ON MY
honor Summer 2014
Quarterly Magazine
Take a vote
Girl Scouts tour the State Capitol and participate in a mock vote
Making a Difference
Volunteers keep our council running
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ShopTalk
Find all the latest at your local Girl Scout shop Listen to your music in style. $15.00
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for Girl y d a e r fall Get g in the t in t u o Sc a the gre with all dise with the an merch can’t wait. ,I theme $6.75 s r $14.50 Sticke g Tote Ba ttle $8.75 Bo $16.00 Water g u M $2.50 Coffee Patch
er ught ze, a d r ou ron Did y rn her B ward? a just e or Gold a r Silve ase your . y h Purc ets toda n mag 6.00
Summer Hours: May 24 – July 31 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Closed Closed 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed
Regular Fall Hours will begin August 1st.
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Stay dry and warm with this poncho. $8.95
$
l our Gir Grab y nds rie Scout f $ 6.25
August: Back to troop discount Your Nashville Girl Scout Shop offers a 10% discount on required uniform items as long as the order is paid for with a troop check or troop debit card. Your Nashville Shop also offers Starter Kits for girls needing new uniforms – ask for details in the shop. Starter kits also qualify for the 10% discount. You can place your order by email, fax or phone or select your merchandise while you are in the shop.
ON MY
honor summer 2014
Nashville Service Center 4522 Granny White Pike Nashville, TN 37204 Tel: 1.800.385.5318 615.383.0490
Clarksville Service Center 331 A4 Union Street Clarksville, TN 37040 Tel: 931.648.1060 Fax: 615.690.7055
Columbia Service Center 1129 Trotwood Ave, Suite 8 Columbia, TN 38401 Tel: 931.490.8660 Fax: 615.690.7058
On My Honor is a quarterly publication of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. Editors in Chiefs Kathleen Varallo | Amber Moak President/CEO Agenia Clark
Cookeville Service Center 25 West Broad Street Suite 4 Cookeville, TN 38501
Program Contributor Jennifer Buckelew Director of Programs
Tel: 931.536.4925 Fax: 615.690.7045
Development Contributor Laura Hardwicke Fund Development Manager
Lebanon Service Center 149 Public Square Lebanon, TN 37087 Tel: 615.453.2473 Fax: 615.690.7052
Product Programs Contributor Cathy Ratliff Product Programs Director
Murfreesboro Service Center
Dedicated Troop Leaders and Volunteers
2690 Memorial Blvd Suite C4 Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Submissions for Troop Scrapbook or other content should be sent to onmyhonor@gsmidtn.org
Tel: 615.890.2451 Fax: 615.690.7057
‘Like” Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee •
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We do not guarantee that all photos and non-Scrapbook submissions, such as articles, will be used. Photos and stories can also be submitted to our Facebook and Twitter @girlscoutsmidtn.
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Girl Scouts Nashville Shop 4522 Granny White Pike Nashville, TN 37204
Scrapbook submissions must include: Troop number (or service unit number if a serviceunit-wide event) The city or county in which the troop is based A short blurb describing the project or event A clear, good quality photo (no text or Photoshop effects, please)
Phone: (615) 460-0222 Email: nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org
On the cover: Girl Scouts take a vote at the state capital on whether or not prices should be raised (mock vote).
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10 8 06 troop scrapbook
Check out what our troops have been up to.
08 volunteer-tastic
We owe much to our dedicated volunteers. Check out a few who have given 5+ years of service.
10 bling bling
14 oh the places they’ll go
Get the travel bug with these exotic and local destinations for your Girl Scout.
18 take a vote
Girl Scouts spend the day at the State Capitol.
22 vew
contents Girls give it there all when selling cookies; come rain or shine.
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Calling all volunteers! Join us for the annual volunteer enrichment weekend
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Shining Gold
Smyrna Young Leader of the Year: Ashley Wheeler
The Smyrna Parks Advisory Committee recently named Girl Scout Ambassador Ashley Wheeler (troop 2171) Smyrna’s Young Leader of the Year. Her impressive resume includes involvement with the Girl Scouts since age seven, volunteering at the Sam Davis Home, working with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 88, chairman of her school’s Beta Club service committee, Vice President of National Honor Society, and playing softball for the her school. Ashley is a level 4/5 Vaquera and she has worked as an equestrian intern for three summers. She currently holds a 4.0 GPA and recently earned her Gold Award project where she created lap blankets for patients at the York VA Medical Center.
Prudential Spirit of Community Award Honoree: Ashlin Wildun The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards recently named Girl Scout Ambassador Ashlin Wildun (troop 2814) one of Tennessee’s top two youth volunteers of 2014. Ashlin was nominated for this award based on the work she did for her Gold Award project. She built a portable greenhouse out of 1,500 plastic bottles and used it to conduct a campaign to educate others about the benefits of growing and eating organic produce. She transported her green house to area schools to teach students about the importance of buying locally grown food and showed them how they could grow their own produce. Ashlin also traveled to Washington, D.C. in May for a national recognition event.
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Penny Change
Daisy Troop 3068 takes time out of their crazy schedules to help those in need. The girls collected pennies and rolled them for Ms. Cheap’s Penny Drive.
O-fish-ily Great
Who doesn’t love cookies? Troop 3272 had no problem proving this point. The girls reached their cookie goal and are using the money for a trip to Chattanooga to see the Aquarium as part of their WOW journey. Congratulations!
Silver Down
troop SCRAPBOOK 6
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These girls know how to impress! Six girls from St. Matthews troop 2609 proved that goals can be achieved. They mastered and excelled at their projects to earn their Silver Award. These girls helped organizations (Ronald McDonald House and Fifty Forward) and local children by improving libraries and creating a cookbook to combat childhood obesity.
B-ball Fun
Ninety girls from service unit 128 were all about basketball as they spent the day with Tennessee Tech’s Women’s Basketball Team. The girls learned basketball tips and the joys of the game.
Once Upon a Time
Girls from troop 2390, out of Clarksville, danced the night away at their Man and Me spring dance.
Moo Time
There’s nothing like fun with cows. Troop 571 ventured to JD Country Milk Farm to get hands on experience with milking cows and participated in an educational tour of the facility.
Tea Time
Troop 45 from Palaski put on their finest (recycled trash to treasure hats) for their tea party to earn their Clover petal.
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Volunteer-tastic vol un teer
[vol-uh-n-teer]
1. a person who voluntarily offers herself or himself for a service or undertaking
Volunteers are the bread and butter of Girl Scouts. They are changing the world by supporting the young women in our community, teaching them the ins and outs of life and leading by example. Volunteers take time out of their schedules to essentially take on a second job. This job entails event planning, logistics, accounting, personal travel agent, educator and more. They know that taking on the responsibility of bettering another individual takes time and dedication. By giving their time and sharing their skills, they make it possible for us to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. Whether you are a troop leader, cookie mom/dad, board member or a volunteer at one event, we appreciate you and all the time and dedication you put into Girl Scouting!
Take a look at what some of our volunteers who have given more than 5+ years of service and read their advice for new volunteers.
“Be sincere and dedicated.” - Dorothy Warf “Use the many resources available. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.” - Diane Honda
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Rebecca Boehm (8 years) Rebecca became a Girl Scout volunteer eight years ago when her daughters joined the organization. “I enjoy working with girls and seeing them grow,” said Rebecca. Because of her dedication to the girls, she is always striving to make sure that every Girl Scout she serves gets the best experience they can out of the organization. Rebecca is currently a troop leader, service unit manager and training to be the 2015 day camp director in her
Lebanon, TN
“Don’t be afraid to get in there and try. The rewards of working with girls is knowing that you will make a big impact on their lives.” - Rebecca Boehm
Woodlawn, TN
When Chris’ daughters first joined Girl Scouts he decided he had the choice of being involved in their Girl Scouting experiences or not. He choose to be involved and now after 17 years he says that if he could do it all over again he would. The first couple of years, Chris’ involvement with Girl Scouts included going on father daughter camp-outs and helping with troop activities. He eventually became the service unit cookie coordinator for 087 – a position he has held for 15 years – and is the Friday cook at the day camp in Clarksville. Although Chris’ daughters have outgrown the organization, he still continues to volunteer and teach Girl Scouts the way of life.
Think you need to have been a Girl Scout as a child to volunteer? Think again. Diane became a Girl Scout volunteer when her family moved from California to Tennessee and she found out that the school her daughter was enrolling in didn’t have a troop for her to join. So she decided to volunteer as a troop leader. Twenty years later, Diane has held many volunteer positions for Girl Scouts and continues to be a shining example. “I like the old Girl Scout motto ‘where girls grow strong,” said Diane. “but it’s not just the girls who grow strong, it’s also the volunteers.”
Kimberly Wilder (13 years) Kimberly became a Girl Scout volunteer just like many other volunteers in our Council. She had recently signed her daughter up as a Girl Scout Brownie and the troop needed a leader. Now, 13 years later, Kimberly is still a troop leader and her daughter is her co-leader. “I enjoy watching the girls go through Girl Scouts and seeing the pride they still have in the organization after they graduate.”
Dorothy Warf (35 years) Name a Girl Scout volunteer role and chances are Dorothy has served in it at least once in her 35 years as a volunteer. But Dorothy’s volunteer experience is different than most, as she almost never became a volunteer. Dorothy’s experience began when she signed her daughter up. Unfortunately, her daughter’s troop leader ended up not working out, so Dorothy went to her regional executive with her concerns. She then decided to give Girl Scouts another try and became the troop leader. Since that day, Dorothy has continued to volunteer for Girl Scouts and is often found referring to her Girl Scouts as “my girls”.
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Hohenwald, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Diane Honda (20 years)
Brentwood, TN
Chris Cothren (17 years)
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Bling Your Booth
Contest Winners It takes a truly dedicated Girl Scout troop to muster up the courage to greet strangers and sell a product. While every girl makes selling cookies a memorable experience, these groups of girls took it one step further and made sure there was no way for their customers to miss them. The following are the winners for this years Bling your Booth contest. Congratulations ladies, these awards are well deserved!
Troop
906
Troop 1879
Troop 42
9 Troop 038
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Troop 2073
Wacky Weather Contest Winner Congratulations troop 810 in Montgomery County!
Troop 2163
“All the troops did a tremendous job overcoming the challenging weather Mother Nature sent to Tennessee this Cookie Season,” said Justin Bruce, WKRN News 2 Meteorologist. “Choosing a single winner was really tough, but I thought troop 810’s display was attention-grabbing and easy to read. I’m sure their set-up convinced more than a few people to stock up on Girl Scout Cookies while the opportunity was available!”
Troop 2276
A special thank you to Justin Bruce for judging the contest and for stepping up to be our Honorary Cookie Chair!
Multi grade
Troop 1699 summer 2014 11
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Ready to make a change? The Girl Advisory Committee is a year-long program based on leadership development. The committee members will work together to try new things, make new friends, challenge each other, and make decisions towards the betterment of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. The committee is unique because it is planned, implemented, and directed by girls for girls. Girl Advisory Committee members must be Senior or Ambassador level Girl Scouts (grades 9th – 12th).
Applications are being accepted until August 29. You can visit our website (www.gsmidtn.org) for more information and a printable application.
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Adventures
R Us
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Want to explore the world, travel down the roads of ancient cities, meet new friends in foreign lands, volunteer in a another country or travel within the United States to learn more about your homeland? All these things can be achieved through Girl Scout Destinations, Getaways and International travel through Girl Guides. Now is the time to start planning for your 2015/2016 trip!
Destinations Destinations is a unique program, catered to older girls, giving them the chance to explore the world through Girl Scouts. This program is available for girls ages 12 - 18. Even though you may have a young Daisy, take the time to tell her about these great adventures that she too can partake in as an older Girl Scout. Give her something to reach for.
Patagonia This program is for the girl who wants to experience Southern Patagonia in a variety of different ways. Girls will be kayaking through the Straits of Magellan and experiencing the local sea life, birds and shipwrecks in this beautiful area. A horse back ride through the wetlands and forests just outside of Punta Arenas with a gaucho will introduce you to the local culture of the Patagonia cowboy. Other highlights will include hiking through areas of Pali Aike National Park, a full day cruise to the Serrano Glaciers and of course a zodiak trip to Marta and Magdalena Islands to see the Magellanic Penguins and sea lions!
Costa Rica Immerse yourself in the rich culture of an indigenous village where you’ll work on projects that will support the local community. Explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders while whitewater rafting, zipping through the treetops on a canopy tour and visiting the vibrant artisan market of San Jose.
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Oxford, London Come enjoy an inner-leadership journey while exploring London and MORE! The Oxford Leadership Youth Program is designed to allow you time to focus on yourself – discovering your purpose, creating a vision of your future, and identifying barriers. This thirteen-day United Kingdom adventure begins in picturesque Oxford, where we will dive into the Oxford Leadership Youth Program. We’ll explore Oxford and the rich history it has to offer before we’re off to London to explore museums, castles, parks, and more. And since we’ll only be a few hours away, we’ll make sure to visit Stonehenge. We’ll also hop on over to Paris for a day-trip of shopping, picture taking, and pastries!
Getaways Girl Scout Getaways are a chance for an entire troop to partake on a once in a lifetime opportunities. No need to think about a passport, these trips are in your own back yard. Think north, east, south and west, these getaways take you in all different directions through out the United States.
San Francisco Getaway – San Francisco! offers something for everyone in seven by seven miles. Experience the best of the city by staying three nights in one of our three San Francisco hostels. With the fantastic City Pass you will receive a seven-day MUNI & Cable Car Passport, admission to the California Academy of Science, the SF Museum of Modern Art, a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, admission to the Aquarium of the Bay, and an option to visit either the Exploratorium or the de Young Museum.
Boston Your day begins with general admission to the New England Aquarium, a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. Be among the first to experience the New England Aquarium’s recently renovated 200,000 gallon Giant Ocean Tank! There are 70 exhibits from which to choose, featuring aquatic animals from around the world.
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W ter & Wild ife The days of summer are upon us and everyone knows what that means, day camp time! These camps are designed to offer a learning experience with a whole-lot of fun. Each camp has been planning all year to make this summer an unforgettable one with tons of new activities and outdoor experiences. Who doesn’t like combining water and outdoors, especially with Tennessee’s hot summers? Check out this map to see where each of our day camps are located:
Day Camps Location
Dates
Day Camps Location
Dates
1. Jim Warren Park, Franklin 2. Chicaksaw Trace Park, Columbia 3. Henry Horton Park Shelter 1 4. Rotary Park, Clarksville 5. St.Pauls Church, Tullahoma 6. Giles County Agri Center, Pulaski 7. Camp Piedmont, Readyville 8. First Presbyterian Church, Smyrna
6/2 - 6/6 6/2 - 6/6 6/9 - 6/12 6/9 - 6/13 6/9 - 6/13 6/9 - 6/13 6/16 - 6/20 6/16 - 6/20
9. Dunbar Cave State Park, Clarksville 10. St. Stephens Church, Mt. Juliet 11. Kiwanis Park, Fayetteville 12. Putnam County Fairgrounds, Cookeville 13. Smithville Church of Christ 14. Billy Dunlop Park, Clarksville 15. Camp Holloway, Millersville 16. Thompson Station Park
6/23 - 6/27 6/23 - 6/27 6/23 - 6/27 7/7 - 7/11
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7/14 - 7/18 7/14 - 7/18 7/21 - 7/26 7/21 - 7/25
Day Camp activities may include: Join in on the fun Make Tracks! with your favorite Ice Fishing camp songs, Ice Cube Melt fun games and Fill a Cup ative snacks. There’s a hole in cre The girls will sing my bucket camp songs and Sponge Relay learn new ones. Raindrops Relay Duck Duck Splash t only will they Water Balloon Toss No be able to play, Water Limb eat and sing, but Over the River they will be able Rattlesnake to create special Caterpillar crafts catered Animal Moves to each camp’s Relay theme. In the Pond Rabbit without a Don’t miss out on House this year’s fun. Sign Mr. Bear up for Day Camp What Time Is It, through your Mr Wolf? service unit. + More!
Check out th camp ese gr s and eat m www ore a .gsmi t: d tn.org day-c amps / / summer 2014 17
Above: Girl Scouts from Middle Tennessee gather for a group shot on the steps of the state capitol with Agenia Clark, CEO and President; Crissy Haslem, First Lady; Beth Harwell, Speaker of the House and other government officials.
Have you ever toured our state capitol; personally met with your county representatives or sat on the floor in the General Assembly? More than 200 Girl Scouts, leaders and volunteers from across Tennessee experienced just that. They spent the day at the Tennessee State Capitol on March 18 touring historic halls and rooms of vast importance. During their visit First Lady, Crissy Haslam; Representative, Susan Lynn; Speaker of the House, Beth Harwell, and Legislative Librarian, Eddie Weeks, spoke to the girls about female leadership and how women earned the right to vote in Tennessee. “I was honored to speak to the Girl Scouts. The Girl Scout program has a long history of preparing young women to be leaders in their communities,” said Speaker Beth Harwell. “I enjoyed sharing with them what it’s like to be Speaker of the House in our historic House Chamber.” Representative Brenda Gilmore presented the Tennessee state flag to Agenia Clark, president/ CEO, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and to Peggy Pouncey and Julia Richter, volunteers with Girl Scouts Heart of the South.
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The girls also learned firsthand how our state government works by participating in a mock vote in the Tennessee General Assembly about whether or not the price of Girl Scout Cookies should go up. Two of our older girls, Skylar Hughes (Senior) and Jessica Travis (Ambassador) spoke to both sides of the argument on whether to keep the price at $3.50 or to raise it to $4.00. Once defending their stance, the mic was open to the floor and girls were able to voice their opinions on the subject, much like our representatives do everyday. Keeping the price at $3.50 overwhelmingly won and the price of cookies is safe, for now. Additionally, the girls met with their elected officials and ventured over to the Tennessee State History Museum to interact with a local historian, Ella Marie, who told the story of how women received the right to vote in Tennessee.
Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee can’t wait to offer this spectacular program again next year!
It was clear who was visiting Capitol hill when Girl Scouts from across Tennessee gathered to start their morning with some good ol’ camp songs.
Girl Scouts participated in a private tour of the capitol; learning the ins and outs of what takes place everyday to ensure a successful government.
Girl Scouts learn the history of the building and state of Tennessee.
What better way to experience the capitol than to participate in a mock vote. The girls gathered on the floor to cast their vote on the price of Girl Scout Cookies.
Speaker of the House, Beth Harwell, gives an inspiring talk to the girls on the importance of the actions they take everyday as a Girl Scout.
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Love to be out in nature? What if Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee said we could offer your Girl Scout an opportunity to gain the skills of an outdoor adventure facilitator at the same time offer a great learning environment to prepare her for future jobs? Older girls learn to serve other Girl Scouts, while developing their own leadership skills in our adventure programs. H.A.T.S are trained to prepare troops and assist participants in programs such as tree climbing, rappelling, High Challenge I and II, Flying Squirrel, rock climbing and much more. Participants will also have the opportunity to develop self-confidence and both inner and outer strength. This is a required training to become a Girl Scout H.A.T.S. Girls must be at least 12 years old and in the 7th grade.
August 8
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
$15, Camp Sycamore Hills
Day Camp in the City! There is no better way for our children to spend their vacation days than meeting new friends and enjoying the great outdoors! We are hosting 4 weeks of day camp for girls this summer at the Nashville Service Center. Girls will participate in themed crafts, games, field trips and more! Join Girl Scouts from around the city in this new adventure.
Location: Nashville Service Center Fee: $110 Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Dates: July 7 - 22 Art Day Camp
July 21 - 25 Adventure Day Camp
July 14 - 18 Girl Scout Journey
July 28 - August 1 STEM Day Camp
Register online through E Council
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Congratulations to our 2014 Gold Award Recipients! This year, 58 strong and inspiring young women walked across the stage at Lipscomb University to receive their Gold Award and high school graduation cords. The diverse group of projects ranged from local to transcontinental. With the nearly 4,700 hours of service that these girls put into their projects, we know they can only be destined for greatness. Congratulations on your well deserved award ladies, we can not wait to see what the future holds for you.
Agenia Clark CEO and President Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee
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VEW
Volunteer Enrichment weekend
August 8-9
Embassy Suites Nashville Airport
The annual VEW training event for all Girl Scout volunteers offers workshops that will enhance your skills in working with girls. When you leave this conference you will not only be inspired, you will be equipped with skills and a stellar plan to get you through the 2014-2015 membership year.
Workshops:: Ceremonies Songs History Games Product Program Preview
Every Troop Needs a Trip Social Media Year-at-a-Glance Resolution Games Human Resources
$25 Conference Fee Registration is open on E Council until June 15 Check out our website for more information: www.gsmidtn.org
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Click for Girl Scouting June 17
One click could provide $15,000 for Girl Scouting in Tennessee. Simply visit 150daysofgiving.com and vote for Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee along with our sister coucils Girl Scouts Heart of the South and Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians.
Double Your Impact!
We are proud to be a part of the thriving business community in Middle Tennessee—and are so grateful for our generous supporters—like you! Did you know that your employer might match your gift to Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee? That could double the impact your donated dollars make! Each employer is unique in the management of their matching gift program, but here are examples of a handful of organizations that offer matching donations in our community:
HCA Healthcare:
State Farm:
Nissan:
Through the HCA Employee Giving System, employees can post and sign up for volunteer projects, make year-round donations and have their donations as board members matched. The Power of One program offers any corporate employee that logs 25 hours of volunteer service with a single agency the opportunity for a $500 grant to be awarded to the agency. For more information contact Lois Abrams, Grant Director at: Lois.abrams@hcahealthcare.com
Through the Good Neighbor Grant Program, the State Farm Companies Foundation awards a $500 grant on behalf of each eligible State Farm associate or retiree who volunteers a minimum of 40 hours a year to an eligible nonprofit organization. For more information visit: www.easymatch.com/statefarm
Participating in the Gift Matching Program will significantly enhance your ability to support the important organizations in your life—like Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. Employees can access the most up-to-date matching gift form on the company intranet by searching for “matching gifts”.
To find out if your employer matches your gift of time or treasure, contact your human resources department. For more information on donating to Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, contact funddevelopment@gsmidtn.org
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NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT NO. 1131
. . . o t t i a w t I can’ ey rn u o j y m e u n i t con ! s t u o c S l r i G with
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