We have now entered November so if you haven't done so already, check out our Events Page and see our second October winner and read more about this month's contests! Submissions are already coming in!
While I know that this time of year can be very emotional for some (myself included!)I think there is one thing we can all agree on:
Thank goodness it's Friday! Enjoy your weekend everyone! (Especially those participating in our bowling event tomorrow!)
Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to go and speak to a business class at Bethany Lutheran College. The professor wanted me to talk about starting and running a nonprofit organization. At first I wasn't sure what knowledge I had to share, but as I sat down and started thinking about all that has happened in the last year and a half I realized how much I have learned! Even more than that, it really hit me how far we have come in helping CHD families and raising awareness here in Minnesota! Sometimes it can feel overwhelming when you realize how much there is still to be done, but this was a great reminder that you also have to take time to appreciate all that has been accomplished already.
It was really encouraging to see that the students cared not only about the business aspect of Lasting Imprint but the cause itself. A number of them stayed after class to ask more questions about what we do. One young woman told me she wants to become an Obstetrician - think about how many people will be impacted by the knowledge she now has about CHD! Incredible.
Speaking of business, Lasting Imprint has now filed to have our name trademarked! The continued growth and progress we are making is so much fun to watch and be a part of!
The 2nd Annual CHD Awareness Walk in Alexandria is now behind us! The day of the walk was incredible! Perfect weather and countless friends and family showed up to support those affected by CHD. There is something special about seeing smaller communities pull together for a cause and I can't tell you how excited we are to see what next year will bring!
The walk may be behind us but Lasting Imprint still has activities planned for this fall! If you haven't already visit our website and sign up to receive our newsletter! You will find out more in next month's news set to come out on Saturday.
Hint: the fun involves holidays, gift cards, and ALL Lasting Imprint supporters regardless of location!
Read more...The 2nd Annual CHD Awareness Walk in Alexandria is almost here! Do you live around the area? Spend an hour of your morning on September 10th to walk around beautiful City Park! Too far away to attend? Donate to this great cause today!
As with any nonprofit organization, fundraising is an important and crucial piece for Lasting Imprint. Where exactly does our money go?
CHD Family Kits
These kits are a collaboration of various groups to provide families affected by congenital heart defects support both in the hospital and at home. They include items such as lotion, coloring books and crayons, chap stick, Angie's Kettle Corn, and soon, Lasting Imprint water bottles! At its peak up to 125 kits may be given out in just one month!
CHD Family Activities
Funds help put on not only support meetings for our families, but fun activities with little or no cost. We know and understand that such activities are often rare due to time in the hospital and/or expense. We try to plan an activity in various locations every other month or so. This is also an important time for parents and children to get together and build relationships that last for years.
Marketing Opportunities
Lasting Imprint puts up posters at various hospitals, clinics, and the Ronald McDonald Houses. Our newsletter connects families and friends located throughout the state of Minnesota (and world!). Lastly, our new window clings not only spread our name, but more importantly the statistic of CHD so hopefully one day it will be as well known as other health conditions.
Research
We make a donation to research at the end of each fiscal year by giving to the Children's Heart Foundation. This is a great group of people that put their time and energy into making sure that all monies go to the best and most promising research. This is an important piece to many of us so it only makes sense that we work together!
Early Detection
This is our next big step now that we have established the ground work of the organization. Early detection takes a more proactive approach to CHD. By talking with medical professionals we are trying to figure out how this can be done most effectively. One idea is the creation of informational handouts to be given to pregnant women before their 20 week ultrasound. Maybe we can help people start asking "Is my baby healthy?" before they ask "Are we having a boy or a girl?" I think the biggest problem is that we aren't told and so we just don't know. We hope to develop a more definite plan this fall so stay tuned!
All I can say now is come on out and walk with us! I promise, you'll learn about and meet some pretty special people if you do.
This post isn't going to be organized. Or deep. I just want to say...
Do you know how cool it is to see t-shirts from the Mankato event around town when I am out and about? I've seen people at the mall and at Walmart with blue shirts that say Lasting Imprint! That is WAY cool!
It makes me even more excited that soon we will have window clings to hand out to people that not only spread the word about Lasting Imprint, but more importantly, information about congenital heart defects. I can't wait until I'm out driving and see one of those on a car!
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