The past two weeks have been exciting for our staff, as we got to celebrate two Campaign Kick-off events!  In Kalamazoo, we took over Bronson Park and in Battle Creek we set up at Festival Market Square.  Both events featured healthy snacks, great music by The Cheap Dates, a book drive, and of course, our 2014 goal reveal!

The book drive helped us collect over 500 children’s books to help put the students in our region on a path toward success.  We also had a large book for guests to sign, to share favorite books that made a difference in their childhood.  We believe books are a uniquely portable magic, and just one can turn a child into a lifelong reader.

Guests distributed their donated books into the trunks of cars, in honor of our Sweepstakes.  We’re happy to be able to bring the Sweepstakes back, thanks to the generosity of the Kellogg Community Federal Credit Union and a collaboration of local car dealers.  Increasing a donation by $50, or a first time donation makes donors eligible for the Sweepstakes, where the winner receives a brand new car of their choice!

Keeping with our theme of changing the story, our reveal this year featured some special guests in Battle Creek.  Some students from S.N.A.P. preschool helped campaign chair, police chief, Matt Saxton showcase our 14.5 million dollar goal for 2014!  Kalamazoo campaign chair, Chris Tracy, had to settle for staff helping with the reveal at Bronson, but didn’t let it dampen his enthusiasm for the exciting work ahead.

Thank you to all of our supporters who joined us for both events.  We’re excited for the campaign season ahead, but as always, are mindful that this is about much more than a number.  Our real goal is to change the story in our region for the better and to create a lasting impact for all.