Freelin-Wade Partners with McMinnville's Give A Little Foundation
The employees at plastic tubing manufacturer Freelin-Wade (www.freelin-wade.com) announced today a fundraising partnership with the McMinnville-based Give A Little Foundation. The goal of the partnership is to raise funds for the foundation and make a difference in the community.
For several years, employees have supported a variety of charitable causes through fundraising and awareness. These workers have been very successful in their efforts, raising more than $21,000 over just the past two years.
The employees raise money through an array of community-wide events. Past events include a monthly lunch, Hot Wheels® races, rock-paper-scissor tournaments and a community middle school dance. Typically all of the food and supplies are donated so that all of the money raised goes to their charity partner.
With this announcement, the employees have named the Give A Little Foundation as their 2010 partner. Dr. Ellen Summerfield, the foundation's president, visited the team and shared the story behind the Give A Little Foundation. Give A Little provides direct, immediate, one-time financial assistance to individuals and families facing a crisis or emergency. Their operating expenses are covered entirely by their board, so 100% of donations are used to help people in need.
This year's employee team captain, Matt Schaffner said, "I'm really excited about this. Give A Little is a small organization that is already impacting lives. I think our involvement will help them grow on many levels. In fact, that's our goal for this year: help them grow."
Dr. Summerfield said of the partnership, "This is an extraordinary opportunity. Working with the Freelin-Wade employees, not just raising money but raising awareness too, will enable us to do so much more. There are so many people in Yamhill County who need just that little extra support to help them avoid entering the downward spiral of poverty. I'm pleased for us, I'm pleased for Freelin-Wade, and I'm most pleased about the lives we'll be able to touch."
Kickoff for the partnership is December 2nd with the Third Annual Civil War Chili Cook-Off and YCAP Holiday Adopt-a-Family Hot Dog Feed.
Freelin-Wade Company
Founded in 1980, Freelin-Wade is North America's largest independent manufacturer of plastic tubing and hoses for industries as diverse as pneumatics, dental and promotions. The company employs more than 100 people at its McMinnville, Oregon plant. Privately held Freelin-Wade is a subsidiary of Coilhose Pneumatics. Freelin-Wade tubing is always an exact fit and with a verifiable on-time delivery rate exceeding 99%, their customers know precisely when their order will arrive. Freelin-Wade is well connected.
Give A Little Foundation
The foundation was established in 2008 by Summerfield, her husband, Dr. Phillip Pirages, and Tricia Crawford. Over the past year, the foundation has awarded approximately 60 grants, averaging $250 each. Each grant has gone to an individual or family facing a crisis. Sometimes one month's rent is all it takes to help a family overcome their crisis and avoid homelessness. Sometimes a monthly bus pass means a person can keep a job. Applications are simple and the streamlined process can take as little as 24 hours. Give A Little Foundation can be contacted at givealittle@onlinemac.com or through their website at www.givealittlefoundation.org
