April 19, 2010

Dear Friends:

The Little Red House is “Passing the Hat!” It is the time of year for spring fundraisers—golf events, luncheons and auctions. However, once again, the Board of Directors of The Little Red House wants to be sensitive to the fact that the economy is recovering slowly. We also want to be respectful of your time. For that reason, we have decided against hosting a golf outing this year.

They have been profitable in the past but they cost money to plan and execute, and we prefer that your entire generous donation dollars go directly to support our programs—rather than pay for the expense of a costly event. Therefore, The Little Red House is simply “Passing the Hat” to ask for your support.

Our mission is vital in the community: To provide exceptional adult day care in a home-like, safe and welcoming setting with activities provided by professional and compassionate staff. The Little Red House provides premier adult day care to people in northern Ottawa and southern Muskegon counties who are in need of a safe place to be during the day because of the infirmities of aging including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other limitations. Participants enjoy a safe and comfortable home-like environment and an opportunity to socialize. While at The Little Red House, participants gain renewed self esteem through the social interaction they have with staff and other participants while their caregivers receive a much needed respite.

• A Community Assessment conducted by the Greater Ottawa County United Way states that the population of adults over the age of 55 increased by more than 200 percent between 2000 and 2006; More people—more need!
  
  
• The Community Research Institute at The Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University indicates that more than 25 percent of the population in The Little Red House service area is over the age of 64. Further, in Northwest Ottawa County alone there are more than 1,300 adults with limitations in daily self care activities: aging with limitations doesn’t cease!
  
  
• We are humbly asking for your generosity once again by making a donation as we “Pass the Hat!”

We have provided a return envelope for your convenience, or you may make your donation online by visiting www.thelittleredhouse.org and click on “donate” at the top of our home page. Your gift of any size is needed now more than ever and will be put to work immediately and effectively to help meet a growing demand for our services. We hope to continue to welcome all our neighbors who need us—and, with your help we will. Thank you for your continued friendship.

With gratitude,

Jody Herrelko
Executive Director