Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

The 13^th annual Spirit of the Holidays dance celebration to be held this weekend at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay will not only showcase the talents of its many area dancers, but help those most in need by raising funds for Freedom House, Brown County’s only shelter that serves all types of homeless families.

“It is a privilege to be the recipient of the proceeds from this year’s ‘Spirit of the Holidays, A Celebration of Dance’ performances,” said Robyn Davis, Freedom House President.

Spirit of the Holidays is an opportunity for the dancers to perform, but so much more than that. It’s the owner’s way to lead by example and instill in each dancer the desire to “give back” to the community.

“I just really want our students to understand that their talent and love for dance can help support the wonderful work of Freedom House,” said Barb Cedergren, founder and owner of the dance studio. “It certainly defines what the holiday season should be all about. We hope our dance students will bring much joy to those attending our shows during this special time of year.”

Cedergren’s desire is more personal than the heart she tries to instill in her dancers – it’s something she models by opening her studio and performances to those in need. “Barb’s extends invitations to our families to attend the performances as well,” Davis said. “We love the idea that we can provide our adults and children with the opportunity to experience the beauty and artistry of dance. But more than that, Pete and Barb Cedergren also provide the opportunity for interested children to participate in dance classes as a special gift throughout the year. Our partnership extends beyond the financial investment that Barb’s Centre for Dance makes into our work.”

“We take so many things for granted,” Cedergren explained. “We need to make the effort to reach out and share what we have with others. Isn’t that what this season is all about – giving, not receiving,” she asked

This is the 13^th time the studio has performed a special holiday show for the benefit of the area’s nonprofits, and the third time Freedom House has been the recipient. Last year Barb’s raised more than $15,000 for Freedom House. Over the years, Barb’s Centre has raised over $83,000 for local non-profits that serve the needy in our community.

Each of 13 different competitive teams created a “theme” basket to auction off. And authentic autographed Green Bay Packer Memorabilia will also be auctioned.

”I can’t begin to describe how much this means to us,” Davis said. “Helping families that are in crisis and telling them they are valued, they matter … that they really can achieve their dreams,” Davis said. “I just can’t put it into words.”

Show times are Saturday, Dec. 3rd at 7 PM and Sunday, Dec. 4th at 1:00 PM, both at the Meyer Theatre, Green Bay.  Tickets may be purchased at ticketstaronline.com; through Ticketstar at the Resch Center, 920-494-3401 or at the door. Prices are $12.50 main floor and $9.50 mezzanine with all proceeds to benefit Freedom House Ministries of Green Bay.

In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Freedom House will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH from 5-7 PM at our family shelter located at 2997 St. Anthony Drive, Green Bay.  This will be your opportunity to tour our facility as well as interact with staff and members of our Board of Directors.  See and hear what goes on in our building as we serve homeless families with children.

Freedom  House will be hosting its 8th Annual Celebration of Hope at Lambeau Field Atrium from 6-10 PM, tomorrow, Saturday, October 29th.  The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the growing homeless problem we are facing in our community as well as raise financial support to help homeless families with children.  Our event underwriters and table sponsors include: ST Paper, PAi, Pioneer Credit Union, Arketype, Inc., Schneider National, Skyline Exhibit Resource, Green Bay Pallet, Community First Credit Union, Foxwood Associates, Consumer Insurance Advocates, Living Hope Church, Interim Health, Barb’s Centre for Dance, Mike Fabich.  We deeply appreciate the support of our underwriters and table sponsors.  We look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening…we know it’s going to be special!

Here’s your opportunity to hear from the three speakers for our 8th Annual Celebration of Hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SfMSYBumk

Pioneer Credit Union, the first not-for profit financial institution in the Green Bay area and sixth in the state of Wisconsin,  has been a longtime and faithful partner of Freedom House.  Pioneer’s investment in our mission includes offering its employees the opportunity to volunteer during their work days as well as providing expert counsel in human resource management, fiscal management and information technology.   In addition, Pioneer Credit Union organizes an annual winter coat drive throughout its Brown  County branches specifically for Freedom House families.  The winter coat drive allows Freedom House to provide coats, hats and mittens to our resident families, Aftercare families and even those families who are waiting to enter our shelter.

“Pioneer definitely lives up to the credit union philosophy, ‘People Helping People’,” said Robyn Davis, president of Freedom House.  “Throughout our partnership, Pioneer has never hesitated to help us whenever they can.  Tom Young, the president of Pioneer has even spearheaded remodeling jobs for us like creating a special teen room and renovating our front desk area. No job has been too big or too small.”  This year, Pioneer joined ST Paper and PAi as underwriters of our 8th Annual Celebration of Hope.  The event will be held at Lambeau Field Atrium on Saturday, October 29th from 6-10 PM.   Freedom House is deeply appreciative of Pioneer’s investment of time, talent and treasure and looks forward to a long partnership as we work together to serve Brown County’s homeless families with children.

For more information about the Celebration of Hope, call Melissa Hyska at 920-432-4646, ext. 105 or email Melissa at melissahyska@freedomhouseministries.org.

PAi, located in DePere, WI, provides full service 401 (k) administration and payroll processing for small businesses nationwide. For nearly 30 years, PAi has been successfully serving the small business industry by making strategic, effective and innovative investments in people, technology and processes.  PAi was named the 2011 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the fifth time in six years.  The Blue Ribbon Small Business Award is designed to recognize businesses that demonstrate excellent practices in several areas, including business strategy, employee development, community involvement and customer service. PAi was the only 2011 recipient from the state of Wisconsin.

Earlier this year, the Charitable Giving Committee and the staff at PAi chose Freedom House as its Key Charity for 2011 and has committed to raise support and collect supplies to help change the lives of homeless families with children in Brown County.  PAi’s commitment to investing in people is evidenced by its company-wide support of the work of Freedom House.  PAi employees have volunteered at Freedom House throughout the year and have also supported Freedom House events in the community.

PAi has joined ST Paper as an underwriter for this year’s Celebration of Hope, which will be held on Saturday, October 29th at Lambeau Field Atrium from 6-10 PM. “PAi’s support this year has been a great encouragement to our staff, volunteers and Board of Directors and of course, has provided a great service to the shelter and our families.  PAi was eager to find another way to help support homeless families with children in our community.  We are proud to have them as an underwriter for this year’s event,” said Robyn Davis, President of Freedom House.