Volunteer 
eNewsletter
2nd Edition
Fall 2017

Avenues to Independence 
515 Busse Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068
T- 847-292-0870  F-  847-292-0873
Have a fundraising idea?
On June 27 Avenues to Independence Board Member and long-time supporter Matt Coyne brought his two passions together and rode 1000 miles in 24 hours through parts of Michigan and Wisconsin with his riding partner and brother-in-law Tony Lewandowski to help raise awareness and funds for Avenues to Independence.

Matt raised more than $2600 for Avenues programs. He has been involved with Avenues to Independence for nearly three decades as a member of the Board of Directors, and previously served as Chairman of the Board. His Park Ridge insurance company employs Avenues program participants Charlie, Louis and Brian.

If you would like to do a small fundraising endeavor for Avenues please share your ideas. We would be happy to offer you support and guidance through your venture. In addition to Matt’s ride we have also had volunteers raise money by running the Chicago Marathon and selling artwork to benefit Avenues’ programs.
Do you have a passion for fashion? 
Are you good with customers or have a background in retail? Well, then do we have the volunteer positions for you! The Avenues Thrift Shoppe is looking for volunteers who are interested in working on a great team that makes a difference at Avenues. 

We are in need of a cashier on Monday afternoons from 1-5. Responsibilities will include customer service, handling payment transactions, and making sure shelves are stocked and tidy. Also needed is someone who can help go through and organize items that we have in stock. This position would be needed once a week for 2-4 hours. For more information and to hear more about additional available opportunities please call 773-631-4624 or email Will Sterba at wsterba@avenuestoindependence.org .
Sasser Family Holdings Volunteer Day
In August, employees from Sasser Family Holdings, Inc. volunteered their time for the company-wide day of service. Members from the group helped participants from the Recycling Avenue program disassemble donated electronics, test products to see if they were in working condition and research items for history and value. Also helping out that day at Avenues residential homes was another group of Sasser Family Holdings employees to help with gardening and yard work. The group purchased gardening tools to use for the project and donated them to Avenues to use in the future.
 
Sasser Family Holdings Inc. is a family-owned transportation asset services and management company. The Sasser family has been involved with Avenues for nearly 50 years and we are grateful to them and to the many other Sasser family members and employees who provide volunteer and advisory expertise throughout the year.
 
We have many opportunities for businesses to get involved with Avenues. You can choose to do a company-wide day of giving, sponsor an event or hold a fundraiser at your place of business. If you have a business that would like to donate their time to Avenues please email Stacie Cragg at cragg@avenuestoindependence.org or reach by phone at 847-292-0870  ex 121
Avenues to the Rescue!
Thanks to the Wheeling Fire Department and staff member Katie Garrity, participant Craig Dietrich received a personal invite to visit the station.

Craig, a big fan of the fire department, met with the fire crew, learned about the emergency vehicles and toured the station .

Would you like to help plan an experience for an Avenues program participant or have an idea of how you can help brighten their day, please share! Avenues staff are always looking for new ideas on how to make the day fun and exciting for our program participants. We would be happy to partner you with a program participant and a member of the staff to plan an experience like no other. 
St. Viator Student Volunteers cleanup for Avenues! 
This summer an Avenues home in Des Plaines received some much needed sprucing up thanks to students from St. Viator High school in Arlington Heights. 

The 11 student volunteers helped beautify the home’s landscaping by pulling weeds, cutting shrubs, and planting flowers.  Thank you to the students who donated their time and talents over their summer break. 

Avenues is always looking for volunteers to help throughout the year to maintain the residents’ homes. This is a great opportunity for students to get volunteer hours for school or confirmation. This could also work for church groups, small businesses or just a group of friends looking to do some good in the community. To volunteer your time at the residential facilities please contact Floyd Kortenhof by phone at 847-825- 6498 or by
Email at  kortenhof@avenuestoindependence.org
Get to know our newest board member

Sara McKitrick! 


In each edition of the Volunteer eNewsletter we will focus on a new volunteer or board member and get to know them a little better. Introducing Sara!

Sara McKitrick, a second generation Park Ridge native, joined Avenues Suburban Advisory Board in 2014. She has been eager to support the people and programs that enrich Avenues and by association, our community as a whole. To that end, Sara enthusiastically guides fundraising efforts, serving as Co-Chair and Chair of the Love Affair Gala in 2015 and 2016. Sara and her husband John live in Park Ridge with their two daughters, Teagan (16) and Claire (12) and enjoy travel of all sorts.

What is one of your favorite books? A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

When someone new moves into town, what would you tell them is your favorite part about living in Park Ridge? Park Ridge is constantly evolving but manages to stay exactly it's same old charming self year after year. Strangely comforting. I'm sure there exists a scientific equation that explains this phenomenon but that's for another newsletter

What is one country you have always wanted to visit but have not yet? Lots! Hong Kong, Australia/New Zealand come to mind...

What is your most favorite memory of your time volunteering with Avenues? The first BBQ at the work-center; our adaptable carnival games gave me a chance to 'play' with most clients all at once - it was a laugh-riot of cheers and clapping. A close second is of course watching the excitement whenever Matt Coyne's Red Jeep pulls in for festivities at the work center. Pure joy!

What do you hope to accomplish   with your new role at Avenues?  Help spread the magic that is our Avenues Family by introducing this special organization to our communities at large.
Fall Volunteer Opportunities! 
Volunteers are needed for Beyond the Runway Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show on September 17 at the Hilton Chicago/Northbrook Hotel. Volunteer needs include helping set-up and take-down, selling raffle tickets, helping models get ready backstage and general day-of event responsibilities. 

For more information on how you can donate your time please email Stacie Cragg at cragg@avenuestoindependence.org or reach by phone at 847-292-0870  ex 121

Contact Information
Avenues to Independence
515 Busse Highway
Park Ridge IL 60068
847-292-0870