Events

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“We have a good community. We know a lot of good people. I wish the whole Earth could be just one big community. Imagine if all the good people worked together.” – Braeden Quinn

Not long ago I introduced you to an inspiring young Delawarean that is finding time to give back to his community between school, sports and being a ten year old kid.

Meet Braeden Quinn
Braeden Quinn, Founder of 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags

I began working with Braeden after his grandmother saw an article about Gals That Give’s monthly girl’s night out for charity events in The News Journal. He reached out to us on Twitter, asking if we could help him plan an upcoming event. Impressed with Braeden’s mission to help others at such a young age, it was without question that the gals were all on board to help!

To my surprise, our task was not to plan a full scale fundraising event with fancy decorations, auction items or gidgets and gadgets galore. We were planning a fun party where Braeden could invite his biggest supporters and simply thank them for their help throughout his first year of 3B’s. What an A-W-E-S-O-M-E concept.

Thank You! Celebration
Thank You! Celebration

But seriously, our world today needs more positivity, selflessness and thank yous! To me, each brown bag that Braeden delivers contains more than water and healthy snacks. It sends hope, optimism and a proof that people do care. Something that we all need to be reminded of once in a while.

3B NonProfit Thanks Delaware

The celebration was a huge success! We were honored to be part of such a fun and thoughtful event. There were games like foursquare and cornhole, a moonbounce obstacle course, photobooth, door prizes, music from WSTW, t-shirts, cool sunglasses that fold up to fit in your pocket and delicious food. Who knew the Bear-Glasgow YMCA had so much awesome space for fun events and parties.

 

YMCA Bear Glasgow
Setting up at the YMCA

 

3B Summer Celebration at the YMCA
3B goody bags & t-shirts!

 

3B Summer Celebration at the YMCA door prizes
Door prizes – so many winners!
Inflatables at 3B Celebration YMCA
The obstacle course from Inflatables R Fun!
So much fun!
So much fun!
3Bs: UDairy Creamery
Finn was the first to test taste UDairy Creamery!
Basketball Court at YMCA Delaware
Foursquare and basketball too!
The kids were loving it!
The kids were loving it!

Braeden even gave a great speech and gave out awards to people like his buddy Senator Bryan Townsend, Senator Bethany Hall Long, super supporters from his family like his grandparents, Ministry of Caring, The Food Bank of Delaware, YMCA of Delaware, Gals That Give & APO Zeta Sigma at University of Delaware. Delaware Senator Tom Carper, Jeffery Gentry of The News Journal, Tanya Steel of Epicurious were also thanked but were unable to be make the event.

Bear Glasgow YMCA Pavilion
The YMCA pavilion was packed!
Braeden and Senator Bryan Townsend
Braeden thanks his buddy, Senator Bryan Townsend.
Braeden thanks his grandmother.
Braeden thanks his grandmother.

 

Braeden hugs his grandfather
Braeden hugs his grandfather
Senator Bethany Hall Long Summer Celebration
Senator Bethany Hall Long with her award from Brae!

I was part of a planning committee that consisted of Braeden, his mom Christy, Terry Mullan of the YMCA and Kim Turner and Caitlin Custer from The Food Bank of Delaware. He invited us up on stage and said the nicest things about each of us! Braeden’s thoughtful and unexpected words gave me goosebumps – thank you, Braeden!! I just have to say that it is easy to bubbly and happy when you are helping someone like you make a difference in the world! You inspire us all, Braeden. Keep up the awesome work.

 

3B Planning Celebration
The #3BThankYou planning team rockin’ the 3B sunglasses
So excited about our award!
So excited about our award! #dogood

Sponsors of the 3B Thank You event were: YMCA of Delaware, The Food Bank of Delaware, 93.7 WSTW, Big Fish Grill, UDairy Creamery, Custom Ink, Gals That Give, Holman Moving Systems and the Transportation Union Systems Local Lodge 584.

3B Moo Mobile UDairy Creamery
Yum! Four flavors to choose from.
Amelia and Christy Mannering
Super Mom of Braeden, Christy and his sister Amelia!

Keep up the amazing work Braeden! Looking forward to next year.

Find out more about 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags
Braeden Mannering is a ten year old on a mission to help those in need with healthy snacks. He’s a food insecurity advocate and introduced Michelle Obama with a fantastic speech at the 2014 Kids’ State Dinner in July 2014. Follow Braeden’s adventures to do good on Facebook, Twitter or read his blog.

 

 

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The community that plays together, wins together! Middletown Community Has Fun at 24 Hour FundraiserIf you haven’t heard about the hardworking Middletown community organization M.O.T. Big Ball you should keep reading! The annual 24 hour Big Ball Marathon supports the Middletown, Odessa, Townsend community year round through various avenues. I’ve had the opportunity to meet the hardworking group of people that go above and beyond to support to their community year round – they are amazing!

 If you don’t have plans for Labor Day weekend, keep that calendar clear! Sign up for a team or stop by Silver Lake Park in Middletown, Delaware August 29th & 30th for family fun, live music, face painting, games, good food and sportsmanship for a good cause. 

Middletown Community Includes Dogs
Big Ball: Fun For All!
Middletown Community Helps Delaware
Fun for all ages!
Middletown Community Labor Day Fundraiser
Even Chimps can play!

  24 Hours of Fun For Everyone! This very unique fundraising event draws thousands of people from the Delaware community to watch softball games, participate in family fun activities and raise money for the Middletown Community. The actual softball tournament was the most fun I’ve ever had at any fundraiser. Ever. Playing in the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon was like being in gym class again and the length of gym class depends on how many games you want to play! I played in three games last year with three different teams. It was actually the first time I’ve ever played in a softball game so I was pretty happy that it truly is a ball the size of a grapefruit. Teams are from all over Delaware – companies, radio stations, schools, sports teams, friends, clubs and there are even teams that play with their furry friends – dogs and horses! It is a great way to get the whole family involved in giving back to the Middletown community – children of all ages can participate and I even brought my dog Wolfgang along with me who loved playing in the outfield!   Middletown Community Softball Tournment

Marathon Teams A significant piece of the tournament is the four marathon teams that play for 12 hours straight against the hourly individual teams. I’m not sure how they do it but they were positive and upbeat the whole time.    

  What does the M.O.T. Big Ball do?  Middletown Community MOT Big BallThe M.O.T. Big Ball Committee is dedicated to supporting those who need it most in the surrounding areas of the Middletown community. In addition to supporting other initiatives within the community, the funds raised from the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon efforts provide a safety net fund to help families throughout the year who might experience an unforeseen job loss, illness or other startling life change. Over the past 16 years, the M.O.T. Big Ball tournament has raised over $500,000 for the Middletown community.

In 2013 alone, the annual Labor Day tournament raised over $63,000! Proceeds from the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon supports many local organizations including: – The M.O.T. Big Ball committee has provided over $75,000 to the New Castle County Habitat for Humanity – M.O.T. Big Ball helps provide the roofs for the Habitat for Humanity homes built in Middletown. – Supports Positive Behavior Support (PBS) in the area’s schools. – Provide school supplies for the Appoquinomink School District – Neighborhood House, Freedom Center for Independent Living, Kellen Poultney Scholarship Fund, M.O.T. Special Olympics, The Everett Theatre, The Gibby Theater, Boys & Girls Club, Youth for Christ, Amazing Grace Ministries and the M.O.T. Senior Center. How You Can Help: – Tell your friends! Show support for M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon by connecting with them on Facebook – Donate directly to the community fund online. Every dollar counts. – Play! Join a marathon team (you brave soul)! – Play! Put a team together to play August 29th or August 30th for one game. M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon Starts: August 29th at 6:00 pm Location: Silver Lake Park 200 East Cochran Street Middletown, Delaware 19709

For more information, visit the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon website or contact: Kate Rokosz Email: [email protected] Phone: (302) 379-1531 Middletown Community Labor Day Marathon

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Did you know that the first Friday of every month, the downtown Dover shops pretty much throw a big block party with refreshments, fun activities and live music for the whole family? Stop searching for inexpensive things to do with your family on a Friday night! Get outside, walk around and enjoy what downtown Dover has to offer. It is a much better way to spend your time (and money) than two hours at the movie theater or in front of the television on a beautiful summer night.

Check out everything there is to do for all groups of age or interest at First Friday Downtown Dover:

August Theme: Downtown Dover Beach Party! First Friday, August 1st: from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Frankfurt Bakery on S. Governors Ave – Arts in the Alley, face painting, cupcake decorating, and an origami demonstration for the kids! DJ & live performance from the Blecher Trio, a family of kids singing the Disney Hits.

Bayard Pharmacy on Loockerman St. – Free refreshments from Frankfurt Bakery & a free summer gift basket for the first 15 kids who stop in.

Bel Boutique on Loockerman St. – Throwback Party Vintage Style! Fun for all – stop by to check out the real, vintage hot rod in front of the shop and check out the Alex & Ani Vintage ’66 collection. If this were me – it would be a great way to get the fiancé to shop with me! I could check out the Alex & Ani bracelets for as long as I wanted! Clever setup here, ladies.

Dover Art League on W. Loockerman St. presents “Shades of Georgia O’ Keeffe”, talented local artists will be able to demonstrate their appreciation for the works of this famous, accomplished artist. The criteria for submitted artworks it that the art works be in a style inspired by the works of O’Keeffe. This could mean art works done in modernist style, vibrant color, similar subject matter, or any other way that may show Georgia O’Keeffe’s influence.There will be a reception from 5pm to 7pm.

33 West on Loockerman St. – Live music by Tim Jardon starting at 8:30 pm

Golden Fleece on Loockerman St. – Hors d’oeurves and live entertainment featuring Brian McDaniels followed by Stacks Entertainment

Beyond Dimensions on Governors Ave – Hosting singer/songwriter Rick Hudson & light refreshments

Blue Hen Auction Company on Loockerman St. – Free Antique Appraisals from 5 to 7 pm

Dover News Stand on Loockerman St. – Live music by J.D. Sage

Rouge: 50% all bikinis

Partners In Design: 20% off everything

Additional First Friday participants in downtown Dover: Suds Bar & Essentials, Forney’s & Forney’s Too, Cendel Foundation, Beehive Beauty Shop, Emmanuel’s Book Shop, Amore Bridal, Chereveux Salon, J La Salon, Maxine’s Fashions, Dover Public Library

First Friday Downtown Dover Give Back to the Delaware community The participating First Friday Downtown Dover merchants all donate a percentage of sales to a chosen charity of the month as part of “First Friday Gives Back”. The Downtown Dover Partnership merchants have decided to partner with the local Gals That Give charity which means that the proceeds from “First Friday” in the beginning of each month will go to the corresponding Gals That Give charity of that month. 

The August 1st, 2014 “First Friday” will benefit Foundation for a Better Tomorrow to correspond with the July 17th Girls Night benefit.

Downtown Dover First Friday Gives Back

Time to open up that smart phone calendar and invite your your friends, family or co-workers to stop by downtown Dover the first Friday of each month to enjoy a big party and give back to the community. Enjoy art, face painting, live music, food, community and fun for the whole family. Follow their happenings on Facebook.

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As you may know, Christina Lessard and I help lead a non-profit called Gals That Give along with three other women: Kim Willson of Ruggerio Willson & Associates, Stephanie Turner of George & Lynch and Erin Barrett of Outlook Events at The Duncan Center.

Gals That Give Kids 2014
Gals That Give ladies with local 4H Club

We’ve had a surge of new interest in the event lately so I thought I would create a post that would explain what we do, the concept and how those interested can join. The concept is pretty simple (and fun)! Once a month Gals That Give hosts a Girl’s Night Out dinner for charity. The event kicks off at 5:30 pm to end at 7:30 pm and includes a buffet dinner, cash bar, 50/50 and Chinese auction. All proceeds go to the featured charity which changes each month.

Gals On A Mission:
Gals That Give is giving back to the non-profit organizations in our local community. Our work is about building stronger communities and relationships and we believe that women are an important leverage point in that work. Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

It’s working!
Gals That Give kicked off in September 2013 and it is astounding to see 150 women pull together and raise thousands of dollars for a local charity in just two hours. To date, Gals That Give events have collectively raised a total of $29,771 for the local area.

Each charity has brought a new group of women to the table and it seems like our core group of ladies just keeps growing and growing! In a room of about 150 ladies, about sixty percent return from previous months and about forty percent are joining us for the first time.

No – you do not need to have a “date” with you to join us for the first time. If you are weary about being a first timer – just message us or let one of us know and we’ll introduce you to a few friendly faces. You might even recognize someone from one of the charities we’ve worked with in 2014.

Past Gals That Give events:
– Next Generation Delaware South, September 2013
– The Shepard Place, November 2013
– Communities In Schools Delaware, January 2014
– Cancer Support Community Delaware, February 2014
– Purrfect Haven Cat Rescue, March 2014
– Holler N Hooves 4H Club of Delaware, April 2014
– Girls on The Run Delaware, May 2014
– Operation: Dorm to Gourm, June 2014
– Foundation For A Better Tomorrow, July 2014

Upcoming Gals That Give events:
– Thursday, September 18th: Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity RSVP here
– Thursday, October 16th: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
– Thursday, November 20th, Gals (and Guys) That Give benefit for Dover F.O.P

Did that just say Gals AND Guys? Yes! It did – we’re so excited to celebrate our first birthday with a co-ed event and hope that you’ll join us with your gal and guy friends for a fun evening giving back to the Dover Fraternal Order of Police.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $25 per person. You can pay online via Eventbrite or by cash or check made out to Gals That Give at the door the day of the event.

How to Participate:
We’ve had a lot of ladies ask what they can do to help or to become a member. All you have to do is join in on the fun at our events. If you’d like to participate by donating an auction item, you can do that as well.

What is the Gals That Give Auction?
The Gals That Give auction is 25 to 60 items donated by local people or organizations in the community. You have the option to purchase raffle tickets at the event and place them in the corresponding cup for the items that you’d like to win. At the end of the evening, we shake up the cups and pull a ticket – if it is your number, you are going home a winner! 100% of the ticket proceeds go towards the featured charity of the month.

To date, we’ve seen a variety of items including Alex & Ani bracelents, TOMS shoes, fashion accessories, art from local artists, cakes, gift certificates, wine baskets, food baskets, girls night out baskets, massage gift certificates, mulch, a beach house weekend, Phillies tickets, event tickets, hair cuts, hair treatments, kid birthday parties, gym memberships and much more.

How to donate an item to the Chinese Auction:
You can coordinate with one of the ladies from Gals That Give or a representative from that month’s featured charity. We do ask that we have the item a few days prior to the event so we can everything set up before the doors open at 5:30 pm. We can also give you an in kind donation form as well!

How Charities can apply:
Charities that have a 501©3 status can submit an application to us at a Gals That Give dinner for consideration. Contact us via email, at an event or on Facebook for the application.

How to contact Gals That Give and stay current on upcoming events:

Join Our Mailing List
Connect with us on Facebook:
Connect with us on Twitter: @GalsThatGive
Email Us: [email protected]
Go to our Eventbrite page for details on current, past & upcoming events.

Gals That Give Rock The World

We hope to hear from you! If you’ve been to a Gals That Give event, we’d love to hear what you think!