First of MANY MANY children visiting Santa 08

Nancy is working diligently to get all of your children's photos on this site for you to have. Thank you for your patience.

Center pieces made by one of our moms

Tanya, Thank you! Your talent is amazing. The contribution of product from the Harris family an Tanya's endless hours building these beautiful holiday stocking center pieces made the 2008 Holiday party ore festive than ever. THANK YOU!

Please send in photos (if U attended/took pics)

This was taken during clean up time so we could get one of us together. I would love you all to send in photos you took as I was too busy to take photos. Next year it will be an assigned volunteer position. I have a couple mission this year. We will have our own DJ equipment and our own photo equipment to upgrade each event. Learn as we go. For sure catered food!!!

HUGE THANK Yous to all who helped this event.

FREE FAMILY PHOTOS, PARTY BONUS

EACH PERSON WHO ATTENDED THE PARTY WAS ABLE TO GET A PROFESSIONAL SITTING AND ONE FREE PHOTO OF THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILY.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO MR. JIM HARRIS FOR THIS CHARITY DONATION FOR HIS TIME, TRAVEL AND PROFESSIONAL WORK.

WWW.BIKETOURPHOTO.COM


Jim Harris Photography
1270 SW 28th Ter, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 585-8787

FAMILY photos by Jim Harris Photographer

FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ...

THANK YOU JIM.

1-954-612-2997

FT. LAUDERDALE , FLORIDA

PLEASE CONTACT JIM HARRIS FOR PRINTS IF YOU WISH ADDITIONAL

THANK YOU !!!!

I can not say Thank You in the way to express my sincere appreciation to all those who came out to volunteer this year.

The Cape Coral HIGH SCHOOL kids are so wonderful along with Trish and the girls... Glenna, The Dobbs and Connie my sweet friend, you all came in with so much enthusiasm. I know next year will be even more successful.

Santa (emergency sit in) THANK YOU and your Dear Sweet Wife, Mrs. Claus. The night would never be the same without all your time and warmth towards the kids (of all ages)

For those who were not there we had a few snags... The party started off with a bang. Party goers registered with everything on time.. The Bob Evans food in the warmers and out to the line on time, the "nuggets" about 30 minutes longer than I had planned so the food line got a late start, Our wonderful "REAL" Santa broke his leg at noon and it was thought coming in , in a wheel chair might be traumatic to the children so Mrs. Claus's actual real life husband stepped up to the plate...put the jolly red suit on.... The next was a HUGE 911 fire which took our Shiny red fire engine...LOL yes tis is all true, I am not making this up. SO at 6 pm this wonderful DJ starts playing and things are hoping... in about a 1/2 hour our music man shows up and says he is Our music man...??? So who is on the stage playing???? I gently approach the DJ who informs me he was called and told to be here..that the women who called him to be here knew the women who works at the yacht club... OK !?* I am confused.... but it is getting everyone up dancing so OK... about 1/2 hour later he packs up and leaves.... Jeff is outside playing the guitar on the park bench.... the night security approaches me to say the DJ was at the wrong event and was to be in the "other" party... I got a "free" hour of music. So he gets Jeff off the bench and on to the stage.. LOL Comedy at it's best. The food was great, Jeff got the kids involved in singing and the volunteers began to get kids singing in group... Many were busy a the craft table making gifts for parents. The raffle gave two children brand new bikes. All the children left with smiling faces.

The biggest difference was.....the volunteers CLEANED EVERYTHING UP... THANK YOU THANK YOU> I can not Thank you enough.

See you all next year.... Party Photos are coming.

Keirsten and Tressa ready to party

See you tonight!!! We are loading the van!

Heading to the Yacht Club.

Credits

This event is partnered with the Honorable men and women serving the Cape Coral Fire Department.Donations from Publix Supermarkets, Enterprise Car rental, Bob Evan's restaurants, Cape Coral Kiwanis, Cape Coral Walmart Supercenter, Swan Foods, Chef David's Kids wish foundation: EA games, WWE, Hasbro toys, Scholastic, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Toys for Tots-Miami division, all the wonderful local volunteers and our live music by Jeff, Tanya for her talented decorations, Dr. C for his staff jumping in last minute $$ and the Harris family for covering the insurance...all of you made this years event a HUGE SUCCESS.
If I forgot anyone I am so sorry, THANK YOU!

Event coordinator:Mary Beth Pringle
PODS Angels of SW FL
(Parents of Down syndrome)
Cape Coral, Florida 33904
(239) 872-4778
Pringleclan@msn.com

A couple hiccups.....

Bob Evans informed me yesterday they can not provide the food as a donation as planned. They will need to charge their "costs." I will pick it up and so our volunteers will serve. I do not have a price although he told me their cost for turkey is over $2.00 a pound. We will see.


The music for the party called this morning to say they got a paying job and will not be able to follow through with playing at the party.........

Anyone know of anyone??? At the very least a sound system, Karaoke machine and CD's.

Party update

Everything is progressing nicely for our annual Holiday Party. The food is coming together as well as the guest list. We have reached the maximum aloud in the hall which will bring a wonderful gathering of people.

The gift wish list has been sent in and the elves are busy fulfilling every ones wish.

A few loose ends are some cold salads; if anyone would like to bring a fruit salad or cold vegetable salad to put on the buffet it might be a wonderful addition. Dips for breads would be nice. We have the Hawaiian breads coming to scoup out and fill. Butter/apple butter/jellies.

We have Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and green beans for hot food. e have assortment of breads and rolls. We have pies, cakes, cup cakes, cookies and ice cream.

DRINKS... if anyone wishes to provide drinks. Kids and adults. We can have beer and wine for 21 and over if anyone wishes to bring or provide this area of interest. No alcohol can be consumed outside the hall or by anyone under 21 years of age. I have never provided and do not want the responsibility but if anyone else choose to please contact me.

Party Dresses and Boys dress clothes needed

Nearly new just as good. Some of our families are unable to purchase a holiday outfit for their child to wear. Although I assured them no one will care they "feel" terrible they can not purchase the item for their child. If anyone would like to provide a holiday outfit for a child prior to the event, please email me. Girl size 5, Boy size 5, boy size 3, boy size 11/12, girl size 16, boy size 7

THANK YOU !!!!

To all the employees and customers of Walmart Super Center on Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral, Florida we are so close to getting the Holiday party ballroom paid in full!!!!!! As of 6 pm tonight we had less than $100.00 to fulfill the contract for the party!!! WE CAN DO IT! The payment must be made by November 19th.
Our hearts are so filled today as we got several families signed up as well and have heard some stories this holiday season that would stun most. It is going to be a magical night of shining stars at the Cape Coral Yacht Club December 19th...

Donations and Sign up going on.

We need a location to set up our booth to collect donations, sign up volunteers and most importantly getting families signed up for the party. If you know anywhere please contact us. Our four day event in front of Walmart Super center on Del Prado has us over half way to our goal. Help, give leads or sign up by calling 239-872-4778. We are at 608.00 to get to the 695.00 hall fees by the 19th.... keeping the faith and believing we can reach the goal. The rest of the needed funds will come in as needed up to the day of the party.

The Harris Family

Past attendees please share...

I would love to add your photos showing the great time had by all who attended.
If you would email your photos I will post. Also, please leave a comment so that others know how the party made your family feel last year.

"NEW" Membership Drive

Please complete the following form:
I would like to be on the PODS Angels DS Organization's mailing list
I would like to volunteer my time to PODS Angels events.
I would like to be a member of PODS Angels (yearly membership $25).
I would like to make a tax deductible donation. $
Name
Address
City
State Zip
Email
Phone
Fax
I have a child with Down syndrome Yes No My child's age is
Child's Name
Date of Birth

Scholarships available if unable to pay membership fee.
Email information to: swflpodsangels@msn.com

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

PODS Angels of SW FloridaParents Of Down Synrome

501C3 not for profit organization

Cape Coral, Florida

swflpodsangels@msn.com

call: 239-872-4778

PODS Angels (Parents of Down syndrome family support)is a non profit support group that relies heavily on donations.

We need your involvement to continue support and training through our program.Individual and Corporate cash donations are greatly appreciated. In addition you can donate equipment as well.
PODS Angels ( Parents of Down syndrome) is very grateful for your cash donations.
Support PODS Angels in making a donation:
(click her to donate) PAY PAL
or, Send a Check or
Money Order To
Attn: PODS Angels
3422 SE 11th place
Cape Coral, Florida33904-4209
Click the link below to see the PODS Angels Site:http://www.podsangels.org
Non-Profit Organization Definition An Incorporated Organization which exists for EDUCATIONAL or CHARITABLE REASONS and from which its Shareholders or Trustees DO NOT BENEFIT FINANCIALLY…also called Not-For-Profit Organization.PODS Angels is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Ten Tips for giving wisely …
1. Budget for giving. Plan your philanthropic activities right into your budget just as you would other financial obligations.
2. Be an informed giver. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re asked to give, including the specific name of the solicitor and his or her relationship to the organization, how much of your gift will be used for overhead, the specific project the money will go toward, and other important information. Give only when you feel comfortable that your dollars will be going to support an organization you know and believe in. Helping.org provides information on over 600,000 charitable organizations so you can make an informed decision on the organization you decide to help.
3. Keep the right records. For gifts of less than $250, a canceled check or credit card statement is sufficient for IRS requirements. For larger gifts, you’ll want to get a properly worded receipt from the charitable organization as a confirmation of your tax-deductible contribution. When you donate through helping.org, you will receive an e-mail confirmation of your gift. This e-mail meets IRS requirements.
4. Be aware of how much is really tax deductible. If you receive a premium in exchange for your gift (such as a book or a dinner), the amount of your tax deduction is reduced by the fair market value of the premium. You can turn down the incentive item if you wish to claim a deduction for the full amount of your gift. Ask the receiving organization for more details.
5. Ask about matching gifts. Many employers match gifts made by their employees or make grants to organizations recommended by employees. Be sure to ask your company how it can help your gift go even further.
6. Remember, your gift can be confidential. If you prefer to have your gift remain confidential, you should let the organization know. You can expect the charitable organization to honor your request.
7. Consider alternative forms of giving. Don’t overlook the benefits to you and your cause received from bequests, charitable gift annuities, gifts in kind, endowments and many other creative forms of giving. Ask your tax advisor or attorney to help you make the best plan for you and your family.
8. Volunteer! In addition to financial support, consider giving your time and skills. Not only will you help the organization, but you’ll also make contacts, hone your skills, and learn more about the charitable cause to which you’re committing your time and money.
9. Don’t forget you have the right to say no. Give generously when you can, but if you’re unsure or feel uncomfortable-or if an organization simply falls outside your plan for giving-don’t be afraid to say no. Or, ask for more information and take more time to think before making your decision.
10. Be a proactive giver! You don’t have to wait to be asked. Plan a giving strategy in advance. Contact the charitable organizations of your choice to discuss how your gifts can be most effectively used and help make a difference in your community.
Mary Beth Pringle
PODS Angels (Parents of Down syndrome)
3422 SE 11th Place
Cape Coral, Florida 33904
(239) 872-4778
Pringleclan@msn.com
www.podsangels.org
www.pringleadoptionjourney.blogspot.com