"Made in the Shade- Walk, Run, and Roll-5K" event - Erica Fredricks

MADE IN THE SHADE – ERICA FREDRICKS FUNDRAISING PAGE

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

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ME?

Let’s just say I absolutely love this population and I cannot imagine working in a different field. I have 10 years experience working with people with intellectual disabilities and I have learned A LOT. Currently I am the Program Supervisor at the CHOICE, Inc. - Plymouth site where we serve 75 adults out of the 180 involved in our agency. It is my privilege day in and day out to serve people, who despite their disability, live life to the fullest, embrace and overcome challenges, and celebrate even the smallest victories. And of course, I must say that I get to experience some pretty wonderful and quite humorous personalities! 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 of specific opportunities. 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!