…inspiring hope …connecting resources …building community

Greetings!

We invite you to consider becoming involved in Winterfest 2015, a Parkland-Spanaway community event that inspires hope by connecting low-income families with gifts and resources during the holiday season. Winterfest provides Christmas gifts to children in Franklin Pierce and Bethel School Districts who would otherwise not have access. It also empowers families to access local opportunities and resources that lead to self- sufficiency. Finally, Winterfest builds community in Parkland-Spanaway by connecting leaders, organizations, residents and families across barriers that typically divide.

Winterfest 2015 will take place at Mount Rainier Lutheran High School (the old Parkland School; PLU’s East Campus) on Saturday, December 12th from 9am- 12pm.

In its 24th year, Winterfest serves local families by offering a place to share refreshments and a children’s fair with games, face painting, a visit with Santa, and crafts. Parents will have the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their children, connect with local resources, and access coats, socks, and personal hygiene items.

Winterfest is a true collaborative event that relies on individuals, organizations, businesses, schools and churches each year. In 2014, 37 organizations and 310 volunteers worked together to serve nearly 1,100 children at Winterfest! We need your help! How to become involved:

Planning and implementation: Are you or your business/organization interested in being involved in the planning and implementation of this event? Consider taking a lead in one of 40 areas in this program. Email [email protected] if you are interested.

Children’s Gifts: Can you help us acquire toys, socks, coats and books for kids ages 3-15? Consider hosting a drive with your friends, co-workers, church or school to collect gifts children’s gifts. You also might be interested in opening your business up as a collection site for local patrons. Lemay Family Foundation will drop off decorated boxes and forms and pick them up prior to the event. Email the LeMay Family Foundation at [email protected] or call 253.272.2336 if you are interested.

Financial Support: Not sure what to buy? Leave it to us. Cash donations allow us to purchase and fill in the gaps. This year, we are attempting to raise $15,000 to support gift in kind donations. 100% of this money goes directly into Winterfest Program costs. Donations are tax deductible and receipts will be provided. …inspiring hope …connecting resources …building community

Cash donations should be payable to: PLU Center for Community Engagement and Service-Winterfest, 12180 Park Ave, Tacoma, WA 98447. PLU is a 503c3 tax deductible non-profit. Tax ID: 91-0565571. To donate online, please visit www.plu.edu/service, click on “Winterfest” and follow directions for online giving. Please contact Joel Zylstra at (253) 535-7652 or [email protected] if you have additional questions.

Volunteering Want to join us for setup or making sure Winterfest goes smoothly? Email [email protected] if you are interested.

Thank you for considering and we look forward to working with you this winter.

Members of the Winterfest Planning Team Jay Brower (Bethel School District) Rusty Carlson (Rainier View Christian Church) Trudy Cofchin (LeMay Family Foundation) Tiffany Lemmon (Pacific Lutheran University) SueEllen Nichols (Steilacoom School District) Willie Painter (Franklin Pierce School District) Jackie Smith (Heritage Bank) Joel Zylstra (Pacific Lutheran University)

Winterfest 2015 is currently sponsored by the following organizations:

Altrusa South Pierce County Mt. Rainier Lutheran High School Bethel Schools Pacific Lutheran University Franklin Pierce Schools Parkland Spanaway Kiwanis Franklin Pierce Youth First Parkland Spanaway Rotary Heritage Bank Rainier View Christian Center LeMay Family Collection Foundation South Tacoma Rotary Lindquist Dental Clinic Twin Star Credit Union Molina Health Care