Dear 5th Bridge Pledgers,

One of the best parts of my job is that I get to see people at their best, when they are giving unselfishly of their time, talents and treasure. The synergy that develops when people come together to do good for others is nothing short of amazing.

Recently I had the opportunity to observe Mrs. Haar’s 4th grade class from Sibley in action. Once a month her class visits the residents of the Northfield Care Center. While there, they sing a few songs, visit with the residents and help them decorate their doors, and then escort the residents to their noon meal. Prior to the students' arrival, many of the residents were alone in their rooms, asleep or otherwise inattentive. Once the students arrived, I have to say that the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. One by one the audience began to grow and become engaged. The part that gave me goosebumps was when the students were given time to visit with the residents. Seeing fresh faces and weathered ones together learning about one another, sharing stories and forming friendships is a sight to behold and left everyone involved renewed. I want to say thank you to Mrs. Haar for understanding the value of using service to reinforce learning. Also, thanks to the Northfield Care Center for caring about their residents and facilitating visits like this, to the parent volunteers who help to make the field trip safe and orderly, and to the students for opening their hearts.

If you are looking for a way to make a difference and to experience the “utter joy” that comes from sharing your time, talents and treasure, here is a great opportunity:

Get involved in 5th Bridge’s 1st Annual Goods for Good – The Great Northfield Rummage Raid for Charity. This fun, environmentally friendly, community-building, fund-raising event will be held the first weekend in May. Our goal is to recruit at least 50 sites to host a rummage sale or refreshment stand with at least 50% of the proceeds benefiting a good cause.

This is a great service and fund-raising opportunity for families, neighborhoods, churches, nonprofit organizations, service clubs, Circles of Service, sports teams, school groups, friends, etc…

Kids can get involved too by hosting a toy sale or refreshment stand – what a great opportunity to teach your kids the value of service and giving!

5th Bridge will organize the event, help mobilize the site hosts, develop a tool kit to make the project easier, give ideas for sale beneficiaries, create a map with site locations, provide regional promotion and organize a success celebration.

Want to learn more about this exciting event? Attend the Goods for Good information session:

Monday, March 10, 2008
College City Beverage, 700 Railway Street South, Dundas
Reception at 5:00 p.m.
Program from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.

RSVP to candy@5thbridge.org or call 507-581-3017. Visit www.5thbridge.org for more information.

I will look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Candy Taylor and your friends at 5th Bridge