Status Update

We have to thank you all as a community for what you've done for us this year.

It's been a tough year, we must admit, with predictions mid-year of a $60,000 defecit. While we were proactive by cutting staff and expenses in anticipation of the shortfall, we'd also like to recognize those who stepped up to help close this gap, which has now narrowed to an anticipated $15,000.

In October, we received word that our Thanksgiving distribution to over 400 families was threatened. Our long-term supporter decided to shift focus to a local community, leaving our community to find alternative resources. You all stepped up, providing us with not only enough donations for this year, but some overflow to help lead us into next year as well.

As we look back on a year with such uncertainty, we cannot begin to thank you enough for all of you who have increased your giving. We had churches donate as much as 4 times the amount as last year. 3 churches designated $1500 to our programs (this is an increase from 2008 for all three), with another church conducting a special offering on Christmas Eve in our name.

And we cannot forget our individual donors, like the donor who called and let us know they would be sending us $2800 to support Thanksgiving programming and the countless other donors that dug deep to support us this year.

Thank you all for your teamwork, your efforts, your love, and your encouragement. We cannot keep our mission going without you.

Christmas program now completed!

Thank you to our community, we have now sponsored all families and children in our programs for Christmas.

The final numbers:
-868 children and 47 seniors served through our Stars program
-315 individuals served through our Family Sharing program

Thank you to all who stepped up in sponsoring our families in most need this holiday season.

Charlotte community comes together at Thanksgiving

We are thrilled to announce that the Charlotte community has pulled together to provide more than enough to feed 400 families in our community at Thanksgiving. We truly appreciate all you did to make this happen!

If you are still willing to donate, we would love for you to continue donating to our missions and education program in honor of Thanksgiving. This program provides for the educational needs of many, including afterschool tutoring and gang, drug, and alcohol education.

On a business note, we have literally been receiving donations faster than I can enter them in, so please give me 2 or 3 weeks to send out gift recognition letters. Know that we appreciate each one of your gifts so much, and want to give each one of you the special attention you deserve when thanking you for your endeavors!

Bethlehem Center Board Member takes top award with KPMG

Bethlehem Center board member Jim Geisel recently took home KPMG's Chairman's Award. The award is "the highest honor KPMG bestows on partners and employees who perform outstanding volunteer and ommunity service throughout the year," according to KPMG.

Only 26 individuals are selected for this award. These individuals are selected based on their actions holding out KPMG's "commitment to communities." As part of this award, KPMG donated $1000 to Bethlehem Center in Jim's honor.

Geisel joined the Bethlehem Center board of directors in early 2009.

Pictured below working in Ghana:

How every gift counts

Dear friends and readers,

I'm sitting here at 4 o'clock after a day that consisted entirely of entering gifts into the database. Something that I loathe and love all at once. Loathe, because it's about the most boring thing ever. Love, because it means that you all as a community have been generous to the Bethlehem Center and furthering our work here.

About 10 minutes ago, I was handed 3 checks that I feel are an amazing demonstration of how each gift given to the Bethlehem Center counts for so much.

One check was for $130,000, one for $1,000 and one for $20.

Each gift was designated for a different area, each gift making an equal impact on the areas they were designated to.

The $130,000 will be put towards a down payment on our new ministry center on N. Sharon Amity. We are hoping to open this as a fully functioning ministry center for 50 kids next fall. In addition to our afterschool programs, we are hoping to offer Bible classes and Christian summer camps for the kids.

The $1000 will go towards our general fund. This fund is important because it supports the administrative expenses and overhead that allow us to do what we do. Without the lights turned on or maintenance to the buildings done, we wouldn't be able to operate efficiently.

The $20 will go towards funding the turkeys that we distribute to the families in the area. We will be able to purchase each of those for around $5, so the $20 gift will help 4 families in need.

One of the reasons I (Amy) came to work here is the simple fact that every gift--and I mean every gift--makes a difference and has a purpose here. Your gifts are felt.

Our new online donation tool through justgive.org has a feature that I encourage you all to utilize. You can now give gifts monthly. Did you know that just a $50 gift every month would put you in our top 10 individual (non-corporate) donors? Please help us continue our mission of providing educational opportunities to our children in the community.

Volunteer Spotlight-Premier

Thank you to Premier for coming out on November 2nd. Volunteers sealed the wood on the playgrounds to bring them up to code and cleaned out our warehouse to consolidate two warehouses and save money on rent.

Speaking Engagements

Bethlehem Center representatives are available for speaking at your club, church, circle, or other group.

Here is the calendar through 2009:

November 17th-Rotary, Lake Wylie
November 18th-Aldersgate UMW
December 2nd-Rotary, South Park


If you would like to schedule a speaker for your event, call Amy at 704-371-7404 or e-mail ahutchison@bethlehemcenter.org.

Mouzon United Methodist Women to hold Annual Bazaar

Please make plans to attend Mouzon's Annual Bazaar which support their work with missions, including the Bethlehem Center. In the past, this event has raised funds to send children to summer camp, fund our scholarships, and fund our general fund.

Information from Mouzon:
Mouzon United Methodist Church at 3100 Selwyn Avenue, corner of Selwyn and Woodlawn, will hold its 64th Annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 from 7am-1pm. Handmade crafts and baked goods, silent auction, attic sale, and more. Breakfast and lunch available. All funds raised go to local missions that include Bethlehem Center, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Camp Care, and others.

Visit our event site at http://home.rr.com/mouzonbazaar.

If one day of your life could:
-Provide low-income children with a better education
-Prevent teens from participating in gang and drug activity
-Send kids to college... first generation


What would you do?

Please join us in our Journey to Bethlehem on December 5th at 9 AM at Wesley United Methodist Church, a walk to fundraise for the educational programs of the Bethlehem Center. Registration fee is $15 before November 30th, free for Bethlehem Center and Head Start students and alumni. We ask that each walker set a fundraising goal of $50. Team packets and registration forms are now available through the Bethlehem Center development office by calling 704-371-7404 or e-mailing ahutchison@bethlehemcenter.org. For walk documents, visit Google Docs.

New this year, we have partnered with Firstgiving.com to allow walkers to raise funds online. For an example, go to www.firstgiving.org/abhutchison.

Help us Raise Money!

You'll notice on the right hand side there's a new Widget (a cute little thing with some functionality) to fundraise for my walk team.

We will once again be organizing a Journey to Bethlehem, and whether or not you can make it, come join us in our effort to raise money to support our missions department at Bethlehem Center!

How you can do it:
A-Click on "donate" which will send you to my page
B-Either donate or follow instructions as to how to create your own page
C-E-mail out to your friends and let them know how they can join us in helping strengthen families and educate children

If you have any questions about the walk or would like to participate, call 704-371-7404

Coming soon...

As many of you who follow us on Twitter already know, we are working on a brand new website. This website will have lots of capabilities, including a space for our alumni to reconnect and chat with each other and possibly a Spanish translation.

The question is, what would you like to see on our website? Is there anything that would keep you coming back? Is there any information you think we're missing?

If so, you may either post it as a comment, or e-mail it to ahutchison@bethlehemcenter.org.

Volunteer Staff makes the world go round...

I apologize for being behind in the posting of news around this area, but we have been very busy with all of the volunteers coming in and out of the Bethlehem Center.

2 weeks ago, we were visited by 3 groups in one week. Matthews United Methodist Church came out to help with trash pickup on campus, followed up with 3 days of washing our Head Start buses.

Christ Covenant Church in Matthews came out to tackle a very difficult project. After the chainsaw finally arrived, they were able to remove 7 or 8 VERY large bushes from in front of our Head Start building. The teamwork these youth displayed was amazing!

And finally, we have a group visiting on Mondays from Myers Park Presbyterian (pictures to come).

Campership Update

About a month and a half ago, we were still short 65 bags to send kids to the Christian camps, Camp Tekoa and Mount Shepherd. Needless to say, we were a little concerned.



We sent out e-mails, Tweets, facebook messages, and personal e-mails to all of our friends asking for help.



And the UMWs, UMCs, loyal Twitter followers, and faithful friends came through! We are very excited to report that as of yesterday, we had collected enough bags (counting the couple that we expected to come in today) to send all 80 children to camp!



Once again, though, we are asking for your help. We are still looking for financial support to send the kids to camp. It costs anywhere from $250-$400 (depending on the camp, age of kids, and transportation costs), and we have raised enough to send approximately 20 kids. We need your help sending 50-60 more. If you can help by making a financial donation, no matter how big or small, please send to Bethlehem Center c/o Amy Hutchison 2705 Baltimore Ave. Charlotte, NC 28203 with a memo for "Campership."

Once again, we thank you so much for all of your support!

What is Bethlehem Center doing during tough economic times?

We don't have to tell you that it's been tough on Americans through the past year. While the Charlotte Observer is reporting that the recession is over, Charlotte also is currently sitting at the highest unemployment rate in 25 years.

But what does that mean for Bethlehem Center?

In 2009, we have been extremely blessed by an increase in giving by some of our church supporters and the United Methodist Women. We cannot thank you enough for this. The Head Start arm of Bethlehem Center is expecting stimulus funds, due to a priority put on Head Start in the package. This will allow us to up our service levels from 858 children to an even 1000 in the 2009-2010 school year. According to Head Start research, society receives $9 in benefits for every $1 in support given to Head Start children. We expect these stimulus funds to not only impact the educational needs of the children, but to impact the Charlotte economy in a positive way.

That being said, we are seeing a greater need in the community that we serve through our Missions and Education department.  We are seeing an increased number of requests for emergency funding (assistance with medications provided through our Missions department), which will be served by an increased net from the Bridge Tournament in 2009 versus 2008.  We will once again be rewarding scholarships to students needing financial assistance to continue their education, and are already seeing an increased number of applications in 2009 versus 2008.

We are expecting cutbacks in funding from other government grants and our corporate partners, but our partnership with Arbor has allowed the addition of 5 staff at no cost to Bethlehem Center, 3 of which will be male role models to our children in our summer camp program, a much needed addition.

Bethlehem Center is not immune to these tough economic times, but we are committed to serving those in our community to help them through it. If you would like to help, our greatest needs currently are unrestricted funds, summer camp, and our emergency financial assistance program. Donations to any of these can be sent to: Bethlehem Center c/o Amy Hutchison 2705 Baltimore Ave. Charlotte, NC 28203

Saturday Worker-Bees at Bethlehem Center

This Saturday, Bethlehem Center welcomed the youth from Harrison United Methodist Church.  They were participating in a poverty simulation, which meant the youth (and adults!) weren't eating for 24 hours.  Somehow, though, they fought through the 90-degree weather and helped out at our Southside Head Start center and with cleaning around the BC Main Missions building.

Thank you for all of your hard work!  We look forward to welcoming you back this summer for summer camp!

Auction Items for Bridge Tournament

This year, there will be some larger autographed memorabilia available at the Bridge and Games Benefit.

These items include:

-Rolling Stones Autographed and Framed Album Starting bid $800

-BB King Autographed Framed Photo starting bid $200

-James Taylor Autographed and Framed Album Starting bid $350

-Mylie Cyrus Autographed Photo starting bid $150

-Bob Hope Autographed and Framed Dollar bill starting bid $200

-Willie Nelson Autographed Acoustic Guitar starting bid $250

-Portrait session starting bid $100

Be ready to come bid on these items to raise money for the Emergency Financial Assistance program at Bethlehem Center!

Only 75 Tickets Remain for the Bridge Tournament

As of this morning, only 75 tickets remain for the Annual Bridge and Games Benefit. If you are waiting until the day of the event to buy your tickets, be forewarned that seating may NOT be available, so buy them TODAY. You may buy them online or by calling 704-371-7404.

Buy Tickets to Lowe's Motor Speedway events and help the Bethlehem Center

Needs for Bridge & Game Tournament

Several UMW ladies asked about specific needs for the Bridge & Game Tournament:

-44 Card Tables
-325 Small Plates
-325 Napkins
-Auction Items
-Bake Sale Items

If you are able to donate any of these items, please call at 704-371-7404.

Good Shepherd UMC serves on First Saturdays

Starting in April, Good Shepherd UMC will be hosting "First Serve Saturdays" where members will get a taste of opportunities they can get involved in around Charlotte. A leadership team has been going around serving as "taste testers" from October to March. Below are pictures from the February First Serve Saturday, where members of Good Shepherd's First Serve team came out to sort clothing for the families in need from the Bethlehem Center.

Compelling Creations Jewelry

Bethlehem Center has partnered with Compelling Creations Jewelry to offer some amazing jewelry with a percentage of sales coming back to the Bethlehem Center.  Brochures with descriptions will be made available at the Bridge Benefit, or you can order online here.

Compelling Creations offers handcrafted, sterling silver jewelry.  With any questions call 704-371-7404.

If you click on the above link, the referral code will be automatically entered.  If you are unable to click on the link, the website is www.compelling-creations.com and our referral code is 937920.

Bethlehem Center kids learn manners

Monday-Friday at Bethlehem Center, children in the community are fed a healthy snack thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank's Kids Cafe' program.


This time, our teachers decided to take a different spin on the regular afterschool snack and turn it into a learning opportunity. When the kids arrived, there were tables properly set, complete with mood lighting and decorations.


Kids learned the proper way to set a table, how to ask for food and say "thank you" when receiving it, and of course, a few "elbows off the table" were heard.

As always when I enter the room with the camera, some of the kids wanted to make their blogger debut, so here are just a few fun shots I grabbed before letting them get back to their lesson.

UMW Report on Journey to Bethlehem

Martha Efird's report on Journey to Bethlehem in this month's Charlotte district UMW newsletter can be found here: http://www.wnccumw.org/District%20News/CHA_200901.pdf

If you are interested in serving on the 2009 committee, please contact Amy at 704-371-7404 or ahutchison@bethlehemcenter.org.

Hickory Grove UMC Missions Night

One of the amazing and fun things I get to do in my job is visit our area churches, particularly the Methodist churches that support us through apportionments, donations, and volunteering.  So, when I heard that Hickory Grove was having a Missions Night to raise funds for their missions projects, I just had to go!

AnnMarie, Jo, and Mary along with a staff of many others held a Missions night, complete with a wonderful home-cooked dinner (another reason my arm doesn't have to be twisted too much to go to these events!), a silent auction, and a talent show.  Slides of different missions projects were presented, and I was allowed to have a booth of information telling about the Bethlehem Center.

The night started out by the Music Makers performing several old hymns (it reminded me of "Camp Meeting Months" many churches did several years ago).  It was then the children's turn, where they taught us about the Gospels and love, and the Girl Scouts performed some old standards that some of you might remember ("Bazooka Bubble Gum," for one).  Other performances included a youth dance team, a father/daughter duet, and a few piano performances that I'm sure would make any church envious of the talent Hickory Grove possesses.

Thank you to Hickory Grove for allowing Bethlehem Center to be a part of this great night.  We are truly blessed and thankful for your dedication to missions. 

Little Caesars Love Kitchen Serves Free Pizza to Needy in Charlotte

Kids were all smiles as they enjoyed the pizza Little Caesars brought in.

Staff from Little Caesars came in and served 100 Bethlehem Center kids pizza. While we serve our children a snack in the afternoon, full dinner is definitely a treat for the kids!

An 18-wheeler truck delivered enough pizza for 300 people to the Southside Neighborhood. Special thank you to Little Caesars and Second Harvest Food Bank for helping kids and families in need.

Bridge and Game Tournament Date Set

Donations needed:

Card Tables

Cupcakes

Breakfast Items