In addition to the many special needs individuals and various groups that this website tries to assist, there are many more national and local organizations worthy of our efforts as well. Obviously it is impossible to help them all, so we have chosen eight that have special meaning to us. When a store purchase is made with no specific fundraiser attached to it, 25%-40%* of that purchase is divided equally between each of the following organizations. If you are not purchasing something for a specific fundraiser, we encourage you to choose from one of the following organizations, and the entire 25%-40%* of the store purchase will go to that organization. Simply type the organization's name in the box in your shopping cart that asks for it.
1. American Cancer Society - Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer who knows of someone who has. We are no exception. Several friends and relatives of ours have had cancer. Some of them have fought it and beat it. Others were not as lucky.
2. Alzheimer's Association - Much like cancer, Alzheimer's has impacted a great many lives to some degree. We have an immediate family member struggling with it right now.
4. Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance - Not as well known as the first three, we have a niece who has tuberous sclerosis.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in many different organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin and lungs. You will see it referred to both as tuberous sclerosis (TS) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The term TSC is used in scientific literature to distinguish tuberous sclerosis from Tourette's syndrome.
The true prevalence of TSC is unknown, but its incidence has recently been estimated to be 1 in 6,000 live births. This means approximately 50,000 individuals in the United States and more than 1 million worldwide have TSC. It occurs in both sexes and in all races and ethnic groups.
Because TSC is a genetic disorder, it is not contagious. It is the result of a genetic mutation over which a parent has no control. It is often first recognized in children who have two neurological symptoms—epileptic seizures and/or varying degrees of mental handicap. However, the clinical symptoms of TSC vary greatly and may often not appear until later in life. There are presently no cures and there is no way to predict how severely or mildly an individual may be affected by TSC.
5. AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund - Through it's Conservation Endowment Fund, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums supports important conservation and education projects led by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and their partners.
Founded in 1907 the Muskegon Rescue Mission is one of the oldest helping agencies in West Michigan. Just as the agency name infers there are families, as well as individuals who literally need to be rescued from the lives of hopelessness. The MRM is a channel of Christian charity through which temporary shelter, meals, clothing and discipleship are provided.
7. Food Bank Council Of Michigan - The Food Bank Council of Michigan secures and distributes monetary and food donations from Michigan citizens, growers and businesses to alleviate and prevent hunger among Michigan people.
8. Station Family Fund - While not personally knowing anyone affected by it, The Station Nightclub fire was a tragedy that nonetheless has meaning in our lives. It could have happened anywhere to anyone.
The Station Family Fund was founded by survivors and family members affected by The Station Nightclub fire of February 20, 2003. They are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that received approval from the IRS on November 4, 2003 to operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Every dollar raised by the Station Family Fund, Inc. goes directly to address the needs of the survivors and the families of victims catastrophically impacted by The Station Nightclub fire. Administrative and overhead expenses are paid solely from donations solicited for that specific purpose.
Their services include assistance with identifying and accessing resources available through federal and state agencies or other non-governmental organizations. They also provide financial grants on a case by case basis. Commencing January 1, 2007, their financial grants will give priority to bridging gaps in care for those who suffered catastrophic injury in the fire.
We encourage you to donate directly to any of these organizations through their respective website links above. We are not endorsed by, affiliated with or reimbursed in any way by any of these organizations. We have simply chosen them for the reasons stated above. If not one of these, please support the cause the strikes a chord in your life. We know that many people and causes are struggling just to survive in the present day economy but we are trying to do what we can and hope that you will do the same.
