November 14th - A Truly Productive Day!

The e-mail was brief but most satisfying This past Thursday morning before 8 AM, we received a simple, but excellent notice from Whole Foods Market in Charlottesville, Virginia, which selected IHS for their 5% Day on November 14th.  The note from store coordinator, Kristen Rabourdin, only indicated a figure: The subject read: Donation.  The text read:   $6,893.36! Under separate e-mail the following note was provided I am humbled to be even a small part of the amazing work that you do. I am so glad we were able to partner for this fundraiser. The entire group brought a vitality and enthusiasm to our aisles, and I swear, I could see your smiles from the other side of the store. So as you thank me, I thank you. With love ... Kristen Rabourdin, Whole Foods Market, Charlottesville Volunteers were generous with their time A total of 57 people representing such a variety of organizations balanced their schedules in order to devote from 1.5 - 8 hours of bagging groceries throughout a long work day, which lasted from 8 AM - 10 PM. Some last minute replacements from student groups came and balanced out the afternoon and evening time periods, and as a result, many last names were not provided in order to properly say thanks.  However, please note participates below. Albemarle High School Key Club, lead by Danielle Horridge, Key Club Regional Officer,  had 16 students participating during the 4-8:30 PM hours.  Thanks to Maggie Comberg, Savannah Kennedy, Michelle Moore, Hanna Shaps, Isabel Lee, Jennifer Leider, Morgan Cahill, Sarah Henderson, Taylor Colley, Cesar Vidal, Curtis Davis, Abby Egnar, Maura Davis, Elyse Duani, Aamna Kahn and Linda Cohen. University Scouts, lead by Scout Leader Michael Gorman, had 9 scouts during the 12 - 4 PM hours.  Thanks to Mary Ann, Ariana, Aaron, Jennifer, Katherine, Cristina, Hunter, Mark and Patrick. Kyle Brendel, Service Chair of University Souts at UVA, was able to advise and organize  last minute participation, which proved vital for a busy afternoon at the store. The Junior League of Charlottesville PIAD Committee participants were Tucker Petty and Kirsten Lorenger.  Also thanks to Beth McNew of The Junior League for putting out the word to assist. UVA Medical Center staff included Teresa Bevins, Vikki Bravo, Sheila Ahmadi, Brenda Hardley, Elizabeth Stann, and Marc Hengartner.  Barbara Matysek represented UVA Hospitality House. Individual friends of the charity who participated were:  Dawn Cleveland, Kristen-Paige Madonia, Phil Gorman, Paula Damgaard, Cecilia Leiva, Joscelyn Leiva, Lolita Holding, Louise Westervelt, Norman Levine, Marjorie Adam and Phillipe Adam. Special thanks to the two Adam teens, who spent two hours at a dining table and made personal cards for placement in the full-day meal packs which are delivered to UVA Medical Center every few weeks. Paula Damgaard deserves a special thanks for staying from 12 - 10 PM, a very long time of endurance. All IHS Board members were present during the day for a variety of tasks. They included Elisheva Clegg, Margaret Gorman, Sam McLawhorn, Danielle Devereux, and T. Wade Clegg. And there was Music A special treat for customers and store staff was the entertainment, not generally expected for such a venue. But - this was a special day and deserved some professionals to set the tone. Thanks to the following who provided such pleasure for all of us: Sam McLawhorn, keyboardist, and frequently heard at Fellini's in downtown Charlottesville. Bob Gross & Hank Schutz, violinists, Piedmont Chamber Players. Erica Cha, guitarist. In Closing This was a special opportunity for fund-raising, especially at this time of the year, as we seek to fortify our funds for holiday and the first months of the year for lodging and food needs for the indigent population who come to our area and find the UVA Hospitality House and Ronald McDonald House unexpectedly fully occupied.  Thanks for all of those who shopped at Whole Foods during this important day. The store is very generous  in assisting this charity, not only for this singular event, but also for its support for special holiday meals. They assisted us with food assistance for 2012 UVA Hospitality House 4th of July dinner.  A special "THANK YOU" is in order by writing to: Kristen Rabourdin Marketing Team Leader  Whole Foods Market 1797 Hydraulic Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 Sincerely ... T. Wade Clegg