Friday, December 31, 2010

TASTE the INTERNATIONAL CUISINE of FORT WAYNE'S SISTER CITIES


Do you like to travel and try the various dishes different cultures prepare?  If so, this gala benefit is made for you!  Everyone is invited to attend Fort Wayne Sister Cities International’s Taste of Fort Wayne Sister Cities Gala Benefit and Annual Dinner.

The dinner will feature the cuisine of each of Fort Wayne's Sister Cities: Takaoka Japan, Plock Poland and Gera Germany.  Each dish will be prepared by Marriott’s own, Chef Mike.


Special Entertainment by:
Bob Criswell, piano
Hikaru Tamaki, cello and Daniel Quinn, guitar
Männerchor und Damenchor, Greg Vey, Director
Janice Furtner & Dorothy Kittaka, sopranos (Dueling Divas)    


When:  Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Where:  Fort Wayne Marriott Three Rivers Ballroom, 305 E. Washington Ctr. Rd., Fort Wayne, IN
Start Time:  6:00 p.m. Social Hour – Cash Bar, Silent Auction, Music
Dinner:  7:30 p.m. Dinner, Mayor Tom Henry, Guest Speaker
RSVP by:  Reservations are required by Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cost:  $45.00/person

Please make check out to:   Fort Wayne Sister Cities Intl.
Send to:  FWSC  I927 South Harrison St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 
Email confirmation to:   fwscilucybriley@aol.com

Please visit their web site to learn more about Fort Wayne Sister Cities International, Inc.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Voices of Unity Youth Choir ---------- SOULFUL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

The Unity Performing Arts Foundation is excited to present:
SOULFUL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Tenth Year Reunion Concert

Where: IPFW Rhinehart Music Center, Fort Wayne, IN
When: Saturday, January 8, 2011, 7:00 PM
Admission: Adults $15, Children 12 and under FREE
Purchase Tickets: Call 260-481-6719 or online upaf.com


Purchase tickets now to hear Fort Wayne's own
World Champion Gold Medalist
and the
REUNION CHOIR
Directed by: Marshall White

Monday, December 27, 2010

2011 Winter Wellness Retreat - Downtown Fort Wayne on January 8th

It is time to cleanse your mind and body from any or all stress that came in 2010.  The annual Winter Wellness Retreat will help you get 2011 started on the right track! If you live in the Fort Wayne area and your 2011 New Year's Resolution is to take care of yourself so you can better take care of others in your life... then this wellness retreat is for you.


Location: FWDC Studios, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN
Date: Jan. 8, 2011, 8:30am - 12:30pm
To Register: Call 260-424-6574, email info@fwdc.org
Admission: $50 per person

The day's activity in a snapshot:
> 8-8:30am: Tea and light fare by Jeannie Porter
> 8:30-9:45am: Yoga with instructor Jill Harman
> 10-11:15am: T'ai Chi with instructor Nancy Woollacott
> 10-11:15am: Relaxation Techniques: Breathwork and Beyond with instructors Pam and Kelly Holt
> 11:30-12:30 Lunch by Jeannie Porter

This is the perfect way to start out the new year in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Fort Wayne Ballet and Animal Care & Control Provides Holiday Joy!

The partnership between Fort Wayne Ballet and Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control was unique to say the least, with 13 special “muttcrackers” sharing the stage with the talented dancers of Fort Wayne Ballet and the community. But the ploy was more than just a cute twist to an annual tradition – it also provided a means to educate the community about the plight of homeless animals and provide awareness of how the problem can be solved. With all of the dogs featured in The Nutcracker adopted by December 20 (only one week after the final curtain fell on the 2010 performances) and already in new homes, Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control considers this year’s event a huge success. In addition to the adoptions themselves, many of which came as a direct result of the exposure on stage at The Nutcracker, Adoption Supervisor Allison Miller has seen other benefits, as well.
            “I do believe that The Nutcracker has brought more foot traffic through our Adoption Center.  I have heard several of our adoption visitors state that they were either at a Nutcracker performance or heard about our animals from someone who was at The Nutcracker—and that is why they decided to come here to look for a pet versus going to a pet store.  This makes me very happy!”
            Karen Gibbons-Brown, Artistic/Executive Director of Fort Wayne Ballet, had hoped to see these results and is now looking ahead to sharing this success with other organizations.

Two "Muttcrackers" with a Nutcracker performer and animal friend, Joni Dick.

            “Part of our obligation is to give back to the community, and we teach that to our young people at Fort Wayne Ballet. We teach them to be servant leaders beyond just what they learn through classes and performances, and we encourage them to engage in the community. We do it every year with our coat and mitten drive, and we did it this year with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. We want to be one of the leaders in our community, and part of that hope is to not only affect change today but to affect it tomorrow, as well.”

With only three months until the spring collaboration with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, CoppĂ©lia, and the Youth Company performances of Madeline, Fort Wayne Ballet continues to provide the Fort Wayne area with professional productions and the renowned class instruction provided by Academy of Fort Wayne Ballet.  But only nine short months remain until auditions for the 2011 production of The Nutcracker, and Karen Gibbons-Brown is already thinking about what might be possible in the years ahead.

“We belong to a trendsetting community, and we want to do our part to be a catalyst for change. We did that in the spring with our trading cards with the Fort Wayne TinCaps and Indiana & Michigan Power linemen, and we were happy to do it again with Animal Care & Control. It worked well for us, it worked well for them, but most of all it worked for the homeless animals we were able to help – and we’re looking at ways to expand that beyond Fort Wayne.”

Please visit their web site to learn more about the Fort Wayne Ballet or contact Michele DeVinney at 260-484-9646 or mdevinney@fortwayneballet.org and see how you can get involved.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Jophiel Announces Recipients of $5,000 Contribution

Followup to article posted on December 9, 2010:

The staff of Jophiel with the 2010 Education recipients' executive directors

For the fall of 2010 Jophiel, a fine women's clothier, located in Covington Plaza on W. Jefferson Blvd., in Fort Wayne, Indiana, focused its philanthropic support to the area of Education. On December 15, 2010 Jophiel announced the recipients of their contribution.

Four local organizations each received a portion of the total $5,000 gift:
Early Childhood Alliance - Parents as Teachers Program
Allen County Fort Wayne Historical Society - Heritage Education Fund
Boys & Girls Clubs - Project Learn
Artlink - Art for Kids Program

Visit Jophiel's web site to learn more about how each organization will put their portion of the gift to good use.

Friday, December 17, 2010

6th Annual BRAIN GAME - Fort Wayne Center for Learning

"BG"

The Fort Wayne Center for Learning is pleased to host its 6th annual Brain Game on February 26, 2011!

What? Brain Game benefiting the Fort Wayne Center for Learning
When? February 26, 2011
Team Registration & Pictures at 5:30PM
The fun starts at 6PM!
Where? Grand Wayne Convention Center
Wear a costume and play the part! There is a prize for best costume too.
This Hollywood-style trivia game has companies and organizations - many dressed in outlandish and creative costumes - from across the area competing against each other to earn the title of the “Brightest Bulbs in the Fort.”   
2010 "Brightest Bulbs" - Signup today... This could be your team!?!?
 The event is widely known as “the most fun you’ll ever have at a charitable event!”


"Do you know the answer."  "No! Do you?" "Hit the buzzer anyway!" 


This year’s event will feature an all-play preliminary round, thought-provoking trivia tidbits from nine different categories, a final round full of entertaining acts, dinner, cash bar and lots of fun surprises!
Is that a crocodile or an alligator? Whichever it is, take it from Linda, it's REAL!
Learning challenges affect people from every race, gender, ethnic and socio-economic background.  The Fort Wayne Center for Learning provides one-on-one remedial instruction to all who can benefit from it, at fees that are affordable for their families.  They recognize that “Every child is different.  Their right to learn is the same.”  Please visit their web site to learn more about the Fort Wayne Center for Learning and how you can get involved.

To enter or sponsor a team, sponsor the event, or purchase tickets call 260-469-3925 or e-mail braingame@fwcl.org for additional information or download the informational brochure from their web site.  Click here to view more photos from past Brain Games.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Breakfast with an Angel 2010 ............... Trinity English Lutheran Church

Trinity English Lutheran Church was the site for Breakfast with an Angel on Saturday, December 11, 2010.  The breakfast was geared to all preschool and elementary-aged children and their families and was a great way for families to start the Christmas season.  Everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, french toast, sausage, fruit, rolls, and beverages.

The Angel told the Christmas story to everyone and reported on what all the Angels witnessed that wonderful night.  After listening to the Angel's news all the children made a Christmas ornament and treat to take home.

 Children and families were welcomed to have their photo taken with the Angel and all went home with a framed print.

Everyone was invited to attend and the cost including breakfast was $3 for adults and $1 for children.  If you missed this year's breakfast, check back on the Trinity English web site in November 2011 for the date and details and attend next year.

Give the Gift of Warmth to Fort Wayne Residents In Need

Many children and adults in the Fort Wayne area do not have a coat to keep them warm this winter...
Do you have a coat to spare?

Heart of the City Missions Foundation's goal
 is to distribute 1,000 coats around 
Fort Wayne on Christmas Eve.

Senator Richard G. Lugar and Heart of the City Missions Foundation are working together to make this goal a reality.  Do your part by donating new or gently used coats by December 17, 2010.

Collection Site:
Senator Richard G. Lugar 
Northeast Indiana Community Service Center
Covington Plaza
6384-A W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN  46804

Questions???:
Call 260-422-1505 

Friday, December 10, 2010

2nd Annual Social Service Summit

The 2nd annual Health & Human Services Coalition Social Service Summit was held today, December 10, 2010, at the Public Safety Academy of Northeast Indiana.  Kathleen Randolph, with WorkOne, kicked things off by welcoming all attendees and introduced Mayor Tom Henry.


Mayor Henry reported on outcomes from the first Social Service Summit and announced the launching of a new web site geared directly to nonprofits. The site brings everyone from non-profits, faith-based, government, and business sectors together to help people in need. The site is called ComeTogetherFW.com.              


Next, Dr. Michale Hicks, the keynote speaker, informed us on his view of the area economy and things possibly to come in the future.  His presentation touched on many areas including banking, manufacturing, housing and education.  He believes education of our youth should be our number one priority.


Katy Silliman then gave us an update on Vision 2020, and Mike Landram from the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce reported on new and innovative things happening in the Fort Wayne area.



After these speakers, three breakout sessions were planned.  Each breakout session had three-four offerings to choose from depending on which topic best fit your need. Pictured is Linda Buskirk of Accountable Solutions, Inc.  She spoke on "10 Traits of a Terrific Board Member" and the importance of a vital Board of Directors to help make an organization a success.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Jophiel to Award $5,000 to Education Programs/Activities


"Jophiel is fortunate to do business in a community that has supported it for over fifteen years," explained Julie Eckert Clancy, owner of Jophiel, a fine women's clothier. "Because of the continued support of our clients, we are able to assist others in our community."

This fall, Jophiel focused its philanthropic support on education, with the desire to contribute to educational programs and nonprofit organizations whose mission supports education in the Fort Wayne community and the surrounding area. A call for submissions went out in September, with Jophiel committing to contribute up to five thousand dollars to the winning recipients.

On Wednesday, December 15th at 1:00 pm, the four recipients will be announced at Jophiel, 6420 West Jefferson Blvd. in Covington Plaza. Said Clancy, "Jophiel is excited to be able to show our support for wonderful educational programs and initiatives in our community." A similar philanthropic support for the arts is planned for the spring.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"Warm and Cozy" Open House Benefits FWSATC

Almost 50 women stopped by for some "warm and cozy" on Tuesday at the home of A Party Apart's Cheryl Brockmann, and countless others dropped off donations in all forms — all to help support the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center. If you haven't toured this center or met these wonderful women, it should be your New Year's resolution to do so. Incredible resource providing incredible care, education, research and support. Learn more at ftwsatc.com and help others become more aware of what the Treatment Center can provide.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Fort Wayne Museum of Art 2011 GALA

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art will once again hold its 2011 Gala at its newly expanded facility.

When: March 4, 2011
Where: FWMoA, 311 East Main St., Fort Wayne, Indiana
Time: TBA
For More Information: Michelle Gray, 260-422-6467, x-338 or gray@fwmoa.org

 


Come for the Fun! Come for the Food! Come for the Art! Come to Support!


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball - Downtown Fort Wayne


YLNI, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana, will host their 6th Annual Masquerade Ball on December 31, 2010 from 9:00pm- 2:00am at Downtown Fort Wayne's Parkview Field.

When:  New Year's Eve - 12-31-10, 9 pm - 2 am
Where:  Suite Level Lounge Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing Street
Parking:  Free parking in Silver lot (corner of Ewing & Brackenridge)
Tickets:  $35 in advance, $30 for YLNI dues-paying members, $40 day of event (if available)

       Featuring:  FIREWORKS at midnight from the field presented by Lake City Bank, CASINO GAMES, Music & Dancing, Hors d'oeuvres, Expanded Full Bar Service accepting cash & credit card

* Must be 21 or over
* Masks required - prize awarded for best mask
* Black-tie optional
* Everyone will receive vouchers to play casino games
* Purchase tickets through the www.ylni.org Store