Tag: Fundraiser

MESSAGE FROM BACKYARD GROWERS LARA LEPIONKA: HOW TO PUT HEALTHY FOOD ON YOUR NEIGHBOR’S TABLE

Posted on by Kim Smith
I’ve been told that spring isn’t canceled. So with this promise of spring, we are working hard to get our community and backyard gardens ready for the growing season so people can have fresh, healthy food to put on their tables. As with most things these days, this pandemic is threatening this promise.
Now more than ever community and backyard gardens are a critical part of our local food system. Gardens help improve food security and the health and nutrition of our most vulnerable populations. And now, with looming job losses and income instability for many more residents, growing some of one’s one food in backyard, community, and even container gardens can make a big difference in the health and wellness of our community during this unprecedented time.
We want you to know that we are working harder than ever to deliver new and innovative ways to serve our economically vulnerable seniors and families–through virtual training, safe seed and seedling distribution, enhanced digital content through our website, and a new, affordable container garden program.
We need your help to keep the promise of spring alive for our gardeners and program members. Please consider making a monthly, sustaining gift to Backyard Growers so we can continue to serve our community. When you make a new or increased monthly contribution today, your donation will be DOUBLED thanks to our friends at The Lenny Zakim Fund . Please make the biggest impact possible by supporting us today. DONATE HERE
If you’re interested in more Information on how you can become a Backyard Garden participant or Community Gardener, including income eligibility information, click here . For households that do not meet BYG income eligibility, Backyard Growers has partnered with Black Earth Compost to deliver and install raised bed gardens around the region.
For more information on our plans for Backyard Growers’ programs, visit my blog post here.
With gratitude and wishes for strong health and happier time
Lara Lepionka
Founder & Executive Director at Backyard Growers

PLEASE LEND A HAND – JOSEPHINE TAORMINA GO FUND ME FUNDRAISER

Posted on by Kim Smith

Please consider helping this beautiful, kind lady. Thank you ❤

TO DONATE GO HERE

In October of 2018 Josephine Taormina was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  Her team of doctors swiftly and aggressively started treatment with chemotherapy. After 70 days in the hospital, Josephine was released knowing that she would receive a stem cell transplant over the next few months from her daughter.

The stem cell transplant was considered a success and everyone thought Josephine was on her road to recovery.

Her first relapse happened in September 2019.  She was back in the hospital which was becoming an all to familiar place for her and her family.  During her hospitalizations, Josephine acquired many side effects both common and rare.

READ MORE HERE

Josephine (right) and Friends

MAMA AND BABY OPOSSUM GET SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE!

Posted on by Kim Smith

She was found lying in the woods, barely breathing with her helpless baby clinging to her. We believe she was hit by a car. She had severe head trauma, extreme hypothermia and was very thin and dehydrated. We brought her into our facility, warmed her up and started an IV. We honestly didn’t think she would make it, but we had to try – for her sake and for her baby.

We were so thankful that she slowly began to responded to our care. Every day she became more and more lively. After about three weeks of treatment she was able to be released. Knowing this mama Opossum and her baby had a second chance at life made all the effort worthwhile.

If you would like to support our efforts, we could really use the community’s help with some much needed supplies.  

Wildlife Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3SGHHZJ5OBGN0?ref_=wl_share

Thank you Cape Ann Wildlife for all you do to help our local wild creatures!

WONDERFUL FAMILY FUN BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT THE ROSE BAKER SENIOR CENTER, WITH SPECIAL GUESTS SANTA, MAYOR SEFATIA, DOMINICK THE DONKEY, MICKEY, MINNIE, AND CHASE FROM PAWS PATROL

Posted on by Kim Smith

Thank you to Roseanne Cody, Rosalie Nicastro, and all the volunteers for organizing the wonderfully fun family breakfast held at the Rose Baker Senior Center on Sunday morning. The center was packed with children eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa and Friends. Santa did not disappoint and individual photos were taken with all the kids. Rosalie shares that 100 percent of the tickets and raffle sales benefit the Senior Center!

TOGETHER WE CAN SET THE TABLE FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Posted on by Kim Smith

My friend Nicole Duckworth is part of the Open Door’s Turkey Team, a group of individuals collectively raising funds for the Open Door’s Thanksgiving drive. Nicole has raised $250.00 towards her $500.00 goal. Please help Nicole help local families. Thirty dollars buys a family a turkey dinner, complete with all the fixings. You can donate by clicking here. Thank you!

Nicole writes:

“Join me making a real difference.

Even a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my fundraising goal for The Open Door — and we’ll be making the holidays so much brighter for our neighbors in need. Every $30 provides a basket, so whether you give $10 or $100, we’ll be helping local families set their holiday tables.

Thank you!”

There are more people than ever this year who need our community’s help with Thanksgiving. Working with all the Turkey Team members, the Open Door’s  goal is to raise $10,000.00.  Read more about how you can help here:

Help The Open Door Provide Holiday Meal Baskets

Start a fundraiser to provide families who struggle to make ends meet with all the fixings to prepare their own festive holiday meals

We’re asking a few of our key partners to rally their friends, family, and networks to help us provide Holiday Meal Baskets to families who struggle to make ends meet.

We invite you to help us collectively raise $10,000 for Holiday Meal Baskets this season. Set your own fundraising goal to help us get there. When you join The Open Door’s Turkey Team, you can help these families uphold their own family traditions by preparing their own home-cooked holiday dinners — and you’ll help your friends feel good about doing good!

Starting a meal-basket fundraiser is easy to do — and it’s fun. We’ll give you all the tools you’ll need. With your help, we’ll be able to make the holidays so much brighter for our neighbors in need.

Photo courtesy wikicommons media

Marshall’s Farm and Craft Fair Fundraiser for Magnolia Pier

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Looks like Saturday, October 5, 2019 is going to be an amazing beautiful fall day.  A great to day to visit Marshall’s Farm and Craft Fair Fundraiser.  Also come and say hi to the cute Alpacas such as Rocky, Buttercup, little Hoppy and of course the goats, Ben and Jerry.

NICOLE DUCKWORTH FUNDRAISER “DONATE FOR LIFE”

Posted on by Kim Smith

Friends, please consider donating to my friend Nicole Duckworth’s fundraiser. She is running the NEDS Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 18th, to raise money and awareness of the need for organ donations. NEDS is an acronym for New England Donor Services. She had a wonderfully successful bake sale to raise funds and any additional donation would be tremendously appreciated. Thank you so much! Please donate here.

Erica is here thanks to her organ donor. Learn more and register online at Register Here

Cheers for the Pier

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni
Magnolia Pier Fundraising Committee
If anyone would like to donate a painting or great present, please contact me by tomorrow, Tuesday.  Thank you.
Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 4 PM – 9 PM
Shore Road, Gloucester, MA  01930
Our Beloved pier is coming back to life so lets CELEBRATE! We are shutting down Shore Rd at the Landing and throwing a party! Bring the family, bring some cash, bring your party pants and let’s toast the Pier and rake in some $$ to help pay off the construction crews!
Lobster will be first come first served at 6pm, Burgers and dogs and corn available.
Cash Bar. Beer and wine only.
Kids Korner with activities for the youngins
Live auction at 7pm
50/50 raffle (must be present to win)
Local gift certificates raffle

Cheers to the Pier

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni
Magnolia Pier Fundraising Committee
Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 4 PM – 9 PM
Shore Road, Gloucester, MA  01930
Our Beloved pier is coming back to life so lets CELEBRATE! We are shutting down Shore Rd at the Landing and throwing a party! Bring the family, bring some cash, bring your party pants and let’s toast the Pier and rake in some $$ to help pay off the construction crews!
Lobster will be first come first served at 6pm, Burgers and dogs and corn available.
Cash Bar. Beer and wine only.
Kids Korner with activities for the youngins
Live auction at 7pm
50/50 raffle (must be present to win)
Local gift certificates raffle

TOMORROW Beer & Wine Tasting at Gloucester House for GHS Docksiders

Posted on by Catherine

annual spring Booster for GHS Docksiders –  Wine and Beer Tasting at The Gloucester House on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 6:30PM.

Docksiders 2019

You can buy a ticket or donate at Alexandra’s Bread, 265 Main Street, Gloucester

FUNDRAISER FOR FIESTA LEGEND ANTHONY “MATZA” GIAMBANCO

Posted on by Kim Smith

PLEASE JOIN US IN HELPING MATZA WITH HIS FIGHT AGAINST CANCER. Checks may be sent to:

Gloucester Fund

45 Middle Street

Gloucester MA, 01930

Memo: Anthony Giambanco

Anthony Giambanco is a six time Greasy Pole Champion

GHS Docksiders perform & Wine Tasting booster at Gloucester House – tix available at Alexandra’s Bread

Posted on by Catherine
GHS docksiders
look at the energy! courtesy photo- Mr. Fleury, Band Director, and GHS Docksiders 

What’s on the set list and the tasting menu for this great pairing? Mark your calendars for the GHS Docksiders Wine Tasting booster at The Gloucester House on Saturday, March 17, at 6:30PM.

Enjoy an evening with the GHS Docksiders: Listen to great music, sip fine wine, shop & support local music. Special Guest auctioneer, Senator Bruce Tarr. Tickets are $25 at the door or from a GHS Docksiders member or… 

Docksiders fundraiser March 17 2018

You can buy a ticket or donate at Alexandra’s Bread, 265 Main Street, Gloucester

#GIVINGTUESDAY MONARCH BUTTERFLY FILM

Posted on by Kim Smith

DONATE HERE for #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving. Everyone, anywhere can participate! By supporting the documentary Beauty on the Wing, your fully tax deductible gift directly enables us to create a final cut, contributes to the music and map rights, to the cost of festival submissions, promotion, and publicity. It’s easy to make a donation, just click the link above, which will take you to the Filmmakers Collaborative, my film’s fiscal sponsor.

Why does a documentary need a fiscal sponsor? A fiscal sponsor, in this case, the Filmmakers Collaborative, is a non-profit entity that enables a documentary filmmaker to raise funds and operate through an exempt sponsor. The sponsor manages the project’s money and reports to funders and tax agencies. Most importantly, contributors to the film can see how their gifts are being utilized towards the creation of the film.

Your voice is powerful. If you are unable to give this Giving Tuesday, please help support Beauty on the Wing by spreading the word through a Facebook share or a retweet.

For more information, visit the film’s website here: Monarch Butterfly Film

For an overview of the film’s budget, please go here: Budget

Thank you!

With gratitude,

Kim
Heart-shaped Monarch Butterfly #UNselfie

SAFE TRAVELS MARIPOSA MONARCA! AND MONARCH FILM ONLINE FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Posted on by Kim Smith

The Monarch last to eclose departed on Wednesday, November 15th. Although the air temperature was only in the low 40s when I left for work, the sun was shining. Our front porch faces southwest so it wasn’t long before his wings were warmed by the sun’s rays and away he flew. The forecast for parts further south along the east coast, the next leg of his journey–Westport, Long Island, and the New Jersey shore– looked promisingly mild. Thank you to my friend Patti Papows for the gift of this last little trooper.

We in the Northeast aren’t alone; I am reading reports about late comers from all around the United States, and even as far north as Toronto, Canada. So few Atlantic coast Monarchs were seen last year, do the great numbers this year portend of a permanent population increase? Bare in mind that the Monarchs were formerly counted in the billions when first discovered in the late 1970s, and now, forty years later, only millions.

A cold New England spring was offset by an unseasonably warm fall and that certainly helped the Monarchs (and myriad species of Lepidoptera). In response to the vast areas of farm acreage that no longer supports butterflies and bees, due to the use of Monsanto’s Roundup Ready genetically modified seeds of corn, soybean, and sorghum, people all across the U.S. are planting milkweed, creating pollinator habitats, and finding alternatives to pesticides and herbicides. 

Monarchs Eastern Point Lighthouse Daybreak

With Thanksgiving only a few days away I am writing with the deepest appreciation and gratitude to my community for your tremendous contributions to Beauty on the Wing. From donations of $5.00 to $10,000.00, from over 70 donors, to date we have raised $24,710.00. We are well on our way to reaching our goal! Your kind words, contributions, and friendships mean the world. We are going to make an outstanding, thoughtful and thought-provoking film about the Monarchs that along the way, through storytelling and cinematography, shines a beautiful light on Cape Ann.

MY DEEPEST THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO LAUREN MERCADANTE (PRODUCER), SUSAN FREY (PRODUCER), NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS FOUNDATION, BOB AND JAN CRANDALL, MARY WEISSBLUM, SHERMAN MORSS, PETE AND BOBBI KOVNER (ANNISQUAM AND LEXINGTON), JAY FEATHERSTONE, MIA NEHME (BEVERLY), CHICKI HOLLET, JUNI VANDYKE, ERIC HUTCHINSE, KAREN MASLOW, MARION F., ELAINE M., KIMBERLY MCGOVERN, MEGAN HOUSER (PRIDES CROSSING), JIM VANBUSKIRK (PITTSBURGH) NANCY MATTERN (ALBUQUERQUE), DONNA STOMAN, PEGGY O’MALLEY, JOEY C., CATHERINE RYAN, JOEANN HART, JANE PAZNIK BONDARIN (NEW YORK), ROBERT REDIS (NEW YORK), NUBAR ALEXANIAN, PETER VAN DEMARK, PATRICIA VAN DERPOOL, FRED FREDERICKS (CHELMSFORD), LESLIE HEFFRON, JIM MASCIARELLI, DAVE MOORE (KOREA), LILIAN AND CRAIG OLMSTEAD, JOHN STEIGER, PAT DALPIAZ, AMY KERR, BARBARA T. (JEWETT, NY), ROBERTA C. ((NY), MARIANNE G. (WINDHAM, NY), PAULA RYAN O’BRIEN (WALTON, NY), MARTHA SWANSON, KIM TEIGER, JUDITH FOLEY (WOBURN), PATTI SULLIVAN, RONN FARREN, SUSAN NADWORNY (MELROSE), DIANE LINDQUIST (MANCHESTER), HEIDI SHRIVER (PENNSYLVANIA), JENNIFER CULLEN, TOM HAUCK, AND ANONYMOUS PERSONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS HELP.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbvEnq_FlKp/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbvFg8wF9kB/

THE LATE GREAT MONARCH MIGRATION CONTINUES

Posted on by Kim Smith

Too cold for the last of our intrepid Monarchs to fly away today.

Our last little Monarch to emerge struggled to gain the warmth needed for takeoff. What is the minimum air temperature needed to allow Monarchs to fly? When at Cape May several weeks ago and witnessing a large overnight roost of butterflies, the air temperature the following morning was the same as Gloucester’s temperature this morning–low forties–but the sun was shining. No sunshine today, combined with the low temperature, made flying impossible. Monarchs cluster together in overnight roosts for warmth. Our little guy was all alone on an isolated branch and with temperatures expected to dip into the mid thirties, I brought him indoors for the night.

Why the late season stragglers? Warmer than usual fall temperatures allowed eggs and caterpillars to reach maturity when in colder years, freezing temperatures would have prevented development

Some Monarchs begin migrating southward as early as August. And as we have seen, during the warm fall season of 2017 in particular, as late as November. The Monarch migration continues until halted by freezing temperatures. This staggered migration is yet another chapter in the survival strategy of the Monarch’s life story. If all Monarchs began migrating at exactly the same time, a powerful storm or hurricane, such as Harvey or Irma, could have devastating consequences on a great many Monarchs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbffiAGlqCk/

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbfdku5Fga3/

WILL THIS MONARCH SURVIVE?

Posted on by Kim Smith

Today, November 13th, a Monarch will emerge from its chrysalis in a garden 2,800 miles north of its winter sanctuary. The thing is, Monarchs typically arrive in Mexico at harvest time and around Day of the Dead celebrations, or when Americans celebrate Halloween. In the language of the indigenous Purépecha peoples, the name for the Monarch is “Harvester” butterfly. Under the most ideal conditions, this Monarch won’t arrive until Christmastime.

Along the northern leg of his journey, he will find little or no nectar plants as we have had several nights of freezing temperatures. All the wildflowers and garden plants have finished blooming for the season. With little fortification, is it possible for Monarchs to fly great distances? Biologists look for this type of climate change mismatch to track how global warming is affecting wildlife. Butterflies can survive rain. The water beads up and drips off its wings, but snow and below freezing temperatures are fatal to Monarchs.

With a hope and a prayer, fair winds and good weather, perhaps our little intrepid Monarch will make it to sunny Mexico, or possibly, shorten his journey, and at least make Florida his home for the winter. Here’s hoping.

 

 *   *   *

WITH THE GREATEST APPRECIATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND SPONSORS, I AM OVERJOYED TO SHARE THAT TO DATE WE HAVE RAISED $23,960.00 FOR THE DOCUMENTARY FILM “BEAUTY ON THE WING” ONLINE FUNDRAISER! 

Friends of the Monarch Butterfly: If you would like to help towards the completion of the documentary film Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly, please consider making a tax deductible donation here:

DONATE HERE

Donors contributing over $5,000. will be listed in the credits as a film producer.

For more information, visit the film’s website here: Monarch Butterfly Film

For an overview of the film’s budget, please go here: Budget

Thank you so very much for your help.

With gratitude,

Kim

SCARY BUTTERFLIES AND THANK YOU MONARCH FILM DONORS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!!

Posted on by Kim Smith

Beautiful to you and I, the large concentric circles strategically located on the wings of the Buckeye are meant to mimic the eyes of a larger creature. The eye patterns, or eyespots, frighten away would-be predators, mainly, hungry birds snipping at butterfly wings.

Many species of Lepidoptera have eyespots both in the adult and caterpillar stages, but butterflies and moths aren’t the only creatures that have evolved with eye-like markings. Reptiles, wild cats, fish, and birds also have eyespots.

Peacocks have very conspicuous eyespots, not to mimic and frighten, but to attract a peahen. The greater the number of “eyes,” the more desirable the male is to the female.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BU7mTlHFlbB/

The Foureye Butterflyfish, like butterflies, have eyespots located away from the more vulnerable head region; its eye markings are at the tail end.

Foureye Butterflyfish are found in the Western Atlantic, from Massachusetts and Bermuda to the West Indies and northern South America. Photo courtesy wiki commons media.

Over the course of the many years documenting Monarchs, I often encounter the beautiful Buckeye during the end of the summer. Common Buckeyes migrate every year, departing our most southern states in the spring, repopulating the northern states on their way; in some years even reaching as far north as southern Canada. In the fall, Buckeyes return south as they are not adapted to survive northern winters.

The Common Buckeye is most attracted to yellow flowers. Look for them drinking nectar at Seaside Goldenrod and the yellow florets at the center of New England and Purple-stemmed Asters.

Common Buckeye and Painted Lady, Fall Migration 2017

To date we have raised $23,960.00, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community. If you would like to help towards the completion of the documentary film Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly, please consider making a tax deductible donation here:

DONATE HERE

Donors contributing over $5,000. will be listed in the credits as a film producer.

For more information, visit the film’s website here: Monarch Butterfly Film

For an overview of the film’s budget, please go here: Budget

Thank you so very much for your kind generosity and help in completing and bringing Beauty on the Wing to classrooms and theaters.

With gratitude,

Kim

MY DEEPEST THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO LAUREN MERCADANTE (PRODUCER), SUSAN FREY (PRODUCER), NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS FOUNDATION, BOB AND JAN CRANDALL, MARY WEISSBLUM, SHERMAN MORSS, JAY FEATHERSTONE, GARTH GREIMANN (CAMBRIDGE), JUNI VANDYKE, MARION F., ELAINE M., KIMBERLY MCGOVERN, MEGAN HOUSER (PRIDES CROSSING), JIM VANBUSKIRK (PITTSBURGH) NANCY MATTERN (ALBUQUERQUE), DONNA STOMAN, PEGGY O’MALLEY, JOEY C., CATHERINE RYAN, JOEANN HART, JANE PAZNIK BONDARIN (NEW YORK), ROBERT REDIS (NEW YORK), NUBAR ALEXANIAN, PETER VAN DEMARK, PATRICIA VAN DERPOOL, FRED FREDERICKS (CHELMSFORD), LESLIE HEFFRON, JIM MASCIARELLI, DAVE MOORE (KOREA), LILIAN AND CRAIG OLMSTEAD, JOHN STEIGER, PAT DALPIAZ, AMY KERR, BARBARA T. (JEWETT, NY), ROBERTA C. ((NY), MARIANNE G. (WINDHAM, NY), PAULA RYAN O’BRIEN (WALTON, NY), MARTHA SWANSON, KIM TEIGER, JUDITH FOLEY (WOBURN), PATTI SULLIVAN, RONN FARREN, SUSAN NADWORNY (MELROSE), DIANE LINDQUIST (MANCHESTER), HEIDI SHRIVER (PENNSYLVANIA), JENNIFER CULLEN, TOM HAUCK, AND ANONYMOUS PERSONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS HELP.