The B.I.G. Day 2012 - Get Ready to Rock n' Roll!
IMAGINE THE IMPACT OF OVER 500 VOLUNTEERS SERVING AREA NON-PROFITS TOGETHER... Business Owners, Employees, Family Members, Neighbors, and Friends Giving Back For A Day!
Saturday, April 21st from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm with a B.I.G. Day Celebration from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm!
What is the B.I.G. Day?
“B.I.G.” stands for “Be involved, Give.” Created by the Chamber’s Non-Profit & Business Partnership Group, the goal is to have 500 Chamber members, their employees, family and friends spending a Saturday morning volunteering to make a difference in the community. It is an opportunity to focus attention on the hardworking non-profi t organizations that do great work in our community and give back to them by supporting them with service projects. We have organized dozens of service projects with dozens of area non-profi ts that can be completed in four hours or less. Projects that can make a difference to people and our community.
Who Can Volunteer?
We’d like everyone to participate! Businesses (both chamber and non-chamber members), their staff, family and friends. In addition, community organizations (schools, churches, sports teams) and individuals are all encouraged to participate.
Can My Children Help?
We anticipate that many of the projects will be child-friendly, but that will be left up to the non-profi t organizations to determine based on their needs.
What Kinds of Volunteer Activities Will be Offered?
Starting in February, volunteers will be able to select projects they want to work on, and with a little coordination, businesses, neighbors, churches and teams can work on projects together! First, look through the list of activities below and sign-up to volunteer and hold the date. Then we’ll be back in touch via email to let you know that you can sign-up for specifi c projects. You’ll have lots of choices, including offi ce/administration work, cleaning/organizing, yard work, painting, light repairs/ improvements as well as opportunities to provide services to some of the non-profi t’s constituents.
Will Volunteers Need to Bring Supplies?
Any needed supplies will be determined between the project captain and the non-profi t. Our goal is to get materials donated, when possible, but volunteers might be asked to bring basic items like rakes, shovels, tools, etc. based on the project that they sign up for.
Celebrate the B.I.G. Day!
In appreciation of everyone’s hard work, please join us back at the Chamber for some great food, drinks, and prizes! Celebrate the accomplishments of the B.I.G. Day and share your experiences with fellow volunteers. Entertainment will be provided by Musicians in Action (M.I.A.), a nonprofit that that mobilizes musicians (& their friends, families & fans) to perform, collaborate & volunteer to aid Colorado's homeless. M.I.A. is asking for a donation of non-perishable food to help replenish the food bank at the Gathering Place.
Please RSVP for the celebration (it is separate from your volunteer RSVP) through this link.
There Other Ways I Can Help?
Yes, this is a big undertaking and we are going to need dozens of volunteers to assist us on the day of the event. “Team captains” and project coordinators are needed for each volunteer site to work with the participating non-profi t organizations. We are also going to need businesses to help with donations of money and/ or materials to help fund some of the non-profi t projects. If you or your business would be willing to donate cash or materials, please contact Brian Destarac at 720-560-4587 or call the Chamber, 303-795-0142.
DOWLOAD
NONPROFIT PROJECT APPLICATION
(fill out and email as an attachment)
The following Nonprofits are in need of volunteers:
(Chamber Investor Nonprofits are shown with logos)
Inter-Faith Community Services - provides basic human services and enrichment programs to low-income people using community resources. Handing out flyers at King Soopers and then sorting donated items at IFCS Food Bank.
Excelsior Youth Center - Excelsior Youth Center is a residential treatment program created in 1973, serving girls ages 11-18 with emotional and behavior difficulties. We are committed to the treatment and education of young females to enhance their successful reintegration into their families and their communities. One of the 9 Excelsior Youth Center cottages would like help getting their 2012 summer vegtable garden up and running. Volunteers are needed to help till last year's soil, shovel, & move new soil to the growing area, and finally plant seeds. THIS EVENT IS FULL AT THIS TIME - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER NON-PROFIT TO HELP!
TLC Meals on Wheels - Town of Littleton Cares, Inc (TLC) Meals on Wheels is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of our neighbors. Volunteers will be assisting TLC Meals on Wheels with preparing and delivering meals for 75 of their clients.
Denver Botanic Gardens Downtown - Green inside and out, the Gardens is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Its plant collections - accredited by the American Association of Museums - encompass specimens from the tropics to the tundra, showcasing a plant palette chosen to thrive in Colorado's semi-arid climate. Volunteers will be doing a variety of things to help the Botanic Gardens open for the season, including spreading mulch, building raised beds, weeding, and planting. THIS EVENT IS FULL AT THIS TIME - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER NON-PROFIT TO HELP!
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield - At Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, a 750-acre native plant and wildlife refuge in Littleton, visitors can discover several distinct ecosystems, as well as two historical 19th century farms. The preserve provides a valuable environment for education, plant research and conservation efforts, as well as nature walks and bird watching. Volunteers will be planting for the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) garden. THIS EVENT IS FULL AT THIS TIME - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER NON-PROFIT TO HELP!
Audubon Society of Greater Denver - Audubon Society of Greater Denver (ASGD) advocates for the environment, connecting people with nature through conservation, education, and research. Prepare the Audubon Center at Chatfield and surrounding trails, gardens, and other buildings in time for Spring and Summer events. Volunteers will be outdoors and may assist with pruning, painting, raking, digging, and construction.
South Suburban Parks & Recreation Foundation - Founded in 1979, the South Suburban Park Foundation was created to enrich open spaces and to improve park and recreational amenities for residents of the south suburban communities of the metropolitan Denver area. To celebrate the day, the SSPF will be hosting community trail clean-ups where we live, work and play. Grab your work gloves and come help clean the trails we all use and love!
Alternatives Pregnancy Center - Alternatives Pregnancy Center serves women and men in pregnancy related crisis, providing them a meaningful alternative to abortion. All services are free and confidential and include success development training, pregnancy tests, options counseling, limited ultrasound services, 24-Hour Helpline, STD testing and treatment for women, post-abortion counseling, community referrals and resources, medial pre and post-natal referrals, and limited materials assistance. The Big Day project will include various office projects and light cleaning.
Rocky Mountain Stroke Center - The Rocky Mountain Stroke Center provides the opportunity for stroke clients to continue their rehab therapy after their insurance benefits have run out. We offer small group, low cost physical, occupational, speech and warm water therapy to help our clients continue to improve their bodies and minds. We also offer art, music, gardening and several other "fun" therapies to get them back intolife. There are numerous support groups for stroke survivors, as well as, for caretakers; and a group that is available to speak to companies and organizations to provide educational information on stroke.
Friends of Dinosaur Ridge - Dinosaur Ridge is a 501C3 organization dedicated to the preservation of fossils on the Ridge itself and to educating people about the fossils here. Our big season is the summer, when we can expect over 60,000 visitors. Volunteers will clean up the fossil sites on Dinosaur Ridge, to shovel mud and chop down weeds, to make it safe and clean for the visitors. This will be outdoor work, rain or shine.
Building shelves and clothes racks to expand our storage
Reorganizing storage space for more efficient use at SheShe's Corner
Helping with the change of seasons by packing up winter clothes and rolling out the spring clothes
Denver Resue Mission - The Denver Rescue Mission serves the homeless and needy via emergency shelter, meals, transitional living and rehabilitation programs. We provide resources to men, women and families to meet their immediate needs and help them develop the tools and skills necessary to reach their potential and participate as productive, self-sufficient members of our community.
Volunteers will provide childcare for 8 children ranging in age from 1 – 11 years old at the DRM Champa House. Activities may include reading, playing games and outside activities (weather permitting). Please feel free to bring activities from home to share. The Denver Rescue Mission’s Champa House serves single mothers (and their dependent children) who are participating in the New Life Program. THIS EVENT IS FULL AT THIS TIME - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER NON-PROFIT TO HELP!
Jeffco Action Center - The Action Center is a private non profit serving Jefferson county for over 44 years. Our mission is to provide an immediate respone to basic human needs while providing a pathway to self suficiency through intervention, prevention, and connection. We serve over 28,000 households each year and provide over 60,000 individuals with a five day food supply, clothing, and household items. Volunteers will be packing food boxes for distribution at the Action Center.
Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation - As the leader in Sensory Processing Disorder research, education and advocacy, the SPD Foundation offers an abundance of services and programs for professionals, parents, and anyone interested in knowing more about the sensory challenges that affect children academically, socially, and/or in their emotional development. Volunteers will be helping Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation prepare for the FIRST and ONLY playground specialized to children with sensory processing disorders.
Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps - The Blue Knights offering of performance and educational programs is made possible by a dedicated group of boosters, volunteers, and donors. Without the help of these caring and dedicated individuals, the Blue Knights could not survive to offer young people an environment that fosters leadership and excellence. The Blue Knights need help with their social media implimentation. THIS EVENT IS FULL AT THIS TIME - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER NON-PROFIT TO HELP!
South Suburban Parks & Recreation District - Volunteers will celebrate Arbor Day 2012 with the Greening of the Greenway by helping South Suburban Parks & Recreation District by planting more than 200 trees. Volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt and can stay for lunch after the commemorative tree planting ceremony at the confluence of Big Dry Creek Trail and the South Platte River at noon.
9 Health Fair - Green Valley Ranch - The 9Health Fair is a non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost medical screenings to people 18 and older. People attend the fair to check on their overall health and seek medical advice. Volunteers are placed at various screening stations, and depending on qualifications are assigned to medical or non-medical duties. Training is provided. THIS EVENT IS FULL AT THIS TIME - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER NON-PROFIT TO HELP!
Veterans Green Jobs - Veterans Green Jobs is dedicated to helping all veterans transition into successful career paths by focusing on opportunities in stable economic sectors related to, for example: Environmental restoration, natural resources conservation and sustainability, Clean energy and renewable energy and related technologies, Energy efficiency and energy conservation, Energy independence and energy security. Volunteers have 3 projects to choose from:
In their warehouse/retail area
Help to beautify Denver by sprucing up a section of the South Platte River/Cherry Creek Trail
A Precious Child - A Precious Child is a nonprofit dedicated to serving displaced and disadvantaged, children and families through our six different programs. Families are referred by social services to become our clients and then are allowed to shop in our clothing bank (set up as a retail store) free of charge. Volunteers will be working in A Precious Child's resource center helping inventory, sort and organlze, and hang donations that come in.
Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver ReStores Denver - The Habitat ReStore sells new and used building and home materials to directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. ReStores have increased Habitat’s housing production in Metro Denver by 70% and recycle 5 – 7 tons of materials weekly by re-purposing materials. The net proceeds from Habitat’s ReStores cover 96.8% of Habitat’s administrative and fund-raising costs, meaning that 96.8% of every dollar donated to Habitat directly funds the homeownership program. Volunteers will assist with cleaning, assisting customers, sorting items, moving furniture, testing appliances and more.
Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver ReStores Wheatridge - The Habitat ReStore sells new and used building and home materials to directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. ReStores have increased Habitat’s housing production in Metro Denver by 70% and recycle 5 – 7 tons of materials weekly by re-purposing materials. The net proceeds from Habitat’s ReStores cover 96.8% of Habitat’s administrative and fund-raising costs, meaning that 96.8% of every dollar donated to Habitat directly funds the homeownership program. Volunteers will assist with cleaning, assisting customers, sorting items, moving furniture, testing appliances and more.
ARC Thrift Store Parker Landing - ARC Thrift Stores mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support the ARC and ACL Chapters in Colorado. We believe that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to decide how they live, learn, work and play. We need volunteers to help sort donations, hang clothing, and organize departments.
ARC Thrift Store Bowles Crossing - ARC Thrift Stores mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support the ARC and ACL Chapters in Colorado. We believe that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to decide how they live, learn, work and play. We need volunteers to help sort donations, hang clothing, and organize departments.
ARC Thrift Store Green Mountain - ARC Thrift Stores mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support the ARC and ACL Chapters in Colorado. We believe that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to decide how they live, learn, work and play. We need volunteers to help sort donations, hang clothing, and organize departments.
ARC Thrift Store Warehouse/Volunteers of America Food Drive - Come join us at the Warehouse for Arc Thrift Stores. During the month of April we collect food along the Front Range of Colorado for Volunteers of America. We need your help by sorting and boxing up food. We have collected over 130 tons in the past and we have a goal of over 150 tons this year. Come help us reach our goal. This helps so many people and families.
Matthew Shepard Foundation - The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs, and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach and, advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. Volunteers are required to assist with registration and stuffing bags for the participants of the Once Upon a Time Race (an urban scavenger hunt with a fairytale theme).
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation - Our Mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Volunteers will help with a variety of arts & crafts projects that will support educational and fundraising events. The four specific events that The BIG Day volunteers will support include: Fundraising Rockies Game, CCFA Spring Symposium, Take Steps Walk and Team Challenge endurance program.
Joshua Station - Joshua Station is a transitional housing project for homeless families. Families can stay for up to two years while getting back on their feet. Volunteers are needed to assist Musicians In Action & Joshua Station with: light cleaning, some yard work and possibly some light painting as well.
“What a difference it makes to have a team of Chamber volunteers show up, tackle a project, get it done and have a blast all the while. Having them help actually makes you look forward to painting fences and cutting weeds.” Brian Vogt, CEO, Denver Botanic Gardens
"I appreciate any opportunity to give back to the community. Organizing the efforts of over 500 people is a fantastic way to give charitable organizations a big boost of help to tackle projects that may not be accomplished otherwise." Keith Zaring, HM Brown & Associates
"Thank you for the opportunity to be part of something larger than ourselves and to give my daughter some ownership over the park and trails she uses." Mike Hanbery, Webolutions
Photos and comments from the 2011 B.I.G. Day: http://www.meetup.com/bestchamber/photos/1286872/
B.I.G. Day II Organizing Committee:
Lou Arellano, L. James & Associates
Brian Olson, Conversation Starters Public Relations
Laurian Horowitz, Colorado Life Lessons
Mike Fahndrich, CBIZ MHM
Brian Destarac, Cobalt Business Solutions
