Winged Memories Urn Pendant Giveaway

Jewelry Keepsakes has generously donated this beautiful Winged Memories Urn Pendant to one Project Sweet Peas supporter! This giveaway will begin on the January 28th and will end on February 16th!

The Winged Memories Urn Pendant is a beautiful piece that offers a way to carry your loved one with you always. The pendant is made of very high-quality materials at an affordable price. As an organization that serves grieving families, we can attest to how priceless and treasured a piece like this is

Product description: The pendant is .925 sterling silver and has a rhodium plating which gives it shine and durability. The snake chain measures 20" and is rhodium plated over sterling silver. More information can be found on the pendant here: http://www.jewelrykeepsakes.com/winged-memories-urn-pendant-p/jk6154.htm

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In addition to the giveaway, Jewelry Keepsakes if offering a discount code exclusively for Project Sweet Peas supporters! Use code SWEETPEAS now to receive a 5% discount when you shop at Jewelry Keepsakes: http://www.jewelrykeepsakes.com/

Please note that due to shipping costs, this giveaway is only open to those located within the United States.

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Join the Project Sweet Peas Board of Directors

Are you interested in serving on the Project Sweet Peas Board of Directors? Our Board consists of active professionals who are committed to furthering our mission. The following positions are currently open on our Board of Directors. 

Secretary

The secretary is responsible for ensuring that accurate and sufficient documentation exists to meet legal requirements. You must be able to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Manage and ensure accuracy of minutes of the board’s meetings
• Ensure minutes are distributed to members shortly after each meeting
• Maintain records of the board and ensure effective management of organization’s records including but not limited to the coordinator and volunteer ledgers, the bag count and approval records, financial report overviews and 990 forms from the Treasurer, the yearly meeting minute binder
• Maintain insurance documents and other important documentation
• Maintain state charitable registrations
• Respond to all fundraising approval emails after they have received approval from the board
• This position requires a minimum time commitment of 10 hours per week

Please email us at info@projectsweetpeas.com with any questions.

You may apply for this position here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CkHnzMJg47AWqfZSyWsi4rhUbydnSwVX18CeRbduOOQ/viewform

Assistant Treasurer

The assistant treasurer is responsible for assisting the Treasurer with the management and reporting of an Project Sweet Pea's finances. You must be able to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Assist the Treasurer with maintaining financial workbooks and updates as necessary
• Assist Project Coordinators with financial reports for grants
• Assist to develop and implement financial procedures and systems
• Assist in collecting and auditing quarterly reports that are submitted by project coordinators
• Assist in responding to emails regarding financial and workbook questions
• Reports to board on key financial events, concerns and assessment of fiscal health

This position requires a minimum time commitment of 10 hours per week

Please email us at info@projectsweetpeas.com with any questions.

You may apply for this position here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16Edf5r7GGMhOwvAeP84XiyDlZmeTBbARNL1-kGc1LC4/viewform

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Last Day to Help Project Sweet Peas win a $1,000 grant from DoJiggy!

DoJiggy is giving away $1,000 grants to 5 deserving non-profits! We would be honored to receive your nomination for this opportunity! This valuable funding would go to help us continue our mission of providing support to families with a child in intensive care and to those who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.

So how do you nominate us? It's easy! Visit our Facebook post on DoJiggy's wall and comment on why you think Project Sweet Peas should be a recipient of the grant. Also, make sure to "like" the post and share with your friends. The post can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152437928758642&set=o.34329284365&type=1&theater


Thank you for your support!

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Help Project Sweet Peas win a $1,000 grant from DoJiggy!

DoJiggy is giving away $1,000 grants to 5 deserving non-profits! We would be honored to receive your nomination for this opportunity! This valuable funding would go to help us continue our mission of providing support to families with a child in intensive care and to those who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss.

So how do you nominate us? It's easy! Visit our Facebook post on DoJiggy's wall and comment on why you think Project Sweet Peas should be a recipient of the grant. Also, make sure to "like" the post and share with your friends. The post can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152437928758642&set=o.34329284365&type=1&theater

Thank you for your support!

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Holiday Hope Tip #5: Volunteering for Existing Holiday Hope Efforts

If you are interested in participating in a current effort underway for the holidays - we have a great list for you! Below you will find organizations and individuals who are currently organizing projects in their community to provide hope to families of critically ill children. Would you like your project added to our list? Email us at info@projectsweetpeas.com. We would be glad to add you!

California

Project Sweet Peas - Owen's Miracle

Modesto & Oakland, CA

Holiday care package delivery

Contact Information:

Kathleen Hill, Project Coordinator

kathleen@projectsweetpeas.com

Indiana

Project Sweet Peas - Shelby's Sunshine

Indianapolis - St. Vincent's

Holiday care package delivery to St. Vincent's Women's Hospital NICU

Contact Information:

Stephanie Olivarez, Project Coordinator

steph@projectsweetpeas.com

Project Sweet Peas - Avi's Embrace

Lafayette, IN - St. Elizabeth East & IU Health Arnett

Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact Information:

Sarah King, Project Coordinator

sarahking@projectsweetpeas.com

Kansas

Project Sweet Peas - MJ's Memories

Topeka, KS

Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact information:

Megan Skaggs, Project Coordinator

megan@projectsweetpeas.com

Massachusetts

Project Sweet Peas - Multiple Miracles 

Boston Area
Will be donating 100 care packages to Boston NICU's

Contact Information:
Diane Hrenko, Project Coordinator
diane@projectsweetpeas.com

Ohio

Project Sweet Peas - Gabriella's Grace

Toledo, OH

Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact Information:

Gwen Weber, Project Coordinator

gwen@projectsweetpeas.com

Minnesota

Project Sweet Peas - Ava's Angels

New Brighton

Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact Information:

Lisa Daher, Project Coordinator

Lisa@projectsweetpeas.com

Pennsylvania

Lisa Vitous

Pittsburgh

Holiday delivery to Magee Women's Hospital

Contact Information: 

Lisa Vitous, Project Coordinator

lisavitous@projectsweetpeas.com

Project Sweet Peas - Milana's Miracles

Pittsburgh

Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact information:

Heather Sopp Farnan, Project Coordinator

heather@projectsweetpeas.com

Project Sweet Peas - Precious Kisses

Philadelphia

Will be delivering water bottles with candy and a foam snowman picture frame. Also delivering 25+ care packages to Lankenau hospital.

Contact information:

Maria Garvey Bentin, Project Coordinator

maria@projectsweetpeas.com

Rhode Island

Project Sweet Peas - Gabriel's Gift

Providence, RI

Holiday dinner with care package delivery to local NICU

Contact information:

Corin Nava, Project Coordinator

corin@projectsweetpeas.com

Wisconsin

Project Sweet Peas - Nevaeh's Rainbow

Greenbay

Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact Information:
Nicole Onesti, Project Coordinator
nicole@projectsweetpeas.com

Project Sweet Peas - Lauren & Madeline's Gift
Milwaukee
Holiday care package delivery to local NICU's

Contact Information

Lisa Rondeau, Project Coordinator

Lisarondeau@projectsweetpeas.com

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Holiday Hope Tip #4: Fundraising

So you've decided how you would like to give back to your local ICU but how do you make it happen? Will you need to raise funds? Host a volunteer day? Spread the word? Our next three Holiday Hopes tips will cover these topics!

Holiday Hope Tip #4: Fundraising 

• Host an item drive: Host a fundraiser to collect specific items! In general donation drives are better received when you are only requesting a few select items.  Being clear and concise will help orient those who would like to give back. Utilize social media like Facebook events to help spread the word. 
• Raise money: Goal oriented funding generally will help you raise more funds. Make a budget for what you anticipate spending and make that budget your goal. Be open to sharing your budget with others so that they know where their money is going. Motivate others by creating teams and/or providing incentives. Use a website like www.fundrazr.com and your social media to honor contributions made by others.
• Reach out to local businesses: Local businesses are generally very receptive to helping out community members. Check in to see if they would be willing to donate items or sponsor an item monetarily. Make sure to follow up with the businesses if they are willing to donate by sending your thanks and by showing them what resulted from their donations.
• Team up with organizations: Oftentimes, there are organizations in your community that share a common mission. Reach out to them and see if they would be interested in working together. Connecting with a 501(c)3 organization may also help you receive donations from larger corporations.
• Sell items to raise funds: Host a bake sale, or a craft fair. Buy items wholesale like flower bulbs, jewelry, t-shirts, ornaments, and sell them to supporters. Contact an independent (Thirty-one, Avon, Miche, etc) consultant to see if they might be willing to work together. The possibilities are really limitless!
• Host a fundraising event:  Fundraising events can yield a large profit but they can be very time consuming so make sure to start early. A lot of businesses are willing to work with local individuals and groups to reach their fundraising goals. Contact local bowling alleys, restaurants, zoos and other attractions to see what kind of event fundraising they have to offer. If they already have a program in place, then it will make organizing the event much easier. If you are feeling ambitious, organize a walk, a polar plunge or other large community event. Stephanie Olivarez, Vice President & co-founder, knows the value of organizing a fundraising event: "Doing Shelby's Sunshine Polar Plunge at the end of November helps with our Christmas Delivery. By participating, supporters truly know they are helping with this delivery." For these type of events we recommend that you start at least 9-12 months in advance. .

If you have any more questions regarding fundraising  please feel free to email us at info@projectsweetpeas.com. We are more then willing to provide any advice that we can

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and on our blog for more Holiday Hope Tips! 

Join the conversation and connect to others in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743335505681305/

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Holiday Hope Tip #3: Deciding What to Donate to Your Local ICU: In-Hospital Events

Many people associate the Holidays with good food and good company. When experiencing a ICU stay, parents rarely are able to have home cooked meals and their interactions with loved ones are limited. Consider donating your time to providing meals, a crafting event or other in-hospital event to your local ICU to bring some cheer in time for the holidays.

For some hospitals, these services may exist so make sure to inquire about them when making initial contact with your hospital, you may be able to volunteer!

If your hospital does not currently offer your service of interest, you might want to inquire about starting one. As we have mentioned previously, some hospitals may not allow meals, or other services because of their policies. But take it from us, it really doesn't hurt to ask! If anything, they will be grateful that you are thinking of their families, even if it isn't a possibility right now.

So what are some possible events you could host at your local hospital?

• Meals: As we mentioned previously, homemade meals are few and far between for ICU families. Providing a home cooked meal will be sure to put a smile on their faces. Make something that is easy to cook in large quantities. Casseroles, chili and other similar recipes are great main dishes to serve. Another idea is to do something where the families can assemble what they would like. For example, a sandwich bar or a make your own waffle setup.  You could also bring snacks for the families to take back with them to the room. 
• Crafting Events: Providing a craft will give families the much needed time to focus on something positive and fun. Many, many times I have heard from families how great it was just to have those moments to unwind. Scrapbooking is a great service to provide ICU families. Other ideas include onesie, picture frame or name plaque decorating. Check out pinterest! You can find a wealth of adorable baby crafts!
• Support group: Host a support group in your local ICU for families to come together and bond with one another. Include local volunteers in the meeting that have been through a ICU stay. They will be able to provide valuable support to families. Overall, this is a great social activity for parents and siblings to interact with one another. 
• Photo sessions: Invite a local photographer and Santa to the ICU. Create a photo opportunity for families to treasure forever.

Find more advice, and connect with others on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743335505681305/ and keep following our blog and Facebook page for more tips this Holiday season.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@projectsweetpeas.com!

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