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Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities
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True Friends Family of Services
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NEWS & NOTES
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Friday, October 30, 2015
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Have a safe, fun &
happy Halloween!
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DEC 27-31 & JAN 3-7 at
Camp Courage and Camp Friendship!
Sign up today
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Camper Stories
Meet Emily
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Emily is no stranger to True Friends camps. She has been to 11 various camps at our different locations! She signed up for her first camp session at the recommendation of her speech coach, an instructor at Camp Courage's speech camp.
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My favorite part of camp every year is arts and crafts," Emily said. Emily also enjoys horseback riding, playing with bunnies and cooking at camp.
She loves seeing returning staff members, like George, who leads her favorite music class. George is known for his amazing music lessons and inviting personality. "I like getting to sing with George," Emily said. George makes music fun for all of the campers with his songs.
During the year, Emily enjoys working in her position at Opportunity Partners. She likes that she has a variety of projects to do. Her dream job is a professional poster decorator. "
I would take the posters made from people's dreams and color them. I would donate them to children's hospitals and orphanages to decorate."
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Volunteer
Be the difference.
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Sarah Wright-Walstrom was looking for an activity for her family to participate in over the summer that would allow them to do good while spending quality time together. After hearing about True Friends through a 'Doing Good Together' newsletter, Sarah decided camp was the place for them. Read the full story --> on our blog.
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Save the Date
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November 12 -
Give to the Max Day -
Join us for the seventh annual charitable giving event through GiveMN.org.
We'll be rallying all Minnesotans to cheer on their favorite causes during this 24-hour extravaganza of generosity. This year we will be raising money to help send kids to camp, to participate in therapeutic riding and experience vacations through Ventures Travel.
December 11 -
Auxiliary Holiday Party -
Join us at 6 p.m. in the Camp Friendship dining hall for wine and beer for tasting, appetizers and treats, silent auction gift baskets, door prizes and 50/50 raffles. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will be donated to True Friends. Contact our
development officer to purchase a ticket.
December 27-31 & January 3-7 -
Winter Camp - Join us at Camp Courage or Camp Friendship for Winter Camp! Campers will have the option of outdoor activities like sledding or building snow forts or be able to relax inside with crafts, games and gym activities. Find out more details
here or
register today.
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Giving is Good
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We are very thankful for a $25,000 commitment we received just last Friday from the Finish Line Youth Foundation. With this generous gift, we will not only meet the Lion's Grant Challenge, we will exceed it, qualifying us for a $100,000 grant to complete a fully-accessible ropes course
at Camp Courage
and purchase a mini bus. That's a total of $200,000 towards life-changing experiences!
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Camp Courage's 60th Anniversary
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| Jane Houlton, Rose Adams and Virginia Schoenbohm-Clymer |
The event held on Oct. 11 to celebrate the 60th year of Camp Courage was one to remember. Many Camp Courage alumni and special guests came back to camp to reminisce and listen to the Goat Ropers play.
"The event was perfect in so many ways. It was especially meaningful for me to meet even more of the passionate folks whose lives were intertwined and woven into the fabric of Camp Courage," Ed Stracke, True Friends President and CEO commented. Guests were also able to attend the
True Strides open house and witness therapeutic riding demonstrations in the amazing new facility! You can find pictures from the event and a digital copy of the memory book on
our website!
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True Friends Can...
help us send 60 children and adults to camp, therapeutic riding and on trips of a lifetime!
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 When you participate in
Give to the Max Day this year, remember True Friends.
This 24-hour charitable giving initiative was established in 2009 and has become an annual tradition. Every year thousands of organizations and individuals generate donations and excitement for organizations that are working to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans.
 This year, our goal is to send at least 60 children and adults to camp, therapeutic riding lessons with
True Strides or on dream vacations with
Ventures Travel as possible. At True Friends, we never want to turn anyone away because of an inability to pay. Your donation supports scholarships for individuals of all abilities to experience life-changing adventures that enhance independence and self-esteem.
Last year, True Friends raised money for a custom, accessible, multi-sensory playground. Equipment for the playground is arriving daily at Camp Eden Wood, and the full set should be completed in the coming months!
Giving Tip #95:
No gift is too small
Many people believe they need to be wealthy to make a legacy gift. In fact, most legacy gifts are made by everyday people who want to make a difference. A simple way is to designate True Friends and other favorite causes as percentage beneficiaries in your retirement plans such as your 403B, 401K or IRA. Contact your retirement plan administrator today and/or for more information, call Gary Wagner at 952-697-2290.
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