Fund raising update - Notes from the office

Melpomene Journal, Fall-Winter, 2001

Once again, many of you have been generous to Melpomene. As of August 31, we received $17,940 from 78 individuals for our spring/summer fund raising appeal, and $3,335 came from 30 readers of Melpomene's Annual Report.

However, we have never experienced a more difficult September. We understand the outpouring of support going to charities related to the events of September 11. We also hope you will support Melpomene, whose work helps us cope in difficult situations. This time last year, we had received $9,645 from 55 people for Melpomene's Intern Match. This year, we have received only $3,427 from 23 people. Melpomene interns still need your help.

Good news for Melpomene and people who like to give at work. We've joined Community Health Charities, Minnesota's largest workplace-giving program devoted to health. Minnesota donors can now give to Melpomene through a payroll deduction. For more information about this plan, call Melpomene's Connie Starns, at (651) 642-1951 or Community Health Charities at (952) 844-9844. You can also visit their website at www.healthcharitiesmn.org.

We are extremely grateful to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation of Minnesota, which awarded the second part of a two-year grant to expand Melpomene's worksite motivation program, "Taking Time to Move -- Finding Balance through Strength and Movement." This will help Melpomene reach its goal of helping busy women participate in physical activity in the workplace.

Seven foundations also gave generously during the third quarter: the Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation -- $1,500; the Beverly Foundation -- $500; the Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation -- $7,500; the Casey Albert T. O'Neil Foundation -- $4,000; the Sweitzer Foundation -- $3,000; the James R. Thorpe Foundation -- $5,000. The Tozer Foundation gave $5,000 to help fund Melpomene's Chief Operating Officer position. Their support enables Melpomene to grow.

Special thanks go to those Melpomene members who organized 5Ks around the country, to share the experience of our Annual 5K Run/Walk. They are: Catherine Fleischman in Oregon; Aubrey Borland in Michigan; Kate Starns in North Carolina, Phyllis Hansen in Illinois and Michelle Stein in New York.

These races generated $370 in donations for Melpomene and, more importantly, helped create a visible presence in communities across the country. Members say they're fun and easy to organize. Contact Connie Starns, at (651) 642-1951 if you think you'd like to start one in your neck of the woods. Big thanks and kudos also go to Marilyn Doyle for coming up with the idea of conducting a four-session training clinic to help participants get ready for the 5K. Marilyn, a member and volunteer, organized and coordinated all the clinics, which netted $430 for Melpomene.

One of the highlights of summer is Melpomene's Garden Tour, which was held on July 22 and showcased 10 exquisite gardens in St. Paul. Viewers saw and savored a variety of gardens, ranging in style from English Country to Japanese. We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors: Custom Pools, Inc.; Kramer, Lothrop & Brewer Financial Services; Colleen Langford-Edina Realty; Lund & Lange Florists; Minuteman Press; and Temenos Garden Service. A record 361 visitors attended, bringing in a total of $5,744, including corporate sponsorships. Melpomene wants to thank Patty Ridley for chairing the event and intern Kris Johnson for her invaluable assistance. We also want to thank our Master Gardeners and all those volunteers who donated their time to create an incredible (and fragrant) success.

Melpomene is happy to be a beneficiary of the Twin Cities Avon 5K-10K and Fun Run for Kids, held on August 11 in Minneapolis. Nearly 1,300 participants enjoyed a beautiful day and Avon donated $2.50 per entry to Melpomene, totaling $3,250. Thanks to Kathrine Switzer, Melpomene Advisory Board member and head of Avon Running, for bringing the event to the Twin Cities. Thanks also to all our volunteers who helped make this an especially rewarding day. We couldn't have done it without you.