News & Updates March 01, 2011
Thank You for Another Successful Auction
by: Michelle Sears
Thank you community and supporters for another successful CIR Auction. We would have not been able to do it without the help from all of our volunteers, supporters, in-kind donations, auction committee, and staff members. We raised $40,000 this year, which will help promote opportunities for individuals to remain connected to their community in a variety of programs and activities. For more information on CIR programs that are supported through fundraising efforts visit our website at www.cirfun.com.
Our success was a direct result of many friends and business associates who donated to this event and our guests who placed their bids knowing the proceeds benefit the programs of CIR. Participants joined in the festivities and are extremely grateful for those who supported the Dream Leaf Campaign during the live auction. Special thanks to Russ and Lou Ann Mawby for making a personal appeal to support this on-going campaign and for their contribution of fulfilling dreams. A Heartfelt thanks to hundreds of donors and our 270 guests and especially to the BC Rotary Club members who continue to show their support towards CIR. Other key supporters this year is our longtime friend, Greg Dunn, for enthusiastically performing his Master of Ceremony duties joined by Kevin Belcher who also donated his time to help raise dollars.
Back by popular demand, the Mystery Wine Pull had a long line of individuals pulling red and white wine. We continue to be amazed at the level of support we received from the community to help. This is a FUN event and everyone was hoping to receive the donated bottle by Al Kinney valued at over $300. We truly appreciated the generous support of our BOARD of DIRECTORS and fellow wine lovers, for stepping up and making this event a great revenue source.
The 2010 Challenger Raffle sponsored by Henkel Auto Group went to a 50/50 raffle this year. The winner has been notified and awarded $8,100. Special Thanks goes to Board Member Mike Beck for selling over 100 tickets for the Dodge Challenger. Our beloved Mary McQuiston was with us in spirit. Her famous Fudge and Scottish Cookies were once again a huge success… Our sincere appreciate goes to Melissa McQuiston for sharing with CIR her mother’s recipe and also agreeing to teach CIR’s culinary class the secret recipe. CIR will begin selling the famous Mary McQuiston fudge in the ETC ARTS Studio Gallery later this summer. Thanks to the McQuiston family for allowing CIR to carry on this tradition for years to come.
We would like to thank the following people for their hard work and dedication in making this auction such a success: Diane Thompson, Laura Adams, Mike Beck, LaTaynia Conant, Anne Hacker, Jeff Hagen, Jim Hazel Jr., Val Karam, Linda Linke, Sue Rush, Kathy Samson, Michelle Sears, Linda Wendt, Joyce Ashdon, Carol Berge, Laura Demond, Ryan Dobbins, John Garrod, Kathy Keller, Nancy Land, Shelly Preston, Jill Rizor, Dave Rozema- Former Detroit Tiger, Gina Whitesell, Alexandrea Davis, Olivia Davis, Wendy Fenwick, Anyah Preston, and Jane Puckett.
Also a special thanks to this year’s donors for donating generously their time, services, and items: Lakeview Ford Lincoln, Quality Dining, Inc., Staples, Courtyard by Marriott, The Medalist Golf Club, Battle Creek Bombers, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Gilmore Car Museum, Marshall Historical Society, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Children Museum, Holiday Inn Battle Creek, Turn 2 Foundation, Inc., Grand Rapids Public Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, FireKeepers Casino, West Columbia 7, Family & Children Services, Mexicali Restaurant, Flash Flood Water Park, Wild Swan Theater, Gordon Food Service, Battle Creek Health System, Shedd Aquarium, WaterWorks Express, Little River Casino Resort, Scene Magazine, Western Michigan College of Aviation, Marshall Community Credit Union , Dr. Henry Brown & Mrs. Brown, Battle Creek Bombers, Battle Creek Knights, Swonk's Flower Shop, Meyers Toy World, My Style Your Style, Dance To Life, Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, Brass Band of Battle Creek, PRP Wine International, Troy Huggett's Fitness Pros, Laura's Gourmet Catering, Miller College, Sue Rush, Jack Pearls Team Sports, Fancy's Salon & Spa, Serendipity, Miller Auditorium, BESCO, Irish Pub, SEMCO Energy, TJ Photography, Hodgson Heating, Teresa Durham, American Museum of Magic, Menards, Battle Creek Blaze, Discount Tire, Caron Chevrolet , Lakeview Square Mall, Sir Pizza, Team Active Cycle & Fitness, Linda Rodriguez, Detroit Lions, Community Affairs, Battle Creek Country Club, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts , West Michigan Whitecaps, Pearlman's, Ale House Restaurant, Rock, Paper, Scissors, McCamly Plaza Hotel, What A Do Theatre, Lynn Ivan Salon , Lakeview Card & Gift, Bodywork Executive, Al Byam and Judy Byam, Binder Park Golf Course, Mission Car Wash , Standard Printing, VAC Veterinary Apparel, HBC Contracting, Battle Creek Community Foundation, Cedar Creek Golf Club, Brutsche Concrete, Northpointe Woods, Sherman Lake YMCA, Architecture & Design Inc., Charitable Union , I've Got Your Backs Foundation, GreenStreet Marketing, New Day Family Medicine & Med Spa, P.C., The Music Center, Rita DeVore, Grand Traverse Balloons, State Representative Kate Segal, Painted Lady Studio, Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference, Quality Prosthetic & Orthotic Care, Inc., Kingman Museum, Derrick Jones, Laura's Gourmet Catering, The Body Suite Massage Studio, Creative Designs, Rice's Shoes, Burtrum Furs & Leathers, LLC, Chateau Chantal, Green Gardens Community Farm, Carpet Warehouse Inc., Bravo! , Autograph Store Charity Fundraising, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, John Godfrey & Jean King Jewelers, Kellogg Community College, Bill & Barbara Parfet, Gerry Atherton, Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union, BIGGBY Coffee, Ken Campbell, Bobby Guy, Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic, Mike and Mary Humphreys, Paul Marquardt, Hotel Burnham, Joe Schwarz, Detroit Red Wings, Jimmie Johnson Foundation, Lifespan, Susan Bowers, Jim Baldwin, Basket Expressions, Brian Beard, Betsy Briere, Brownstone, Burnham Brook Community Center, Cereal City Window Cleaning, Craft Photograpy, Enbridge Energy, Freedom Fire Arms, Andrew Freemire, Gardener Brothers Lawn and Landscape, Lori Gavan, Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, Anne Hacker, Hannah’s Slippers, Holly Hansen- Uzcategui, Hit em Here and Riverview Recreation, Bob Holderbaum, Janso Loving CO TTEES, Kellogg Company, Jean Krohn, Christine Kwak, Lakeview True Value Hardware, Lighthouse- Keuning Insurance Group, BJ Lillibridge, Macy’s, Malia Mediterranean Bistro, Jack Mawdsly, , Lee, Jan & Mike Austin, Battle Creek Police Department, Jill Bell, Betsy Briere, Dunn Beverage, Sara Durkee, Detroit Tigers, Greensmith Floral & Fine Gifts, Nick Lavdiotis, Stetson Lipp, Marilyn Loving, Anyah Preston, Jane Puckett, Betsy Watson, John Young, Matt Palen, McDonalds of SW Michigan and Marshall, Melissa McQuiston, Katie Miller, Minges Creek Athletic Club, North 11, PNC Bank, Rejuvenate and Regenerize Center, Nancy Richardson, Robert and Stephanie Brinkerhoff and Family, Schlatter Design, School of Designing Arts, Terry and Pat Spiess, Sunshine Toyota, Wendy Tackett, and Emma Jean Thompson.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction will directly benefit the participants and programs of CIR. Formed in 1994, the services Community Inclusive Recreation provides benefit more than 2,300 youth, teens, and adults in our community. We have over 100 programs and activities aimed at developing inner talents, social skills, entrepreneurship and the encouragement of fitness and healthy lifestyles. CIR focuses on its mission is to promote opportunities and personal growth for people of all abilities in the community through relationships, advocacy, and acceptance. Follow us on twitter and find us on Facebook. . For more information, please contact Michelle Sears at msears@cirfun.com, via phone at (269) 288-0076, or visit our website at www.cirfun.com.
CIR and BC Parks and Recreation Team Up to Offer Adult Kickball League
by: Mary Fortney
CIR is Committed to Getting Fit
In coordination with Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department, Community Inclusive Recreation will offer an adult co-ed kickball league this summer at Riverside Park located at Riverside Elementary School. This is just one of the new programs that are part of CIR's "commitment to be fit" and healthy lifestyles initiatives.
Rediscover your inner recess kid and join in on the fun while there's still room! The season kicks off with two practice dates on June 7th & 14th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - with league play starting on June 21 through July 26th. League play runs on Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. at Riverside Park. For those new to the game, a kickball clinic will be held on April 9th at Calhoun Christian School from 10:00 a.m. - noon. Clinic fee is $3.00 / person.
"Who wouldn't want to relive recess?" states Mary Fortney, CIR's Adult & Family Coordinator. "You don't have to be a great athlete to get a good workout and have fun in a sport like kickball."
Adult kickball leagues have become increasingly popular throughout the United States, and organizations such as The World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) have grown to include countries outside the U.S.
Adults and teens ages 15 and older are encouraged to register with either Community Inclusive Recreation or Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department. Fee for a team of 9-15 players is $200.00. Fee for an individual wishing to be placed on a team is $25.00. A team with the minimum number of players must include at least four women. Teams with ten or more players must include a minimum of five women. Preregistration is required by May 31, 2011.
For more information on the kickball league or other spring and summer activities; visit www.cirfun.com or call Community Inclusive Recreation at 269-968-8249. The Battle Creek Parks & Recreation department can be reached at 269-966-3431 or online at www.bcparks.org.
Community Inclusive Recreation (CIR) focuses on their mission to create an inclusive community where people of all abilities can develop artistic, social, civic, leadership, and career building skills to achieve their goals. CIR complies with the American Disabilities Act and ensures that everyone is treated with respect regardless of social or economic status, race, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, and national origin or disability. Visit the website www.cirfun.com for more information Follow us on twitter and find us on Facebook.
Give the Gift of Inclusion- Donate to CIR’s Dream Leaf Campaign
Won't you pick one today?
Everyone has dreams. The participants' of Community Inclusive Recreation have big dreams. They have dreams of becoming independent and participating in community life. You can help make those dreams come true.
Everyone has dreams. The participants' of Community Inclusive Recreation have big dreams. They have dreams of becoming independent and participating in community life. You can help make those dreams come true. As we launch our Late Winter and early spring programs, there are thousands of participants who would like to take part in community life but who cannot afford to. CIR has been working hard to create an inclusive community where people of all abilities can develop artistic, social, civic, leadership, and career building skills to achieve their goals. We need your help to continue offering scholarship opportunities to participants who cannot otherwise afford to take part in these activities.
Imagine getting to vote for the first time, or selling a greeting card or rug created at the ETC ARTS Studio. Imagine the cheers when bowling a personal high game during bowling league or the satisfaction from learning to shop for and cook your own dinner. Think about the activities you take part in; don’t you want to give that experience to people who are not as fortunate? Your generous donation will give the gift of inclusion, a sense of accomplishment, friendship, and independence. What a wonderful gift to give! Won’t you help us improve the quality of life for others?
The need is great, and your donation will make a local difference today. You can see the “Dream Tree” and the individual dreams of each participant hanging at the ETC ARTS Studio at 157 Capital Ave NE. The hand painted leaves represent a program, class, or activity that a participant would like to take, but cannot afford to. The Dream Tree has thousands of leaves waiting to be picked.
Help us pass on the message and share this opportunity with friends and family, a neighbor, or co-worker. You can visit our “Cause” page on Facebook, Help CIR Continue to Provide Inclusive Opportunities, and help spread the word. Please send us your tax-deductable gift to CIR, 154 West Street, Battle Creek MI 49037. Any contribution you make is appreciated and your generosity makes a huge impact on the lives of the thousands we serve in this community each year.