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. 

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

MAYke it an AGSF Month!

AGSF Awareness Month kicks off on Thursday, May 1^st with our “Feeding Your Spirit” cookbook launch party at Main Street Books!  We hope to see you there and also hope you will plan to participate in any of our Awareness events listed below.  

This is our primary way of raising the funds that will go to deserving grant recipients and to research organizations searching for a cure for ALS, so we’re pulling out all the stops for a successful month!  We can't thank the participating businesses enough for giving their space, their time, proceeds, tips, and more, but mostly for  showing that they believe in the AGSF mission by being a part of AGSF Awareness Month 2014!

Support Area Businesses that Support AGSF and 

MAYke it an AGSF Month!

 

Introducing... the AGSF Teen Council!

A Giving Spirit Foundation (AGSF) is proud to announce the formation of the new AGSF Teen Council.  Comprised of 11 local area teens ages 13 - 18, the new AGSF Teen Council will focus on events intended to reach all ages of the community.  These teens believe in the mission of AGSF and want to be a part of making an impact on their community through this organization.

AGSF Teen Council Co-Chair Lexi Powers approached board member Carly Schiano earlier this year about wanting to get involved with AGSF. Out of that conversation came the AGSF Teen Council.

AGSF Board Member Carly Schiano explains, "I'm really excited about the creation of the AGSF Teen Council.  I think it's critical for an organization whose mission is to help mothers and their children in need, to incorporate local youth in the planning and execution of events.  I think the Teen Council will make our organization richer and stronger for having their enthusiasm, perspective and new ideas and I think our organization will give those teens involved an amazing chance to look at the needs of others and learn ways that they can really make a difference in their lives."    

Why did Lexi want to become involved in this organization?  “I've been blessed with the opportunity to serve those in need and aid in raising awareness among community members,” she says.  “We are truly impacting surrounding communities in extremely positive ways and creating life-changing experiences for those in need.”

The AGSF Teen Council is currently planning an ambitious fundraiser -  a 24-hour walk that will raise funds and awareness for AGSF and ALS.  It will be held on August 16 – 17 on Davidson’s Village Green.  This is an organized, overnight fundraising walk around the Green and filled with fun and team spirit. Mark your calendars now and start thinking about who all you want on your team! Watch the AGSF Facebook page for more details as the plans are finalized.   

AGSF Teen Council member Amelia Woodall has been involved with AGSF  since the non-profit’s  inception in 2008.  Last year, Amelia and her sister Abigail were active helpers at many AGSF Awareness month events for the first time.  They immediately saw the support the organization has by the Davidson community and the positive responses from those learning about it for the first time.   

Amelia says, “I enjoy my involvement with AGSF because not only is it a great learning opportunity for me, but I am helping raise awareness and donations that go to help women in need all throughout the community. AGSF truly is an organization that will change people's lives.”

All proceeds from the AGSF Teen Council events will go directly to A Giving Spirit Foundation.  AGSF provides financial assistance to families in the Davidson and greater Charlotte, NC area where the mother has been diagnosed with a debilitating disease.  AGSF also supports research organizations searching for a cure for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), like Project ALS and The ALS Association Jim “Catfish” Hunter chapter.  AGSF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

When AGSF Teen Council Co-Chair Daryl Konstandt was asked why she got involved with the organization, she explained: “When the opportunity presented itself to join AGSF Teen Council, I was extremely excited to be able to lend a hand in such an amazing organization. It truly is an honor to be a small part of a foundation that provides such a big help to families in need around the community.”

If you are interested in learning more about the AGSF Teen Council, their events or how you can participate, please contact any member of the AGSF Teen Council or email agsf@agivingspirit.org.

2014 AGSF Teen Council:

• Lexi Powers (Co-Chair)
• Daryl Konstandt (Co-Chair)
• Maggie Fowler (Secretary)
• Amelia Woodall  (Communications)
• Finn Bridgeford
• Libby Dy
• Hank Grzeszczak
• Grace Powers
• Rachel Neal
• Matthew Shaw
• Abigail Woodall

"Feeding Your Spirit” Cookbook Now Available For Sale

“Feeding Your Spirit,” a cookbook created by supporters of A Giving Spirit Foundation (AGSF) is available for sale now.  Pre-order your cookbook today to ensure you receive a copy of this limited release collection of favorite family recipes.

Local supporters and friends across the country submitted recipes with special family memories – recipes passed down from generation to generation or created recently and are now a family favorite.  “Aunt Susan’s Crab Dip,” “Lou’s Favorite Simple Salad,” “Oma’s German Potato Salad,” “Josh’s Favorite Chicken Noodle Cheese Casserole,” “Great Grandma’s  Gingerbread Cookies” and “Pauline’s Lemon Pound Cake” are just some of the mouth watering heritage recipes  included in the cookbook. 

This cookbook was created by – and for – the friends of A Giving Spirit Foundation and contains over 200 recipes.  Pre-order your cookbook today - see the Purchase Your Cookbook section to the right of this post.  

Cookbooks will be delivered in person at the locations below or mailed to out of town supporters (shipping included in price).  You will also be able to buy a copy at the events below, while supplies last.

·         May 1 – Main Street Books (6 – 8 p.m.)126 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036 (Cookbook Launch Party!)

·         May 3 – Davidson Town Day (http://www.ci.davidson.nc.us)  Main Street, Davidson, NC. Look for the AGSF booth.

·         May 17 -  Davidson Farmers Market (http://www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org/)  Located next to Town Hall between Main & Jackson Streets.  Look for the AGSF booth.

·         May 24 -  Raeford’s Barber Shop (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)  206 S. Main Street, Davidson, NC

All proceeds from the cookbook will benefit AGSF.  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 Jim “Catfish” Hunter chapter.  AGSF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

AGSF was founded in 2008, soon after Laura Woodall of Davidson, NC was diagnosed with ALS. Mrs. Woodall 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.

When Mrs. Woodall learned of the upcoming “Feeding Your Spirit” fundraiser, she and her family were eager to submit recipes of their own and they are found throughout the cookbook. “I remember getting a thrill from hosting our extended family for the holidays. Every step from making my grocery list, going to the grocery store, to baking anything ahead of time was as if it was my fulfilling challenge to do this for a wonderful holiday meal together.  By mid-afternoon we could all sit, feast, tell stories from the past, laugh, indulge in seconds, talk more, laugh more, and eventually have room for dessert. That time together was everything I'd hoped for –cooking leading to a sweet victory for everyone!”

Join us at  Main Street Books for the AGSF Feeding Your Spirit Cookbook Launch Party!  Pick up your pre-ordered copy or purchase your copy for $15.00 on Tuesday, May 1, from  6 – 8 p.m.

Feeding Your Spirit, A cookbook made for and by the friends of A Giving Spirit Foundation.

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

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! 

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.

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 2^nd 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! 

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.

Putting a Face on ALS

If you don't live in the Davidson, NC  area, there's a good chance you missed a wonderful and inspiring article in our local Lake Norman Currents magazine.   Lake Norman Currents had heard about the organization and the woman who set it all in motion and immediately knew this was a story worth telling. 

The headlines gets it right:  "Light in the Face of Adversity; Laura Woodall's courage fuels A Giving Spirit Foundation"

You can read the whole article here from the June 2012 issue - it starts on page 26.

http://lncurrents.com/pastissues/lnc0612.html

Giving Where It's Needed

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.