Lisa Sturm - CHOICE - Made in the Shade- Walk, Run, and Roll-5K

Please consider sponsoring me as I raise funds for the "Made in the Shade - Walk, Run, Roll-5K" event on Sept. 24th, 2011 at Lake Calhoun! www.madeintheshade.org

All proceeds that I raise will benefit CHOICE, Inc.

WHAT IS CHOICE, INC.?

CHOICE, Inc., founded in 1969, is a non-profit organization serving the needs of adults with intellectual disabilities in Hennepin and Carver counties. CHOICE, Inc. provides services to over 180 participants on a daily basis from three program locations in the communities of Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and St. Bonifacius. The emphasis of CHOICE, Inc. programming is to:

• Develop employment opportunities
• Increase vocational skills
• Promote community involvement
• And enhance personal well-being

CHOICE, Inc. has formed partnerships with over 100 community businesses from a variety of industries throughout the western metro area. Some of these include: Food Service, Manufacturing & Production, Facilities Maintenance, and Hospitality.

CHOICE, Inc. also serves as an outsourcing resources for many businesses; CHOICE employees work in our program facilities to process mass mailings and newsletters and complete a number of small hand assembly and packaging projects.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ME?

This population is a blast to work with on a daily basis! I work at the Eden Prairie location and absolutely love it! Our location has approximately 60 clients that I have the privilege to work with every day! I am a supported employment instructor and support these clients at their job sites, in our community, and at our facility with on-site programming. Despite their disabilities, these people live life to the fullest, embrace and overcome challenges, and celebrate even the smallest victories! Our participants are such an important part of our community and more often than not they do not receive the recognition they deserve.

These individuals rely on government funding which we all know seems to be growing less and less available to those who need it the most. There have been significant cuts in funding to the people we serve that NEED OUR SERVICES! That is why fundraising is so important; so we can give opportunities to individuals who had no choice in being born with a disability, yet deserve the same opportunities we all freely receive.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER DONATING?

Why not?! Many of us have a desire to give and help those in need if we only knew where the money was specifically going. Well here you go!!!! Your donation goes directly to CHOICE, Inc. where our clients receive transportation to and from our program where we provide employment services, community involvement, and meaningful onsite programming.

Your support will:

• Provide education, social opportunities, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
• Help people with disabilities get and keep jobs in the community.
• Provide safe and reliable transportation.
• Provide meaningful structure to their day.

Thank you so much for considering supporting CHOICE, Inc. and the 180 participants who deserve an opportunity to receive quality, essential services!