Considering the 70+ degree weather we are having it’s hard to believe that just a week ago we were plunging into the frigid waters of Lake Calhoun for the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge. Team “Frostitute” comprised of Midwest Staffing members and the staff and friends from Regions Hospital will assure you though, that March 3, 2012 was nothing less than a typical wintry MN day.
As we contemplate our level of sanity and try to come up with any excuse not to plunge, we are reminded of the great cause that brought us all together, the Special Olympic Athletes. It is through them that we find the motivation and the courage to take the plunge. This year the 25 member team raised $5,298 which will impact the lives of over 7,000 Special Olympic Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities across the state of Minnesota.
We will continue to create awareness and support for the Special Olympics Minnesota and encourage everyone to take the plunge. To see more pictures of the event visit Midwest Staffing facebook page or you can still donate here.
In October’s article we shared a story about “A Safe Golfing Journey” which detailed Midwest Staffing’s Second Annual Golf Classic, which was hosted along with Firstat to enhance fundraising efforts for SafeJourney. At the Second Annual Golf Classic Midwest Staffing and Firstat were able to raise $1170 for SafeJourney which earned the companies a sponsorship table at SafeJourney’s 12th annual Celebration of Courage Event held on November 17th, 2011 at The Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis.
Attendees from Firstat were Zach Knox and Christine Maxwell and Midwest Staffing was represented by myself, Michael Thoemke, Kelly Weedman and Josie Schwake. Besides being the Director of Sales at Midwest Staffing, I am a volunteer advocate for SafeJourney where I am a benefit board member and on call two shifts each month to support victims of domestic violence. With the support of the Midwest Staffing and Firstat Nursing team, along with many others in the community, this was the largest and most successful year in SafeJourney’s twelve year history of hosting this event.
Highlights of the evening included a social hour and silent auction that included a large list of items ranging from a handmade quilt, tickets to sporting events, various art works and electronics. Followed by an elegant dinner and a Live auction which also included 10 great items, such as an IPad2, a private helicopter ride, and 75,000 sky miles with a camera and $200 VISA for spending money to name a few.
If you would like to learn more about SafeJourney or become a volunteer you may call 763-520-4151 or email safejourney@northmemorial.com.
Photographs were provided by Melissa Rosky photography/Facebook. Click here to visit her facebook page.
Midwest Staffing Group and Firstat Nursing continue their commitment to giving back to the communities in which we work.