I want to thank everybody who participated in this years’ Charitable Contributions Campaign and made it a success! I am proud to say that almost 47% of Commerce employees made a pledge and together we were able to raise $15,404.78 to different charities! Collectively Utah State Employees donated over $400,000.

I want to congratulate the division of Property Rights Ombudsman for 100% participation. Also, congratulations to Corporations where 29 out of 31 employees made a donation! What a great accomplishment. Su Chon (OPRO) and Mike Olsen (CORP) won gift baskets including gift certificates to Christopher’s Steak House.



Mike with his gift basket.

Participation percentage:

OPRO 100%

CORP 93.55 %

DPU 83.33 %

Admin 70%

Securities 52.17%

Real Estate 42.31%

OCS 28.57 %

CP 20%

DOPL 19.15%

The winners for the crossword puzzle were:

Peter Anjewierden (Admin)

Mary Price (Corp)

Jackie Betts (Corp)

Each of them won a free meal from Café Rio.

A big thank you also goes to all of the Committee members who made our campaign possible. I especially want to thank Valeri Stewart who put together all the wonderful gift baskets and was always ready help and share her ideas and positive attitude.

“Giving Today Makes…A Brighter Tomorrow”

Mia

Bikers Against Child Abuse

They wear leather, ride loud motorcycles and travel in packs. Many have tattoos, piercings and gruff exteriors. But each member of this motorcycle gang also has a heart of gold.

BACA was founded by John Paul “Chief” Lilly, a licensed clinical social worker and part-time faculty member at Brigham Young University. It started as an idea to help one wounded child. This child was eight years old at the time, and was so frightened of his perpetrators that he would not leave his residence. Chief, having had kind and loving experiences with bikers in his youth was moved to include this boy in his biker circle.

Within weeks, this boy was seen all over town riding his bike and playing with other children. The idea to rally the biker community in defense and in support of children was actualized in 1995 when the first ride was held to visit wounded children and adopt them into the biker family.

From there it was only a matter of time before the word spread quickly about what was happening in Utah. Shortly after forming the first chapter in Utah, another chapter was formed in Utah, then Oklahoma and Texas. BACA now has 139 chapters in 31 U.S. states, as well as six chapters in Australia. A new chapter in Italy may soon form, and BACA is looking to start another chapter in South Africa.

All potential members must have FBI background checks, attend 80 percent of BACA meetings and events during their first year, and receive unanimous approval from the board of directors before becoming a patched member.

Members of BACA work strictly on a referral basis. They will not approach a victim or their family unless the authorities have been contacted, the case is being processed within the justice system and the family approves. When they do receive a referral, a BACA liaison contacts the family and an initial ride to the child’s house is organized. Neighboring chapters are invited, which has meant 70 or more riders showing up at the child’s house.

The child is given a vest with a BACA patch sewn on the back, bumper stickers and other gifts. The child is also given the name and number of two nearby BACA members who act as primary contacts. The child is instructed to call anytime they may feel scared or need the presence of their BACA family — always with their parent or guardian’s knowledge. The bikers will go to the child’s house to provide any necessary reassurance to feel safe and protected. They are available for support at court and parole hearings. If asked, they will attend interviews with them or stay with them if they’re alone and frightened. BACA members will also escort children to school or on other errands. Once a child feels confident and safe again, interaction with BACA usually slows to semiannual parties — one at Christmas and one during the summer — or occasional phone calls.

BACA works with police and the court system, as well as organizations like the Division of Child and Family Services, filling a niche that no one else can. Any money BACA does receive through donations is used to print flyers, cover the cost of gifts for children, and occasionally to pay for therapy.

No man stands so straight as when he stoops to help a boy. ~Knights of Pythagoras

Website: http://bacaworld.org/

Charity Code:
1008 Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) Wasatch Chapter

Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition

The Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition (UEARC) was established to provide information, training, and equipment for “animals in disaster and emergency situations in Utah”. UEARC was formed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 had proven that there is a real need for animal safety and protection.

UEARC’s Goals:

1. Facilitate a prompt and effective response to animal emergency issues in Utah in a manner consistent  with the National Incident Management System and the Utah Emergency Operations Plan.

2. Reduce threats to the health and safety of humans and animals during an emergency.

3. Minimize the economic impact of animal issues during emergencies.

4. Maximize resources available for recovery efforts related to animals and animal agriculture.

5. Be a resource for training to local emergency personnel.

One of UEARC’s intent is to have functioning Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) in all areas in Utah. In July 2009, Iron Country Area Livestock Rescue Group (Iron County’s CART team) was able to evacuate over one thousand head of livestock out of the way of a raging wildfire near New Harmony. They were also able to provide care and housing for dozens of pets and horses for 5-7 days while people were evacuated from their homes and had no other option to care for their beloved pets.  During the Mill Flat fire the team was able to save 22 horses, three llamas, a goat, and a couple of dozen cats and dogs.

The group is also trained to rescue animals from overturned trailers, stranded on cliffs, or suffering from neglect. In September UEARC assisted Salt Lake Animal Services providing a temporary shelter for pets that were displaced in the Machine Gun fire in Herriman. The animals were taken to a LDS Ward House where UEARC helped the owners to take care of  the animals until they were relocated to another shelter or returned to their homes.

One of UEARC’s missions is to help raise pet owners’ awareness how to provide a plan for themselves and for their pets in a case of a disaster. They also organize training for large animal rescue. UEARC uses the donated funds to train volunteers and to purchase equipment that can be used in the emergency situations.

Please visit www.uearc.org to help you plan for an emergency, to find out more about UEARC, or to volunteer.

Useful links:
Dog and Cat 72 hour emergency Kit: http://www.dogmode.com/pdfs/uearc_72.pdf
How to care for your pets and livestock during a disaster: http://www.dogmode.com/pdfs/uearc_family.pdf

 

Charity Code: 1120



Why Giving Makes You Happy

Read an article

Why Giving Makes You Happy

How You Can Help The Homeless

Picture taken in front of Heber Wells Building, Oct 2010

What do you do when you see a homeless person? What if they approach you holding a sign or ask for money? Do you give them some? Do you feel guilty if you don't? Or do you pretend not to see them?

Nobody likes to be confronted by the homeless. Their needs seem so overwhelming. Yet they deserve to be treated kindly. Here are some simple guidelines from The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake to really help the homeless people you meet.

1. Don't give them cash. If they are hungry, buy them a sandwich or a beverage. Too often well intended gifts of cash to the homeless are converted into drugs or alcohol--even when the "hard luck" stories they tell are true.
2. Homeless people are not all the same. The person you meet may be a battered woman, an addicted veteran, mentally ill, a con artist, or someone who's lost a job. Refer them to someone who is trained to deal with their problems.
3. Talk to the person with respect. Many of the homeless are consumed by isolation, depression and paranoia. If a homeless person approaches you, a friendly response (even when saying "NO") can help restore a degree of respect.
4. Be cautious and alert when you talk to someone on the street. Stay in areas where others can see you, and don't take unnecessary chances. Don't feel that you are being uncaring if your personal safety is in question.
5. Encourage the homeless to get help. Free meals, shelter and medical care as well as rehabilitation programs are available.
6. Donate to a cause to support the homeless.
7. Check out the website: http://www.endpanhandling.com/

Charity Codes:

1014 Crossroads Urban Center is a non-profit, grassroots organization which assists and organizes low income, disabled, and minority Utahns to meet basic survival needs and to address essential issues affecting the quality of life. The Center was instrumental in establishing homeless shelters and the statewide Food Bank.
1118 Fourth Street Clinic is a comprehensive medical home providing coordinated primary care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services.
1037 Rescue Mission of Salt Lake City provides: A free, whole person, 1 year New Life Residential Recovery Program
An "open door" breakfast six days a week
An "open door" dinner every night of the year
Food baskets for families in need
Emergency sleeping accommodations in our overnight Dorm for up to 50 men every night
A Baggage Room where men may check in their baggage
A Message Board where we post telephone messages for guests
Mail reception
Free clothing distribution
Access to our Dorm facility three days a week for men to shave and shower
Day Room open during the winter months and during inclement weather.
7556 The Road Home is a private non-profit social service agency that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake County and along the Wasatch Front. Our mission is to help people step out of homelessness and back into our community. Originally established in 1923 to assist stranded travelers, the Road Home has grown to address a spectrum of needs that people experiencing homelessness encounter as they work to restore their lives. In addition to operating the largest shelter in Utah, the Road Home has developed a comprehensive housing program that helps people move into housing as quickly as possible.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door." -Emma Lazarus

Gift Certificate Winners!

Congratulations to David Thomson from Public Utilities who won the $100 gift card to Fleming's Steakhouse!

Kathy Berg from Corporations won a gift certificate to The Old Spaghetti Factory


Carlos Alamilla from Real Estate won a gift certificate to Cafe Rio.


We have some great prizes left for this week including gift cards to Christopher's Steak House, Benihana, and more Cafe Rio meals.

How you can win prizes:
1. Donate to your favorite charity/charities (http://www.usecf.state.ut.us/)

2. Turn in the "Charitable Campaign Puzzler" by Thursday

3. Have your Division win with highest percentage of participants

As of today, these are the percentages:

Corporations 93.55%
Public Utilities 83.33%
OPRO 75%
Administration 60%
Real Estate 38.46%
Securities 34.78%
Consumer Protection 20%
OCS 16.67%
DOPL 11.7 %

So far about 40% of Commerce employees have made a donation through the Charitable Contributions Campaign. A big thank you to all who have donated and please know that your donation will make a difference!

Top 10 Reasons NOT To Give. . .

Top 10 Reasons TO Give

10

"My budget is tight and the economy is uncertain."

Through payroll deduction, I can choose to give small, painless amounts every payday. Or, it is easy to give a one-time donation to the charity of my choice.

9

"I don't know what my money is being used for."

100% of the money I donate goes directly to the charity I designate. There are over 500 approved charities, and most of them have web sites with mission statements and contact information so I can get the details on what my donation will be used for.

8

"One small gift won't make a difference."

Can you imagine the cumulative impact on Utah if every state employee donated just $1.00 a payday? Over $619,000 would be raised. If every state employee gave $5.00 a payday, over $3,098,000 would be raised.

7

" I need charity for myself."

Learning more about the charities makes me realize that there are many others who are worse off than me. If I contribute now, the organizations will still be there for me in the future if I or my loved ones should have to use its services.

6

"I've had a problem donating in the past."

One of the advantages of donating through the Charitable Contribution Campaign is the charities have already been approved. To qualify for my support, charities must be in compliance with Consumer Protection, have current IRS non-profit, tax exempt status and be approved by the Charitable Fund Board. The pledges are processed with accuracy and accountability.

5

"I already give to my favorite charity on my own."

I can expand my gift to my favorite charity. Through payroll deduction, I can give more than through a one-time donation. Charities can better plan for their needs knowing at the end of the campaign what to expect the following year. Administrative costs are lower for the charity with one large distribution to process rather than sporadic multiple individual donations.

4

"I'm mad at my boss."

This campaign is designed for state employees to come together, make a difference and show others that the public sector cares about the community. Working together with my co-workers can create a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. This year, I'm going to ask my boss to give!

3

"What's in it for me?"

Giving can be an inspiring and self-satisfying act. It gets my mind off my own troubles for a while. Someday I will look back with pride on my participation in the Charitable Contribution Campaign.

2

"Why should I donate my hard earned money?"

If I can part with my money, I know that money isn't the most important thing in my life. Taking a look at all I have gives me more of a perspective of how fortunate I really am.

1

"I gave at the office."

Oh wait, this IS the office.

Wherever a man turns he can find someone who needs him.

~Albert Schweitzer

Diabetes Research Institute

American Soldier Severely Wounded in Afghanistan

Receives Historic Islet Cell Transplant

A 21-year-old airman severely injured while serving his country in a remote area of Afghanistan is recovering after several surgeries and an unprecedented islet cell transplant that saved him from living with severe diabetes. The Diabetes Research Institute played a major role in this historic effort.

“I almost died – twice from loss of blood – and once from the problems with my pancreas,” said US Senior Airman Tre F. Porfirio, whose entire abdominal cavity needed to be restructured. “I have a child on the way. That is all I could think about [when I was shot.] I thought I was done.”

After being struck from behind by three high velocity bullets on November 21, 2009, Porfirio was operated on twice in field hospitals and then air lifted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he came under the care of Dr. Craig D. Shriver, chief of general surgery. Porfirio’s pancreas was damaged beyond repair, but removal of the organ would instantly cause the most brittle form of diabetes.

Walter Reed doctors then contacted the Diabetes Research Institute’s scientific director, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, who immediately agreed to help. The organ was removed and shipped from Washington, D.C., to Miami, where members of the DRI team spent six hours isolating the insulin-producing islet cells from the airman’s pancreas.

Dr. Ricordi, a pioneer in the diabetes field, is world renowned for developing the method to isolate islets from the pancreas. The islets were flown back, and Dr. Ricordi assisted Walter Reed surgeons via the Internet in successfully infusing the isolated cells into Porfirio’s liver on Thanksgiving Day.

“It makes me feel good that while we are fighting to find a cure for a disease that affects 240 million worldwide, we can actually help one person at a time when the occasion presents itself,” said Dr. Ricordi.

“There’s no other patient in the world who has had their entire pancreas removed for trauma, survived, and had the pancreas islet cells put back in the liver and have them function 100 percent perfectly. Tre is not on any insulin. His sugars are normal. He really is a one-of-a-kind case,” stated Dr. Shriver.

Thanks to your ongoing support and others who are committed to help find a cure for diabetes, this soldier was spared from living a life of diabetes. Your continued efforts will ensure a cure for all people living with this relentless disease.

“Tre is a hero,” Dr. Ricordi said. “He risked his life in the war against terrorism, and it’s a miracle he is alive.”

To read the complete article, visit http://www.diabetesresearch.org/ or call 800-321-3437 for more information.

Charity code for Diabetes Research Institute is 1510

Water For People

Today there are still 884 million people around the world without access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion who do not have adequate sanitation facilities. Daily about 6,000 people die from water-related illnesses, most of them children.

Since 1990s Water For People has helped communities in developing countries to improve their quality of life by supporting locally sustainable drinking water resources, hygiene education programs, and sanitation facilities. Water for People works in eleven countries around the world: Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and India. By carefully researching and surveying areas the program thrives to cover entire regions with solutions that will last. Most of the effort is done in rural areas where a lot of work is done in single households, in communities, and schools.

Water For People aims to build a world where “all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and where no one suffers from water-or sanitation-related disease”. Since 1990s the number of beneficiaries has increased yearly. In 2009 the organization helped over 325,000 beneficiaries.


Water For People utilizes new mobile technology Field Operations Watch (FLOW)  to map and monitor their work. According to Water For People "FLOW will dramatically improve, simplify and hasten post-project monitoring and reporting". To read more about FLOW and see it in action visit http://www.waterforpeople.org/programs/field-level-operations-watch.html.

Website: http://www.waterforpeople.com/

Charity Code: 4105

EarthShare

Natural disasters affect us all, from the direct victims and their friends and families to those who were unaffected but still hope to make a difference in the lives of those who survived. Once the dust settles and the water subsides, we come together to rebuild what has been lost. EarthShare member organizations are leading the charge on the ground to resurrect areas damaged by natural disasters, bring hope and renewal to areas that have been devastated, and lay the groundwork for a future less susceptible to an unpredictable planet. One gift to EarthShare helps these organizations continue and build upon their successes, and helps to ensure a safer, more sustainable world for us all.

EarthShare members are working in communities around the world to help respond to natural disasters, rejuvenate the communities affected, and restore the natural systems that have been damaged. In the aftermath of China’s devastating 2008 earthquake in Sichuan Provence, The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was on the ground with relief and assistance. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, WWF, a member of EarthShare, worked with other first responders to provide food, water, fuel-efficient stoves, satellite phones and other immediate needs to the victims. Since then, they have been working with local community members and government officials to survey and rebuild the Sichuan panda preserves, one of the few places where these magnificent bears can still survive in the wild. The hallmark of WWF’s approach is to teach local Chinese environmentally-friendly construction techniques, which they can then use when reconstructing their own homes. In order to prevent illegal poaching and timber-cutting, which destroy panda habitat, WWF has begun teaching earthquake victim alternate livelihoods, such as tea cultivation, beekeeping, and pepper farming. These new skills help lift the Sichuan people out of poverty while giving pandas a safer place to roam. Through their innovation and care, this EarthShare member has helped turn a tragedy into an opportunity for a better future for Sichuan’s people and pandas alike.

When the devastating flood waters of Hurricane Katrina receded from New Orleans, EarthShare members were there to help the city re-build. Groups such as American Forests began mobilizing volunteers, planting trees, and restoring wetlands. In the words of American Forests’ executive director Debora Gangloff, “Trees grow healthier communities—and they add life to the community.” Through their restoration efforts, EarthShare members helped bring life back to New Orleans and the rest of the gulf coast, turning wreckage and devastation into neighborhood parks and tree-lined streets. Furthermore, by restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast wetlands, EarthShare members are helping to prevent future damage to this area. Wetlands act as a giant sponge, holding in storm waters and releasing them slowly later. When they are drained or paved, as many around New Orleans were prior to Hurricane Katrina, this water has nowhere to go, and massive flooding results. EarthShare members know the benefits an intact environment can bring, and are working with volunteers, legislators, and other community members to restore the Gulf Coast wetlands, in the hope that a tragedy on the scale of Katrina will not happen again.

Unpredictable though they may be, the one thing that we know about natural disasters is that another one will strike—sometime, somewhere. EarthShare members will be there to help, restoring natural areas, providing relief to victims, and helping to rebuild communities and the environments they depend upon. One gift to EarthShare helps the efforts of all our members—efforts that go a long way towards making our planet a safer, cleaner, greener place for all of humanity.

Charity code is 3000
Website: http://www.earthshare.org

Prize Drawing

This weeks prize winner is Sally Stewart, DOPL. Congratulations Sally!

Our prize drawing next Monday will be for a $100 Flemings Steak House Gift Certificate. Anyone who has donated during the campaign is eligible to be in the drawing.

Check them out at http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

Following is a chart showing the Charitable Fund Drive Participation percentage donated by Divisions. Don't let another Division pass you by--take the time to submit your donation today.

Thanks to everyone who has already donated, either through payroll deduction or one-time donation. We only have two weeks left, so this is your chance to participate. Lets finish off the Campaign with a bang! I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. ~William Penn

American Cancer Society in Utah

Did you know…As of July 1, 2010, American Cancer Society in Utah issued 12 research grants for a total of $1,800,000.

Did you know…
American Cancer Society in Utah gave over 275 free wigs for women going through chemotherapy valued over $8,500 in one year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society in Utah volunteers provided 390 rides for cancer patients to get treatments last year in our Road to Recovery program!

Did you know…
240 women going through chemotherapy attended free American Cancer Society of Utah Look Good Feel Better classes receiving makeup kits valued at $250 and professional advice on skincare, makeup, wigs and scarves last year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah Patient Navigators have given information and referral to over 1,500 newly diagnosed cancer patients last year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah has 4 volunteer run Cancer Resource Centers assisting over 1,200 cancer patients and caregivers in St. George, Cedar City, Murray, and Ogden with a new one opening in Provo.

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah Patient Navigators and volunteers have served over 1,450 medically underserved cancer patients which was 500% over the previous year!

Did you know…American Cancer Society of Utah gave 18 scholarships last year to youth cancer survivors from Orem, Logan, Riverton, West Haven, Draper, Salt Lake City, Moab, Layton, Redmond, Sandy, Kaysville, Eureka, Provo, Farmington and Green River, WY to attend college this year valued at $60,000!

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/


Charity code for the American Cancer Society, Salt Lake District is 1004

Bailey's Story

Eleven years old border collie Bailey had been to the animal shelter already once before and was again looking for a new home. He is a sweet dog who was obedience, and crate trained and had great manners. Still he had only been gone 1.5 years before he was back at the shelter because Bailey's second owner could no longer take care of him. When Bailey was returned to the shelter he had a mass on his eye and a lump on his chest. The shelter vet cleaned his teeth, fixed his eye and gave him a new chance in life. My friend Sarha found Bailey at the animal shelter when he was recovering from his surgery. It was love at the first sight.   Six months later Bailey and Sarha did their first visit as a therapy dog team:

"Today Bailey had his first therapy dog visit at the nursing home. Wow, I knew he was a great dog but didn't know what to expect!  Bailey did perfect!  He loved meeting the old folks and getting pets and attention.  He would lay his head in their lap for them to scratch his ears.  He sure loved it. We met one couple and Bailey just loved the man. The husband is in good health but is there living with his wife, who has alzheimers. Very sweet couple.  Bailey let the man scratch him all over, wiggling his body in enjoyment.  He was just smiling the whole time. The husband loved Bailey and told me I could go but I have to leave Bailey. <g>  It was a very nice visit and I will be going back to seeing them again.  We met wit several other people too.

Then when we were getting ready to leave and a lady approached us and asked if I would come visit with her mom who was sitting at the park. She is in hospice care now but she said she had many dogs in her lifetime and knew her mom would just love to visit with Bailey. I agreed to go visit with her. We walked across the street to the nursing home's park. Very lovely area with a huge fountain and flowers everywhere.  She was covered up in a blanket and the woman told me that her mom was very cold dispite the warm sun they were sitting in. When we approached the woman she was shivering and looked 'asleep' with her head down. The daughter held her hand and said , "Mom.. look what I found" and the woman lifted her head and smiled. She said, "do you want to pet the dog? It is a border collie, isn't he beautiful".  And the mom said "yes"  so I walked closer and told Bailey "okay, go say Hi" and Bailey walked up to her and  put his head on her knee, she reached down and scratched his head.. Bailey just kept his head on her lap so I kneeled down so I could hear her (she talked very softly) and she said to me "Dogs are such wonderful creatures, you have no idea how much this means to me." By this time she had taken the blanket off of herself.  She just kept stroking Bailey and he just kept enjoying it , very calm and relaxed. A few minutes later, the daughter asked her mom if she was cold and she shook her head 'no'. We stayed for a few minutes longer and than got ready to go. As we were saying our good bye, she grabbed her daughters hand and said, "I'm very warm now." I was so happy I could cry to hear her say that.  Bailey had taken her mind off of how she was feeling and her body temperature went up. What a wonderful feeling that I could take 10 minutes out of my time and make someone feel good for the rest of the day. I couldn't be more satisfied and pleased. As we were walking away, the  daughter called me and said "My mom just said that Bailey is a beautiful dog and thank you for letting us visit".

As we were leaving the park, one of the patients we had visited before was being visited by (what looked like) his daughter and wife. He also had alzheimers and seemed not be aware of what we were doing there during our visit but he talked about GSD's that his daughter had. Well, on our way out we saw him with his family and his wife said "We heard ALL about you, he hasn't stopped talking about your visit with him, Thank you! ".  I talked with her for awhile about Bailey and what a great dog he is. She thanked me a million times for taking time to visit with her husband.  I was overwhelmed with emotions and gratification!
 I was chocked up as I walked away but not because I was sad... but because I was very happy and felt good that I could make a difference in so many peoples lives in one short hour of my day.
Even though it is sad to see people in these situations there is positives in doing therapy work and that is to give when people need to receive the most, putting smiles on their face, my face and Bailey's face."

Websites: 

Pet Partners http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183 Code: 4088

Intermountain Therapy Animals http://www.therapyanimals.org/ Code: 2506

No More Homeless Pets http://www.utahpets.org/nmhcms/  Code: 1032

The Happy Factory

Miracles happen when people willingly serve others. When Charles and Donna Cooley became aware that many children have never had a toy, they formulated their motto, "We may not be able to make a toy for every child in the world that needs one--but we're going to try!"

They named their workshop "The Happy Factory" because of the happiness it brings to them and to the children who receive the wooden toys. In the process, they have learned that toys are not simply playthings, but tools that help unlock a child's ability to think and to cope with the world around them. The best toys are toys that represent love - personal toys not community toys. Simple toys that stimulate the imagination. Toys that last a life time and beyond.

What started as a hobby has turned into a full time labor of love. Since their humble beginnings, The Happy Factory has welcomed volunteers of every age--including juvenile offenders in three state correctional facilities. There are no paid salaries. The Happy Factory is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All the materials they use are donated and all of the toys are made by volunteers. Every toy is donated to a child in need. The toys are made of scraps of hardwood donated by a local cabinet maker. Unfortunately, there are a few expenses for wheels and axles, saw blades, building maintenance costs and other miscellaneous items. The Happy Factory workers are toy makers, not fundraisers. It costs approximately forty cents per toy for wheels and axles. They gratefully accept donations of materials, time, and money. Over 1,000,000 wooden toys have been distributed from The Happy Factory.



Donna tells this story, We received a phone call from Ed Ebert, who had a Happy Factory branch in St. George, Utah He said that his neighbor, Fred Anderson, who helps Ed make Happy Factory Toys, had received a phone call from a grandson that is serving in the military in Iraq.

The grandson said that they left their base the other morning on an assignment. Just outside of the base a little girl was sitting in the middle of the road and she wouldn't move. They got out of their vehicle to talk to her and she pointed to a spot in the road where the dirt had been disturbed. They checked it out and found a landmine had been placed there and they removed it. The little girl had seen people place it there the night before. She was holding some items in her hand, one of which was a Happy Factory toy. She said that the Americans had given it to her and she like the Americans and didn't want to see them get hurt.

What goes around comes around!

The Happy Factory has been traveling from Cedar City to our Charitable Contribution Campaign Kickoff for many years. They have handed out hundreds of their toys to the Department of Commerce employees. We appreciate the toys we have received as well as the toys they have distributed all over the world.

Charity Code is 1046
Website is http://www.happyfactory.org

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
~Edward Everett Hale

Prize Drawing

Participating in the Charitable Contribution Campaign is a winning proposition. You are able to donate to the charity of your choice, which is a win-win for you and the charity. We want to thank you for participating with the opportunity to win a prize basket each week of the campaign.

As soon as you submit your donation, either on line or to your division representative, your name will be entered in the drawing. Your name will remain in the drawing pool until the end of the campaign. So the sooner you donate, the more chances you have to win.

Our first weeks winner was Doug Wheelright, DPU.

This weeks winner is Gary Bowen, Securities.




Thank you to the following for their donations:

Cookie Tree
TGIF Fridays
The Melting Pot
Community Shares/Utah
Intermountain Health Care
Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity

Our next prize drawing will be on Monday, October 25th. Be sure to get your donations in so you can be included in the drawing.

1% Club

I wanted to tell you all a little bit about the Governor's 1% Club.  These are State Employees who donate 1% of their gross pay to the Charitable Fund.  On the Charitable Fund website records for the 1% Club begin in 2004, which included 204 State employees and $117,000 in donations. The highest year for the 1% Club was 2007 when 237 State employees donated $159,000.  Dues to the recent recession the numbers have gone down, but hopefully we can start seeing an increase again.

During Campaign 2010 the following occurred:

·         203 State employees gave 1% or more of their annual gross pay (with special thanks to the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Workforce Services, who had twenty or more 1%ers.)

·         $132,366.42 in donations came from the 1% Club.

·         31% of total donation dollars came from the 1% Club.

·         The 1% Club is 11% of total donors.

Last year the Commerce Department had 8 employees that were in the Governor’s 1% Club; it would be great if we are able to increase that number this year.

In his letter to all State employees Governor Herbert included a mention of the 1% Club.

“In an effort to recognize our state employees who contribute a greater amount to the Campaign, I will recognize and commend employees who contribute 1% or more of their base annual pay. This is known as the "Governor's 1% Club." I look forward to seeing your name on such a commendation list this year.”

In the spring following the campaign all employees that are members of the Governor’s 1% Club receive a thank you letter and a small gift from the Governor.  This years gift will be a GP3100 Jumbo Desktop Wall Clock.  This silver and black, large LCD display clock can be mounted on the wall or stand on a desk. The fantastic features include an alarm clock, snooze, calendar, and thermometer. 

If you are currently contributing through a payroll deduction each pay period, you may consider increasing that amount over the next couple of years with the goal of reaching the 1% of your gross pay.  The average amount given by the employees in the 1% club is about $25.00 per pay period. And as with other deductions taken from your pay, it seems easier if you never have the money, as opposed to writing a check every two weeks. When I first started donating to the Charitable Fund I think I contributed the equivalent of a days’ pay.  I was not aware of the 1% Club at that time, but one of my co-workers received the letter and gift from the Governor.  I thought that was pretty cool and increasing my contribution the next year did not make a big difference in my take home pay.  I choose to contribute to one organization and it is a great feeling to know that money is making a difference to those they serve.

How easy is it to become a 1% member?

Take your current hourly rate and multiply it by the number of hours being paid in the current  fiscal year (2,080-The is the amount that is available on the pay plan for the current fiscal year), then find 1% of that total gross amount and divide it by 26 pay periods.  If you have any questions your Division Coordinator will be able to answer them.

Helpful table to simplify your calculation:   http://www.usecf.state.ut.us/Docs/1percent.pdf

By Carolyn Roll

Children's Educational Relief Foundation

 Commerce employee Ao Pauga tells about his involvement in organization helping the children of Samoa.                                                 


CERF President Ao Pauga gives aid to local school.

 
Children's Educational Relief Foundation

In 2004, my wife and I founded Children's Educational Relief Foundation (CERF).  CERF developed as reports were sent in regarding the closure of several elementary schools including the previous LDS church primary school and a government primary school in Apia.  In an effort to assist the children in Samoa humanitarian kits and scholarships were sent.  Unfortunately, schooling in Samoa was not free.  Students at the primary level were required to pay fees if they wished to attend school.  This past year the government of Samoa eliminated all school fees.  Children are now able to attend free of charge. 

Although Samoa no longer benefits from scholarships, there are still opportunities for CERF to assist in their educational efforts.  CERF has recently partnered with Recology who will be sending over 2000 gallons of paint to Samoa the first week of November.  The paint is expected to arrive in the island sometime around the end of November and will be distributed to schools, hospitals, and other institutions that are in need.  

Since its founding, CERF has awarded over 2000 scholarships, sent over school and health supplies to 30 schools, awarded grants to five schools for refurbishment, and this past spring awarded six scholarships to Utah High School Polynesian graduates.

http://www.cerff.org/

 

Putting together student kits in Orem.









School assembly called to distribute student and teacher kits,

and to announce scholarship recipients.







Peering inside their new student kits.



Excited children receiving their student packets filled with school supplies.


Website:  http://www.cerff.org/
Charity Code:  1079






Intermountain Therapy Animals

The use of animals to facilitate positive changes in a broad spectrum of therapeutic settings is becoming more accepted, appreciated and valued. Under direction of health services and education professionals, animal-assisted therapy can promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social improvement for people with special needs.

In animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programs, volunteer teams become formally involved in patient treatment regimens, helping motivate the achievement of a wide variety of goals and objectives. As those who share their lives with companion animals will attest, there are benefits that animals can provide that oftentimes people cannot. Research is now corroborating this conventional wisdom.

Intermountain Therapy Animals works with children and adults who are physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabled, as well as others who can benefit from the unique qualities that interaction with an animal can provide. Some miraculous improvements have been made during animal-assisted therapy visits.

Caleb's Story

In July 2007 the Howard family’s car was hit head-on by a car that had crossed over to the wrong side of the road. Caleb’s mom, brother and sister were killed outright. Caleb survived, but suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones.



Charity code for Intermountain Therapy Animals is 2506

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. ~Mother Teresa