There’s an organization in the Saugatuck/Douglas, MI area called West Shore Aware that hosts a very fun, very classy event every summer called the “White Party”. The back of the invitation states that:
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“West Shore AWARE is a 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization of gay men
and women who raise funds for the needs and benefit of the
West Michigan communities in which we live. All net proceeds from
this event will be distributed to other charitable community service
organizations which request support and are chosen by a vote of the
West Shore Aware membership.” |
CARES has been selected as one of five recipients from this year’s event. We’ll use the funding for HIV testing and outreach at Campit Resort and The Dunes Resort, both in Saugatuck.
We’ll have a table or two (or more!) of CARES folks and we’d love it if you’d join the group. The party is held at the Laketown Golf & Conference Center and includes dinner, entertainment, dancing, open bar and both silent and live auctions.
Attire is party casual … white with a splash of green is suggested. Advance tickets are $75 and $85 at the door. You can order tickets from Dave Watt on our staff; contact him at 269.381.2437 or at dwatt@CARESswm.org.
A prior staff member, Adam Martin, is spending 2009 is serving as a volunteer teacher in Namibia. A group of friends and CARES staff sent a care package (or is that a CARES package?) with various fun items for his students. Took about a month to get there. Below is the note of thanks he sent.
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Hello Everyone!
I received the big CARES and Friends care package last week, and was completely overwhelmed. Over a fourth of the school participated in the first Library Art Contest, and there were some massive prize packages for learners with creativity, skill, and patience (that, unfortunately, often goes unnoticed and unrewarded). Here, you might get 15 American cents for your birthday, and the family kills a goat for Christmas. Believe me, the prize packages causes pandemonium… and a few amazing individuals are walking on clouds. I cannot thank you enough for the joy that will get me through Term 2. :)
And all 100+ who participated got a special pencil, pen, and a sweet. Joy!
I miss you all – and think about great times with the 629 Pioneer and extended crew… often. If there’s ever a ringing in your ears late morning/early afternoon, there’s probably a nostalgic Adam taking a break from lesson planning and marking papers alone in his little flat a hemisphere away. *sighs*
Much Love,
Adam
PS – The great thing here, is that everyone shares… so I see all the learners reading and playing Kalamazoopoly and… So much. Hands off my sweets though!
Hey there!
When was the last time you went to the zoo? When was the last time you petted an exotic animal? Join our support group for a day trip to Binder Park in Battle Creek for a relaxing and fun day amongst friends! Here is a link to the zoo’s website.
Living with HIV can be a challenge and sometimes you just need a safe place to talk about notions you can’t bring up in other company. Each week a group of men and women with HIV meet at both CARES locations in Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo and in Saugatuck, in secure and confidential settings. Participants determine the focus of the group, which sometimes includes guest speakers, art therapy and social outings.
Check out our calendar in the events page to know more about what’s coming up. Call Pat Clark for more details at 269.382.2437 ext. 23.
