Holiday Decorating

This weekend a friend and I were discussing our favorite holiday decorations. I enjoy Santa on the side of the bank downtown, while he enjoys the giant wreath. Both are fantastic displays of the upcoming holidays - not only do the brighten the night, they also brighten our hearts.

The holidays are a time for giving thanks, enjoying good company and good food. This year, Turnstone will be doing all three. The holidays are a busy time for us. Tomorrow we will be decorating for the holidays. We will be transforming our gym just in time for the client holiday party. It is a great party and brings everyone together. We even have an Elvis impersonator--and dancing.

Cheers~
Jen

Thanksgiving

Good afternoon & Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you everyone for your support of Turnstone. You help us achieve our mission. Your investment in our programs and services is appreciated. Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,
Jen

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 3 the people across the world will be recognize The International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year's theme is "Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world."

This annual observance began in 1992 and has continued every year since. It promotes an understanding of disability issues, the rights of persons with disabilities and the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities.

How will you celebrate?

FW Street Rod Donates $7,000 to Turnstone

This past August, the Fort Wayne Street Rod held its 35th Annual Muddy River Run; and, as they have done for the past 25 years, the Fort Wayne Street Rod will donate the proceeds from the Muddy River Run to Turnstone. The 25+ members of the Fort Wayne Street Rod will join Turnstone on Sunday, November 15 at 5 p.m. to celebrate another successful year; at approximately 5:10 p.m. they will present a check to Turnstone, which will be accepted by an adult receiving services at the agency.

As a small token of Turnstone’s thanks, the staff will serve homemade desserts and beverages to the Street Rodders, who in their 25 years has donated over $435,000 to the agency. Many thanks go to the Fort Wayne Street Rod Association. Organizing numerous community activities throughout the year, the Fort Wayne Street Rod has been a great supporter of Allen County. Turnstone greatly appreciates this year’s gift and their support.

Check out the article on the Fort Wayne Street Rod in the Journal Gazette at:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20091116/LOCAL/311169919

National Philanthropy Day

Good morning -

On Thursday, November 12 philanthropists across the nation will be celebrated. The 12th is National Philanthropy Day. For the past three years, Turnstone has celebrated this important day by thanking its donors for all they do. Of the agency's annual $3.2 million operating budget, more than 60% is supported through philanthropic support. Our donors make our mission work possible.

Approximately 90 of our favorite donors will be celebrated on the 12th and the National Philanthropy Day luncheon. Turnstone nominated St. Charles School 4th Grade Class as the area's Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy--and they won! For more than a decade, St. Charles students have organized a Read-a-Thon. All the proceeds of the Read-a-Thon support Turnstone's adaptive sports and recreation program. Over the years, the students have more than a total of $20,000!

Thank you St. Charles and thank you to all of our supporters. Your generosity helps turn disabilities into possibilities.

Sincerely,

Jen

Halloween Parade

This past week, Turnstone was celebrating Halloween in the Early Center preschool and childcare as well as in the Adult Day Program. We had two Halloween parades, and the kiddos were cute as buttons! There were blue dinosaurs, monster MAC trucks, princesses, super heros and more! The Adult Day staff did it up right too. They dressed to the nines.

It'll be hard to beat, but I'm sure this week will be just as fun as last. I'll keep you posted.

Cheers -
Jen