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November 2016 eNewsletter



     
 

View photos like these on our new photo website at  Smugmug. If you purchase prints through the site, Friends of Down Syndrome will receive a portion of your purchase. If you have photos you think should be added to the site, please contact Dorothy at  dpuchlillig@aol.com


President's Corner 

 
 
November is the month to give "Thanks!"  And we have so much to be thankful for.

Last October we were moving into our new space across from the original Academy, and just six months later we added an additional 2,500 square feet to give us a total of 7,500 square feet.  As we are reminded frequently, we are an "emerging" non-profit that has done more in 34 months than non-profits that have been around for a decade or more.  We have laid a solid foundation for what we envision our future to be.  We have dedicated and loyal volunteers that support us with their talents, money and their valuable time.
 
Our students are learning, growing more independent and reaching goals that they only dreamed of.  Our focus on speech and physical fitness has definitely shown us that these are two areas that are a challenge to many folks with Down syndrome. Our students are losing weight, gaining stamina and feeling so much more self confident about the way they look. 

Our T21 Halloween Dance was a huge success with a total of 58 hours for that one event.  We had the most original costumes and the food was delicious. Thanks to our volunteers in the kitchen, headed by Karen Evans and her loyal cooking team. Once again, we came in with over 900 volunteer hours for the month,  942.5 hours to be exact.  We are so thankful that we have the dedicated volunteers that make this organization run as smoothly as it does. Thanks to the accounting team, the volunteer recruiting team, the marketing team.  Thanks to our fantastic job coach, Bert Castillo.  She is so dedicated to teaching the students how to be good employees.  She is teaching them responsibility and accountability for their actions.  She gives so much of herself to help the students learn new vocational skills every week.   

We have so very much to be thankful for! Our focus for the month of November will be to stay in a state of gratitude for all we have received and are receiving daily.

We want to invite our family and friends to come and join us for our T21 Social Club's Thanksgiving Dinner and Talent Show on Saturday, Nov. 19,  from 6 pm to 9 pm. Tickets are on sale now, $10 each.  There will be no tickets sold at the door. Come and celebrate what we have been able to accomplish.  Come and meet some of the dynamic members of our Down syndrome community.  Come to our Thanksgiving Dinner and get to know some of the parents, siblings and volunteers that are making a difference in the lives of our members with Down syndrome.  
Until next month ... Remember to be thankful for all the good things in your life, for your family and friends and all those that support our cause!

S tay in touch with what is happening by becoming our friend on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and check out our Instagram page! 
 
Your Friend,




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Total volunteer hours for October ... 942.5
Total year to date ... 9,758.5

WOW!!!! Thank you!!!! 

Talent and Turkey!

Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and enjoy entertainment by our students as they compete in a Lip Sync contest! The event takes place Nov. 19 and tickets are $10. No tickets will be sold at the door, so get your tickets now!!!


It's time to get ready for Cinderella Ball 2017!



We are hoping to put together a raffle for the Ball, with tickets being sold later this year through the night of the Ball. If you have items to donate, such as tickets to sporting events, theater or airline points (all have to expire well after the Ball so the winner can use them), please let us know ASAP. 

We are also interested in electronic items such as new TVs or computers, iPads, iPhones or gift certificates for restaurants, stores or experiences in the area, and anything else you think would do well in a raffle! 

Cash donations and/or Visa debit cards are also welcome. 

Thank you in advance for supporting the Cinderella Ball and the raffle. Our Prince Charming and Cinderella candidates will be able to sell tickets once we put them together and those sales will go toward their team total!

For more information or to make a donation, e-mail rosarocha08@att.net or call Rosa at 281-989-0345.



 
Halloween Dance was so much fun! 
More photos on our Smugmug site! 

Notes for November ... 
Reminder that Friends of Down Syndrome/Down Syndrome Academy will be closed the entire week of Thanksgiving! Enjoy the time with your family. Gobble Gobble! 
It's only seven weeks until Christmas!

Choose us as your designated charity on Amazon Smile 


INSTRUCTIONS:

 
2.    Sign in with your current Amazon login information  OR  Create an Amazon Account
 
3.   Select an ORGANIZATION, e nter Friends of Down Syndrome in the search field and c lick     "Search"
 
4.   Select - Friends of Down Syndrome
 
5.   Confirm that you see ~ Supporting:  Friends of Down Syndrome directly under the Amazon search field.

 
6.  Now Shop! Shop! Shop!  

* Each time you shop with Amazon, you must sign in at https://smile.amazon.com for the organization to receive rewards.

And please link your Kroger card to our organization when shopping for holiday food items!

How to add Friends of Down Syndrome to your Kroger Card:

 INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Create or login to your Kroger account by clicking:   www.Kroger.com
 
2.  Click the COMMUNITY TAB, t hen click COMMUNITY REWARDS, and click  ENROLL NOW.

3.  On your ACCOUNT SUMMARY scroll to Community Rewards section and click ENROLL.
 
4.  Under FIND YOUR ORGANIZATION
Enter The organization number - 99855  --OR--  Friends of Down Syndrome
 
5.  Select - Friends of Down Syndrome
 
6.  Click ENROLL

Your Account Summary should now reflect your support of FoDS:
  • Organization Name: FRIENDS OF DOWN SYNDROME
  • Organization Number: 99855
  • Enrollment Date: 01/18/2016
  • Must renew your membership every year in August.

Contact Us


Rosa Rocha, President

(281) 989 - 0345

5200 Mitchelldale, Suite D4
Houston, Texas  77092