New Team Member, Donations, and Events, Oh my!
A Month of Growth, Giving, and Gratitude
September 2023
September has been an incredible month for UpsideDown Moments! We warmly welcomed a new team member, strengthening our mission even further. We had the privilege of attending the Kyrus Charities Golf Tournament, fostering valuable connections in our community. Your generous monetary donations have continued to pour in, empowering us to create an even more positive impact. Special requests were met with the kind-hearted support of our community. Our Super Saturday Celebration was a tremendous success, filled with laughter and shared moments of joy. And let's not forget the countless donations received throughout the month that have fueled our mission of making a difference in the lives of children. Together, we are creating a world where every child knows they are loved, valued, and supported. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support!
New Team Member Alert
Leslie Ihara- Volunteer Coordinator
We are thrilled to welcome Leslie to the UpsideDown Moments team as our new Volunteer Coordinator. Leslie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission of making a positive difference in the lives of children. With her organizational skills and passion for community involvement, we are confident that Leslie will play a pivotal role in connecting our dedicated volunteers with opportunities that will create meaningful impacts. Her enthusiasm and dedication are already shining through, and we look forward to achieving even greater heights with Leslie on board.
Leslie currently resides in the South Riding/Aldie area with her husband of 24 years, Chris, daughter Emma (junior at James Madison University), son Ben (freshman at James Madison University), and their cat, Gracie. In addition to working with the UpsideDown Moments team, Leslie works full-time for a remote-based financial services technology company. When not working, you can find her baking, exercising, or looking for a new hobby to take up her ‘extra time’ as a new empty nester.
Welcome to the UpsideDown Moments team Leslie!
Volunteer of the Month
LINDA- WILLING TO TRAVEL FOR A CAUSE
Meet Linda Handel, our dedicated and tireless supporter who goes above and beyond to make a difference at UpsideDown Moments. She lives in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t stop her commitment to UpsideDown Moments and our cause. She's always ready to roll up her sleeves, sort, and organize clothing and supplies, doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Recently, she showcased her unwavering dedication by stepping in at a moment's notice and putting in a full 9 hours of hard work to help process the donations we received. Linda's dedication and can-do spirit are truly inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful to have her as part of our team. Thank you, Linda, for your relentless passion and support!
We have an Amazon Wishlist!
COME SEE US OCTOBER 7TH 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Come see us at our booth where we will have a fun activity that contributes to youth in need, info on how to get involved, and more.
From the website: Every October, The Sterling Foundation throws a massive block party, celebrating the best of our hometown! Bring the whole family, and explore booths offering the best of local businesses and artisans. Sample fine food from a wide variety of local restaurants. While the kids enjoy games, obstacle courses, and crafts, parents can sit down in the Beer Garden for a pint of locally brewed beer.
Thank you to all who contributed!
JOIN THE GIVING MOVEMENT
A heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every one of you who contributed to UpsideDown Moments during the month of September. Your collective generosity and support have resulted in an incredible total donation of $1,550, and it's truly heartwarming. Your belief in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children is a testament to the kindness and compassion that exists within our community. These funds will go a long way in helping us provide essential supplies and support to the children we serve. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our cause and the impact you've made. Together, we're changing lives and creating a brighter future for these incredible kids. Thank you for being a part of UpsideDown Moments and for making September a month filled with hope and positivity.
Sharing is Caring
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND SHARE WITH FRIENDS
Annual Golf Tournament
We were thrilled to attend Kyrus Charities' annual golf tournament for the second year in a row. The day was beautiful with the location at Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club. We made wonderful connections and many people expressed enthusiasm over learning about UpsideDown Moments’ cause and ways for them to get involved. Kyrus Charities is an incredible organization and we are very thankful for their support!
THANK YOU!
Requests Filled!
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR PROVIDING!
With school back in full swing we are receiving more frequent requests from local school liaisons on behalf of the youth they serve, in addition to regular requests from caseworkers. While we have many items in stock, sometimes there are requests for items we don’t have on hand. A heartfelt thank you to Candice Elizabeth, Brian Groleau, Megan Stahl Smith, Amanda Hartman Cherry, Kirsten Linge, Tricia Virts, Maroussia Scarbeck, Patty Stephenson, Holly Means, Lori Baker Holloway, and all our wonderful supporters who have been fulfilling special requests for baby items, essential household supplies, and teen boy clothing. Your generosity and willingness to meet these specific needs are truly heartwarming. Your contributions are making a tangible impact on the lives of those we serve, ensuring that families have the essentials they require and that teenagers have the clothing they need to feel confident. Together, we're creating UpsideDown Moments of comfort and hope, and we couldn't do it without your incredible support. Thank you for being a beacon of kindness in our community! Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our special needs and requests that pop up.
Can You Help Us Find Our New Home?
As our commitment to the community deepens, UpsideDown Moments is actively seeking a new space to further enhance our impact. This space will serve as a haven for our donation items, allowing us to efficiently organize and distribute essential resources to those in need. It will also become a space for our free shopping days. By providing a dedicated, versatile space, UpsideDown Moments aims to amplify the positive change we bring to the lives of those we serve, fostering a brighter future for all.
Acts of Kindness
Meet Paisley, a shining example of compassion and selflessness. On her recent 9th birthday, she decided to use her birthday money to purchase presents for children in foster care. This act of kindness goes far beyond her years, showcasing a heart filled with empathy and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Her actions remind us all that small gestures of generosity can create ripples of happiness and hope. Paisley, you are an inspiration to us all, and your kindness truly makes the world a better place.
Super Saturday Celebrations at Shelter House in Leesburg!
IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
In September, UpsideDown Moments hosted a heartwarming Super Saturday Celebration at the Leesburg Shelter House, creating unforgettable memories for the children we serve. We celebrated three special birthdays alongside a dozen other kids and their parents/guardians, turning the day into a joyous occasion filled with laughter and fun. The children unleashed their creativity with crafts, enjoyed games, and savored delicious snacks, including cupcakes generously provided by Cake4Kids. To make the day even more magical, we ensured that the birthday kids received thoughtful gifts and extended the joy to everyone with goodie bags. It was a day of love, community, and celebration, reminding us of the power of coming together to create UpsideDown Moments of happiness. We have an exciting celebration planned for October with Halloween-themed decor, games, and food! If you would like to sponsor the Super Saturday Celebrations at Shelter House or volunteer to help us host the celebration in future months, please send us a message on Facebook or email UpsideDownMoments@gmail.com. Let's make a difference and brighten the lives of those we support!
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