Dear Friends and Family,   As you know Donald Gingras died tragically in a car accident on April 25, 2008.  He was Luke and Jesse's Dad, Dave's step-Dad, my friend and former husband, Heather Bowen's fiance, and Bosco Cole's soul mate.  Donald followed many paths he should not have explored in his life and made decisions I know he lived to regret.  When Bosco and A Day for New Life came into Donald's life, he was a man near the end of his options...he was in and out of jail, heavily into drugs and alcohol, living on the streets, estranged from all friends and family.  But on October 23, 2006 a man named Bosco  changed the course of self destruction Donald was on.    While Donald was in jail another inmate gave him a number to call when he got out.  It took a few days but he finally called and within a few hours Bosco from A Day for New Life was there to take him to the Center.  Bosco brought him food, a place to sleep, talked with him, listened to him and witnessed the Reaching, Renewing, and Re-establishing philosophy of A Day for New Life with him.  The purpose of the organization A Day for New Life is to give another chance by learning to put your faith and trust in your Higher Power and surrender yourself. It is a transformational program that offers men a new and productive way of life.  Donald was ready and embraced Bosco and his new found home.  He found sobriety on that day in October, 2006 and remained sober to the day he died.  He worked hard at the Center and eventually extended himself to the other men who found themselves there.  Bosco showed him respect an d trust and Donald became the resident manager of A Day for a New Life.  He had health problems but sought to resolve them rather than drown them.  He formed a loving relationship with Ms Bowen and her family.  He reached out to his brother, and sisters, mother and nephews.  He saw Luke the weekend before Luke died and felt Luke was always there on his shoulder guiding him.  He wanted to reconnect with Jesse and Dave and earn their respect once again.  He died before his work was done.  At Donald's funeral there were many men and their families who came to tell us their stories and how Donald had helped or inspired them on their own road to recovery.    If you were thinking of giving to a charity this might be the one for you. It is not often that we can give to a charity that touched someone we are personally involved in. Donald is only one story of transition to a new life this remarkable man Bosco and A Day for New Life.  An old friend of Donald's from Portland, ME has set up a matching gift fund for A Day for New Life in Donald's name through Unum, Inc.  For every $50.00 donation Unum will match that amount.  Please if you feel compelled to give, I can validate that Bosco and A Day for New Life is a worthy cause.    You can send donations to:    A Day for New Life 595 Piedmont Ave Suite 320-250 Atlanta, GA 30308   If you know of anyone who might be interested in Donald's story or in making a donation, please send this along to them.    Visit the website at www.adayfornewlife.org to find out more information.  Thank you so much.    Love, Penny _______________________________________ Kate’s Club www.katesclub.org   An explanation of Kate’s Club: Kate’s Club is a non-profit organization that empowers children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. By creating friendships with kids and young adults that share the experience, Kate’s Club guides children through their grief journey in a comfortable, safe, and uplifting setting.   How we can help:                June Donations June: Project Clubhouse Relocation We are celebrating our 5th year anniversary during the month of June and our greatest need will be to support our Clubhouse Relocation.  We are moving to a location in Midtown to not only provide more space for our growing programs but to be more centrally located to our children and their families as well as easily accessible to Marta for participants to reach us and for us to use for outing transportation.  We have identified a donor who will help with many costs associated with the move but there are quite a few items we could use to outfit our new space.  We should have a list of items big and small that you all can help us with! An Efficient and fun way to help us out would be to bring gift cards from a local stores like ; Michaels, Target, Publix, Kroger, Dominos, Office Max or Office Depot. Thank you for your support of Kate’s Club.  Help us make a difference in the lives of children.  Kate's Club Needs YOU! Buddy Program Our Buddies participate directly with our kids as mentors and friends. This volunteer opportunity requires consistent monthly participation in the programs of Kate's Club. All Buddies are required to complete a Buddy application, pass a background check, and attend Buddy training. If you are interested in becoming a Buddy, click here for an application. Once complete, email to evyn@katesclub.org or fax to 770.618.4476. Please don't hesitate to cal 770-618-4474 with any questions. BUDDIES NEEDED FOR CAMP GOOD MOURNING 2008! We need buddies to help with Camp Good Mourning this August 8-10th at Camp Twin Lakes. Click here for more information and here for a buddy application. Volunteer Program Volunteers provide direct support to the operational side of Kate's Club. Individuals will have the opportunity to volunteer, as his/her schedule permits, in any of the following areas: Fundraising, Marketing and Outreach, Event Planning, and Administrative Support. If you are interested in becoming an office volunteer, send an email to Evyn at evyn@katesclub.org with your interest and availability. Back to Top Our HOLIDAY Wish List We greatly appreciate any gifts you are able to provide. Below are some of the items on our wish list. If you or someone you know is able to donate or help us to obtain some of these items, please contact evyn@katesclub.org or call 770-618-4474. Special Holiday Wish List 1. Juice Boxes 2. Folding Chairs 3. Individually Wrapped Snacks 4. Copier Paper (multi-color or white) 5. File Folders 6. New Votive Candles 7. Cork Boards 8. Markers 9. Modeling Clay 10. Scrap Booking Supplies 11. New Tool Boxes 12. Unused Journals Additional Needs Under $100 Resolve Carpet Cleaner Sponges Printer Paper Plastic Drop Cloths Polaroid Film Colored Pencils Scissors Paintbrushes Tape Holiday Wrapping Paper and Bows Gift Boxes (all sizes) Storage Bags: Freezer, Sandwich sizes, Brown Paper Bags Board Games Plastic Storage Bins - Various Sizes Newsprint Rolls Rubber Gloves Juice Boxes Bottled Water Nonperishable Snacks (Crackers, Cookies, etc.) Kid-Friendly Movies (DVD or VHS) Blank Books/Journals Teenage Appropriate Magazine Subscriptions Equipment/Electronics Clocks Calculators Laminating Machine 3 Hole Electric Hole Punch, Large Capacity Paper Folder Projector & Screen Furniture Bookcases File Cabinets Bulletin Boards Dry Erase Boards UPCOMING: Camp Good Mourning! August 8th-10th 2008 For Children and Teens Facing Life After the Death of a Parent or Sibling Sponsored by The Jean Britt Plyler Foundation Click here for a camper application Click here for information on how you can sponsor a child Click here for information on the Fill-a-Crate for Kate's Club program 5th Annual Kate’s Club Cabaret Friday, September 12th The Foundry at Puritan Mill 8pm – Midnight Join us for a great evening including wonderful food, fun entertainment, silent and live auctions and a few surprises – all to benefit Kate’s Club! For Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities, please click here or contact our Development Director at kimmy@katesclub.org