Event CoverageMatch Banquet & Awards

Big Brothers Big Sistersof Greater Kansas City

Page 15

NewPlaygroundin Independence,MO

Unlimited PlayPage 18

Welcome to theBoard!Midwest Center forNonprofit LeadershipPage 26

BigBandBene tBlue Valley West High School

Page 21

New Member

Our mission is to cultivate a Christian-basedenvironment in which we can identify andmeet the home care needs of our clients andthe career needs of our employees withunmatched skill, compassion and integrity.

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3

contents may 2013

11

15

21

4 Membership DirectoryKC Metro Cares members

5 Letters from the Editor and Publisher

6 Taekwondo Increases Independence in Son with Autism

7 Yours in HealthMonthly health & fitness column

8 We’re Here for LifeJohnson County MED-ACT

9 Welcome New MemberUnlimited Play

11 Astra Day SchoolKansas City Autism Training Center

13 Choices, ChoicesKauffman FastTrac

14 Volunteer SpotlightAnthony Butler

15 Event Coverage: Match Banquet & AwardsBig Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

18 Play Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the SoulUnlimited Play

20 Making Your Home Safe This Summer...and All Year LongCharlie’s House

21 Event Coverage: 2013 Big Band BenefitBlue Valley West High School

22 Student Spotlight: Hope WilliamsG.i.R.L. Inc.

23 Dear AmyMonthly Advice Column

24 Kids CAREAmazing Children Doing Wonderful Volunteer Work in KC

26 Welcome to the Board!Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership

28 Double Your DonationTree Fund

29 Calendar of EventsCharity Events for May

30 GamesFun Stuff

Kansas City Metro CARESSharna RittmasterEditoreditor@goicare.com

Merissa RittmasterNon Profit Liaisonmerissa@goicare.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERSDavid BramPresley Ann Slack

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERSJonathan RiosAmy Hyken-LandeAlana MullerMichele Mackey

ADVISORY PANELVanessa FallerShawnMullerAmanda GoetzJim BrownMike DalenaJean Ann Rucker

AmyMichaelCARES Publisheramichael@goicare.com

Phil DellasegaCARES Creative Directorphild@goicare.com

TomMezzacapaGraphic Design

Michelle DeWittGraphic Design

KC Metro CARES8240 W 151 Street

Overland Park, KS 66223913.890.3133

CARES Headquarters122 Park Central SquareSpringfield, MO 65806

417.869.4175www.goicare.com

4

CARES Memberships are available to local non profits that are registered as 501(c)3organizations.The goal of CARES is to give non profits an outlet for communicatingtheir purpose to our community. It is not just an ad, but more accurately an an-nual marketing plan that provides online and print resources necessary to promotethe organization.As part of our Membership Package, CARES provides: 10 Full Pages

dedicated to the nonprofit, coverage of the two largest events, an online volun-teer database, interactive calendar, and more. Please contact us for more detailsabout our membership by calling 913-890-3133 or emailing editor.op@goicare.comto arrange a meeting. Let us help you show the community how your hard workbenefits the Kansas City Metro area.

membershipdirectory

Big Brother Big Sistersof Greater Kansas City3908Washington StKansas City, Mo 64111816.777.2871bbbskc.org

Suicide AwarenessSurvivor SupportPO Box 23242Stanley, KS 66223913.681.3050sass-mokan.com

Children’s MiracleNetwork3901 Rainbow Blvd,Mailstop 4004Kansas City, KS 66160913.588.9100cmnkc.org

Sunflower House15440W. 65 StreetShawnee, KS 66217913.631.5800sunflowerhouse.org

Unlimited Play, Inc.4140 Old Mill ParkwaySt. Peters, MO 63376636.449.1770unlimitedplay.org

Folds of HonorFoundation5800 N Patriot DriveOwasso, OK 74055foldsofhonor.orgSponsor: Hendrick Buick•GMC•Cadillac

G.I.R.L INC.PO Box 24043Overland Park, KS 66283info@girlkc.comgirlkc.comCo-Sponsor: Nancy O’Reilly PsD

Kansas City AutismTraining Center4805W. 67th StreetPrairie Village, KS 66208(913)432-5454kcatc.netSponsor: Arsalon Technologies

Are you a 501c3 organization?Join the list above and become a

CARES Member TODAY!

A corporation can sponsor your membership. It's tax deductible for the corporation and they will receive recognition on each of your pages throughout the year.

Contact Sharna at 913 890 3133 or send email to editor.op@goicare.com to learn more. We look forward to sharing your aspirations with our generous KC Community. Welcome

Members!

The following persons or businesses havesponsored our members:• Dr. Nancy O’Reilly PsD• Hendrick Buick•GMC•Cadillac• Arsalon Technologies

55

Hi Kansas City,

When I was in elementary school, I remember adults askingme the usual ques-

tion of “What is your favorite time of day?” If you remember,most kids in 2nd

grade would yell, RECESS!!!! My favorite time was after lunch whenMs. Car-

penter would read out loud to us from whichever book she had chosen that

month. RECESS was not my favorite time because playing on the swings or par-

ticipating in a game of relay wasn’t something I was capable of doing. I have

arthritis that has severely limited my range of motion. Running and climbing stairs has not been available

to me since I was a young child. Consequently,my recess was spent sitting on the bench watching my class-

mates play and have fun while conversing with my teacher, Ms. Carpenter.As much as I loved and still love

her, she was not my peer nor were we romping on the monkey bars. But this was over 30 years ago when

most of the world wasn’t accessible for people who have physical limitations. Recently I was introduced to

an organization called Unlimited Play whose mission is to construct fully accessible playgrounds! On page

18, you’ll find a description and pictures of their newest project under construction in Independence, Mo. I

live in Overland Park but I will be making a visit to check out this playground once it’s completed. I am ex-

cited to walk up the ramps, play pirate or go for a swing, I will feel seven years old again!

Let’s welcome our newest KC Metro Cares member, Unlimited Play. Thank you for designing a playground

for physically challenged kids to go have some fun!

Have a beautiful May and always remember to inspire someone.

Your Friend,

Sharna RittmasterContributing EditorPh: 913-890-3133editor.op@goicare.com

Hello and Happy May!

Thank you for spending some of your valuable time with this month’s

issue of Kansas City Metro CARES Magazine!

This time of year is known for new-birth and new life and there are many

great events coming up reflecting the nicer weather. Show your support,

have some fun and sign up for an upcoming event today.

I'm so thankful for all of your support and readership! If you get a moment, please search us and

like us on Facebook! We post a lot of updates on events and news here in the community. As

always, we love feedback, so please send us any ideas for articles you might have or any non-

profits you would like to see featured in our pages.We also love event photos so please send

those in as well. If you post them on Facebook and tag us, we will share them with our fans!

Have a beautiful May!

Warmly,

Amy MichaelPublisher

Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Publisher

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By Becca Gilliford, RN BSN

thekoma.com

Taekwondo Increases Independence

in Son with AutismMy ten-year-old son Woodie has Austim, ADD and OCD. He is main-streamed into a regular education classroom in theBlue Valley school system with the support of his special needs teacher, speech and occupational therapists and paraprofessionals.

My husband and I had given up hope for team sportswith peers, when a paraprofessional noted how muchhe enjoyed the Taekwondo demonstration and activi-ties at his schools’ Cultural Arts Day. What an amazing suggestion that has turned out to be, along with an increase in his physical activity he has been challenged to keep up with his peers in class and developed a newsense of self-direction and confidence since starting Taekwondo.

After consulting with Master Bronson Ko we decided to start our son off with private lessons, I looked at the hourly cost like therapy dollars (what a bargain). Private lessonsgave Woodie one-on-one instruction to learn class routines and expectations and provided time to acclimate to the high-ceiling and often loud classroom. Several months

later he joined “Super Tykes” classes with kids a few years younger than he was, but the smaller class sizes, teaching style and simple directions helped him learn the basics. One year after starting he was ready for white belt class with peers of his own age.

The KOMA studio curriculum encourages students to work for their next stripe. Once all the stripes are earned you can test for the next belt level. Half of your stripes are earned

by completing home and school charts with parents or teacher approval. For Woodie this pulls Taekwondo, home and school together teaching him that your behavior, manners and actions reach across all areas of your life. Earning stripes is a great motivator for Woodie. Belt testing for him is a challenge because of anxiety, unsure expecta-tions (during test) and auditory processing delays.Accommodations like private or in class testing have been tried with success. Each time Woodie tests, he gets a step closer to the same belt testing process his peers use. Schedule changes like school holidays, breaks and illnesses increase anxi-ety so we let instructors know if he’s having a tough day. More often than not he is relieved to be in the familiar routines of class and it helps to organize and reset his mind.

Recently I was able to drop him off at the door and trust he could independently get checked in for class. Considering Woodie is verbal but not conversational and easily distracted by the KOMA TV screens this was a monumental achievement of independence for my son.

Although he is usually the last kid to finish the relays in class and occasionally yells out when a non-preferred task is required (pushups, sit-ups), his disabilities cannot diminish his motivation to perform in class. He has an ownership of his skills and a love for Taekwondo. Last December just before turning ten, Woodie earned his yellow belt and 2 months later he achieved his orange belt!

Woodie has come along from private testing where there was no audience to a testing with anaudience of his peers for thefirst time. Here he tested with Mr Daniel Schroeder and MrsJanine Atteridge for his Orange belt. The stripes and belt testings have been an awesomemotivator for Woodie. He comes to every class wanting to test for stripes and has been takingclass without the help of a semiprivate instructor to help him. He has adapted very well in themain classes and is always excited to be there. Instructors: Janine Atteridge and Daniel Schroeder

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6

7

This month we tackle the issues of being un-healthy in the workforce. Business here in Amer-ica relies on the quality of our workforce to createa better economy. Health in the workforce has goneto another level.Majority ofAmerican employees de-pend on the insurance provided by their employers tocover visits to the Doctors office or a visit to the hos-pital in case of an emergency.

Employers are now seeing the cost of employee qual-ity of health on and off the job.The numbers are alarm-ing. Most of us have jobs where we sit most of the time,so chances are limited to be physically active at work.We also rely heavily on modern, labor-saving devices -

cars, appliances, and power toolsto spare us manual effort.Companies are taking ac-tion before the cost ofunhealthy employeesend up costing the busi-ness to fold. Does thissound unbelievable?Well,let us take a look at somenumbers and some stories

that will shed some light onthe subject.

Full time workers in the U.S.who are overweight or obeseand have other chronic healthconditions miss an esti-mated 450 million addi-tional days of workeach year comparedwith healthy work-ers, resulting in an es-timated cost of morethan $153 billion inlost productivity an-nually.

Roughly 60 percentof employers saidthey plan to im-pose penal-

ties in the next three to five years for workers who don'ttake action to improve their health.The most recent ex-ample is CVS Caremark, which has ignited controversyby requiring its 200,000 employees across Florida andthe nation to undergo screenings to record their weight,body fat, blood glucose and blood-pressure levels. Ifthey don't do so by May 1, they'll have to pay an extra$600 for health insurance in the coming year. The shiftis drawing fire from patients' rights groups, which con-sider the policies coercive and a violation of privacy.AtMichelin NorthAmerica, the tire manufacturer, workerswith thick waistlines— 40 inches and over for men, 35and over for women — will have to pay up to $1,000more a year in health-insurance premiums than theirleaner coworkers.

Already, 20 percent of firms surveyed impose conse-quences on employees if they "don't utilize the health-awareness tools the company provides," according toa recent report from human-resources researcher AonHewitt. And Honeywell International Inc. has imposeda $1,000 penalty for workers who undergo certainjoint-replacement or back surgeries without first par-ticipating in a program that provides data on nonsur-gical options. So the answer seems simple, start aWell-ness Program that works for employees and employersto increase health and performance.

As a personal trainer, business owner, and coach thathave the opportunity to work with world-class execu-tives, athletes, and clients, I often hear the same chal-lenges, obstacles, and issues facing all of us today. Thelack of motivation or resources is the biggest problemthat I hear from employees from the Rios CorporateWellness Programs. I have developed keys on how towork with all employees from the first day person tothe CEO of the company. If interested in learning abouta Corporate Wellness program for your company orstarting it from the employee side, please contact mefor more information.

May is Global EmployeeHealth and Fitness Month

Have a question or topic you’d like to see covered?Email Jonathan at rios.a.jonathan@gmail.com

A monthly column byJonathan RiosLaser Sharp FitnessM.S., B.S.,Wellness ExpertNASM, ISSA, Master CPT

8

The curiosity of a reporter, the

strength and agility of a super-

hero, and the compassion of a

parent...these are the qualities

that make a paramedic.

Paramedics must get to their pa-

tient in an emergency no matter

how small, dark or unsanitary the

location. They must gather infor-

mation despite communication bar-

riers. They must have excellent judg-

ment, prioritize decisions and act quickly in

the best interest of their patientwhile navigating

legal and ethical challenges. Theymustmake critical decisions about

a treatment plan that may mean the difference between life and

death. And theymust transport their patient safely to themost ap-

propriate hospital facility all within amatter ofminutes. Theywork

when schools and businesses close for holidays and snow days, en-

ter homes a health inspector would condemn, and console the

familymembers of patientswhodidn't survive. They sometimes per-

form with little to no sleep during a 24 hour shift, yet stay vigilant

to keep each other safe andmaintain the privacy of their patients.

When the emergency is not life threatening, paramedics must

demonstrate humility and compassion that brings grace tomoments

of crisis. A paramedic might work an entire shift, or several shifts,

without facing a life threatening situation, or they might respond to

back-to-back drownings, suicides, or multi-victim traumas.

BetweenMay 19 and 25, the nationwill recognize andhonor emergency

medical services (EMS)workers. This tradition began in 1974,when Pres-

identGerald Ford declared

the first National EMS

Week. It was designed to

bring together local com-

munities andmedical per-

sonnel to publicize safety

and honor the dedication

of those who provide the

day-to-day lifesaving serv-

ices of medicine's front

line. This is the week we

recognize our local paramedics at Johnson County

MED-ACT.

MED-ACT is part of the EMS team that serves the 525,000

citizens of Johnson County, Kansas with the mission of

assuring the best possible outcomes for medical emer-

gencies. With 120 paramedics, 17 ambulances and two

advanced response units,MED-ACT handles over 32,000

calls to help the ill and injured every year.MED-ACTpara-

medics respond to critical incidentswithin eightminutes

over 90%of the time. Tobecomeaparamedic in Kansas,

youmust complete an accredited EMS program, pass a

national exam and obtain licensure from the Kansas

Board of EMS. That license is renewed every two years,

with successful completion of advanced life support con-

tinuing education. To be a paramedic at Johnson Coun-

tyMED-ACT, youmust also be committed to themission

and values that define excellence in pre-hospital care. If

you ask the paramedics at MED-ACT, they do it for the

hope; the hope of making a difference, saving a life,

meeting a former cardiac arrest victim and celebrating

their discharge from the hospital.

Paramedics Mackenzie Burke and Randy McIntosh

welcomes new member

unlimitedplay.org

Kansas City Metro CARES

1. What is your mission?

Unlimited Play is an award winning non-profit organiza-tion that builds universally accessible playgrounds topromote health and wellness while transforming com-munities by providing the freedom of play for ALLchildren and families.

2. What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have? How can someone get involved?

Unlimited Play is firmly rooted in a Community Engage-ment model. Our organization thrives by the manypeople, groups, businesses, foundations and sectors thatinvest their time, talent and treasure to help us fulfill ourmission.

People can join us at the very beginning of a playground project by assisting with creative design ideas, hosting fundraisers, showcasing our project during a communityevent, and of course spreading the word and expanding our web of support.

Media promotion and strategic marketing efforts are always encouraged. There are also opportunities forcommunity members to come out during our Commu-nity Build days and literally build the playground – installslides, climbers, landscape and more.

Additionally, we host many events throughout the year. Check out our website for more details atwww.unlimitedplay.org

3. Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

The majority of playgrounds around the world denychildren, adults, and Veterans with disabilities the opportunity for recreation, enrichment, and social inter-action which other people enjoy. In fact, only a small percentage of fully accessible playgrounds exist withinour nation and these are insufficient to serve the 56.7million Americans with Disabilities – 18.7% of our popu-lation. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010)

Unlimited Play addresses this shortfall by providing aplace where people of all abilities play together, learn from one another, value differences and find strength to overcome challenges.

Playgrounds play a critical role in the cognitive, social,emotional and physical development of every child. We believe that no child or family member should ever sit on

the sidelines and be denied the fundamental right toplay. Unlimited Play impacts children, families, and entire communities by building play spaces that remove both physical and social barriers so ALL people can play.Our goal is to help communities plan, design, fundraise,build and celebrate fully accessible playgrounds. We understand the cost and commitment it takes to create aplay space such as this and help communities every stepof the way.

4. Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped? Feel free to change names if necessary.

Zachary no longer sits on the sidelines and watchingother children play. Because of Unlimited Play’s features that surpass ADA standards, a child in a wheelchair can play alongside his friends. A mother with Multiple Sclerosis can take her children to a playground and access them should they need her.

We continue to receive heartfelt letters and messages about how our playgrounds help children and entire families, many refer to the experience as “therapeutic” - a place to “forget about life for awhile.” There is no other place in the community that is free family fun, fosters friendships, creates memories, enhances under-standing of differences and encourages kids to keep active, stretch their muscles and imaginations.

5. Any upcoming events?

The McCoy Park All Inclusive Project in Independence, Mo will be hosting events throughout the summer including a ribbon cutting for the All Ability baseball field designed by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and more. Check out the web site www.mccoypark.com for more information.

6. If you could thank one person/business in the com-munity that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

Special thanks to everyone who have invested in Unlim-ited Play operations and each of our existing play-grounds. Giving the gift of play, sponsoring a piece of equipment, hosting a fundraiser, and volunteering time all have made a world of difference in the lives of thou-sands of children and families.

9

10

Children’s Mercy Hospital Presents

Art for ArthritisIt’s not supposed to hurt to paint a landscape,

but for 300,000 children across the United

States – and more than 2,000 right here in

Kansas City – pain is an everyday part of life.

Join the Arthritis Foundation for a magical

celebration of children and the arts, presented

by Children’s Mercy Hospital. Art for Arthritis

matches up children who have arthritis with

professional artists in Kansas City. Together,

they’ll create their own Masterpieces –

as well as a lifetime of memories.

www.ArtForArthritisKC.org

September 6th

(Event begins at 6 p.m.)

The Carriage Club Kansas City, MO

For more information, contact the Arthritis Foundation at (913) 262-2233

A Proud Partner Of

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11

The Kansas City Autism Training Center (KcATC) provides evidence-based behavioral therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrumdisorders. In 2008, KcATC became one of the only center-based autism

therapy programs inthe area to open anon-site preschool fortypically developingchildren. Astra DaySchool is a service

provided by KcATC which offers intensive one-on-one therapy to chil-dren on the autism spectrum as well as two preschool classroomswhich enroll both typically developing students as well as studentswith special needs.

As the day school program of KcATC, Astra Day School provides asolid, scientific culture of trained learning specialists and a core beliefthat every child has the right to learn to their greatest potential.Astra’s close ties to behavioral science lead to a unique focus on rein-forcement and motivation for every student. All programming isassent-based, meaning that learners are not coerced into participa-tion; teachers stay alert to levels of participation, which leads tohigh-interest lessons.

Astra uses the EarlyAccelerated Student Education (EASE) program forlanguage, literacy and numeracy, which provides explicit teaching of

language as a toolfor thinking, problemsolving and under-standing the world.Reading and numera-cy are taught usingmethods that movebeyond rote memo-rization of letters andboring counting ex-ercises. Low student-to-teacher ratios ensure consistent instruction forboth high-achieving students and more fragile learners, so that indi-vidual students receive the amount of personalized attention requiredto learn, rather than the amount of attention allotted to them throughstate regulatory guidelines.At Astra, students are guided towards theprinciples of empathy, kindness and friendship.

For more information, please visit www.AstraDaySchool.org

Saturday, May 18th - Town Center Plaza

Registration and activitiesstart at 7am

Walk kick-o� is at 8am

Kid’s activities • food • raffleand more!!

http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/walk-for-the-homeless

Register today and begin raising pledgesto help the homeless!

Walk for the Homeless2013Walk for the Homeless

Sponsored by

12

Michele Markey is the Vice President of Kauffman FastTrac, the leading provider of learning curricula that equip aspiring and existing entrepre-neurs 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.

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.

fasttrac.org

It is our choices…that show what wetruly are, far morethan our abilities.—J. K. Rowling

I have always been interested insuccess stories. As a child, I lovedreading biographies of famous inven-tors, scientists, world leaders andothers who excelled at their craft.Whether it was Eli Whitney and hiscotton gin, Ben Franklin’s multitude of inventions, Marie Curie for herwork with radiation or Helen Keller’s amazing influence on the world, Iwas moved by those who lived theirdreams and fulfilled their life goals.Now, as Vice President of Kauffman FastTrac®, I am fortunate to be able to engage directly with many strong,visionary leaders across our city, our country and the world. I’m proudthat many of these leaders arewomen. They are living their dreamsand fulfilling their goals. I admiretheir strength, tenacity and unfailingbelief in themselves and the organi-zations they lead. They are inspiring,each uniquely talented with well-developed skill sets.

What makes these female entrepre-neurs so successful? Without fail theyare solid strategic thinkers, focuseddecision makers and above all, trueto themselves and their vision. Followtheir lead by adopting the following:

1. Visualize Success – No one else is going to build the life you envisionfor yourself. What does your “If I

could do anything” life look like? Think BIG – What inspires you? Whatexcites you? Don’t let fears of “not good enough, not smart enough, not wealthy enough etc. stop you. Believe me - EVERYONE has doubts. Move past your concerns! Make yourvision become a reality by being clearabout what you want. Commit to your vision by putting pen to paperor perhaps through creating a vision board.

Once you know what you want…

2. Toss out the Bucket List – Bucket lists are full of things you want to do “someday.” The problem is, time flies and “someday” never happens. Get after it! If you want to achieve your dreams you have to make themhappen! Develop a list of SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achiev-able, Relevant, Time-Based. Create short-term goals for your vision – Identify steps and actions you will take in the next 3 months, 6 months,through the next year to move toward your vision.

To hold yourself accountable…

3. Talk about your plans – There is no better way to hold yourself account-able than to let others know whatyou are doing. Plus, you’ll be amazedat the people who will join you andsupport you on your journey. To gather an even broader base of support…

4. Aggressively and intentionallybuild a network – It is important tonote that networking is more than

simply building your electronic contact list with names. While it isgreat to have a diverse set of friends and acquaintances, networking as a business owner has a very specific purpose – meeting and connecting with people that have skills, abilities and talents that can be leveraged to grow your business. As you are building your network be mindful of the need to…

5. Be your own biggest champion – Create a business you love and have apassion for doing. Talk about your business, engage with your commu-nity, and build a name for yourself – a strong brand. Make sure everything you do embodies your brand – Your website, name, logo, activity onsocial media, community involve-ment, corporate activities, event sponsorships etc.

There has never been a better time to consider business ownership espe-cially as a female entrepreneur.

What are you waiting for?Let your someday be today.

Choices, Choices

Michele Markey

by Michele Markey, Vice President, Kau�man FastTrac

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13

Volunteer Spotlight: Anthony Butlerby: Sharna Rittmaster

Where do you volunteer?

I volunteer with “ GIRL” in various schools in the KansasCity area, first as a teacher in the Kansas City PublicSchools and now as a prevention specialist for the RoseBrook’s Center Project SAFE Program. I also help out as acaring citizen.

Why do you choose to volunteer?

I choose to help because it is one way to actively make ourcommunity even better. Being a part of the solution ismore satisfying than complaining about the problem.

More specifically, what do you enjoy the mostfrom helping your organization?

I enjoy helping “GIRL” the most because it is a classy,excellent organization. “GIRL” has an outstanding repu-tation in the community and I have seen first hand howthe ladies help our youth “see” and “do” what it takes tobe productive citizens in and out of the classroom. I alsolearn so much from working alongside quality peoplewho are committed, creative, and inspiring. Our connec-

tion helps me tohelp others in morepractical ways.

How long haveyou been activevolunteering?

I have been helping“GIRL” for 3 years.(Encouraging youngladies with poetry,town hall meetingsabout overcomingobstacles, buildingbetter self-esteem,referring otherorganizations to“GIRL”, etc.)

How does volunteering affect you personally?

Helping affects me personally because it causes me toreflect about how life was like when I was in the shoes ofour youth. This causes me to be a better husband, father,and professional. I realize now, more than ever, howimportant it is to listen, encourage, and give hope toothers. It is a true honor to be a part of waking people upfrom nightmares and to help them pursue sweet dreams.I am affected the most when I see firsthand their dreamsbecome realities.

From your experience, what are some majorbenefits to getting involved in the community?

Major benefits from getting involved in the communityare credibility with the people in the area, breaking cyclesof destruction one person at a time...one day at a time,and helping people stay on track with their goals. Seeingthose genuine smiles of gratitude and joy on the faces ofpeople is like eternal fuel for my soul. This makes mewant to “help others”...help others.

What else do you enjoy in your spare time?Hobbies?

I enjoy writing poetry, speaking, reading, watching goodmovies, planning creative events in the schools wherestudents can use their gifts to uplift, playing basketball,and spending time with God, my wife, my family, andothers.

14

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater KansasCity held their 5th Annual Match Banquet& Awards on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at theRitz Charles in Overland Park. Over 700participants gathered to recognize thecreation of life long friendships betweenBigs and Littles in the program. This eventwas sponsored by Wireless Lifestyle, thelargest Sprint retailer in the country.

Little Brothers and Sisters enjoyed anOscar-themed party with everything fromwalking the red carpet, posing forpaparazzi and a gourmet meal.

“So many of our Littles have never had achance to be celebrated or experience aspecial dinner. We really want them andtheir Big to feel special and appreciated atthis event.” said Micheal Lawrence, CEO ofBig Brothers Big Sisters of KC.

All Matches in attendance received anaward to recognize their commitment toBig Brothers Big Sisters and their friend-ship. The years biggest awards includingBig Brother and Big Sister of the Year wereawarded to Deane McMillian and SandraRayford.

Two alumni Matches (Barry White &Anthony Sanders and Donna Pittman &Lisa Hensley) were also be honored withthe Wireless Lifestyle Lifetime FriendshipAward. “Several of the Matches in ourprogram have developed deep friendshipsover many years. This is a great accom-plishment. It is an amazing act of kindnessand commitment on the part of the volun-teer, one that translates directly intoimproved self-esteem, better grades and adirection for the future in the lives of theirLittle,” said Lawrence.

of Greater Kansas City

Hundreds Enjoy the 5th Annual

Match Banquet &Awards

www.bbbskc.org

15

Photos by Presley Ann Photography

•

Imagine a place where ALL childrencan play side by side and learn fromone another – a place that promoteshealth and wellness, socialization,and enriches the lives of childrenwith and without disabilities in yourcommunity. Although there are lotsof fun things to do in and aroundKansas City, there is no place quitelike this.

An Unlimited Play playground iscoming to Independence, Missouri.Unlimited Play unlimitedplay.org is anon-profit that specializes in thedesign, community engagement andbuild of universally accessible play-grounds. Unlimited Play playgroundsare not a standard designed play-ground. The features go beyondwhat you would see on a typical ADAcompliant playground and includespongy surfacing, sensory rich envi-ronment, ramping systems, realharmonic instruments, customthemes, fenced completely around,high back swings, educational playpanels, adequate shading, familyfriendly restrooms and much more.Together with the City of Indepen-dence, Independence Parks andRecreation Department, Cal RipkenSr. Foundation, Vireo and Variety KC,thousands of children and familieswill have the opportunity to play,foster friendships and learn aboutcelebrating differences than everbefore.

Located in McCoy Park across fromthe Truman Library, this 11,000square feet destination play spacewill include an Unlimited Play play-ground, Cal Ripken Sr. Ability Base-ball Field, plus a 3 pad spray ground.This state-of-the-art play space willattract children, families, Veterans,school groups, therapy professionalsand others from all over thearea and enable ALLchildren to play together.

Celebrating Independence’s richpioneer history, the McCoy Park Allinclusive project will be themedaround the 3 trail systems (California,Sante Fe, and Oregon) and includecustom designed wagons, climbinggold mine carts and even HiramYoung’s blacksmith shop.

“Play….Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination,and Invigorates the Soul.”

“Play….Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination,and Invigorates the Soul.”

—Stuart Brown, M.D.

unlimitedplay.org

Just recently, the Kansas City Royalscame on board with a gift of$150,000 towards the projectspecifically towards the All Abilityfield designed by the Cal Ripken Sr.Foundation. Charitable proceedscame out of the remaining 2012 AllStar funds. A VIP breakfast and press

conference was hosted on March28th and included a special tour ofthe locker room for a special groupof children. 12-time Paralympic goldmedalist and world champion JessicaLong inspired the crowd as keynoteand encouraged the kids in the audi-ence to never look at themselves as

having a disability butrather many abilities.

We believe that every childhas the right to play andthat every communityshould have a place wherelimitations are forgottenand differences arecelebrated.

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Here is how you can helpon the McCoy Park AllInclusive Project:

Donate good/services such asconcrete, landscaping materials,printing, promotions and more.

Showcase our project atanother event. We can furnish aninformational kit.

Sponsor a piece of equipmentranging from a $125 brick, $4000panel, $7,000 slide, $20,000wagon and more. Your name,name of business or organizationwill be showcased for the lifetime of the playground and beenseen by thousands and thousandsof people.

Catalogs and Project Wish List areavailable at the IndependenceParks and Recreation officelocated at 416 West Maple Ave.(Truman Memorial Building) oron the websitewww.mccoypark.com Anyquestions call Kristin Zimmermanwith the Parks and Recreationdepartment at 816 325-6229.If you want to learn more aboutUnlimited Play, contact us at(636) 449-1770 or

www.unlimitedplay.org

Team photo: Natalie and Todd Blakemore, Founders of UnlimitedPlay. Daughters Cassi and Brianna, son Zachary (namesake of

Zachary's Playground in Lake St. Louis.) Community EngagementDirector Victoria Schmitt Babb, Brendan (namesake of Brendan's

Playground in O' Fallon, MO) and his mom, Michelle Schmitt.

12-time Paralympic gold medalistand world champion Jessica Long

20

At Charlie’s House, we have two core beliefs about home safety:

First, we believe home safety is attainable for anyone: No matter who you are, where you live, or how much money you have, there are always steps you can take to increase safety.

Second, we believe keeping things safe is a continuous process: It is more than just putting locks on the medicine cabinets and calling it good. Home safety requires frequent evaluation to look for new hazards and new ways to improve. That’s why we do our best to provide simple, memo-rable steps you can followevery-day to make your home a safer place.

Review our growing list of things you can do to prevent injuries in and around your home.

Play YardsParents should secure swing sets

to ground to avoid tip-overs.Play sets should be inspected for

missing and broken parts.Material under equipment should

be soft enough to cushion a fall.

Playground equipment should meet the Juvenile Products Manu-facturers Association (JPMA) approval.

Children should use protective gear when riding wheeled play toys.

The American Academy ofPediatrics recommends avoidance of trampoline play.

Fire/BurnsMatches and lighters should be

locked out of reach of a child. Never leave grill unattended and

teach young children to keep a distance from the BBQ grill.

Only use grill away from house and other structures.

Store lighter fluid securely in a labeled container.

Avoid using kites near overhead electrical lines

DrowningPools should have fencing and

locking gates to prevent access. Kiddie pools should always be

emptied after use.Assign a specific adult as a

“water-watcher”, since many adults will assume someone else is watching one child while they are tending to another child.

Keep buckets or contain-ers out of reach of children.

Keep patio doors and other paths from the living room to the outside locked especially those homes with

outdoor swimming pools, kiddie pools, or other bodies of water nearby.

GarageGarden equipment and tools

should be stored out of reach.Keep children’s playthings in one

area and within their reach. Keep floors clear of clutter,

grease, and spills.

PoisoningKnow and post the number

for the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Keep medications, even vitamins locked away from children.

Keep household cleaners locked away.

Install a carbon monoxidedetector and replace batteries as directed on detector.

On November 1, 2007, Charlie Horn, a 2-year-old Kansas City boy, was killed when he attempted to climb a 30" dresser in his home. It was through this tragedy that Charlie’s House was born.

As part of this mission, Charlie’s House participates in and sponsorscommunity-wide events to providehome safety information. Plans are

also underway to raise funds for a safety demonstration house that will provide adults with real-life demonstra-tions, examples and resources on children’s safety. For more information, including a tour of our Virtual House, please visit us at www.charlieshouse.org orfriend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlieshouse.

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BigBandBenefit

2013 Blue Valley West High School

The 2013 Blue ValleyWest High School Big Band

Benefit was hosted by Hendrick Buick GMC Cadil-

lac on Saturday April 5th. It featured Blue Valley

West HS Jazz Band, LakewoodMiddle School Jazz

Band, Pleasant RidgeMiddle School Jazz Band &

Special Guest Jazz Artist Monique Danielle. It was

a fund raiser for Blue Valley West HS Band, which

raised over $5,000 for the band.

21Photos by Presley Ann Photography

22

Each year GiRL Inc. works with tremendous, tal-

ented and focused young ladies within the Kansas

CityMissouri area. Many of these young ladies face

difficult life challenges but strive to be successful in

school and their community.

Determined,Car-

ing and Outgo-

ing are three

words that de-

scribe GiRL Inc.

member Hope

Williams.Hopeis

an8thgradestu-

dent at Knowl-

edge Is Power

Program (KIPP)

Endeavor Acad-

emy in Kansas City Missouri. She is very passionate

about school, family, friends and helping others. Hope

displays excellent leadership, poise, and commitment

and hasmade a positive impact in her school and com-

munity. She was recently recognized by her peers to

be the “GiRL Inc.” student of the month.

KIPP EndeavorMath Teacher Josh Swartzlander said:

“Hope is also a natural leader and a natural teacher.

She will work with and help any student who is

struggling with the material. This skill, combined

with her excellent grades (7 A’s, 2 B’s so far this year),

illustrates her commitment to her education.”

Once Hope graduates from High School, she would

like to attend the University of Missouri and major

in Business Administration to gain skills to become a

successful business owner. Hope also would like to

give back to the community by becoming a foster

care parent. “I would like to help sad children that

believe life is over when they lose a parent(s).” said

Hope.

Why do you enjoy participating in the GiRL Inc. Program?

• I love participating in GiRL Inc. because I can talk about things that

I may not feel comfortable talking about with anyone else. I can

be open to ask questions and get answers.

What are some key takeaways you have learned from theGiRL Inc. sessions that will assist you in your life?

• I have learned to take responsibility for my actions

• Learned how and when to say “No”

• How to truly focus on my future goals

• How not to put myself in a bad situation

What GiRL Inc. activity did you gain the most knowledge?Why?

• I really liked the baby project we completed in December 2012. I

enjoyed it because it really helpedmewith responsibility and learn-

ing that my actions could cause certain consequences

Outside of school what activities do you enjoy doing?

• I enjoy singing in my church choir. I enjoy praise dancing for my

church, staying current with the latest fashions and doing commu-

nity service

What advice would you give other girls?

• Learn how to get along with others and think highly of yourself.

Never allow anyone to change your opinion of yourself or block

your dreams.

Student Spotlight:Hope Williams

Co-Sponsored by: Dr. Nancy O’Reilly PsD

23

KC Metro CARESMonthly Advice Column

Dear Amy:

My 4 year-old is always telling me “no.” I get so irritated,

that I just give in and do it myself (if I ask him to put his

shoes away amillion times and tells me “no,” I will just put

them away myself)! Any advice on how to cut the “no”

out of his vocabulary would be great.

Jana, mother of a strong-willed son.

Dear Jana:

Dealing with “no’s” is a common issue for little and big

ones. Since you are asking about a little, my advice will be

geared towards the younger set (may need to utilize an-

other column, for the bigs). First, as you are probably

aware, giving in to your child only reinforces the behavior.

Why should he do what his Mother has asked him to do,

knowing that if he holds out long enough, you will just do

it for him!?

Kids need consequences that will make sense. Stating that,

I am a big believer of natural and logical consequences. For

instance, if you ask your son to put on his socks (and he still

refuses after two times), you leave the house sans socks (and

cold toes). Don’t make a big scene about it, just take amat-

ter-of-fact attitude. A logical consequencewould be, if your

son refuses to put his trucks away, he loses them for 24

hours. Now let me introduce a little intervention that I like

to call “banking your no’s.” This is how it works;When your

son tells you no, you simply respond by putting that “no”

in your pocket. He may give you a strange look, at this

point. Later that day, when he asks you for something (of

course, not a basic necessity such as dinner), you pretend to

pull that “no” out of your pocket. In the beginning, you

might want to set up a teachable moment ahead of time.

You can also give him actual “no” tokens, that hemust give

you when he tells you no. That way it is a more concrete

idea. It may take a few consistent times, but he will get it!

Amy Hyken-Lande,Lscsw, Lcswwww.kids-incorporated.comAmyhl@everestkc.net

Live, love, laugh and be present!

iCare Package

Stay ConnectedJoin our iCare weekly

e-blasts where we focus on a local charity or community related

event.

Plus get a sneak peek of the NEW issue before it

hits the streets!

Sign up hereeditor.op@goicare.com

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24

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.

amazingkids doingamazingthings!

Floating on IceMy name isKennedy. I helprun the SpecialOlympics figureskating programat KCIC. I lovefigure skatingand wanted tohelp other peo-ple who wantedto share the pas-sion of skating.The programhelps any person

with special needs, and people of all ages. There are many coaches and volunteers thathelp any kids with any types of special needs, as well as skaters of all levels. I really likehelping with this program because not only can I have fun with the sport, but I knowmany of the students are having fun with the sport plus learning more about it. SpecialOlympics teachesme to discover newways of coaching certain elements in skating; it alsochallenges me to find newways of coaching in general. I really lovemaking connectionswith the kids I teach through this program. Special Olympics is an amazing program thatI love being a part of.

TylerHi, my name is TylerNovorr.When I was fourmonths old I had openheart surgery at Chil-dren’s Mercy Hospital.Since they helped me, Ithought I would returnthe favor. Every garagesalemy family has I havea lemonade stand,snacks and sold some ofmy toys and books withthe money donated toChildren’s Mercy Hospi-tal. My parents takeme down to the hospital tomake the donation. Since Kindergarten(I am now in the 3rd grade), I have volunteered community service hours. I donate hoursand hours of my time to help with many different organizations from Mitzvah Day atmy Temple, selling popcorn for Cub Scouts, volunteering with Special Olympics and rais-ingmoney bywalking forMake aWish foundation. I also love to go to Harvesters at leastonce a year to help organize food. I have helped in many sections from sorting cerealsone year to frozen foods another.

Volunteering time and things makes me feel good and helps others. I really enjoy it! Ihope that others will be inspired to volunteer and help too.

25

Showcased her wheelchair blanket creation. A plushy blanket with a zippered

pouch in the front to hold books, pens and more!!

She needs more hands! If you’d like to help her, contact editor.op@goicare.com

Follow Vanessa ...

26

Welcometo the

BOARD!Congratulations!! You just receivedword that youwere electedto the governing board of The Lonely Weasel, the nonprofitorganization that was created to ensure that all small creaturesin the U.S. receive the humane treatment they deserve. You aredelighted, of course – you’ve long appreciated the work thisorganization does in Kansas City! And then, as you start tothink about what lies ahead, you realize that you really are notsure just what it is that you will be expected to do as a memberof the governing board. What is the work of a boardmember?It helps to realize that there is no single way that all nonprofit

boards operate. There are fundamental roles and responsibili-ties, but the truth is that there is a huge amount of variationamong nonprofit boards and how they operate. Therefore,once you have some clarity on the legal and operational basics,you need to connect with the leaders of your new board tolearnmore. In fact, they already should have been in touchwithyou to explain all of this – but we know that many nonprofitscould do more to help their new board members becomeactive, contributing members of the board. You may need togive them a “nudge!”

The Legal BasicsIn the US, the governing board of directors of a nonprofit has the ulti-

mate responsibility and accountability for the conduct and performance

of the organization.The actual work of the organization may be done by

executives, staff, and volunteers, but you cannot delegate your respon-

sibility as a board. When all is said and done, you and your board col-

leagues collectively are responsible for all that is done in the name of the

organization. In a legal sense, you and your board colleagues have three

fundamental duties:

Duty of Care:When you join a board, you agree (whether you know

it or not) to exhibit care in your work as a member. This means that you

will prepare for and actively participate in the meetings of the board,

and you will exercise the kind of judgment that any reasonable and pru-

dent person would exercise when making decisions important to them.

The law recognizes and accepts that you may not always make the right

decisions, but you are expected to do your best to be attentive, diligent,

and thoughtful in all aspects of your decision making.

Duty of Loyalty: When you join a board, you agree to do your best

to act in good faith to make decisions and choices that are in the best

interest of the organization. In other words, you will be loyal. This also

means you will not participate in board discussions and decisions in

which you as an individual have a conflict of interest (in other words,

when your personal interests conflict with the organization’s interests).

Duty of Obedience: When you join a board, you agree that all of

your decisions will honor and be consistent with your agency’s mission,

bylaws, and policies, as well as honoring the terms of any and all rele-

vant laws, rules, and regulations.

The point of all of this, of course, is to do your best to do what is right

for the organization and those it exists to serve. Good intentions are

great, but ultimately it’s what you do and how you do it that are going

to help your agency make a difference.

Fiduciary ResponsibilityBoards and board members often are reminded that they have a "fidu-

ciary responsibility." At its core, "fiduciary responsibility" is the respon-

sibility to treat the resources of the organization as a trust. In other

words, you will take care that all resources are used in a reasonable and

appropriate manner. What this means, in practical terms, is that your

board will:

By David Renz, DirectorThe Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership • University of Missouri – Kansas City

27

a) Adopt and follow policies that ensure all resources are used appro-priately;

b) Plan and establish a budget to allocate financial resources to theprograms and activities that will accomplish the organization's mis-sion, vision, and goals (e.g., a strategic plan);

c) Develop and implement a system for monitoring and holding staffand volunteers accountable for their performance with regard toplans, policies, and budgets;

d) Develop and use a system to monitor, assess, and report on thefinancial condition and performance of the organization; and

e) Implement an independent external review process (such as anaudit) to assess the organization's fiscal condition and health andthe effectiveness of your agency’s financial systems and policies.

The Legal Roles and Responsibilities of theMember of a Typical Nonprofit BoardYour legal responsibilities as a board member flow directly from theresponsibilities of the board as a whole. You, individually, are to honorthe same three fiduciary duties: care, loyalty, and obedience. You do nothave to be a super-person to do this. It just requires active and informedpreparation and participation, including raising questions that reason-ably would be raised by any prudent person. Of course, a board memberwho does not manage to attend meetings or participate in board busi-ness cannot meet these standards – you must first “show up!”At best,inactive board members are not helping the organization; at worst, theyare endangering the success of the organization and the interests of thepeople it serves. Such members can end up risking personal liability andeven sanctions. It is every board member's responsibility to do their bestto help ensure that the board as a whole is performing its legal respon-sibilities.

Beyond the LegalWhen you join the board of an organization, you deserve to know justwhat they expect of you. Obviously, you will need to honor your legalresponsibilities. But the roles and responsibilities of the individual boardmember go beyond mere legal compliance.Therefore every board shouldcommunicate (best is in writing) its own set of member expectations thatexplains the needs and interests of the organization and what it needsand expects from its board and members. The following are among themost typical of responsibilities or expectations:

• Participate actively:� Attend meetings of the board.� Serve on board committees or task forces.� Prepare in advance for meetings and other key board activities.� Be a loyal yet independent thinker in your decision making.� Attend special events and other key organizational activities.

• Be knowledgeable and ensure that you understand:� The mission, vision, strategic direction, and programs of theorganization.

� The bylaws and policies that guide the work of the board.� The board’s expectations of you as an individual member.

• Do your homework to ensure that you are appropriatelyinformed about:� Issues and matters that will be the subject of board deliberationor decision making.

� Important issues likely to have an impact on the success of theagency.

• Provide active support for the fund raising activities of theorganization, including:� Making a regular personal financial contribution (at a significantlevel, according to your capacity); and

� Assisting the organization in connecting with others who canhelp with funding the organization.

• Serve as an ambassador and advocate on behalf of theorganization.

• Provide encouragement and active support for the work ofthe staff and volunteers.

• Serve with honor and integrity:� Help enhance the image and credibility of the organizationthrough your work.

� Hold the content of board deliberations in confidence and honorand actively support all board decisions once they are made.

� Avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest, to the greatestdegree possible.

� Exhibit the highest of ethical standards in all of your board work.

• Support and actively contribute to the board’s efforts to workeffectively as a team:� Play an active and constructive role in helping the board do itswork, embracing the challenges and opportunities of board workwith a positive attitude and energy.

� Bring a sense of perspective and humor to the work of theboard.

� Provide support to fellow board members, and take time to cele-brate the successes and accomplishments of the organizationand the board.

A strong board is essential to nonprofit organization effectiveness, andboards that do their work well make a pivotal difference in the successof their organizations.When knowledgeable and motivated volunteersinvest the time to serve on boards, we all benefit. And serving as amember of a nonprofit’s board of directors can be one of the mostinfluential and enjoyable roles that any volunteer can play; therewards of effective service accrue both to you as a volunteer and ourcommunity. Thank you for your service!

More information and resources for boards and their members areavailable at the web site of the Midwest Center for NonprofitLeadership: www.mcnl.org.

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Heartland Tree Alliance (HTA), a program of Bridging The Gap,has launched a digital approachto funding trees in the KansasCity metropolitan. Dunn FamilyFoundation will generouslydonate an equal match, dollar fordollar, for each donation up to $10,000!

Why is the Tree Fund an impor-tant program for our region? Dueto the recession and budget cutsacross most municipal depart-ments, trees are getting the ax!HTA and the Dunn Family Foun-dation are asking residents tosupport urban tree plantingprojects by donating to theircity’s Tree Fund. With a simple click on the website,www.treesformycity.com, donors

can specify how much they wouldlike to give to a particular city, and then watch as the tree fundfor that city grows. Each time a fund reaches $1,000 HTA will host a tree planting event with thatcity, giving residents the opportu-nity to see their dollars go to work.

HTA’s Tree Fund and a list of its municipal partners can be found on the Bridging the Gap website at www.bridgingthegap.org/tree-fundor at www.treesformycity.com

The City of Kansas City, Mo., is joined by others across the area, including Kansas City, Kan.; Belton; Excelsior Springs; Gladstone; Leawood; Lenexa; Liberty; Mission; Olathe; Overland Park; Parkville;

Paola; Platte County; Prairie Village; Raymore, and Shawnee.

Heartland Tree Alliance is a program of Bridging The Gap, the region’s primary environmen-tal education organization. TheHeartland Tree Alliance mission is to engage people of the Greater Kansas City region to take action and advocate for a healthy com-munity forest. HTA’s other offer-ings include its signature program, Tree Keepers, which trains volunteers from the Kansas City area to be tree stewards for their own communities. To learn more about Heartland Tree Alliance and the Tree Fund, please contact Noelle Morris at816-561-1061, ext. 115, or email treemail@bridgingthegap.org.

Double Your Donation with the

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

c a l e n d a rm a y

U p l o a d y o u r e v e n t s t o o u r

c a l e n d a r !

• May 1The fabled Romantic Times convention kicks off another wild party event, with a fabulous all-day TEEN DAY event on Saturday check out the authors signing in TEEN ALLEY:http://www.rtconvention.com/teen-day#authors

• May 1 | 10amBig Splash was a huge hit last year for hundreds of our Bigs, Littles, supporters and friends. Now's your chance to get tickets to enjoy the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge without having to purchase an overnight stay. For more information and dates visit www.bbbskc.org

• May 4 & 18th | various timesThe Arthritis Walk® is the signature fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation. It's not just an event, it's a celebration of year-round movement to help prevent and treat arthritis.Dates and Cities:May 4th- Topeka & NE, KSMay 4th- Kansas City, MOMay 18th- Withita, KSTo register or for more information visithttp://www.arthritis.org/kansas/events/arthritis-walk/

• May 9 | 2pmCass County ARC Blood Drive. Donation Type:BloodBloodBanker, Inc. is a blood plasma donation advocacy group where giving blood and donating plasma for money helps save many lives. Community can rate and review plasma and blood donation centers.

• Now-May 12Union Station. The Science of Rock ‘n' Roll exhibition provides a fresh look at the history of rock from the perspective of scienceand technology. See how music has shaped the tools ofrock--and how those tools have changed the music. See websitefor times and prices www.unionstation.org

• May 12 | 11:30 amShadow Buddies Foundation 5th Annual Golf Classic. Birdies,

Program. For more information visithttp://www.shadowbuddies.org/

• May 18 | 7amWalk for the Homeless in Town Center Plaza north side. It is a

house, face painting, entertainment and a casual walk aroundthe stores. We have a great prize for the top individual and teamfundraisers. To register for the event or for more information,please contact Rachel at rdowntain@hillcrestkc.org or at913-827-8588http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/walk-for-the-homeless

• May 19Woofstock - A festival for dogs and people. Family and dog

Northland Animal Welfare Society at the Barnes and Noble Zone Rosa KC MO. One mile walk has optional "obstacles" for dogs.

• May 20Legacy Invitational | Monday, May 20 and Monday, June 3, 2013 The region's best client entertainment event. A premier Nike Gift Salon and unmatched player amenities. Find out more info or reserve your spot at www.bbbskc.org/legacy. We are looking for volunteers to become a foursome concierge. Contact Scott Cruce for more information on this amazing volunteer opportunity.

• May 24 | 11amOften the effects from Chemotherapy can affect both the body and the mind. This bi-weekly group will be focused on clearing out the chemo cobwebs and exercising the mind with engaging conversation, brain exercises and methods to use everyday to sharpen up what chemo has dulled. Event held at the Gilda’s Club KC MO.

• May 24 | 6pmLooking for a way to keep the kids busy this summer? Look no further! This modern day scavenger hunt is a great way to get out of the house and get moving. We will provide you the GPS device, an introductory how-to, and a new prize for each cache.

Participants registering as a family will receive one GPS unit per family. Register today by going to www.jcprd.com or for more information including princing call 913-831-3359

• June 1BBBS is a charity partner of the 2013 Hospital Hill | Attention Hospital Hill Runners! If you are planning to run this year's Hospital Hill 5K, 10K or Half Marathon on Saturday, June 1 use the code 2013HHRBBBS when registering to be counted as a BBBS runner and receive a discounted registration fee. Register at http://www.hospitalhillrun.com.

• June 8A world of possibilities: Safehome June Jubilee. Entertainment starring legendary cabaret singer and musical theatre actress Marilyn Maye! Event to be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel 10100 College Blvd. Overland Park. Individual tickets are $125. Please call Susan Lebovitz at 913-378-1518

Springtime Fun

Honor Our Troops

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8240 W 151st StreetOverland Park, KS 66223

913 685 0944

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