Monday, February 20, 2012

Angel Kisses Fundraiser


My wife and I had our only child almost 5 months ago.  We were told for years by doctors and specialists that it would most likely never happen.  After several years of trying we finally gave up, we actually started planning lavish vacations like Ireland, Scotland, Walt Disney World, etc...  Well a few weeks later, we  found out my wife was pregnant, so the plans were put on hold.  Nine months later we had a happy, bouncing baby boy named Alex.

While many people like us are fortunate enough to have happy, healthy children some people are not so lucky.  Sometimes parents experience pregnancy or newborn loss, and I can not even begin to imagine how difficult that must be.  When that happens it is great to have a very healthy support system of friends, family members, and others to help you get through the loss.  The other thing that must be a necessity when dealing with this is a kind and caring support staff  at the hospital that can help you out with bedside care and other things.



There is a group called Angel Kisses, that was started by a of Mom that had unfortunately experienced a loss.  As the years went by others have teamed up since the fundraisers began in 2009, and helped fund a bereavement room at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.  Their mission is to help raise awareness and understanding of pregnancy loss and bring peace and healing to families who have experienced loss.



Angel Kisses will be having a fundraiser this coming Saturday, February 25th, beginning at 2pm and lasting until 8pm.  The fundraiser will be held at Woody's Diner in Royal Oak and will have a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and a candle-lit moment of silence.  Woody's Diner is located at 208 W. Fifth Ave in Downtown Royal Oak and was generous enough to donate 20% of all food and beverage reciepts to Angel Kisses.  If you are unable to attend donations can be made to:

Angel Kisses
PO Box 1061
Royal Oak, MI 48068-1061

Further information can be found on the Angel Kisses website.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Volunteers Needed!



I know we are still months away from the kick off of the fair & festival season, but in order for the events to run smoothly planning has begun since the last event ended.  Do you frequent the local festivals?  Do you have ideas on how to make things better?  Do you want to help out?  If you answered yes than your local festival committee wants to hear from you.


Clawson's 4th of July week Kiddie Parade

The local festivals take many months of planning and organizing to make things just right. They are ran by a hard working bunch of volunteers, unfortunately though, many people don't realize how much hard work goes into the planning and just enjoy the events.  In order for these festivals to continue to run well into the future they constantly need volunteers and donations.

scene from Rochester's Arts & Apples Festival


Some of the volunteer work that may be needed is as simple as handling parking or tickets to as complex as organizing a parade or more.  If your time is limited and you have away of donating something for a bake sale or other type of fundraiser, or even cash I am sure they are even open to that. The best thing to do is contact your local festival committee or if your not sure who to get in touch with contact your local government offices for more information.


a local fireworks display

I have listed below some of the local festivals websites, if you know of others feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Clawson's 4th of July
Farmington's Founders Festival
Rochester's Arts & Apples Festival
Oakland County Fair
Holly's Dickens Old Fashioned Christmas Festival
Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade
Woodward Dream Cruise

Once again, this is just a sampling of the local events that may need assistance, many communities may have multiple events throughout the year.  All the events need volunteers for tasks no matter how big or how small or donations no matter how big or small.  For more information on your local community's events contact your local government office.