#30 Oasis of Hope

On Saturday I was able to lend a hand to the Heels to Heal 5k held at Grand Valley State University. The funds raised at this 5k will be used to further the mission of Oasis of Hope Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Oasis of Hope Center provides medical care to people who have no health insurance. The services are donated from doctors, nurses and physicians assistants. In America today, with all the changes coming to the healthcare system, the fact that there are medical providers willing to donate their services to those in need moved me. I HAD to be a part of this. The 5k was held on GVSU Campus and could not have been more exciting. I met some great students, volunteers and participants. All of us were there for the same reason, we wanted to help out. If you are interested in doing so, please contact them at http://www.ohcgr.org/contact.html You can be the difference today :)

#29 ART PRIZE 2013

Who doesn't want to surround themselves with beauty on their birthday?????? Grand Rapids, MI provided me the opportunity to surround myself with beauty for stop number 29 in my birthday adventure. ART PRIZE is a contest where artists from all around the United States and beyond can come to compete with other artists for cash prizes. This competition started just 5 years ago and has attracted artists to Grand Rapids, MI. It has been featured on local and national newscasts. It has changed the way the residents of Michigan look at art. It has attracted artists, art enthusiasts, tourists and locals and brought them all together with one single purpose.....enjoying art all around them. This cannot happen without hundreds of volunteers. My job at Art Prize was to be a Wayfinder. This job is simply answering questions of the guests that are out and about in Grand Rapids enjoying ArtPrize. Whether they were locals or here for the first time it was my job to help them find their way. There are many other ways to get involved and help out at this 19 day event. If you would like to be a part of this incredible event....please contact the organizers at http://www.artprize.org/get-involved

#28 National Multiple Sclerosis Society

On Saturday I was able to join the National MS Society in its annual 5k walk/run in Grand Haven Michigan. I arrived early Saturday morning along with many other volunteers to set up and prepare for the walk. I assisted with building the balloon arch which all the participants passed under as they headed out on their walk and then again as they completed the walk. The participants raised funds in advance of the walk which will be used to fund future research and programs to assist those affected by MS. I assisted with the registration activities prior to the walk. Once the participants headed out on their 5k, we tore down registration tables and then reset them for participants to enjoy refreshments following their return from the 5k. It was magical to see all the people who showed up to support this organization. From children in strollers, to young kids, to highschoolers, to college fraternity brothers, to families, to the elderly.......people from all walks of life were there to honor their loved ones. You could feel the love and pride as they spoke of their loved ones to other participants and volunteers alike. I was happy to be a part. If you would like to join in this movement in the future, please contact them at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/get-involved/volunteer/index.aspx There are many ways to get involved and be the difference. :)

#27 Community Action House

Yesterday I was able to volunteer at the Community Action House General Store. I spent 4 hours working in the store, organizing racks of clothes, books, shoes, household items, sweeping the floor, greeting customers, bagging purchases etc. This is a great little thrift store in Holland that is so much more. The funds raised at the store allow funding for all of the programs Community Action House supports. The services include Emergency Services (to provide for immediate needs of community residents in crisis), a community kitchen, Holland Community Garden, community housing partnership, foreclosure prevention and educational classes. The mission of Community Action House is to break the cycle of poverty by empowering families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. Who doesn't love a great thrift store. You never know what you might find. If you want to help out they are seeking volunteers every day Monday - Saturday. Please contact them at http://www.communityactionhouse.org/volunteer/