress we were under and gave us breathing room to figure out the finances, to locate help. It may not have seemed like much, but when your choices are deciding whether to move or how to afford to feed a family of 6 on $100 a month, it was priceless.”

Nancy’s story exemplifies why AGSF works hard to raise funds and provide grants to families in their time of need.

To learn more or request a grant application for yourself or someone you know that fits this criteria, please email agsf@agivingspirit.org.

Need a Tax Deduction?

2010-12-30T12:29:00.002-05:00

Make a donation to A Giving Spirit Foundation by 11:59 p.m. December 31, 2010 to claim as a charitable giving deduction on your 2010 taxes.

Or, get a jump start on 2011 and make a donation anytime!

Select the Donate button to the left and donate online securely today!

Matching Gift Program
Many 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

Autumn Fest 2010 a Success!

2010-10-24T13:41:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all who supported A Giving Spirit Foundations' 2010 Autumn Fest. It was a beautiful day filled with great music, kids running and laughing, food and fun.

While the final numbers aren't in yet, it looks like we raised over $12,000! The money will benefit Mothers facing financial hardships due to debilitating diseases as well as research organizations working toward a cure for ALS.

If you weren't able to support us yesterday, it's not too late to Donate. Make your tax-deductible donation today!

Autumn Fest 2010 is today!

2010-10-23T13:17:00.000-04:00

The weather is beautiful in Davidson, NC today! Come out for Autumn Fest from 4 - 8 p.m. today!

It's not too late - you can still buy tickets online or at the door. If you buy online after 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, please bring the payment confirmation email.

For tickets and more information: http://agivingspirit.blogspot.com/2010/09/autumn-fest-2010.html

It will be an afternoon of fun for kids and adults! Bring a chair or blanket, sit back, listen to great music and enjoy an afternoon outdoors with good friends.

Come ready to bid in the Silent Auction! You could win a weekend at a lovely 3 bedroom cabin with hot tub and gas grill near the Virginia creeper trail, fine art (from jewelry to ceramics and more), meals prepared by Betsy Verhy, closet organizing, interior decorating consultation, a week of summer camp at Woodlawn School, sports tickets (Davidson Wildcats and Panthers), plus a "night out" basket with area restaurant gift cards and babysitting coupons. This is a sampling

Autumn Fest 2010!

2010-09-18T10:50:00.005-04:00

Please join the Davidson and Charlotte communities on Saturday, October 23 for the 2010 Autumn Fest!

It will be an afternoon of fun for kids and adults! Bring a chair or blanket, sit back, listen to great music and enjoy an afternoon outdoors with good friends.

Music will be provided by local favorites Sunday Union and Billy Jones

Kids will have fun throughout the day playing in bouncy houses & slides, face painting, arts & crafts and other games.

Come ready to bid in the Silent Auction! You could win a weekend at a lovely 3 bedroom cabin with hot tub and gas grill near the Virginia creeper trail, fine art (from jewelry to ceramics and more), meals prepared by Betsy Verhy, closet organizing, interior decorating consultation, a week of summer camp at Woodlawn School, sports tickets (Davidson Wildcats and Panthers), plus a "night out" basket with area restaurant gift cards and babysitting coupons. This is a sampling!

Outback Steakhouse is generously providing food for the event.

When: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 23, 2010
Where: Westmoreland Farm; 12806 Westmoreland Farm Road, Davidson, NC

Buy Tickets Now!
Family Ticket - $150: Provides admission to the event for your family.

Single Ticket - $50: Provides admission to the event for one person.

Buy online securely or mail your check to A Giving Spirit Foundation (address in footer of web site). If purchasing by mail, please include the following information:
Name
Address
Email Address
# of Tickets Purchasing
# of people attending (if buying a Family Ticket)

**you will not be issued a paper ticket - please check in at the event and your name will be on a list if you purchased online or mailed in a check**

This annual event benefits A Giving Spirit Foundation.
This foundation is guided by the vision of Laura Woodall and her family. Proceeds from the event will go toward awarding financial support to families experiencing adversity in the face of an unforeseen health challenge as well as research organizations working toward a cure for ALS, such as the ALS division of MDA and Project ALS.

An Open Letter

2010-09-08T07:15:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your support over the years for Laura’s League and A Giving Spirit Foundation. We thought it important to give you an update as to what we’ve been up to and where we’re going.

Four short years ago, Laura Somerville Woodall was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease which falls under the realm of ALS. Upon hearing this news, most people asked “What’s ALS?” Laura jumped into action with the intent to educate others about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and raise funds toward a cure. First step? Gather 25 friends and form “Laura’s League” and, in her words, “make some difference in the lives of those living with ALS.”

The League’s first effort raised over $100,000 for the 2007 MDA Stride N Ride. The original goal was just $25,000 but we found out what could happen when the group banded together and reached out to our generous networks of friends and family. This made the Woodalls realize that much more could be done to support the tens of thousands living with ALS and other debilitating diseases.

With that thought in mind, and under the leadership of Jim Strodel and Chris Bryant, A Giving Spirit Foundation (AGSF) was formed in October 2008 to help others experiencing adversity in the face of an unforeseen health challenge. Money raised by AGSF will go toward awarding financial support and assistance to needy and deserving individuals and families suffering from a debilitating disease. We also plan to continue to support research organizations working toward a cure for ALS, such as the ALS division of MDA and Project ALS.

Since formed, AGSF has awarded over $11,000 in grants to individuals and research organizations. Nancy Brown of Davidson, NC received a grant earlier this year to help her family of six in the midst of financial issues brought on by three devastating diagnoses . In 1998 her daughter was born with spinabifida. Her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2004. Several years later, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nancy’s story exemplifies why AGSF works hard to raise funds and provide grants to families in their time of need. If you know of any family experiencing financial difficulties due to a debilitating disease, please contact us and request a grant application.

AGSF has spent much of the last two years organizing and sorting out the

details of starting a non-profit. We’re energized and ready to move forward in our fight against ALS. We’re focused on fulfilling the mission of raising awareness of this disease, helping fund research for a cure and helping others facing long term health adversities by awarding financial support to qualified grant applicants.

All the while, we pledge to never lose sight of the guiding vision of Laura Woodall. She and her family provide daily inspiration to all who witness their courage and hope as they face a life with ALS.

Thank you again for your past support and we hope you will continue to support us in whatever manner you choose.

Sincerely,

The AGSF Board of Trustees

P.S. Did you know that you can donate at any time by going to www.agivingspirit.org? Click on the gold Donate button in the upper left corner to donate securely. Or, send a check made out to A Giving Spirit Foundation to the address above.

Save the Date:

AGSF’s annual fundraiser
will be held on

Saturday, Oct. 23^rd.

2010-08-11T20:04:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the ALS Association for spearheading this effort. Please join them in helping make the Senate understand why funding is imperative toward finding a cure for ALS.

Advocate for a Treatment this August

As Congress heads home for their summer recess (mid-August to mid-September), we need your help to double funding for the ALS Research Program (ALSRP) at the Department of Defense. This vital program is specifically designed to find a treatment for ALS.

The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee recently voted to increase funding for the ALSRP to $10 million, a more than 30% increase over last year! While this is great news, much more must be done. Last year's funding of $7.5 million is expected to only fund four projects. And that’s why we need your help. We want the Senate to double funding to $15 million for the program when they return to Washington in September.

In order to accomplish this goal, ALS Association Chapters and advocates across the country are meeting with Senators throughout the recess to build support for the ALSRP. But your Senators need to hear from you! In fact, your outreach will send a loud and clear message to Senators that people with ALS all over the state need a treatment today. That we don’t have time to wait. That more funding is needed!

Please visit the Advocacy Action Center of our website (http://capwiz.com/alsa/home/) and urge your Senators to provide $15 million for the ALSRP in 2011. And contact them today. While the recess begins this week and will continue until mid-September, don’t wait to email your Senators. Contact them today and help find a treatment and cure for ALS!

Catalina Channel Swim for ALS

2010-07-27T22:34:00.002-04:00

On August 5th, three brave people will swim 21 miles across the Catalina Channel in California. Why? To raise funds and awareness for ALS. Please support the team and Project ALS by visiting the crowdrise page:

Cliff says: "Help propel us across the Catalina Channel by donating to the fight against ALS."

It's a good day to support AGSF!

2010-07-04T20:17:00.003-04:00

Approximately 14 cases of ALS are diagnosed each day. Most who develop the disease are between 40 and 70 yrs of age. The average expected survival time for those suffering from ALS is 3 to 5 yrs.

Any day is a good day to give a donation to A Giving Spirit Foundation. You can donate by credit card using our secure site by clicking the Donate button in the upper left corner. Or, mail a check to:

A Giving Spirit Foundation

PO Box 494

Davidson, NC 28036

Matching Gift Program
Many 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.

May is ALS Awareness Month

2010-05-10T21:16:00.001-04:00

Approximately every 90 minutes, ALS claims the life of one American.
5600 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year.
ALS affects 2 per 10,000 people.
As many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.
ALS occurs throughout the world, with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.

A Perfect Mother's Day Gift

2010-05-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

A Giving Spirit Foundation benefits the families of Mothers experiencing adversity in the face of an unforeseen health challenge and what a better way to honor your Mother on Mother's Day than giving a donation in her name.

Mother's Day is May 9 - Donate Now!

Upcoming "Walk to Defeat" ALS Events

2010-04-11T09:36:00.002-04:00

Spring is here and everyone is looking for reasons to be outside. What's a better reason than participating in a "Walk to Defeat ALS" in your area?

The Walk to Defeat ALS^TM is the national signature event of The ALS Association.
Approximately 150 Walk events are held across the country each year.
Over $80 million has been raised through the Walk program since its inception in 2000.
Each year over 120,000 families, businesses and volunteers participate in Walk events.
Walk events fund vital patient services programs and cutting-edge ALS research.
There is no registration fee to participate in a Walk

We've missed some walks this Spring but it's not too late to join up for those in the Winston-Salem, Wilminton and Charlotte, NC areas:

April 17, 2010:

Click here for details about the Winston-Salem, NC event.

Click here for details about the Wilmington, NC event.

April 24, 2010:

Click here for details about the Charlotte, NC event.

Dick Sanderson Driving 4 Life Golf Tournament - 4.22.10

2010-04-07T20:39:00.001-04:00

Golf anyone? Now's your chance to enjoy a beautiful day playing River Run in Davidson, NC and raise money toward a cure. One of the finest courses in North Carolina, River Run was designed by former Master's and PGA Champion, Raymond Floyd.

The 6th Annual Dick Sanderson Driving 4 Life Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010.

Dick Sanderson was diagnosed with ALS in 2004 and since then, through events like these, almost $500,00 has been raised to support the promising research done at the ALS Therapy Development Institute and to lessen the burden of the ongoing expenses the Sanderson family experiences as a result of the disease.

Driving 4 Life is a multi-million dollar campaign supported by World Golf Hall of Fame Golf Member Tom Watson. Watson's long-time caddie, Bruce Edwards, was diagnosed with ALS in 2003. Edwards succumbed to the disease in 2004. The mission of Driving 4 Life is to find a cure for ALS by funding progressive research. Proceeds from the Dick Sanderson Driving 4 Life sponsorship and participation will benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

For more information on participating or sponsoring, please visit www.dicksandersondriving4life.org/

Move for ALS - 3600 miles, 2 bikes, 1 cause

2010-03-24T12:26:00.001-04:00

Augustin Quancard says it best: "ALS is a terrible disease: no one deserves to suffer it. But with your help I believe we can make a significant impact on the search to find a cure."

That's why events like Move For ALS are so important. These are just two guys who have decided to make a difference by cycling across the United States while raising money for a cure and awareness of this disease.

The journey starts on May 15 but you don't have to wait until then to show them you support what they're doing. Go to www.moveforals.com to learn more about them, Tony Judt (the inspiration for the ride) and to lend your support - either moral or monetary.

Thanks for your support!

2010-03-22T16:20:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who contacted their Representative to help increase funding for the National ALS Registry.

According to Kristy Koon with the ALS Association, thanks to your outreach, nearly 40 Representatives signed the letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging them to increase funding for the Registry. That's 10 more Representatives than last year, a year in which Congress increased funding for the Registry by 20%! Your outreach is making a difference!

Please Contact Congress Today: Less Than 48 Hours Remain to Sign Dear Colleague Letter

2010-03-18T07:54:00.001-04:00

Thursday, March 18, is the last day your Representative can sign onto the ALS RegistryDear Colleague letter , which requests Congress to continue funding for this vital research program. Please contact your Representative today and ask him/her to sign onto the ALS Registry Dear Colleague letter. You can contact your Representative from our website here: http://capwiz.com/alsa/home/.

The National ALS Registry is a critical tool in the fight to find what causes ALS and how it can be treated and ultimately cured. And while Congress has funded the Registry in the past, our success this year will depend in large part on the number of Representatives who sign the ALS Registry Dear Colleague.

So please, contact your Representative TODAY and urge him/her to sign the Engel-Terry Dear Colleague letter. Let Congress know that people with ALS, who have no effective treatment option available, can't afford to wait.

Thank you!!

ALS Registry Dear Colleague letter
https://ssl.capwiz.com/alsa/attachments/2_ALS_Registry_Dear_Colleague__FINAL_.pdf

Additional information about the implementation of the National ALS Registry
https://ssl.capwiz.com/alsa/attachments/2_ALS_Registry_Update__March_2010_.pdf

A Giving Spirit Foundation appreciates your efforts in helping to finding a cure for ALS!

2010 Mario Palumbo ALS Research Gala

2010-03-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

There are many amazing organizations around the world whose mission is to find a cure for ALS. Mario Palumbo ALS Research is just one of them.

If you're in the Charleston, WV area on Saturday, March 13, we hope you'll attend!

The 2010 Mario Palumbo ALS Research Gala is being held March 13, 2010 at the Berry Hills Country Club in Charleston, WV. This event will include cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, and both silent and live auction items donated from West Virginia businesses and music entertainment by pianist Bob Thompson.

This year the Mario Palumbo Ethics Award is being presented to Jed Smith. All proceeds from the Mario Palumbo ALS Research Gala will be applied to the funding of research efforts into finding effective treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Title - $10,000
Gold - $5,000
Silver - $3,000
Bronze - $1,500
Individual Tickets - $100

For more information, please call the MDA office at (304) 344-9807.

It's a good day to support AGSF

2010-03-07T11:25:00.000-05:00

Approximately 14 cases of ALS are diagnosed each day. Most who develop the disease are between 40 and 70 yrs of age. The average expected survival time for those suffering from ALS is 3 to 5 yrs.

Any day is a good day to give a donation to A Giving Spirit Foundation. You can donate by credit card using our secure site by clicking the Donate button in the upper right corner. Or, mail a check to:

A Giving Spirit Foundation

PO Box 494

Davidson, NC 28036

One Minute of Your Time Could Help To See $500,000 Go Toward ALS Research

2009-10-07T07:32:00.000-04:00

In 2006, Susan Hills watched ALS take her father’s life. Now, she’s on a quest to give $500,000 for ALS research but she needs your help! She entered her dog, Jack Hills, in “The Cutest Dog in America” competition and needs your votes to help him secure a spot in the finalist bracket. If Jack wins the competition, Susan will give $500,000 of the prize money to The ALS Association for research!

There are only 3 weeks left of the competition, and each week a new finalist is selected.

Please, vote for Jack today and every day this week by visiting the site below.
http://www.cutestdogcompetition.com/vote.cfm?h=1368EA1F0EB642A3DFFE93B405815D75#

Help Susan and Jack create a world without ALS.

Watch Jack's video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1os0ubEg1w

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Donate to AGSF

2009-10-04T09:48:00.002-04:00

A Giving Spirit Foundation truly appreciates everyone's support at Autumn Fest 2009 yesterday. The event was a success and we could not have done it without you!

If you weren't able to attend and would still like to donate, it's not too late. You can donate any amount at any time right here:

It's a Great Day for Autumn Fest 2009!

2009-10-03T09:32:00.002-04:00

It'a beautiful day in Davidson and we're busy setting up and getting ready for a great evening! Don't have a ticket? Don't worry, tickets will be available at the door.

Don't forget the 50/50 raffle! You'll be able to purchase those at the event as well.

Dinner will be served at 5:00 and the Blue Dogs will go on at 7 p.m. We know you will enjoy it! You do not need to bring any paper tickets as we will have your name at the registration table.

Please bring a blanket or chairs to sit on for our picnic dinner.
Parking is limited at St. Alban's, so we encourage you to walk or carpool to the event.
It it's rainy on Oct. 3, check your email in case of a rain change. (Rain location is Davidson Elem. gym)

We look forward to seeing you and sharing our commitment to A Giving Spirit Foundation with the Woodall Family and the Blue Dogs!

Autumn Family Fest with The Blue Dogs

2009-09-12T20:31:00.022-04:00

Please join the Davidson and Charlotte community
at the 2009 Autumn Family Fest

for the benefit of A Giving Spirit Foundation.

When: October 3, 2009, 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: St. Alban's Green
             301 Caldwell Lane
             Davidson, NC
             Google Map It
What: Food, games and family entertainment. The Blue Dogs will perform live from 7 - 9 p.m.

Ticket and Raffle Options:

$500, A Giving Spirit Ticket includes family ticket to event and (2) raffle tickets for the 50/50 raffle.
$300, A Loving Heart Ticket includes family ticket to event and (1) raffle ticket for the 50/50 raffle.
$150, A Helping Hand Family Ticket includes family ticket to event.
$75, A Helping Hand Individual Ticket includes admission to the event for (1) person.
$25, Student ticket for the The Blue Dogs performance only (7-9 p.m.)

Don't forget the raffle!
$50 Raffle ticket for the 50/50 raffle. AGSF will receive half of the proceeds from the raffle and the winner will receive the other half (Winner need not be present)

For more information, please email laurasleague@gmail.com.

Meet the Blue Dogs!

2009-09-12T20:27:00.005-04:00

A Giving Spirit Foundation is excited that the Blue Dogs will be headlining this year’s Autumn Fest fundraising event. While the band calls Charleston, SC home, they got their roots in Davidson when three of the original members went to Davidson. They played together informally until they graduated and then named their band and officially launched the Blue Dogs in 1987.

Fast forward 22 years and nine albums later, the Blue Dogs have a huge following around the country and especially here in the Charlotte area. Their music crosses a variety of genres but may best be described as Americana/Country-Rock. Fans of all ages can’t help but find themselves dancing up front by the stage once the band gets going.

Listen to the music: www.bluedogs.com or www.myspace.com/bluedogs

The Blue Dogs are:

Bobby Houck: acoustic guitar, harmonica & vocals
Hank Futch: upright bass, acoustic guitar & vocals
Greg Walker: drums & percussion
David Stewart: electric guitar & vocals

Discography:

Music For Dog People (1991)
Soul Dogfood (1993)
Live at the Dock Street Theatre (1995)
Blue Dogs (1997)
For The Record--Live (1998)
Letters From Round O (1999)
Live at the Florence Little Theatre (2002)
Halos and Good Buys (2004)
Live at the Workplay Theatre (2006)

Videography:

Live at the House of Blues (2004) 45 minutes.
Live at the Dock Street Theatre.again (2008) 99 min.

Date set for Autumn Festival 2009

2009-08-11T19:38:00.005-04:00

Saturday, October 3

Save the Date for this year's Autumn Festival. Our first event in 2008 was a great success and fun for the whole family. This year, A Giving Spirit Foundation is thrilled that the Blue Dogs will be bringing us their unique blend of Americana rock and roll music by headlining the family-friendly event.

When: Saturday, October 3
Where: Davidson, NC on the grounds of St. Alban's Church
Map It

Entertainment: Games and family fun; the Blue Dogs

Check back for more event details and ticket information

ALS Advocacy - Call To Action

2009-06-27T08:44:00.007-04:00

An Important Request from the ALS Association, Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter

**ALS ADVOCACY - CALL TO ACTION**

Dear Friends,

As you may recall, we sent out an email two weeks ago asking you to call your Representative and Senator to ask them to reinstate the $400,000 annual funding that was cut from the House version of the state budget. We had an outpouring of support and the Chair of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee presented an amendment to reinstate a portion of the funding in the final version of the House budget. Unfortunately the House defeated the measure but this tells us that our collective outreach was heard by one of the most important members of the House HHS committee!

WHAT NEXT?

Now the details of the budget are being worked out in a special conference committee made up of appointed members of the Senate and the House. We have an opportunity to be reinstated if we can convince them that this is important enough.

We need you to call or email the Representatives and Senators listed below to let them know that if they do not fully reinstate this funding ($400,000 recurring), it will be devastating for people with ALS and their families inNorth Carolina. The ALS Association would be forced to cut vital programs and services including ALS clinic funding. North Carolina would, in a sense, be abandoning and turning its back on what many people believe to be its most vulnerable citizens. We need these calls to be made or emails to be sent as early in the week as possible.

I have listed the contact information below for the people who will be deciding the HHS budget. I have also included a sample phone script. Please take the time now to call or email each person listed below.

You should know that since the NC General Assembly approved the $400,000 recurring grant in 2005, many wonderful things have happened for people suffering with Lou Gehrig’s disease in NC. I have highlighted a few of these advancements below:

Number of PALS receiving services:

In 2005: 150

In 2008: 300 +(There are thought to be 700-900 patients in NC)

Support Groups:

In 2005: 9

In 2008: 13

(Located throughout NC)

Medical Equipment Closets

In 2005: 1

In 2008: 4

(Located throughout NC)

Care Services Staff

In 2005: 2

In 2008: 4

(Helps PALS secure services, provide counseling services and training for families, hospices, nursing facilities and hospitals to provide better care for people with ALS.)

Patient Support Grants:

In 2005: $31,000

In 2008: $201,000

(This increase includes assistance for in-home care, transportaion services and assistive technology equipment).

ALS Clinic Support:

In 2005: $65,000

In 2008: $247,000

(We added a new clinic in eastern NC and greatly incrased funcing to others)

Senate HHS Appointees

1. Sen. Doug Berger; (919) 715-8363, Doug.Berger@ncleg.net

2. Sen. William R. Purcell; (919) 733-5953,William.Purcell@ncleg.net

3. Sen. Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr.; (919) 715-3001,Martin.Nesbitt@ncleg.net

House HHS Appointees

1. Rep. Beverly Earle; 919-715-2530, Beverly.Earle@ncleg.net

2. Rep. Dr. Bob England; 919-733-5749, Bob.England@ncleg.net

3. Rep. Verla Insko; 919-733-7208, Verla.Insko@ncleg.net(PLEASE THANK HER FOR LEADING THE HOUSE EFFORT TO REINSTATE OUR FUNDING)

4. Rep. Jeff Barnhart; 919-715-2009, Jeff.Barnhart@ncleg.net

5. Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield; 919-733-5898, Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg.net

6. Rep. William D. Brisson; 919-733-5772;William.Brisson@ncleg.net

7. Rep. Randy Stewart; 252-443-6923; Randy.Stewart@ncleg.net

8. Rep. Jennifer Weiss; 919-715-3010; Jennifer.Weiss@ncleg.net

If they cannot work out their differences in committee then it will go to:

1. Speaker of the House; Joe Hackney; 919-733-3451,Joe.Hackney@ncleg.net

2. President Pro-Tempore of the Senate; Marc Basnight, (919) 733-6854,Marc.Basnight@ncleg.net

SAMPLE PHONE SCRIPT:

Representative/Senator __________, My name is ________________ and I want to talk to you about the $400,000 annual funding that is in jeopardy of being cut for people with ALS.

This is such a small amount in the HHS budget but it represents a very large part of the ALS Association’s budget. Elimination of this funding would sever a lifeline for North Carolina’s most vulnerable citizens.

If you do not know what ALS is, many consider it to be the world’s worst disease. (BRIEFLY SHARE YOUR CONNECTION).

Please, do whatever you can to protect the entire $400,000 appropriation. Eliminating any part of it would be too much. If you cut this funding from the budget, the ALS Association will have no choice but to significantly cut programs like respite care, transportation assistance, assistive technology access and worst of all, ALS clinics. This would be devastating to the many people who count on these critical services. I know you have to cut somewhere but please do not take away these services for people with ALS when they are already dealing with the biggest crisis of their life.

Thank you for your time and more importantly your support!

Introducing... A Giving Spirit Foundation

2008-10-11T22:18:00.003-04:00

This foundation is guided by the vision of Laura Woodall and her family. It will primarily support families of Mothers experiencing adversity in the face of an unforeseen health challenge, as well as Project ALS and the ALS Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In 2006, Laura was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease which falls under the realm of ALS. Under the shadow of this diagnosis, Laura formed a team of her closest friends and fellow mothers. "Laura's League" proceeded to reaise over $100,000 for the MDA Stride N'Ride event in March 2007. For leading this remarkable effort, Laura was named Honoree at the MDA's 2008 Black & Blue Gala. And once again, Laura's League played a part in a record-breaking ALS fundraising effort for this Charlotte Chapter MDA event.

We are so pround of Laura and all that she has done to promote awareness and funding for ALS research. She is an inspiration to us all. A Giving Spirit Foundation will strive to continue the momentum generated by Laura's League and to inspire others along the way.

Autumn Family Fest - October 11, 2008

2008-09-13T16:36:00.009-04:00