Adam scores for homeless kids

Just a few hours after landing in Indy after the Titans game, Adam Vinatieri came out to help us “bite back” against homelessness at the opening celebration of the US 31 south (north Greenwood) Dunkin’ Donuts. Amidst the intros and photo opps, Adam served coffee to benefit our Homelessness Bites campaign for the 1,300 kids who spend their nights on the streets of Indy.

As always, Dunkin’s crew was generous with their donation and with their hospitality. Owner Ken Wright even treated us to breakfast. (Thanks, Ken!) And the best part is that The Salvation Army will receive $1,000 for Adam’s efforts.

So, continuing thanks to Dunkin’ Donuts for their partnership and support this year. And thanks to Adam for coming out and bringing his fans to give back to the community by simply enjoying breakfast.

Get your joe from Adam!

Colts Placekicker Adam Vinatieri will kick off Tuesday morning on Indy’s south side, meeting fans and pouring coffee to help raise money for our programs that benefit homeless kids.

Beginning at 10:15 tomorrow (Tuesday 10/28) morning, Dunkin’ Donuts will donate $5 for every cup of coffee Vinatieri serves at the newest Southside Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 7853 U.S. 31. So, stop in, have some coffee, and help provide shelter, food, and social services to the 1,300 Indy children who face homelessness each day in our city. For more information about our Homelessness Bites campaign, visit HomelessnessBites.org.

Investing in people

You’re watching the same newscasts, reading the same articles about the economy as I read. Times are uncertain. It’s hard to predict where the economy will be a week or a month or a year from now. But I can guarantee one investment that will pay handsomely for years to come – investing in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Ironically, as the watchers are predicting and companies are bracing, families are losing their homes and the help hotlines are heating up. But, that’s what we’re here for. We are opening our doors wide to meet the needs in our community. Our mission to provide shelter to women and children fleeing domestic violence, financial and resource assistance to families who are struggling, and coats and Christmas gifts to children who would otherwise have none does not change with the tides of the market. 

And our commitment to our partners remains strong – when you give, you can expect change. As you thoughtfully consider where to give your support this holiday season, rest assured that those we serve remain our top priority, and we want the community to know who is making this good work possible. One of the best ways to make a difference and earn a little good will in the community’s heart is by partnering with us for our 14th annual WIBC Radiothon this December.

Your participation in this year’s Radiothon will play a vital role in the funding of the programs that we provide to those experiencing the greatest need. With consideration for the squeeze you may be feeling right now, we have designed our participation levels with flexibility in mind. If we haven’t already spoken, I look forward to meeting with you and finding a way to make a difference together.

Coat shop adds 429 new coats

Thanks to our friends at Burlington Coat Factory in Castleton, we’ve been able to take your generously donated dollars and turn them into brand new coats for Saturday’s Coats for Kids distribution.

Because donations were down, our partners at WTHR-13 put out the call for help last weekend. And Hoosiers answered with a record collection bringing the total donated for this year’s Coats for Kids campaign to over $9,600! Bob Gregory and a team from WTHR-13 joined Major Amick and a couple of our advisory board members, staff and volunteers yesterday to purchase the coats that will be distributed on Saturday at the State Fairgrounds. With Burlington’s 10% discount on already affordable coats, our shoppers were able to purchase 429 new winter coats. 

Thanks to Bob Gregory and our partners at WTHR-13 for 22 years of Coats for Kids. A special thanks to Ben and his team at Burlington Coat Factory in Castelton for opening your doors for us early, for providing hospitality and assistance and for the fantastic selection and discount. Thanks to Tuchman Cleaners for stopping by to lend a hand. And to our volunteers and our community for your time and support.

The official coat count now stands at 8,420 coats – but more importantly, each coat represents a child in need who will now have a warm reminder that they live in a community that cares about helping a neighbor in need. Thanks for your continued support!

Apple-ause for all!

On behalf of the hundreds of moms and kids who will benefit from the proceeds of this year’s Apple Fest – a huge thanks to our sponsors and neighbors who helped make the Fest a big hit!

We enjoyed a picture perfect day – and if you don’t believe us, check out the pictures…because we took a few. With fantastic Fall weather like that, who wouldn’t be enticed to come out of their cubicles and enjoy freshly grilled Applebee’s food, flavored lemonade and apple cobbler?

So, thanks to all of our fellow Hoosiers who came out to Eat in the Street in support of our Homelessness Bites campaign. And thanks to our food sponsor, Applebee’s and our promotional partner Classic Hits 104.5FM WJJK. Thanks to Band Wagon - you rocked the Circle! To our booth partners (go here to learn more) – Comedy Sportz, The Columbia Club, Adrian Orchards (those gala apples were amazing), HVAF and Operation Compassion – for coming out and sharing your products and services. Thanks to our campaign partners, Two Men and a Truck, for all you do for Homelessness Bites throughout the year!

And, of course, thanks to our volunteers who are always ready and willing to offer a hand to serve others. We appreciate you all and are looking forward to next year!

As they say, it takes a village…so don’t assume the work is done. There’s still 1,300 kids who don’t have a place to call home – who eat all their meals in the street. Homelessness Bites…Bite Back. See how you can partner with us to make a difference for our neighbors in need.

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