Do Good

OneSight is dedicated to improving vision for those in need worldwide through outreach, research and education. Since 1988, the nonprofit organization’s outreach efforts have helped more than eight million people around the world see more clearly. And on May 8, they brought their mobile clinic to Grand Rapids to serve West Michigan children.
 
“OneSight provides important opportunities that help children succeed in school and, ultimately, in life,” says Jamie Kwiatkowski, OneSight spokesperson. “We have seen many cases where a pair of glasses has made the difference in helping a child succeed in school or enabling a parent to find meaningful work to support their family. Seeing a child’s face light up because they can see clearly for the first time is something I will never forget.”
According to the American Optometric Association, up to 94 percent of children with reading problems have reduced visual skills.  This is the main reason OneSight provides a mobile clinic throughout the United States. Its visit to Grand Rapids was the first since 2007.
Held at Ottawa Hills High School, volunteers for OneSight provided 130 children in grades K-12 with free vision care including full vision exams and new eyewear.  This gift to our community is well appreciated. And you can help put the good back in do-gooder by assisting OneSight with their efforts. Here’s how:
 
·       LIKE them on facebook
·       Learn more about OneSight http://www.onesight.org/
·       Sign up for newsletter
·       Collect eyewear
·       Donate to the charity
 
Source:  Jamie Kwiatkowski, OneSight
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

Determined to save lives and end breast cancer forever, Susan G. Komen West Michigan has awarded seven grants totaling more than $275,000 to local organizations providing breast cancer services and programs to uninsured and underserved populations in West Michigan.

“To meet needs we have discovered right here in our community, this year’s grant slate specifically addresses underserved and uninsured men and women,” explains Executive Director Emma Powell. “These grant dollars focus on gaps in services and opportunities to receive the mammograms needed for early detection and treatment.”

The grant recipients include:
·       City on a Hill: serves the Hispanic community in Ottawa County.
·       Hackley Community Care Center: provides care to African American and Hispanic populations in Muskegon County.
·       Metro Health Hospital: provides screening to the uninsured in Montcalm, Newaygo and Kent Counties.
·       Muskegon Family Care: assists African Americans within the county.
·       Saint Mary’s Healthcare: treats Hispanic and all women of color in Newaygo, Montcalm and Kent Counties.
·       Spectrum Health Genetics: screens underserved populations in Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties
·       Spectrum Health Betty Ford Breast Care Services: treats at-risk populations in Kent, Montcalm and Ottawa counties.

In order to ensure that funding addresses specific unmet breast cancer needs in the west Michigan community, Susan G. Komen West Michigan works with local healthcare professionals and community leaders to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment.

“We are excited to partner with Susan G. Komen West Michigan to offer mammography services to underserved women in Newaygo, Montcalm and Kent Counties,” expresses Metro Health spokesperson Ellen Bristol. “Until a cure is found, early detection is the best tool we have to fight breast cancer. This grant helps ensure more women have access to this important tool.”

In 2011, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, working in concert with local organizations, awarded more than $80 million in needs-based community grants. That's in addition to the 25 percent of income that Affiliates contribute toward the many millions the organization invests each year in promising research.

West Michigan is fortunate to have such a generous organization in our midst. Let’s help them continue to put the good back in do-gooder. Here’s how to get involved:

·       LIKE them on facebook
·       Learn more about the organization
·       Volunteer
·       Check out their events calendar
·       Donate to the charity

Children all around West Michigan will soon be saying hello to summer vacation. In anticipation, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is welcoming those soon-to-be empty scheduled children to their latest exhibit, Game On!

The Museum will be offering vintage pinball games, carnival mid-way games, giant chess, ping pong and motion control dance party games -- all free with general admission from June 5-Sept. 1.  Games will be set up in all areas and guests will be invited to try something new or rediscover an old-time favorite with a fun new twist. Pop-up exhibits throughout the Museum will display artifacts and tell the history of games and gaming.

The Museum’s circle theater will be set up as a mini arcade. Gamers can try their hand at Ms. Pacman, Marvel vs. Capcom, shooting game Point Blank, driving game Twin Rush 2049 and Donkey Kong -- all set on "free play."  Motion control dance party will fill the center of the space and give the younger ones a chance to show off their moves. The Museum’s Barrel Factory and Carousel Promenade will house amusement park games including air hockey, a bank of skee ball games and Hammerhead, a variation on Whack-a-Mole. The Galleria will come alive with ping pong, Twister, oversized chess, oversized Connect Four, dominos and indoor bocce ball.  Additional programming is planned around the theme for guests of all ages, and weather permitting, some games will be set up outdoors.

It’s easy to take part. Just visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum:

Mon: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tues: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Weds.-Sat.: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Help put the good back in do-gooder by supporting the great organizations we have here in West Michigan. Here's how to get involved with the Museum:

·       LIKE the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Facebook
·       Learn more about the Grand Rapids Public Museum
·       Become a member
·       Volunteer
·       Donate

Source: Kristy Harrington, Grand Rapids Public Museum
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
 

For more than 25 years, East Hills Council of Neighbors has worked on crime prevention, community building and home ownership initiatives. They have seen great strides and are proud of their efforts, but they couldn’t do it alone. So, for the third year, they are honoring women who have helped them make a difference.

“The strong feminist spirit of our neighborhood has shaped East Hills into one of the most progressive communities in the city,” explains Community Organizer Claire Fisher.

The Third Annual Women of East Hills event celebrates some of the women who have made East Hills awesome, including:

* Bridget Cheney: Congress Elementary
* Haylea Gray: One Girl's Treasure/East Hills Resident
* Heather McGartland: Imagination Creations
* Amanda Shepherd & Joy Anderson: Salon Re
* Lori Slager: GR Creative Youth Center/Sparrows Coffee Shop
* Teresa Weatherall Neal: Grand Rapids Public Schools
* Renee Williams: Huntington Bank

“The event is a continued celebration of the strong and creative women that enrich the atmosphere of the neighborhood through education, entrepreneurialism and activism,” says Fisher. “[It] is a way for us to tip our hats to these wonderful women that make our neighborhood a great place to live, work, shop and play.”

To attend the upcoming festivities, stop by Gaia Café (209 Diamond Ave SE) on Monday, May 14 starting at 6 p.m. A $20 donation is suggested for the food and wine available. And, because you are the do-gooder I know you are, here are a few more opportunities to get involved:

•    Get the details of the event  on facebook
•     LIKE East Hills Council of Neighbors on facebook
•    Visit the East Hills Council of Neighbors website
•    Join their mailing list
•    Volunteer
•    Donate

Source:  Claire Fischer, East Hills Council of Neighbors
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

As KFB’s work in Grand Rapids grew, serving 35 sites and over 4,800 children daily, the organization became aware of acute needs in neighboring communities. In its first ever reach outside of Grand Rapids, Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) is launching a satellite location at Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School in Muskegon Heights.

“KFB is excited to be collaborating with the United Way of the Lakeshore, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District and Muskegon Central United Methodist Church to provide sack suppers to children at Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School,” explains Bridget Clark Whitney, KFB executive director. 

One in four children in Michigan lives in food-insecure households, not knowing where their next meal might come from. Areas like the Muskegon Heights district of Muskegon County experience vast food insecurity, with more than 90 percent of students living at or near the poverty level.

With that knowledge, KFB stretched its program and will provide 500 children by Fall 2012 with a nutritious sack supper. They are currently packing brown bag suppers at Muskegon Central United Methodist Church and have future plans to expand the outreach to other area elementary schools with similar needs.  

 “No one wants to think about a child going home uncertain about what may be for dinner. Our volunteers were also excited to be able to bring something positive to the students in Muskegon Heights. This program has the potential to impact their education and health, which are so key to a child’s success in life,” says Lisa Tyler, VP of community impact for United Way of the Lakeshore and one of KFB’s partners. “Our focus is on education, income and health, because we know they are the building blocks for a good life. This program addresses all three and we are enthusiastic for it to begin.”

“The dinners we provide will not only be making an impact on the students, but also the future of Muskegon County,” says Clark Whitney. “The children we provide dinner to today will be the community members of tomorrow, so ensuring they receive quality food for proper brain and physical development is essential for community development. This is a great community endeavor and we hope that the Muskegon County community will participate by volunteering, holding a food drive or supporting KFB’s Campaign for Muskegon County.”

Here’s where you can help – even if you don’t reside in Muskegon. Get involved with these opportunities and help put the good back in do-gooder:

• Learn more about KFB’s program in Muskegon
• LIKE them on facebook
• Find out about the model they use to expand
• Make a donation
• Volunteer

Source: Bridget Clark Whitney, Kids’ Food Basket; Lisa Tyler, United Way of the Lakeshore
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

The 2012 Transplant Games of America are a multisport event for those who have undergone lifesaving transplant surgeries or served as living donor -- and they are coming to our great city. Approximately 1,200 athletes from 46 states will participate in the games primarily held at Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus July 28-31.

“The Transplant Games of America carry on a 22-year tradition, bringing athletes and donor family members together to celebrate and highlight the critical importance of organ donation,” says Bill Ryan, chairman of the Transplant Games of America.

Spectrum Health will serve as the presenting sponsor of the games and they couldn’t be happier. It will support their efforts to bring increased awareness to organ and tissue donation; one of their specialties.  There are currently more than 112,000 individuals on waiting lists in the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of lives could be saved each year if more people registered as organ and tissue donors.

“Spectrum Health’s commitment to transplant services and organ donation, plus their role in bringing the games to West Michigan, is greatly appreciated,” says Ryan.

Spectrum Health is partnering with community, state and national organizations to run donor registry drives aimed at registering 20,000 or more new members by the end of the games. Their partners include the office of the Michigan Secretary of State, Gift of Life Michigan and Donate Life America.

According to Donate Life America:
•       113,115 total patients are waiting for organ donations
•       1,801 are pediatric patients
•       In 2011, there were 28,535 organ transplants performed nationwide
•       In 2011, there were 14,444 organ donors

“Spectrum Health’s participation in the Transplant Games is fitting on a professional and personal level,” says John Mosley, executive VP and chief strategy officer, Spectrum Health System. “My life was saved by a double organ transplant. While on the waiting list, all I wanted was a second chance at life.  As a transplant center, Spectrum Health is giving the people of West Michigan greater possibilities for a new life. As the presenting sponsor of the Transplant Games of America, we encourage people to join the organ donor registry and to celebrate the athletes who are coming to compete here.”

Help put the good back in do-gooder. Get involved. Here’s how:

• Learn more about the Transplant Games of America
• Sign up for their newsletter
• Volunteer
• Donate
• Register to be an organ or tissue donor

 
Source: Bill Ryan, Transplant Games of America; John Mosley, Spectrum Health System
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM) is a resource and advocacy organization promoting public awareness and supporting lifelong opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition, occurring in one in every 691 babies born each year.

This very energetic organization will once again be bringing the Kentucky Derby to town on May 5 this year to raise funds for the Association and the vital educational programs it provides.

The 2012 Winners Cup Benefit incorporates the viewing of the Kentucky Derby with silent and live auctions, a sit-down dinner, guest speaker and dancing with a live band. Guests arrive in their best “Derby” attire, including the famously stylish hats and dresses for the ladies, while the men generally don blazers and seersucker suits.  

"The Winners Cup is an incredible day of celebration with friends who want to raise awareness, raise money and support the hope of a better world for all people with Down syndrome, all while having a lot of fun doing so,” explains Executive Director Melissa Werkman. “We are so fortunate to live in a community such as West Michigan that has supported our event and cause for the past 11 years [where the money raised] will go towards programs and advocacy so that those with Down syndrome and their families have a voice and it is heard.”

Since this particular event's inception in 2004, the benefit has raised more than $600,000. Organizers are hoping to surpass last year’s fundraising efforts of $100,000. Proceeds will assist DSAWM with support, social connections and information for families who have a member with Down syndrome from birth to young adult. The money raised will also help the organization with their efforts at the legislative level as well.

Saturday’s event runs from 4:30-11:30p.m. at Kent Country Club. Tickets are $125 per person. They can be purchased by contacting the DSAWM at 616.956.3488 or online at www.dsawm.org.

Here’s your chance to put the good back in do-gooder. Get involved with Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan:
•    Learn more about the organization at their website
•    Attend the Winners Cup Benefit
•    Check out other upcoming events
•    LIKE them on facebook
•    Become a member
•    Volunteer
•    Donate

Source: Melissa Werkman, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

Phillip W. Weaver, president and CEO of Hope Network, has been selected by the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) as the recipient of its Community Service and Leadership Award. Weaver was honored at BIAMI’s Annual Legacy Society Spring Tribute Dinner.

Established in 1999, BIAMI’s Legacy Society raises community awareness and the visibility of the brain injury field while subsequently celebrating individuals in the brain injury movement. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of people affected by brain injury.

“I am humbled by this award,” says Weaver. “There are many people that make a difference every day in the lives of others, and it’s an honor to be recognized as one of them. The BIA is the leader and voice of so many individuals. Without them, these voices would never get heard.”

Hope Network is a nonprofit Christian organization founded in 1963 to empower people with disabilities or disadvantages to achieve their highest level of independence. With specialty health and community services, Hope Network’s areas of expertise include the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries, mental illness and developmental disabilities. Weaver joined Hope Network in 2006 and has become a significant voice in support of services for people living with brain injury as well as other disabilities.

“Phil was chosen for the Community Service Award for two reasons,” says Dr. Owen Perlman, co-chairperson of the Legacy Society Spring Tribute Dinner and BIAMI Board Member. “One was for the breadth of his accomplishments and contributions over his long career. The second was his ability to articulate his incredible vision of where we should be in the future. He is a true visionary and a fabulous leader.”

Here’s how you can help. Put the good back in do-gooder by getting involved with the award-winning Hope Network:
•    Learn more about the organization at their website
•    LIKE them on facebook
•    Check out upcoming events
•    Stay informed
•    Donate

Source: Phil Weaver, Hope Network; Own Perlman, Brain Injury Association of Michigan
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

One of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, serves more than 550,000 visitors annually. It also was ranked in the 100 most visited art museums in the world, according to Art Newspaper.

The leading authority on global art news published the survey in its April issue, ranking Meijer Gardens 94th among iconic museums Louvre, Guggenheim and MoMA. Meijer Gardens attracted 578,020 visitors in 2011. Believe it or not, it is the only Michigan arts organization to make the list, joining Art Institute of Chicago (ranking 30 with 1,440,599 visitors) to represent the Midwest.

“Such recognition celebrates the legacy of our beloved Fred Meijer, who passed away last November,” says Joseph Becherer, VP and chief curator. “How terrific it was for him to enjoy our 2011 exhibitions and how thrilled he was by our recent acquisitions of iconic works by Jim Dine, Roxy Paine, Peter Randall Page and Kiki Smith.”

The 132-acre grounds feature Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, one of the largest children’s gardens in the country, arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Degas and Rodin, a carnivorous plant house, outdoor gardens and a 1900-seat outdoor amphitheater featuring an eclectic mix of world-renowned and local musicians every summer. The internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park features a permanent collection including works by Rodin, Oldenburg, Moore, Bourgeois and Plensa, among others. Indoor galleries host changing sculpture exhibitions with recent exhibitions by Picasso, Degas, di Suvero, Borofsky, Calder and Dine.  

“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to be recognized for our commitment to welcome and inform such a wide and growing audience,” explains Becherer. “We know that our guests come from across the country and around the world to enjoy our unique collections and exhibitions, gardens and grounds.”

And, you can get involved. Here’s how to be a do-gooder:
•    Learn more about the organization at their website
•    LIKE them on facebook
•    Plan a visit
•    Become a member
•    Volunteer
•    Donate

Source: Joseph Becherer, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor

Marjorie Behm of the Social Charity Club of Grand Rapids says the innovative fundraising group has raised a little over $15,000 in their first year. To celebrate, the group is having their one-year anniversary party on May 10.

"We're a network of socially conscious professionals who like to give back while enjoying the restaurant and bar scene," Behm explains. "We go to a different event at a different venue each month and have a different beneficiary each month. All our charities are local."

Attendees simply provide a $10 donation, which entitles them to one free drink ticket and complimentary appetizers served during the first hour of the event. "The events are really informal -- no formed mingling, no name tags," Behm says.

Behm received the inspiration for the group when a friend of hers began a similar club in Chicago. This chapter has raised close to $200k in the three years they've been active, with an average of 300-500 people at each event. The Social Charity Club of Grand Rapids is currently average about 150 guests at each event as they continue to grow.

Join them for their one-year anniversary on Thursday, May 10 at the Grand Woods Lounge from 5:30-9:30 p.m. A number of local celebrity hosts will be promoting the event. Entertainment will be provided by local cover band 9 Mile Smile. Proceeds will benefit the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.


Want to be a do-gooder? Here's how:

Like the Social Charity Club of Grand Rapids on Facebook.
Attend their Anniversary Party (details here).

Source: Marjorie Behm, Social Charity Club of Grand Rapids
Writer: J. Bennett Rylah, Managing Editor

According to Emma Powell, executive director, the Komen West Michigan board gets down to business and is instrumental in providing direction to the organization. "As a strong business-minded community board, they take the lead on determining the Affiliate initiatives and the resources needed to engage. The board provides oversight to the executive director and acts in support for the needs from staff."

The new members include: Brian Behler, director of rooms at the JW Marriott, Dennis Zoet, COO of Intervention Insights, Chris Atwater, president of Michigan Commercial Space Advisors and Carol Perschbacher, executive assistant at Monsma Marketing.

Powell indicates that selection to the Board involves both an application process and demonstrated commitment to the organization through volunteer experience. "We strive to maintain a diverse board in gender, age, culture and skills to best represent the many faces of breast cancer in West Michigan," Powell says.

To learn more about Komen West Michigan, you can visit their site here.

Source: Emma Powell, Komen West Michigan
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor

DecriminalizeGR, a grassroots ballot initiative committee hoping to decriminalize marijuana in Grand Rapids, is doing well after their fundraiser on April 20 at The Pyramid Scheme. The group has amassed well over 1000 signatures, needing another estimated 5000 by August.

"DecriminalizeGR has been overwhelmed with the support we have received from the community and the endorsements from elected officials. We are not having problems collecting signatures and find most people to share the same feelings DCGR does about marijuana policy in the city," DecriminalizeGR's Michael Tuffelmire says.

The initiative has been endorsed by former Grand Rapids Mayor John Logie and the petition has been signed by current Mayor George Heartwell. Support has also been given by City Commissioner Jim White and County Commissioner Jim Talen. Grand Rapids spent a reported $2.5 million last year arresting, trying and jailing people for simple possession. Supporters of decriminalizing marijuana in Grand Rapids believe this act would increase social equity, save city resources and establish consistency, as the punishment does not always fit the crime.

"I've never understood our marijuana laws," Talen says. "What's the big harm to the public of a private adult citizen using or possessing a small amount of marijuana? I don't see how the punishments we currently have, or the costs to the public, make sense. Doesn't it make more sense to give violators a ticket and generate some revenue rather than use scarce tax dollars to arrest and prosecute them? This isn't about dealers -- it's about personal use and possession."

DecriminalizeGR is basing their initiative on a similar act passed by Ann Arbor in 1974.

Tuffelmire says, "We are building our permanent petition locations and volunteer base so we will be at several locations until August 6, collecting signatures. People should check out our website to learn about our whereabouts."


Want to get involved? Here's how:

Check out DecriminalizeGR online for petition locations, volunteer opportunities and information
Like them on Facebook


Source: Michael Tuffelmire, DCGR; Jim Talen, County Commissioner
Writer: J. Bennett Rylah, Managing Editor

Milan Maria Capobianco was born December 8, 2000 in Grand Rapids. She was told she would never walk, but she danced in flip flops. Then she was told she would be legally blind, and instead she saw the world clearly. But in the end, Milan lost her biggest fight with an inoperable brain tumor. And, sadly, she died at the age of eight on Febraury 12, 2009. Milan’s Miracle Fund was established by her parents, Sharyn and Philip, at first to help her, but now to support families with kids coping with cancer.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in children, more so than any other disease. In the United States alone, there are 46 children diagnosed with some form of cancer each day. One third of them will die within the first year. Brain tumors are the deadliest of all childhood cancers, but brain tumor research is underfunded and the public remains unaware of the magnitude of this disease.  

Did you know pediatric cancer receives 30 cents compared to every dollar going to breast cancer?

As part of the effort to raise awareness and rally support for the cause, Milan’s Miracle Run is the first 8k run in West Michigan dedicated to fight pediatric cancer. Why an 8K? “This is to highlight the fact that there are eight primary pediatric cancers,” says Milan’s parents.

The second annual event will take place on April 29 at Millennium Park. Also, since all money raised stays local, donors can rest assured that children right here in West Michigan will be the beneficiaries. Last year’s event included 500 runners and raised $15,000. This year’s event will also include a 3K walk and a 1K Superhero & Princess dress-up “fun run” for children.

Want to get involved? Here’s how to put the good back in do-gooder:

·         Register to run in the 8K event
·         Learn more about the organization
·         Make an online donation
·         LIKE them on facebook

Source:  Sharyn and Philip Capobianco, Milan’s Miracle Fund
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor