KC Metro CARES March 2013

Event Coverage Valentine Gala Sunower House Page 18

New Members

Dear Amy

New Monthly Advice Column

Page 23

Volunteer Spotlight Mark Fenton

Page 14

contents march 2013 3

Table of Contents

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Membership Directory KC Metro Cares members

5

Letters from the Editor and Publisher

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Gift of Irish Music

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Yours in Health Monthly health & fitness column

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Helping Displaced Families and Teens Hillcrest Transitional Housing

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10 Music in our Schools Month 11 Welcome New Member Folds of Honor

12 Techventure Kauffman FastTrac

14 Volunteer Spotlight Mark Fenton

15 52 Marathons, 52 Weeks Sunflower House

16 Integrity Home Care

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18 Event Coverage: Valentine Gala Sunflower House

20 Have You Ever Dreamed You Were a Star?

Em’s Spotlight

21 Welcome New Member GIRL Inc.

22 Kids CARE Amazing Children Doing Wonderful Volunteer Work in KC

23 Dear Amy New Monthly Advice Column

24 CARES Website Launch 26 Providing Financial Transparency

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Center for Nonprofit Communication

29 Calendar of Events Charity Events for March

30 Games Fun Stuff

staff

advisory panel

Amy Michael Publisher

Steve Rittmaster

Phil Dellasega Creative Director Tom Mezzacapa Graphic Design Sharna Rittmaster Editor

122 Central Park Square • Springfield, MO 65806

417.849.CARE • www.goicare.com

Michelle DeWitt Graphic Design/ Web Maintenance

Merissa Rittmaster Amanda Goetz Shawn Muller Vanessa Faller Mike Dalena Jim Brown Jean Ann Rucker

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membership directory CARES Memberships are available to local non profits that are registered as 501 (c)3 organizations. The goal of CARES is to give non profits a center for non profit com3908 Washington St Kansas City, Mo 64111 816.777.2871 bbbskc.org

3901 Rainbow Blvd, Mailstop 4004 Kansas City, KS 66160 913.588.9100 cmnkc.org

munication and awareness. Not just an ad, not just a picked up press release here and there; but an annual marketing program that cover the online and print resources that are needed to truly communicate with the community. CARES is a communication hub that provides an online volunteer database, interactive robust calendar, resources for assistance with the print magazine

PO Box 23242 Stanley, KS 66223 913.681.3050 sass-mokan.com

15440 W. 65 Street Shawnee, KS 66217 913.631.5800 sunflowerhouse.org

to share stories of hope, details on upcoming events and photographs of past events and what they have accomplished. You can receive the details of Membership by calling 913-890-3133 or emailing editor.op@goicare.com for more details and a face to face meeting. Let us show the community all the great ways that KC Metro CARES

PO Box 24043 Overland Park, KS 66283 info@girlkc.com www.girlkc.com

5800 N Patriot Drive Owasso, OK 74055 www.foldsofhonor.org

by sharing your mission and your needs with them.

Sponsor: Hendrick Buick•GMC•Cadillac

Co-Sponsor: Nancy O’Reilly PsD

Dear Non-Profit,

We want to talk to you! Kansas City Metro CARES Magazine focuses on non profits and bringing awareness of the impact they make in our community. Does this sound like something you want to be involved in?

Call today for an appt, 913-890-3133!

P.S. Visit our website at www.goicare.com and while you are there sign up for our FREE iCARE Package!

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Sincerely,

Letter from the Editor I am amazed we are already into our third month, how time flies! I am so thrilled that this new community magazine has been given such a great welcome into Kansas City.

web

printing

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design

Over the past four months my eyes have been opened to the non-profit world.

I have met with large and small non-profits and no matter the size they all have one major thing in common; they all have an unwavering passion for helping others. They put in long hours of hard work doing everything in their power even if it means reaching just one person. I believe that their exemplary achievements truly show how generous we are and that there are

ParadiseAquatics.us

so many positive influences surrounding us.

This March we welcome two new members to our family, Girl Inc and Folds of Honor. Two very different or-

913-339-9060 Aquariums from mild to wild!

ganizations from size to years in existence, they share a common goal, helping children succeed. We have also started a new column titled “Dear Amy�. Amy’s column will be devoted to answering family related questions.

As always, thank you for your continued support. If you have story ideas or know of a non profit that should

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be included, please don’t hesitate to write me! If you’re on Facebook “like� our page!

Have a wonderful March everyone and I hope to hear from you soon.

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Your Friend,

Sharna Rittmaster

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Contributing Editor Ph: 913-890-3133 editor.op@goicare.com

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I am so happy to welcome our newest members to CARES Magazine. We are just starting our third month in publication and are so pleased by the response of the community and the wonderful nonprofits that we work with.

It's truly wonderful to see what a caring place this is.

As we move into March, we invite you to sign up for weekly alerts on events and updates by going to our website, goicare.com. You can read our previous issues online and you can also visit our Springfield website to see what's going on in other areas in the nonprofit world.

We look forward to working with more nonprofits so if you're affiliated with one or know of a great

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one please contact us! We would love to meet with them!

Wishing you all a wonderful March!

With kindness,

Amy Michael Publisher

Contact us for a FREE quote By phone: 417.379.6393 or by email: design@dvlarue.com www.dvlarue.com 5

by: Merissa Rittmaster contributing writer

Irish in Kansas City since the 1800’s? Why, yes, there have been Irish here for over a hundred years. And with Irish people come Irish traditions, namely (and timely for March), St. Patrick’s Day. March 17 has become a day during which everyone is a wee bit Irish. We wear green, don shamrocks, and talk of leprechauns guarding their pots o’ gold at the end of the rainbow. One of our local traditions is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The original Kansas City parade had about a 20-year run in the late 1800’s but died out in the 1890’s. The modern version began March 17, 1973, (100 years after the first Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade) when Patrick O’Neill, Jr., the son of one of the original parade initiators, decided it was time to restart the tradition. According

to

O’Neill, what began as a drunken publicity stunt for their friend’s bar

turned

into a multi-block parade which evolved into years of floats and marching bands. The parade now raises money for Harvesters and holds a contest for the best float or marching group in a variety of categories: family, band, business, drill team, media, organization, trade, and school.

contest wins and booths at a variety of fairs mainly goes to the Hearing Aid Fund at the Children’s Mercy Hospital Hearing and Speech Clinic. Over 150 children have received hearing aids through their hard work and dedication. Linda Enlow, the current president of the club, tells of the wonderful camaraderie involved in the planning of events and parade floats. They get together weeks ahead of the parades to design and build floats and friendships. Everyone is invited to join them on the parade route, from the children at the speech clinic to parents to volunteers, as it winds through town. Occasionally, the club receives thank you notes from recipients. One that Linda recalls with fondness thanked them

One lucky organization that has triumphed several times (and hopes

for giving her the chance to finally hear her mom say, “I Love

to win again this year) is the Harp and Shamrock, the Bob Reeder

You.”

Fan Club. Bob Reeder, a KC local, is an exceptional entertainer of Irish descent who captivates his audience with various instruments and a humorous combination of wit, sing-a-longs, ballads, and limericks.

His fans wanted to form a fan club but the humble Bob insisted they

I expect to see lots of you out watching the parade this year on Sunday, March 17, dressed in your green and shamrocks!!

use the club for a good cause to primarily benefit children. In Au-

For more in depth information, I strongly urge you to check

gust 1997, to hon-

out these wonderful people:

or his wishes, the

Harp and Shamrock, the Bob Reeder fan club

charter members

www.harpandshamrockclub.org

put together their plan to “help others through the gift of Irish Music,” or more specifically, to 6

help children hear. The money they raise through parade float

Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade website www.kcirishparade.com Bob Reeder www.bobreeder.com

March is National Nutrition Month!

Spring has almost arrived and another season is upon us.

March is a wonderful month to get ready to go back outside and move. The best reminder of the season changing is the weather warming up. After being inside all winter long we need to assess if we are able to do the same activities as we did the previous year. We all have the same idea in our head that we are going to be able to perform daily tasks.

Some of us even play in the same sporting events that we once participated in when a younger. I hear it all the time from everyone that when they were younger they could do this and do that without any problems. The activity is not a question but being able to have enough energy might seem to become the challenge. So my question this month is how do you improve your nutrition?

March is National Nutrition Month. This is a very important topic for all of us. We all eat so how could it not be important.

The quality of our nutritional guidelines in America has the wrong education for our citizens. Our society is now being bombarded with so many unhealthy options that it is hard to find healthy options when out and about the city. What we need to do is make sure we have the right information when it comes to healthy eating and making smart choices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give us the following facts. “More than one-third of U.S. adults (over 72 million people) and 17% of U.S. children are obese. During 1980–2008, obesity rates doubled for adults and tripled for children. During the past several decades, obesity rates for all population groups—regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education level, or geographic region—have increased markedly.”

A monthly column by

Jonathan Rios Laser Sharp Fitness M.S., B.S., Wellness Expert NASM, ISSA, Master CPT

that we are not hungry for hours. Your goal should be to eat every 2-3 hours by eating smaller meals over that period of time.

3) Add extra vegetables to your meals. The average person in the Midwest eats only 2 servings of veggies per day.

Strive to eat at least 8-12 servings per day to get plenty of nutrients.

4) The most important tip is to keep a food journal. My clients that do this learn the proper way of eating after understanding what their current habits are when tracking.

Remember the saying “through the lips to the hips” holds true to the day as we eat our meals. Make sure to make healthy choices and plan your meals ahead of time. Making the effort to plan your meals makes you successful and can save you money. What better than to look great and feel great just by eating healthier. I tell my clients to pack a lunch and send snacks to the office to stay ahead of the game. There are no excuses when it comes to your health and your meals!

Nutrition by definition is the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. Over the years we have overwhelmed ourselves with the bigger is better motto. Unfortunately bigger meals mean bigger bodies. The calories (units of energy) we consume have grown over the years to almost triple the amount per individual. No wonder our waistlines have grown over the years by eating so much. Here are some helpful tips that can keep you from gaining those extra calories and keeping your meal portion smaller.

1) Drink a glass of water before you eat. We confuse hunger with cravings with dehydration. This will fill your stomach and aid in the digestion of your food.

2) Eat only half of what is on your plate and save the rest for a later meal. We consume so many calories at one time

Have a question or topic you’d like to see covered?

Email Jonathan at rios.a.jonathan@gmail.com 7

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

by Rachel Downtain- Director, Hillcrest of Kansas

I

n the early 1970’s, Ben and Patsy Belzer owned a very prosperous business that quickly suffered from huge losses and forced them into 14 months of unemployment. Through the concern of the local community, they were able to return to a productive life. The Belzers were moved to action from their own personal experience and wanted to start an organization to offer a longterm solution to the growing number of homeless families in our communities. They established Hillcrest Ministries in Liberty, MO and after months of planning and fundraising, the first families moved into the original Hillcrest housing facility in 1976. Hillcrest Transitional Housing, as it is now called, is a 501c3 non-profit organization with five affiliates providing transitional housing programs in Buchanan, Clay, Eastern Jackson & Platte Counties, and in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas.

Hillcrest Transitional Housing offers displaced families and teens a disciplined, educational program within a caring “tough love” environment.

Unlike many organizations whose focus is immediate or emergency care, our objective is to move families and teens from homelessness to self-sufficiency by addressing the total life situation of the people we serve. In exchange for rent/utility-free housing, residents are required to work fulltime, obey the program guidelines, and attend classes in life skills, employment, community living, and budgeting. In addition to housing and life-skills counseling, Hillcrest provides the following through a network of community support: auto repair/donation, on-site food pantries, medical assistance, dental work, GED classes, haircuts, glasses, school clothes, work uniforms, etc.

At any given time, 21 families participate in the 90 day program at our Kansas affiliate, and an additional six families live in our graduate apartments. In addition, Hillcrest of Kansas is the only affiliate that serves homeless youth, with 10 apartments specifically for teens. The primary difference in the teen program is that they can stay for up to 21 months while they attend school and work part-time.

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Homelessness is quickly becoming an issue in Johnson County, which is the richest county in Kansas. However, most don’t realize this because the face of homelessness looks different than we expect. In 2011, officials said there were 2,255 homeless families in Johnson County. They are among the 36,000 residents in the county who live in poverty. For a family of four, that means living on an annual income of less than $22,000. Another reality is that 70% of those seeking help from places like Hillcrest are working at least 30 hours a week. Johnson County’s six school districts identified 902 homeless students in the 2010-2011 school year. Hillcrest Transitional Housing wants to help these families and students move to self-sufficiency, so we are expanding our Kansas affiliate into Johnson County. We are in the beginning stages of purchasing property and will begin serving homeless families there later this year.

Hillcrest Transitional Housing is a hand up, not a hand out. Hillcrest’s accomplishments are best seen through our 95% success rate of transitioning families to selfsufficiency. I invite you to learn more about Hillcrest Transitional Housing and how you can help homeless families and teens by visiting our website at www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org. We’re also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Hillcrestof Kansas. I also invite you to join us for our annual Walk for the Homeless on Saturday, May 18th at 7:00am at Town Center Plaza in Leawood!

Big Brothers Big Sisters

www.bbbskc.org

Reunites with Alumni

by Micheal Lawrence: CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Calling all former Bigs, Littles and Supporters – we want to reconnect. It is important to let all mentoring-minded people know how much they matter. Across the nation, Big Brothers Big Sisters is reconnecting with alumni Bigs, Littles, donors, staff and board members. We want to take a lead role in this initiative here in Kansas City by calling on the residents of KC to reconnect with us. There are thousands of people in our city that have at some point in their life been a “Big”, a “Little” or a supporter. It may have been years ago, but it’s safe to say that the impact you made has lasted through the years. By reconnecting with Big Brothers Big Sisters in our Alumni program you will have the opportunity to see how mentoring is still changing children’s lives in KC. This is your opportunity to network with other alumni, current volunteers and supporters and perhaps even reunite with your former Little Brother or Little Sister.

Youth served by the organization are largely those of single, low-income or incarcerated parents. Longstanding independent research and BBBS Youth Outcomes Survey™ results find children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters improve in areas such as school, behavior and self-esteem.

Micheal Lawrence, CEO: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

Today, as Big Brothers Big Sisters embarks on a nationwide search to reunite with former Bigs, Littles, donors, staff and board members, I encourage you to ask friends and family once involved to reconnect with us. And if you are the person with whom we have lost contact, we believe now is a perfect time to reconnect. Visit www.reunitenow.org.

of Greater Kansas City

Follow Vanessa ...

Donated coloring books and crayon sets to Sunflower House 9

March is designated by the National Association of Music Education as “Music In Our Schools Month.”

It’s an important time of year as schools across the nation celebrate with advocacy for music education.

So, in a time when many school districts are choosing whether to continue funding music programs or not, it is important to demonstrate why we must provide music education in our schools today and how we ensure its place for tomorrow.

Firstly, I believe music education is important for teaching children how to think and work creatively. So much of what students do in school today involves rote memorization, filling in the blanks, and reciting back to the teacher information from the previous day’s lecture. While these strategies help students acquire the information needed to pass standardized and college entrance exams, they do not engage students in creative thinking.

Why is creative thinking important?

We are entering a time in history when the economy is based more and more on creative type jobs. From marketing, to design, to technology, jobs in these areas require skills that are far beyond data processing and answering phones. They require skills for adapting and collaborating in different work environments. They need problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Fortunately, students easily acquire these skills through music. Students collaborate with peers and teachers within their school ensembles, working towards common performance goals. Using problem-solving skills, they discover there is more than one

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right way to phrase a melody or to finger a difficult passage. They must also make on-the-spot critical judgements in practicing and performing with regard to pitch, tone, phrasing, and other musical aspects.

Secondly, I believe music education is important because it provides naturally creative and musical children a place to explore, thrive, and ultimately, be happy. The theory of multiple intelligences says there exists, alongside mathematical and kinesthetic intelligences, a musical intelligence. These music-minded students are more sensitive to meter, pitch, and melody and are usually enrolled in several different music classes at once.

Music is the most important part of their day, and, for some, the only reason they come to school. Because they come to school to engage in music, they are also more likely to stay in school and to achieve more in their other non-music classes. Therefore, these students, as much as any other, deserve a place in school that fosters and cultivates their unique talents.

Lastly, I believe music education is important because it is fun. When I tell people I’m an orchestra teacher, I frequently hear nostalgic stories such as being in the marching band as a clarinetist: “Marching on the field at football games gave me such a rush!”; or singing soprano in the choir: “I got to sing the StarSpangled Banner at one of the playoff basketball

games!”; or playing viola in the orchestra: “I was the only one in my section so I got to play the solo.”

These memories and experiences are told with smiles and a sense of sentimental recollection I seldom hear about other teenage experiences.

Music has this emotional impact on people’s lives because, at its core, it unites people. Regardless of age, background, and life experience, music transcends many of life’s obstacles to help people live happier and healthier lives.

Bio: Adam Keda is currently the director of orchestras at Blue Valley West and Blue Valley Southwest High Schools in Overland Park, KS. He was graduated from the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Arts in music education. He is also an active cellist as one of the founding members of the Kansas City based Ad Astra String Quartet.

Kansas City Metro CARES welcomes new member What is your mission?

Folds of Honor is rallying a nation to ensure no family gets left behind in the fight to preserve American freedom. Through scholarships, we're giving back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to our country. We're providing healing, hope and an opportunity to realize their dreams with the help of people like you. This is our mission.

What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have?

How can someone get involved?

Volunteer opportunities will vary during the year. The time that we need the most volunteers is in conjunction with Patriot Golf Day which is held over the Labor Day weekend in the Kansas City area. More information is available at www.foldsofhonor.org and click on the “Patriot Golf Day� tab.

If you have an interest in Patriot Golf Day or the Folds of Honor Foundation, please direct your request to larry_pfeiffer@ajg.com.

Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

The Folds of Honor Foundation provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. To date, over 3,800 scholarships have been awarded through the Folds of Honor to recipients in all 50 states. There are currently more than one million dependents of military service men and women, 85% of whom do not qualify for educational assistance.

Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped?

It was a normal day on October 3rd, 2003 when, Kansas City, Kansas native, Captain Charles K. Bartles was traveling back in a two vehicle convoy from what was supposed to be a meeting with a local official. The road they were traveling was traveled everyday so Captain Bartles had confidence in their route. Two other soldiers were inside the Humvee as Captain Bartles was on the M-249 automatic machine gun. The Humvee was struck by two 152mm artillery shells that were detonated by an insurgent as the troops drove by. One soldier died, another and Captain Bartles survived with schrapnel wounds. Captain Bartles right harm was nearly amputated in the blast and subsequently was amputated at the Intensive Care Hospital at Balad. On July 22, 2004 Captain Bartles was deemed fit for duty by an Army medical evaluation board making him the first upper extremity amputee to be returned to duty since the Vietnam era. His wife Polina, who he met while in Uzbekistan,

Any upcoming events?

Patriot Golf Day is the flagship fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation. On Labor Day weekend, golfers across the country are asked to add an extra dollar to their greens fees and/or offer a straight donation to fund Folds of Honor scholarships.

Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. The inaugural Patriot Golf Day in 2007 was started by Major Dan Rooney, Founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation, F-16 Pilot, PGA Professional, and USGA member. On that Labor Day, Rooney asked golfers to add $1 to their greens fees. His request resulted in donations of more than $1.1 million from more than 3,200 golf facilities. In the last six years, golfers nationwide have been instrumental in raising more than $17.1 million through Patriot Golf Day events resulting in over 3,800 recipients in all 50 states and 41 PGA sections.

Please visit foldsofhonor.org to learn more on this initiative and the many other ways to become involved with the Folds of Honor.

If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

Mr. Louis Faller and Superior Buick Cadillac have been extremely instrumental in spreading the Folds of Honor mission in the Greater Kansas City area. Through a variety of initiatives, Mr. Faller and his team have helped promote the Folds of Honor to their customers and continually opened doors to other industry partners, both in the Kansas City area and nationally.

He has helped promote our cause to the Hendrick family and the General Motors corporate office. The company also sponsors the Midwest Classic, which is an annual golf tournament benefiting the Foundation.

Superior Buick Cadillac also provides the Folds of Honor over $30,000 annually, contributing to six scholarships in the Greater Kansas City area. Mr. Faller, thank you for your continued support & patriotism.

is a Folds of Honor Immediate-Use Scholarship recipient using her scholarship to complete a degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College.

foldsofhonor.org

Membership Sponsored by: 11

TechVenture It starts with an idea. Soon that idea becomes a dream.

Then, one day that dream meets opportunity. So it is for entrepreneurs. Do you think you have what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur?

If you are like many, business ownership is an idea you have flirted with over time. The thought of owning your own business, controlling your own destiny, making decisions and charting your own path is very compelling. Whether it is spending time doing something you are passionate about or finding a way to supplement your income, entrepreneurship is a valid option when it comes to pursuing your dream and, in today’s high-tech, high-speed world, there has never been a better time to consider business ownership.

Hands-on learning experiences can help to put you in the right frame of mind within the right framework to start a successful business. That’s where programs like FastTrac® TechVenture™ come in. The FastTrac TechVenture program is a flexible course designed to give technology or science-based entrepreneurs a framework to help grow great ideas into the next great innovation.

Whether yours is a ground-breaking scientific discovery, a time-saving app or a new medical device, FastTrac TechVenture can provide the direction to move your idea to fruition.

Each 30-hour in-person program is taught over the course of several weeks and provides entrepreneurs the knowledge they need to tackle important challenges such as protecting intellectual property and securing financing. In a FastTrac TechVenture course, you’ll also learn to: s Explore issues specific to technology and science-based markets and your business. s Determine and create a minimum viable product. s Develop a lean business model approach. s Test your product/service, customer base, financial and technological viability.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits in attending a FastTrac TechVenture course is the connections you will make. Building a strong, robust and diverse network is an important step in your entrepreneurial journey. You will have the opportunity to interact with your course facilitator as well as fellow participants. Additionally, a guest speaker is invited to each session. Each guest speaker is a subject matter expert on the topic at hand who will not only help you understand the material but also serve as a long-term resource and member of your professional network. That is a win for everyone.

I encourage you to take the next step. Let your someday be today. Let Kauffman FastTrac show you the way.

s Formulate a market penetration plan. s Communicate effectively with various audiences by mastering the essentials of financial statements, forecasts and ratios. s Create an organization and compensation plan to help you recruit and retain top talent. s Learn how to value your business and raise money from funding sources. (Overall, FastTrac TechVenture participants have raised more than $400 million in funding for their businesses.) s Identify administrative policies to control business operations.

Michele Markey

Michele Markey is the Vice President of Kauffman FastTrac, the leading provider of learning curricula that equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and networks to start and grow successful businesses. Kauffman FastTrac was created by the Kauffman Foundation, the largest foundation whose mission is to advance entrepreneurship as a key to growing economies and expanding human welfare.

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fasttrac.org

Recognized as an opinion leader, Michele has been a guest contributor for MSNBC, MarketWatch, Bloomberg News, AARP and many other national and local publications. Michele has been a featured expert for the American Management Association and has worked with hundreds of businesses to develop their business growth strategy including American Airlines, University of California-Berkley, The Gap, Sprint and Coca Cola. Additionally, Michele serves on the Chief Learning Officer Intelligence board.

Michele holds undergraduate degrees in political science, social studies, education and psychology and a master’s degree in business. Follow Michele on Twitter at @SheVenture.

t

rs

Event held on

Saturday, April 6 2013 Registration is from 9-11am Run beginning at 11 Drink specials at Kelly’s and live music to follow!

The Event Will Begin at:

Registration at Registra ation is $10 per person pe per erson and they can register re http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/event/ponchspointonek 13

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52-MARATHONS. 52-WEEKS. ONE MAN. ONE REASON. Behind the Scenes with a Kansas City-area Runner Turned Philanthropist Meet Bob Schluben, police officer of 22-years, father of two and avid runner. He’s been a responding police officer, a detective and currently serves as Master Police Officer with the Patrol Division of the City of Lenexa Police Department.

Schluben is passionate about his job, his family, running and, most importantly, passionate about helping those who cannot help themselves. This passion is what led him to Sunflower House: a child-abuse-prevention and childadvocacy agency based in Shawnee, KS. “Sunflower House is an excellent organization that provides a valuable service to our community. Law enforcement agencies in both Wyandotte and Johnson Counties partner with Sunflower House when there is a report of child abuse.

Sunflower House serves as an advocate for those children, provides forensic and medical services and educates the community to help stop child abuse,” says Schluben.

In December, Schluben came to Sunflower House with an almost unbelievable fundraising concept. As an avid runner, Schluben thought to use his talent, determination and will to raise funds for Sunflower House by running 52-marathons in 52-weeks to gain publicity and donations in support of victims of child abuse in our area.

need to do whatever we can to take care of our children,” comments Schluben. “This is my way of giving back. I know the community and corporate citizens will partner with me because that’s the way we roll in this community. Children without a voice need us, so we must answer the call!”

To support Bob Schluben and his amazing philanthropic venture, please visit his website at www.bobschluben.com.

From that website, visitors can see his race schedule, read about his background and donate directly to his cause to support victims of child abuse through Sunflower House.

sunflowerhouse.org

Schluben’s plan is to run one marathon each weekend for one year, focusing on finding races as close to Kansas as possible. However, he realizes he will be doing a lot of traveling throughout the year. While some marathons have been willing to waive his entry fee, knowing of his fundraising aspirations, most are not and he must pay entry fees as well as travel costs for each race he runs – even resorting to sleeping in his car to save money.

He’s created a web site where people and/or companies may go to donate money to Sunflower House.

Schluben won’t receive any of the funds – he’s just there to provide a promotional tool to raise awareness for the organization.

Throughout his years on the police force, Schluben has handled many child-abuse cases and witnessed how destructive and heartbreaking it is for those involved. “Child abuse is at epidemic proportions in the United States. And, that’s just not acceptable.

Law enforcement and the community both 15

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V A L E N T I N E  G A L A

Photos by Presley Ann Photography

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The Sunflower House Valentine Gala has been a premier fundraising gala in the Kansas City community for 31 years. This year’s event was no exception! More than 400 local child advocates gathered February 2 at the Overland Park Sheraton to show their support of child victims of abuse and the services the Sunflower House provides. The event’s chairs, Bryan and Jeni Camerlinck, pulled out all the stops contributing to the Gala’s most successful year to date. The evening’s festivities raised $230,000 to support the child abuse advocacy and prevention programs at Sunflower House.

A highlight of the evening included the awarding of Sunflower House’s Lionheart Award to an incredibly deserving, yet humble Sunflower House volunteer and advocate for victims of child abuse, Mitch Stevenson. The award is given out annually at the Valentine Gala to recognize an individual who has demonstrated a “lion’s heart” for children through dedicated service to Sunflower House.

Thank you to our gracious Chairs Bryan and Jeni Camerlinck and Honorary Chairs Senior Master Patrolman Pete and Detective Vickie Fogarty. All of your hard work has paid off!

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any children in the Kansas City Metro area have that same dream. Emily Silverman did and was able to take dance classes during her childhood. She realized that not all children could afford to dance. She had big plans to offer dance to children with limited opportunities. Emily was unable to follow through with her dream when a car accident cut her life short. Her family continued her dream by creating Em’s Spotlight.

Dancing After School Dance classes held at the child’s after school care facility. This gives our dancers a way to creatively expel that “stored up” energy and helps them settle down for their tutoring sessions that follow.

For the past 10 years Em’s Spotlight makes those dreams a reality for families of limited means. Serving over 600 people a year through 7 programs, Em’s Spotlight provides, exercise, creativity, exposure to the arts, a boost to self esteem, and maybe most importantly, fun, free of charge.

Classes for Children with Special Needs

Dancing through the Summer

Dance classes held during the school year for children with special needs held at their school. This includes a recital for parents in December and performance for student body in May.

Free dance lessons for urban core children held during their school day at the summer school they attend. This includes 16 dance lessons, drinks, dance wear, costumes and recital.

Dance Attire Loan Program Any individual who is in any dance class may borrow free of charge dance shoes, attire or equipment to help keep the cost of dance down.

We also serve schools and church groups.

Struttin’ Seniors Dance classes held at an inner city adult senior center. One class is for mobile seniors and the second class is a chair tap dance class for those adults who are not steady on their feet.

Scholarships: Scholarship Fund Dance scholarship for children with a real interest in dance, but from a household with limited funds. Children attend dance classes through a studio convenient to the family with the dance studio donating 1/3 of the cost, Em’s Spotlight paying 1/3 and the family paying the last third. These dancers most often receive dance attire they need for class through Em’s Spotlight’s Dance Attire Loan Program. Offered as funds are available.

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Classes for Adults with Special Needs Dance classes held weekly for adults with developmental disabilities.

The excitement in the dancer’s eyes, the confidence in their dancing, the pride they exhibit while they perform for their families all confirm the volunteer hours, the time spent on costumes and dance lessons is well worth the effort.

If you would like to help fulfill the dreams, you may visit www.emsspotlight.org. We not only accept monetary donations but also donations of used dance attire and costumes. You may contact Vicki Silverman, the director, at info@emilyfoundation.org or 816-929-1117.

Kansas City Metro CARES welcomes new member What is your mission?

Our mission is to enhance and develop life skills for girls and young adults through curriculum-based interactive programs that include financial literacy, leadership, decision making, goal setting, self empowerment, ACT prep, STEM, college/job readiness, health and wellness and community involvement.

What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have?

How can someone get involved?

We have a team of wonderful women and other individuals with a passion for life, love, giving and education. Our simple vision of community is to create a diverse synergy of life skills and expectations for our young ladies of tomorrow. The goals are to be the hands, feet, eyes and heart for others that we encounter within our schools.

Opportunities include: Capital Campaign (fund raising), In-School Involvement and Community Outreach For more information, info@girlkc.com Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

We work with k-12 grade students in the Urban Core of the Greater Kansas City area; focusing on school enrichment throughout the year. Our schools that we engage are both Charter Schools and the Kansas City Missouri School District. Although there are many core competencies that are a must such as those listed above, it is important that we keep our curriculum and outlook fluid in nature. This allows for student engagement which contributes to the overall success of comprehensive learning. Teaching our ladies what it means to identify with “self” is a strong component that carries on throughout their academic life.

Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped?

Because our canvas requires a broad brush stroke we can share many stories on topics that include: teen mom assistance, community giving, domestic violence/abuse and helping grieving children. Our reality is, everyone has a story, and our hope is that the outcome of our stories all end on a positive note. Wishful thinking or is this unrealistic? It only is when you don’t have HEART… It is hard for us to list and/or boast about our organization. The reality is everything that we do is from the heart. We not only focus on our students but also helping families through buying groceries, clothing, shoes, toys and paying bills; with no strings attached. It is sincere, it is, there is that word again, from our hearts. girlkc.com

Journaling allows us to connect with students that may not express themselves verbally. Through journaling we were able to identify personal issues that required counseling.

This allowed for us to give treatment to young ladies that have been emotionally and physically violated, dealing with grief and students trying to sift through low self-esteem. Those are just some of the things.

Here is a taste of the things that happen in a given school year: One day a young lady spent an entire day at school learning and growing. At the end of school she expressed to us that her brother passed away that day.

She didn’t know how to express her feeling but knew who she could speak with; this is why we do what we do.

We are a tool an extra hand that the school can utilize to reach their students.

Our weather in the Greater Kansas City area is questionable. Some of our students are not adequately ready for some of our cold winter days. We provided winter coats to those in need of a coat that consisted of more than a light jacket with a hood. The expression on the schools face is priceless.

We are grateful for the opportunity that our school gives us to serve.

If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

We want to thank every school teacher, school principal, school counselor, school administrator and all that are involved in our students/communities life. Your work is hard and doesn’t go unnoticed.

Any upcoming events?

GiRL Inc. is involved in the schools on a bi-weekly basis with various programs. You are more than welcome to join us, please check out our schedule at: www.girlkc.com/events.

Membership Co-Sponsored by:

Nancy O’Reilly 21

Olathe's Martin Luther King, Jr. Contest My name is Claire. I go to Pioneer Trail Middle School in Olathe. Every year we have a contest celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. The contest has a different theme each year. This year it was the injustice of silence.

We can make a multi-media or visual arts project, or write an essay. But instead, I made a children’s book titled Cassie, the Courageous Kitty.

My book is about an old cat name Emmie, who gets stuck in a tree. The

This section is dedicated to our community active youth. I know that we have amazing children doing wonderful volunteer work here in Kansas City. I want to read about your rewarding experiences helping others! Send your stories to me at editor.op@goicare.com by the 5th of every month as a word document of 200 words and please include photos.

“Bad Cats” walk by and start making fun of her. Little Cassie feels like she needs to stop the bullying and tells the “Bad Cats” to quit. In the end, all of the cats become friends. The story shows younger kids that no matter how young you are, you can always make a difference.

My favorite part about writing and illustrating this book was learning more about different computer software and being able to work on my drawing while working on a school project.

I’m happy to participate in this contest and contribute another award that future participants can also win if they want to think outside the box.

Blue Valley North Active Kay Club

by Sakshi Mahajan My name is Sakshi Mahajan and I’m a junior at Blue Valley North, but more importantly, a member of Blue Valley North’s Kay Club. This club is more than a club for me because of the huge impact that it has had on my life. The variety of fundraisers that we organize is one of the reasons that this club is so special. This year, we have done everything from making dog blankets for local dog shelters, to helping schools in third world countries. Our world fundraiser was through an organization called School to School – India which works to promote literacy in less developed countries by adopting schools in these countries. North did a fundraiser in which we raised awareness of the lack of education in Indian villages, and raised funds to promote literacy in a small Indian village. This fundraiser was unlike any other because it gave us a better perspective on the way other people are forced to live and made us realize how blessed we are 22

to be part of the Blue Valley School District.

Apart from the world fundraiser, we have participated in many other fundraisers as well. One of our biggest causes is the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. We have worked with this charity for years, doing everything from volunteering at the center to participating in coat drives. This organization takes in over 10,000 families throughout the holidays and provides them with food, books, clothes, and more. It is a wonderful way to give back during the holidays.

Throughout the year we participate in a variety of charity events including charity walks like Light the Night and Helen Gold. An event that we host yearly is Mid-America Games, a time when kids with disabilities get the chance to participate in sports.

KC Metro CARES

Monthly Advice Column

Amy Hyken-Lande,Lscsw, Lcsw www.kids-incorporated.com

I am thrilled to be a new member of the CARES family! My role will be the “Dear Abby” of the group. A little about me…I am a single Mom of an amazing “one and only” little boy. I am also a Child and Family therapist, specializing in counseling children ages 3-15. Issues that I work with include: Trauma (including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, domestic violence), divorce, impulse control (ADHD), social and self-esteem issues, and parenting skill training. Please send your “Dear Amy” questions to Amyhl@everestkc.net. Questions can pertain to any facet of family life, parenting or child-related issues.

For now, enjoy my "Top 10 list" of simple ideas to keep your Family happy!

1. Have dinner together. Sitting down to dinner (sans TV) and sharing a meal is a wonderful way to bond and check-in with your kids.

2. Have a Family meeting once per week. Everyone in the family (including the littlest ones) have a chance to bring up concerns that occurred during the week.

3. Catch your kiddos being good, and let them know! Focus on strengths!

4. Spend quality time together (quality often trumps quantity).

Quality time means being fully present with your children. Read, play outside, go for a walk, or have game night (one of our favorites!).

5. Avoid overscheduling. I know this is a tough one ... but soccer, cheerleading and drum lessons all in the same week will lead to a meltdown for you, and your children! Families need chill time.

6. Have "black-out" time…you heard me, turn off the cell, TV, computers, iPads… whatever! Enjoy each other’s voices.

7. Create Family traditions (religious, or not) and rituals.

8. Don't argue in front of your children. Go outside, into another room, table it for later!

9. Be consistent as much as possible, kids thrive on routine and consistency (with a pinch of flexibility).

10. This may not seem like a "Family" rule, but take time for yourself. If you are not happy (and relaxed), your children will not be happy and relaxed.

Okay, I know that I said it was a top 10 list...but I couldn't leave out the importance of telling and showing your children that you love them!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Our website is brand new and offers many exciting new tools! If you are a volunteer, you can create a Volunteer Profile and choose your schedule, share your skills and choose which non profits you would like to work with most! The “Social Profits” (our term for our non profit members) will get a notice that you have chosen to work with them and will reach out to you when they need your skill. You can also find information on events and can even filter the event by type, date and Non Profit.

If you would like a subscription delivered to your door, please sign up and we will add you to our next mailing.

It is only 20.00 per year!

You can sign up for weekly newsletters that will keep you up to date on what is going on in the community as well. Visit goicare.com to view our past issues online.

You can also check for Gift Cards for a Cause, an exciting new program that helps us continue to serve the community and share CARES while saving money on things you buy already. It’s a win win!

Do you have a story to tell? Email the editor and we would love to share it!

Thank you for being a part of such a caring community!

Sincerely, Amy Michael Publisher CARES Magazine

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providing

Financial Trans pa rency through audit

It is critical that every organization choose how they are going to handle financial reporting both internally and externally. Being transparent with financial information with your staff, board, and those who support you is very important.

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Board Approved:

Government Required:

Beneficiary of Grant:

It is common practice for a board of directors to voluntarily an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to provide their professional opinion on the financial position of the organization. This provides a level of assurance about how the organization ishandling the financial support it receives. This commitment willspeak heavily to whoever may provide the financial support.

A non-profit organization receiving funding from a government agency has a fiduciary duty to handle the funding appropriately. Non-profits which receive over $500,000 of Federal grants, either directly or indirectly through state or local municipalities, are required to receive an audit under Government Auditing Standards.

A non-profit which is hopeful to receive funding through a grant application will need to consider the transparency necessary to meet the requirements of the financial supporter.

Generally, these grants have an audit obligation.

udit is a word that typically results in negative feelings and we have all heard the horror stories. All too often, these stories are filled with negative consequences (or bad news).

Let me introduce you to the “good side” of doing an audit.

This good news would not be possible without financial support. The monetary receipt of funding is only the beginning.

Non-profit organizations are kindIn order to be successful in their precious missions, there hearted and strongwilled to provide must be financial responsibility and accountability given back a helping hand. Our local charities to supporters. The financial transparency gained through an have many fantastic stories to share. audit is a testament to the organization’s dedication to doing things right. A lack of transparency can make or break the future funding of a nonprofit

A

Take the time to talk with a CPA and find out how you and your organization can benefit from having a relationship with a CPA. www.NPcomm.org

Bylaws:

More than an Audit:

In some cases, the founders of non-profits may have a financial statement audit requirement written into the bylaws during formation. The founders of the organization may require this as a protection to the organization after they are no longer involved.

Non-profits generally operate on lean budgets in order to provide maximum financial support to their charitable mission. Due to limited resources, directors and staff members of these organ zations could find themselves managing many responsibilities. In some cases, this may mean the director or a staff member playing the role of accountant with no formal accounting training or background. With limited human resources, non-profits have a lot of expertise to gain through working with a CPA on a financial statement audit. Keep in mind that your organization’s inteaction with its CPA should not begin and end with the audit process. It is prudent to keep the relationship with your CPA open throughout the year and not just during audit time.

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c a l e n d a r march Various Times

Bridging The Gap, a local environmental nonprofit organization, operates and manages Community Recycling Centers on behalf of the City of Kansas City, Missouri. They are currently looking for volunteers to help Keep Kansas City beautiful! To volunteer, contact Contact Kate Becker, 816-561-1061, ext.

113 or email kate.becker@bridgingthegap.org. All volunteers must register in advance.

64112. Come and learn about opportunities that you could save you hundreds of dollars in taxes. Hot hors d’oeuvres to follow the presentation. Seats are free but limited. Call 800-871-9012 ext 633203 or email your response today to tiffany@bbbskc.org

March 9 | 10am

Advent Lutheran Church’s Justice League will hold a clothing drive for Blake’s Closet.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City presents their Westport St. Pat’s Run! Bagpipes will sound, glasses will rise, and a sea of green will flood Kansas City! Don’t miss out on the 35th running of the Westport St Patrick’s Day 4 Miller.

For more information visit www.stpatricksday4milerun.com

Throughout March

March 10 | 10am-4pm

March 1-3 | 10am-9pm Fri & Sat, 10am-6pm Sun Johnson County Home and Garden Show. Home and Garden show featuring remodelers, landscapers, decorators, etc. $10 for adults and children under 12 are free.

Event held at the Overland Park Convention Center 6000 College Blvd.

March 13 | 1-2pm

Throughout March

Blake’s Closet, We have partnered with Church of Resurrection Wild1’s to do a toothbrush and toothpaste drive. For more information please visit www.blakescloset.com

March 2 | 7pm

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City presents their Bacchus Ball! Formal Attire, Bond Theme Encouraged, Silent & Live Auctions, DJ Eric Comes, Bond Girls, Casino Games, Dinner & Open Bar. Complimentary Valet Parking, Martini Ice Bar & 007 Drink Slide. For more information visit www.bacchusball.com

March 3 | 2-3pm

Voices of the Past: The James Brothers During the Civil War. Liz Murphy will speak about the James brothers' role in the Civil War. Liz has been a tour guide at the Jesse James Farm for 10+ years and is also the Farm's Archive Librarian.

She is also an authority on local Civil War history. The speaker's event is free. Regular admission fees apply for James Farm tours. Call 816-736-8502 for more information

March 6 | 5:30-7:30pm

Tax Reduction Seminar for friends and family members of BBBS at The Carriage Club 5301 State Line Road, KCMO

Kansas City Reptile Show, We have many vendor tables full of animals at every show. There will be REPTILES, REPTILES, and more REPTILES at this show. Did we mention we’ve also got a great variety of supplies–cages, tanks, bedding, toys, and decorative items. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 8787 Reeder Road Overland Park, KC. Daily pass: $6 Adults, $3 Children 5 – 10 , Kids 4 and under FREE. Shawnee St. Patricks Parade. The family friendly parade starts at Monrovia and Johnson Drive and heads east toward Ireland to Nieman Road.

March 20 | 12n Bridging The Gap is hosting their Lunch and Learn presentation on “Why saving water is important for businesses.

Located at the AIA Kansas City, 1801 McGee, Suite 100, KCMO 64108. Lunch will be provided and the cost is free.

Please RSVP to kelly.savage@bridgingthegap.org or 816-561-1061 ext. 134.

March 27 | 12n Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Picture Lunch will be held at the BBBS office on 3908 Washington Street, KCMO 64111. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about being a Big, participating in a special event, getting their company involved or donating financially have them attend this informational luncheon.

If you have a charitable event you would like to add, please email us at events@goicare.com

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GAMES Search and Reveal the Hidden Message

CyptoGram: Solve for a Special Message from CARES

S A O C O Q N E X D F H L U F Y A L P S

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The Business of Giving Back We can talk about two things: what we do or who we are. To us, those are one in the same; we can’t talk about business unless we also talk about passion, determination and community.

This philosophy starts with our chairman, Rick Hendrick, who encourages everyone to think outside the box and incorporate charity into everything we do.

The charities we are most involved with weren’t picked with any corporate strategy in mind; rather, they chose us. We draw inspiration from the stories of those we help, and they drive us to be a better business.

One such charity is the Most Influential Women of the Year To Be scholarship we initiated in 2012, in partnership with the Kansas City Business Journal. Together we recognize the most influential women of our community and, in their name, select a student who has demonstrated the qualities necessary to be similarly successful. We reward their hard work and determination with a $1,300 scholarship.

Louis Faller General Manager

We are are also a l s o dedicated de dic ate d to to Folds Fold s of of H onor , an an organization organizat ion that t h at We Honor, recognizes the t he n eed fo ffor or scholarship scholarship funds fun funds fo ffor or fa amilies of of in jured recognizes need families injured and de ceased mi litar y veterans. veterans. By By partnering par tnering w ith tthe he Kansas Kansas and deceased military with Citty Royals, Royals, we we help help tthose hos e w ho have have ssuffered uff fered unspeakable un u sp e akable los City who losss to move move forward ffoor ward in lif llife. fee. to

is a Proud Sponsor of

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