Soaring
Fall 2019
Growth * Respect * Choice * Ingtegrity * Fellowship * Learning
ADOPT A HOME FOR MADE IN THE SHADE 2019 Our second biggest fundraiser of the year, our Made in the Shade “Walk Run, Roll” will be held on September 21st at Thomas Beach, Lake Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) from 10 AM until noon and is always a wonderful morning of food, fellowship and FUN. Parking is free, but arrive early as 900+ participants are expected. Wingspan partners with 6 other wonderful disability organizations— Episcopal Group Homes, Homeward Bound, Partnership Resources, PAI, The Phoenix Residence, and TSE, Inc., to raise awareness and funds for important needs. The seven collaborating organizations each raise their own funds but share in the event expenses. The committee works hard to attract in-kind donations of food and water—all free for guests to enjoy. The morning kicks off with a fun warm up and then guests choose to go around the lake or relax and enjoy music from the stage. Back again this year are “The Showstoppers” featuring Rachael Kroog. Sing along if you’d like! We thank all of our sponsors from $250- $10,000 including: Associated Bank, Bergie and Darlene Bergerson, Virginia Connors, The Cox Family, Donna DeMatteo, The Eickhoff Family and Dell, Kevin Filter, Geritom Medical, the Hamer Family, the Horberg Family, “In Loving Memory of Bob James,” the Landreville Family, LB Carlson, Mark and Tracy Mooney, Angela and Ryan O’Neill, John and Jan Thames, Wealth Enhancement Group, and Curt Windingstad. We also thank the many donors who have also generously given in honor or in memory someone special. Donate via the enclosed envelope, make a gift by phone at 651.888.3112, or donate24/7 online using this link https://www.givemn.org/organization/Wingspan-Life-Resources. Examples of items on our Wish List include: Funds for a basketball hoop and a sensory swing at Harmony House (our crisis respite home); a nice dinner out and/or a movie or theater outing for several of our homes including 16th Avenue, 29th Avenue, 1489 Hoyt, and Oliver House; raised veggie gardens for 91 1/2 Street and Wentworth House; new dishes, pots & pans for 17th Avenue and a dining room set; a patio set and living room couch pillows for 48th Circle; a dining room set and flat screen TV for Demont House; a deep freezer, new furniture and pots & pans for Colfax House; dishes and an outdoor swing for Fairview House; a coffee table and TV stand for Glenpaul; a house party for Groveland House; Arts & Craft supplies for our In Home program; a trip to Wisconsin Dells for Oakland House and raised bed gardens; flooring and home décor for Dayton Our House and Portland Our House; a living room chair and a boat ride for Skillman House (home to 107 year old Betty!), landscaping for Sheridan House; 3- season porch furniture for Skycroft House; living room and patio furniture and a grill for York House.
Empowering Abilities. Nurturing Spirits. Caring for Life.
Culture Share Day In Service 2019 One of the many special annual events in our Plato Campus Learning Lab is our “Culture Share” day. Staff and guest speakers give short presentations on interesting topics, and many staff bring in ethnic foods to enjoy. Several of our staff arrive dressed in colorful traditional costume. It’s always a great day for information and inspiration, and reflects Wingspan’s commitment to promoting the rich cultural heritage of our diverse staff. Native American elder Nancy Bordeaux, CEO of Towacin Tanka, spoke about “Beyond Historical Trauma: Cultural Resilience.” She also had a timely message about listening to the heartbeat of Mother Earth and, as destructive fires blazed in the Amazon (source of every fifth breath of air we take in), she warned of the terrifying devastation of natural resources that is happening. She reminded us that water is life, and that we need to each spend more time taking a “forest bath” in nature to replenish our spirit. We had a great line up of 6 other speakers on additional topics: Swedish Culture by Jennifer Blomberg from In-Home. Single Mothers Culture by Eleaisha Jackson (mother of 3) from In-Home, and LGBTQ Culture & Wingspan’s Rainbow Support Group by HC Deb Hofbauer from 16th/Skycroft. From the Plato Office: Vegan Culture by Nicole Pivec, Barbershop Music Culture by Nancy Klemz, and French Canadian Culture by Development Officer Darolyn Gray who was our emcee for the day.
Glee Club is Back Into the “Sing” of Things Summer break is over and Glee Club will resume rehearsals at our Plato Campus on September 9th. We are honored to have Sean Turner back as our Music Director, and our members are eager to reunite with their friends. Last season’s “Peace Train” concert with jazz vocalist Patty Peterson was outstanding, and the group will be working very hard preparing for their next concert on Sunday, November 24th at Roseville Lutheran Church with guest artist T. Mychael Rambo. Stay tuned for more info!
Summer Fun For Wingspan’s Annual Picnic A carnival theme was chosen once again for this year’s picnic and we lucked out with a stellar day of picture-perfect weather. Clients had many options-- from crafts and face painting, to games including Plinko, ring toss, duck pond, lollipop tree, bean bag toss and-the highlight of the event—the dunk tank! Each splashdown brought squeals and cheers of delight. There were prizes galore and no one went home empty handed. Aesop’s provided the catering of favorite summer foods, and Culvers donated custard sundaes. A client from our In-Home program, John S., did a sensational job providing us with a saxophone concert for most of the afternoon. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Happiness on A Stick: State Fair Fun A Message from Therese Davis Thanks to the generous donation of 180 tickets by the Minnesota State Fair, Wingspan was well represented amidst the record-breaking crowds this year. I am particularly grateful for our staff who recognize the importance of getting our clients out into the community for one of their very favorite experiences. It can be a daunting task—maneuvering wheelchairs through crowds, making sure no one becomes overwhelmed, disoriented or lost, staying on track with medications during the day, getting everyone to agree on what exhibits to take in, helping clients make appropriate food choices, and ensuring that everyone creates a fun, new memory. Some go to shop for souvenirs and to collect giveaways, some go for their favorite fair foods or a chance to try something new, others love sitting in the audience at the radio station booths, seeing the animals, listening to live music, or watching the horse and dog competitions. It’s been a very full summer for our clients, and Fall will be busy as well. We hope to see many of you at Made in the Shade and at Glee Club’s November concert!
Board of Directors Mark Mooney, Chair Angela O’Neill, Vice Chair Roz Allyson, Treasurer LeRoy Bergerson Joe Eickhoff Bill Hamer Preston Koenig Taree Leach-Junkersfeld Rose Sherman Bruce Smith
Volunteer Spotlight Volunteers have been an integral part of our success this year and we are grateful for all of the individuals, families, and teams. One of our newest groups from Three Bridge Consulting/The Boom Lab have made volunteering an essential core value. They recently provided landscaping assistance at three of our group homes—Skycroft, 1489 Hoyt, and Skillman. Contact us at 651.888.3112 if you would love to help us out with Fall yard clean up! We’ll provide the materials and the refreshments.
Executive Director Therese Davis Editor Pam Carlson Story Contributors Therese Davis Darolyn Gray
www.wingspanlife.org
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