Why Not Host a Rally this Summer to End Child Hunger!

As we get into the summer months, it’s easy to get caught up in kid (and grownup) activities and forget how many families in the Detroit area are still struggling. When kids are out-of-school, they are not benefitting from free breakfast and lunch programs. Forgotten Harvest alone is putting together a million meals for these children over the next three months.

Some of you have expressed interest in hosting rallies, or have already put rallies together to continue to raise awareness for Child Hunger Ends Here, ConAgraFoods’ national campaign to end child hunger. Any dollars we’ve raised so far and that we can raise this summer go to ConAgraFoods’ partner Feeding America, and in turn that money comes back to Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners and Food Gatherers in Washtenaw County.

If you have already hosted a rally, please visit ChildHungerEndsHere.com and register your rally, so our efforts in Detroit are recognized. And if you are interested in learning more about the program or have questions about putting together a rally, send your questions to Jennifer.marsikfriess@volarepr.com.

Child Hunger Ends Here also needs ambassadors for this important programs. Ambassadors don’t have to host a rally, they just need to be interested and supportive of our efforts in Metro Detroit, and in turn have the chance to receive special offers from ConAgraFoods. If you’d like to be an ambassador, you can reach out to Jen at the same e-mail address: Jennifer.marsikfriess@volarepr.com.

Lilith Tour Discount and **GIVEAWAY**

The 2010 Lilith Tour is hitting Metro Detroit this summer and will be at the DTE Energy Music Theater on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.

The concert will be featuring some of the hottest female singers including Sarah McLachlan, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Queen Latifah, and Suzanne Vega.

You can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster or the Palace Box Office.  Tickets range from $39- $108.50.

I have a special 2 for 1 code I can offer Detroit Mommies readers starting this Thursday, May 6 at 10 a.m.through May 17 at 10 a.m.  Use code MOTHER to get the great deal!  Here’s a direct link to purchase tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/08004490E7FC5DFC?artistid=741472&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

Win it!

Two lucky winners will get  two tickets to the Lilith Tour at DTE Energy for the concert on July 21, 2010.  The winners will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or new winners will be chosen.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do the following one thing:

Go to  Palace.net and tell me what concert you would LOVE to go to this summer.  Leave a comment  below for 1 entry.

For Extra entries:

1.  Tweet about this contest on Twitter.  Multiple tweets count.  Leave a comment after each tweet with tweet url.

Hey Detroit: Win tickets to the Lilith Tour on @detroitmommies http://wp.me/pGVE2-1br

2.  Share this contest on Facebook.  Come back and leave a comment below with a link to Facebook url.

Hey Detroit: Win tickets to the Lilith Tour on @detroitmommies http://wp.me/pGVE2-1br

3.  Blog about this contest linking back to this post.  This is worth 5 entries.  Leave 5 separate comments, with the link to your blog post, for this to count as 5 entries.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Detroit Mommies writers and contributors are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Detroit Mommies is not responsible products shipped from outside vendors or sponsors.  Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older. One entry per person. Contest ends  at 05/13/2010 11:59:59 p.m. EST.

Winner’s Info #1:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

17

Timestamp: 2010-05-14 13:07:38 UTC

Stacy Larson says:

here is my blog entry:
http://www.aboutthelarsons.com/?p=940

Winner’s Info #2:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2010-05-14 13:12:31 UTC

Heather says:

#5

Here is my blog entry:

http://daveandheath.blogspot.com/2010/05/detroit-mommies-lilith-fair-giveaway.html

Comerica Bank Announces Free Money Smart Week Activities April 17-24 in Detroit

To celebrate April as Financial Literacy Month, Comerica Bank is partnering with area organizations for various activities during Money Smart Week, April 17-24.

During the week, Comerica will host free special events, including a Money Smart Festival and a financial literacy program geared toward senior citizens.

Comerica’s Money Smart Week events that are open to the public include:

·        Money Smart Festival, April 17 from 3-6 p.m. The public is invited to learn how to manage money, credit cards and savings. Free.

Location: Michigan Neighborhood Partnership/Rosedale Park Baptist Church, 14179 Evergreen, Detroit, Mich. 48223

·        Protecting Your Investment, April 22 from 12-2 p.m. Learn the basic principles of budgeting and keeping money safe. Also, learn about money scams and fraud and how they may affect senior citizens. Free to seniors. Call (313) 928-2828 to register by April 20.

Location: Tri-City Community Development Corporation, 3225 S Deacon St, Detroit, Mich. 48217

For all Money Smart Week activities across the state of Michigan, visit www.chicagofed.org/webpages/education/msw.

Choo! Choo! A Day Out With Thomas Giveaway!

One lucky DetroitMommies.com reader will win a family 4 pack of tickets for this fantastic family event and Thomas the Train DVD’s!  Read below for event details and giveaway rules.

Thomas the Tank Engine™ chugs into Greenfield Village for 6 days of family fun and entertainment! Ride with Thomas around the village, meet Sir Topham Hatt™, enjoy storytelling, live music, shopping and much, much more.

What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ at heritage railroads nationwide. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine™?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine™ left the depot more than 60 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages.

Where is the event?
Day Out With Thomas™ takes place in Greenfield Village, part of The Henry Ford. All rides are a roundtrip beginning at Smiths Creek Depot, about ¼ mile from the entrance of Greenfield Village.

When is the event?
The 2010 Day Out With Thomas™ event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, April 24-25, May 1-2, and May 8-9, 2010.

Prize

One lucky winner will receive a four pack of tickets to the show of their choice and Thomas the Train DVD’s.  Winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win, you are required to do the following one thing:

Tell us why you think Thomas the Train is a good roll model for children.  Leave a comment  below for 1 entry.

For Extra entries:

1.  Tweet about this contest on Twitter.  Multiple tweets count.  Leave a comment after each tweet with tweet url.

2.  Share this contest on Facebook.  Come back and leave a comment below with a link to Facebook url.

3.  Blog about this contest linking back to this post.  This is worth 5 entries.  Leave 5 separate comments, with the link to your blog post, for this to count as 5 entries.

The Fine Print

No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected randomly through http://random.org. Detroit Mommies, Giftfully Simple and The Digital Mommy writers and contributors are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered. Detroit Mommies is not responsible products shipped from outside vendors or sponsors.  Open to participants in the US and Canada 18 years and older. One entry per person. Contest ends  at 04/22/2010 11:59:59 p.m. EST.

Disclosure: Tickets for A Day Out with Thomas were provided for review.  The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone and are not influenced in any way by anyone.

Winner’s Info:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

1

Timestamp: 2010-04-23 17:48:22 UTC

Sarah Hirsch says:

Thomas teaches kids to stay on the right track! OK, all puns aside, he tries hard and always aims to be kind and do the right thing. I would love for my kids to do the same. I would also love for them to drive me around like Thomas, but that may have to wait a little longer.

Tickets For BravoBravo! Go on Sale April 1

Tickets for this year’s BravoBravo! fundraiser, supporting Michigan Opera Theatre and the Detroit Opera House, will go on sale tomorrow, April 1, 2010.

In its 11th year, BravoBravo!, presented by Bank of America, will take place on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, in Detroit. Tickets cost $85 during the month of April. The event, coordinated by the young professionals group of the Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association (MOTVA) brings together the city’s top restaurants, showcases its best live musical acts and draws thousands of revelers all in support of Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT).

This year’s event is co-chaired by three of Detroit’s most involved young professionals: Jerrid Mooney, Jen Knapp, and Rich Rice. Fashionistas take note: BravoBravo! spans the globe this season, transporting high fashion straight from the runways into the elegant rooms inside the Detroit Opera House.

BravoBravo! supports the continued success and daily operation of Michigan Opera Theatre. In 2009, BravoBravo! drew a record crowd of over 2,000 young professionals and raised over $180,000 to support MOT. For 2010, organizers aim for a goal of $250,000 to support MOT’s artistic and educational programs. Since its inception, BravoBravo! has raised more than $800,000 and is considered a critical fundraising effort for Michigan Opera Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased at the Detroit Opera House box office, by phone at (313) 237-SING, or online at www.bravobravo.org. The event is expected to sell out.

BravoBravo! attendees must be 21 or older. Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact Michelle DeLand for sponsorship information at (313) 237-3402 or mdeland@motopera.org.

More information, including participating restaurants and entertainment details, will be announced as the event draws closer. For a video preview, photos, and more information on BravoBravo! please visit www.bravobravo.org.

Detroit Mommies Deliver a Basket Full of Hershey’s to Local Nurses

The Detroit Mommies had a pretty eventful day yesterday that was not only fulfilling, but also emotional at that.

I headed a project for Hershey’s which included putting a basket together of Hershey’s products and delivering them to a deserving someone, or in this case, a few deserving someones.  The project is called Better Baskets and I chose to give the nurses of Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit the basket of goodies for all that they do to take care of children that are sick in the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital, the parking structure overwhelmed me.  We ended up parking on the 14th floor because there were no spots available on a lower level.  I couldn’t believe it and it made me realize just how many children where there, sick.  Once we finally found a spot and made it to the lobby the place was hopping and buzzing.  They were SO busy!  Children’s Hospital in Detroit makes the atmosphere very kid friendly with bright colors.  I honestly have never set foot in a Children’s Hospital, so I had no idea what to expect.  It was heartbreaking and refreshing at the same time.

We presented a group of nurses with the basket of Hershey’s chocolate and they were very grateful for the goodies.  It felt good to present them with a treat to show we appreciate all that they do for the children of the Detroit area.  Being a part of the Better Basket project with Hershey’s has been a very fulfilling project.

After we delivered the Hershey’s Better Basket Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, we headed over to have a “Think Tank” session with WDIV Detroit.  It was an eventful day for the Detroit Mommies!

No Child Should Go to Bed Hungry!

It breaks my heart that a child, tonight might be going to bed hungry.  Not only are families having a hard time finding the money to purchase quality, healthy foods for their families because of job loss or lack of sufficient income, but finding a grocery store in downtown Detroit, with quality food and fresh fruits and vegetables is nearly impossible.

Did you know that Feeding America in Michigan provides emergency food to 1,173,700 different people annually?

Children are suffering.  38% of the household members that are receiving food in Michigan are children under 18 years old and 9% are children 0-5 years old. 34% of those households have one parent that is working and 75% have incomes below the federal poverty level.

When times are tough, making choices between food and utilities can become challenging

Can you imagine having to choose between keeping the heat on or feeding your family?  Both are needed to keep your family healthy, but 42% of Feeding America clients in Michigan have reported that they have had to choose between food and utilities.  They’ve also had to choose between food and medicine/medical care, food and gas/transportation and food and rent/mortgage.

The government is also helping out

58% of Feeding America clients are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and 60 % participate in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Your assistance is needed

Many programs rely entirely on volunteers and with 2.6 million households, with children under 18 have very low food security.  How sad to know a child somewhere, maybe next door, might be hungry and not sure if their parents will have enough money to buy some groceries because rent was all they had enough for that month.

How you can help?

Conagra Foods and Feeding America have teamed up to end child hunger in a  Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.  They are giving you the tools to do your part by having a bake sale, neighborhood rummage sale or anything you can come up with to raise money with your neighbors, friends, schoolmates, ect.  Anyone can participate and contribute.

Detroit Mommies will be at The Village of Rochester Hills on April 11 during the Recycle 411 event from 12pm-3pm selling popcorn to raise money for Feeding America.  We are giving about 4-5 hours of our time to help ease some stress in a child’s life, so they might stop worrying about food and more about how they are going to get an A on their math test.

Disclosure:  Detroit Mommies was chosen to participate in the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign and given a stipend for participation. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone and are not influenced in any way by anyone.

*Statistics found in this post came from the Hunger in Michigan 2010 report

Pewabic Pottery honors Mary Stratton’s Life and Legacy

In conjunction with National Women’s History Month, Pewabic Potteryis honoring the achievements of artist and Pewabic founder Mary Chase Perry Stratton, with “A Journey of the Pioneering Spirit,” a new permanent exhibit highlighting her life. The exhibit will open on Saturday, March 13 during Pewabic’s 107^th birthday celebration, which is free and open to the public.

“Detroit has been Pewabic’s home for more than a century and this new exhibit is a great way for our 37,000 annual visitors to learn more about Pewabic’s history,” said Terese Ireland, executive director for Pewabic Pottery. “We believe visitors, students and artists who view this exhibit will come away with inspiration for their own lives.”

 During the festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can tour the new exhibit and explore the historic facilities. Hourly tours will be given from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where visitors can view tile pressing and wheel throwing demonstrations. Birthday cake and refreshments will be served throughout the event. Visitors will also be eligible for hourly door prizes.

 “A Journey of the Pioneering Spirit” provides a special opportunity to discover and celebrate Stratton’s contribution to Michigan history. Exhibit highlights include: Awakening a Passion – The Early Artistic Environment of Mary Chase Perry Stratton; China Painting – The Craze Sweeps the Country; Achieving Artistic Influence – The Studio Pottery Movement; and Painting with Fire – The Art of Glaze Chemistry.

“National Women’s History Month provides a special opportunity to discover and celebrate Stratton’s contribution to Michigan history,” added Ireland.

 An important figure in Detroit’s artistic and cultural life, Strattonwas a founding member of the Detroit Arts & Crafts Society and later served as a trustee of what is now the Detroit Institute of Arts. She established the ceramics department at the University of Michigan, taught students in Wayne State University’s ceramics program and was given honorary degrees from both schools in recognition of her accomplishments. In 1947, she received the coveted Charles Fergus Binns Medal, the nation’s highest award in the field of ceramics. Stratton was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986.

 March also kicks off Member Appreciation month in which Pewabic Society Members can double their membership discount up to 20 percent on items in the Museum Store and Gallery of Studio Artists. This includes Pewabic embossed tiles & vesselware, address plaques and numbers, ornaments, framed pieces and the work of more than 40 ceramic artists from across North America. Discounts also apply to purchases on www.pewabicstore.org(excludes gift certificates, class registration, Stratton, Revelation, Custom Collection and Exhibition purchases). Member Appreciation Days are open to all Pewabic Society Members through March 31.

 “A Journey of the Pioneering Spirit” is made possible in part by a grant from the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional support was provided from the Clover E. Downs Living Trust. Any views findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Michigan Humanities Council.

 Pewabic Pottery is a non-profit arts and cultural organization and National Historic Landmark dedicated to ceramic education and advancing contemporary ceramic arts while honoring Arts & Crafts ideals.

Pewabic Pottery is open to the public year round and offers classes, workshops, lectures and tours to children and adults. The Pottery continues to create tile for architectural installations and offers galleries that showcase more than 70 ceramic artists and a museum store for purchasing handmade Pewabic items. Visitors are welcome, free of charge, during regular business hours Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. To learn more about Pewabic Pottery call (313) 822-0954 or visit our website at www.pewabic.org. Pewabic Pottery can be found at 10125 E. Jefferson Ave. in Detroit across the street from Waterworks Park.

It was “Party Time” on Ice at the Palace

It was one party after another at Disney on Ice “Let’s Celebrate” at the Palace of Auburn Hills!

The Disney characters celebrated Christmas, an Un-Birthday, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and more!  My daughters (ages 3 1/2 and 6) were glued to their seats!

A few suggestions:

• Eat before the show.  A bucket of popcorn and two lemonades in keepsakes cups: $32
• Remember parking is $10
• Buy a few goodies at the Disney Store and hide them in your purse.  When the kids see all the merchandise for sale that is WAY overpriced, pull a goodie out of your “stash” that cost you a fraction of the price of what is sold at the event.
• It’s not freezing.  Dress as you normally would.  Princess dresses optional.
• Get a potty break in before the show starts…you don’t want to miss anything!  There is an intermission, but everybody else is scrambling to grab food and a potty break as well.
• Have fun!  Our entire family enjoyed the show!

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! are available at the Palace of Auburn Hills Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, The Palace Locker Room Stores and www.ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000.

Show dates/times: Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m.; 3:30 p.m.; and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $15. All seats are reserved. For group rates and information, call 248-377-8638.

Disclosure: Disney on Ice tickets were provided to me for review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone and are not influenced in any way by anyone.

Disney on Ice Starts Tomorrow!

My family and I will be attending the premier of Disney on Ice “Let’s Celebrate” this Wednesday, February 24,2010.  This will be the fourth Disney on Ice  performance that we have attended and the second at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

We started going when my oldest was around 3 yrs old and now she is 6 and she still loves it!

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! are available at the Palace of Auburn Hills Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, The Palace Locker Room Stores and www.ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000.

Show dates/times: Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m.; 3:30 p.m.; and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $15. All seats are reserved. For group rates and information, call 248-377-8638.

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