1)     Enter service data on a monthly basis for 4-6 hours each month. (Unfortunately, this volunteer position cannot be assigned to client of Tulsa CARES due to confidentiality reasons.)

2)     Clean the congregate meal kitchen on a bi-monthly basis for 4-6 hours each month. (Cleaning responsibilities will consist of cleaning oven and cook top, sweeping and mopping, wiping down walls, cleaning out refrigerator, occasionally cleaning & refilling salt and pepper shakers.)

3)     Clean the food pantry on a bi-monthly basis for 4-6 each month. (Cleaning responsibilities will consist of sweeping and mopping pantry space, rotating pantry stock from storage to pantry shopping area, dusting.)

We are more than willing to work with a volunteer’s hours of availability.  In general, volunteers can work Monday-Friday most times between 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Micah Hartwell by phone at 918-834-4194, ext. 27, or by e-mail at micahh@tulsacares.org.

MAC Cosmetics makeup artists give Tulsa CARES client a new look.

Thank you to our MAC Cosmetics volunteers for giving their time on World AIDS Day!

Jamie Baker, Care Coordinator, prepares brownies for the World AIDS Day Evening Reception hosted by Tulsa CARES. Thanks Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino and Starbucks for making this reception possible!

Sara Swain, Care Coordinator, prepares cookies for World AIDS Day evening reception.

Executive Director Sharon K. Thoele mixes up some goodies in preparation for the Tulsa CARES' hosted evening reception.

• A father raising two teenage boys.  With the help of Tulsa CARES, he was able to finish his bachelor’s degree because we assisted him with rent payments, care coordination, counseling and support.  In May of 2011 he will graduate with a master’s degree in social work.

• A woman working to reinstate her disability. Without our help, she would be homeless.  Tulsa CARES provided her with rent and utility assistance, mental health counseling and care coordination while she worked to have her disability reinstated and gain an income to supplement her minimal food stamp assistance.

• Two orphaned siblings born with HIV/AIDS. After the death of their mother and the incarceration of their father, these 17 and 19 year olds, turned to Tulsa CARES for assistance.  With the help of a very special aunt and the skilled professionals at Tulsa CARES, these two youngsters not only survived, but they remain healthy, happy and are now both on their way to receiving college degrees.

HIV/AIDS is something that affects us all regardless of age, race, gender or income. Please help by making a donation to Tulsa CARES. Your continued support will make an enormous difference in the lives of some very fragile members of our community.

In gratitude,

Sharon K. Thoele, Executive Director

Tulsa CARES’ Garage Sale

Friday, Nov. 5

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3507 E. Admiral Place

834-4194

This year, we are preparing a maximum of 200 lunches, which include smoked brisket (with an option to add 2 smoked ribs), mouthwatering potato salad with a homemade cookie for desert. This delicious lunch is prepared by Tulsa CARES’ executive director, Sharon Thoele, and her sous chefs who are notorious for being incredible cooks! Lunch is available starting at $10 on Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Orders of 10 or more from one location will receive FREE delivery! Remember, there are now only 200 meals available, and they will go fast so place your order now for Tulsa CARES’ PIG Stand! Reserve your order by Wednesday, Oct. 27 by 4 p.m.

Please help us support an incredible cause, whose mission is to “unite people and resources to improve lives and build a stronger community.”

Job Description:

• Enter food pantry service charges into the client database
• Enter data into SPSS (similar to entering data in Excel)
• Be available for data entry for up to 24 hours per month
• Volunteer is able to set his or her own schedule (during Tulsa CARES business hours)
• Data entry will be completed on-site at Tulsa CARES

Qualifications:

• Detail-oriented
• Prior volunteer experience with a social service agency or medical office is preferred
• Respect for our clients’ information and adherence to the agency’s confidentiality agreement

Please send resume or volunteer experience to Ally McGinnis with the subject: “Data Entry Volunteer.”

Please visit tulsacares.org to learn more about Tulsa CARES.

THANK YOU to all of those who made Feast with Friends possible: sponsors, hosts, Tulsa CARES’ staff, patrons and of course our wonderful volunteers!

A few of the guests of Tery DeShong and Barbara Abercrombie's party.

Merrit's Bakery did a lovely job. Thanks!

Ben McGinnis, Bruce Lewis, Alice Wegley and Derk Tenzythoff take a moment from their volunteer duties for a quick photo.

The folks of Community of Hope won the prize for biggest party. Their theme was an "Old-Fashioned Country BBQ Dinner."

Winners of the "Most Unique Theme": Postards from China hosted by Patrick Hobbs and John Orsulak.

Sharon Thoele, Tulsa CARES executive director, and Val Bode, Feast with Friends honorary co-chair.

Feast with Friends honorary co-chairs: Val Bode and Doug Hartson.

Feast with Friends

How it Works:

Individuals or groups host dinner parties, using their own guest lists, in their homes, churches, workplace, etc.  The host provides the dinner (or coordinates a “pot-luck”). In exchange, guests contribute financially to Tulsa CARES (a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is “delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS” in northeastern Oklahoma). Tulsa CARES provides the invitations, envelopes and postage to the hosts, and hosts a “Dessert Extravaganza” at the Central Community Center, 1028 E. Sixth St., in which all individual party hosts and their guests are invited.

Notes:

• Diversity is encouraged. Parties can be a formal dinner for six, an outdoor barbecue for 60, a theme party, a costume party, a pot-luck, or whatever. Guests “come as-they-are” to the Dessert Extravaganza.
• Hosts may suggest a donation amount, or simply pass the hat or make a donation bowl available.
• A donation envelope is provided to each host. Hosts check-in at the Dessert Extravaganza and turn in their donations, along with information about their party (number of guests, theme, if any, etc). All party hosts are acknowledged during the Dessert Extravaganza.
• Desserts for the Dessert Extravaganza are solicited by Tulsa CARES in advance from area bakeries, caterers, and restaurants. This process is initiated with a letter requesting the donation, and then followed up with phone call(s) and in some cases, follow-up letters and call(s). The day of the event, volunteers pick up desserts and deliver them to the Dessert Extravaganza location. Donors are listed as sponsors on large posters displayed at the Dessert Extravaganza.  Of course, thank-you notes are sent and tax receipts are provided.
• The Dessert Extravaganza location is set up with rounds of 10. One or two central dessert buffet(s) and several beverage stations keep things moving. The volunteers keep the dessert buffet stocked and desserts that require cutting into portions are cut into “sample-size” servings. If no sugar-free desserts are donated, Tulsa CARES purchases such, and makes sure they are clearly labeled on the buffet. Two or more fruit trays are also provided.
• In addition to desserts, Tulsa CARES also solicits donations of gift certificates to be used as prizes for category winners. (ie, biggest party, smallest party, most money raised, most unique theme)
• Non-dinner party guests may attend the Dessert Extravaganza for a $10 donation at the door. This is on an honor-system; we assume that everyone who enters has participated in a dinner party, unless they tell us otherwise.
• The bulk of the evening is spent socializing and enjoying the desserts.
• A donation bowl is available at the entrance to the Dessert Extravaganza.

If you would like to host a party, please contact Ally McGinnis, resource development coordinator, by phone 918.834.4194 (ext. 18), or by email- allym@tulsacares.org.

Ally McGinnis, Resource Development Coordinator
Tulsa CARES
918-834-4194
allym@tulsacares.org
“Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS”

For Immediate Release

Feast to Gain Funds for HIV/AIDS

TULSA – Tulsa CARES, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is planning its first “Feast with Friends®” fundraiser for Saturday, July 24.

“Feast with Friends®” is an at-home fundraiser where individuals and groups host dinner parties in their homes, workplaces and faith communities on Saturday evening, July 24. In exchange, their guests make a donation to Tulsa CARES whose mission is “Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS” in northeastern Oklahoma. After dinner, all hosts and their guests are invited to the fabulous “Dessert Extravaganza” from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Central Community Center, 1028 E. Sixth St. Non-alcoholic beverages and dessert are provided to guests. Those not attending a dinner may participate in the dessert event for a $10 donation at the door.

Tulsa CARES’ Executive Director, Sharon Thoele hopes Feast with Friends® will help us bring to light the fact that the AIDS epidemic is far from over, and we need everyone’s help to meet the enormous need that exists in our community.

“Old friends, new friends, everyone and anyone who wishes to support Tulsa CARES is invited to participate in this event – it’s fun and it’s a great excuse to gather with your favorite people and help out a worthwhile cause all at the same time,” Thoele said. “Tulsa CARES will use the proceeds to support our programs as we assist people who are living with this disease.”

In-kind sponsors for the event to date are: Ella’s Deli, Merritt’s Bakery, Panera Bread, Petty’s Fine Foods, QuikTrip, Tulsa Parks, Starbucks Coffee Company and Sweet Tooth Candy and Gift Company.

Honorary Co-chairs for the event are Val Bode and Doug Hartson.

For more information about hosting a party or about the dessert event, contact Ally McGinnis, Tulsa CARES resource development coordinator by calling 834-4194 or by e-mail, allym@tulsacares.org.

Founded in 1991, Tulsa CARES, a United Way Member Agency, delivers services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Services include: case management by professional social workers, access to physicians and prescription assistance, counseling services, housing assistance, a food pantry with access to our registered dietician, and many other forms of support. Tulsa CARES’ mission is “Delivering social services to people affected by HIV/AIDS.” For more information about Tulsa CARES, visit www.tulsacares.org.

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