At the June 1st Dinner Meeting, Altrusans presented Cheri Edwards, Supervisor of the Children's Advocacy Center, with a check in the amount of $2,515.30, which were the proceeds from a fundraising event at Stein Mart.

The event was held on November 21, 2004.  Members sold tickets to the private fundraising event.  Stein Mart opened the store after its regular closing time exclusively to ticket holders.  The ticket entitled shoppers to three 20% off coupons, a fashion show, door prizes and raffles.  Tables were disbursed around the store with tasty treats, delicious desserts and beverages.  Altrusa selected the Children's Advocacy Center to receive the proceeds of this event.

Altrusans also presented the Children's Advocacy Center with tote bags decorated at the 2005 District Three Conference.  It was really interesting to see how Altrusans tackled this project.  From dinosaurs to words of encouragement, each tote bag was different and creative.  The children that receive services at the Children's Advocacy Center will be given the tote bags to carry their belongings.  The tote bags are a great alternative to a paper or plastic bag.

In addition to the proceeds of our fundraiser and the decorated tote bags, a donation in the amount of $176.00 was presented to the Children's Advocacy Center on behalf of our outgoing District Three Governor, Margaret Cannon.  In keeping with the five biennium goals set by Governor Cannon, she requested that we use those funds we would have contributed toward the Governor's gift in our local community.  We were pleased to contribute these funds in honor of Governor Cannon.

We have received thank-you cards signed by the Managers, Supervisors and Child Advocates at the Children's Advocacy Center.  Each has written a special message to our members.  The following message was received from Marie Martinez, Program Manager for the Children's Advocacy Center:

"Dear Altrusa Members, we cannot thank you enough for your support of our program!  We desperately need funds to allow us to provide direct assistance to participants in the form of rent and utilities assistance, helping to pay for therapy, transportation, food and other emergent needs for our Children's Advocacy clients.  We greatly appreciate all your efforts on behalf of our clients and our program.  Thank you -- all of you -- so much!"

Altrusa International, Inc. of Orlando-Winter Park is proud to support this important program for the children in our community!