Thank You Notes from the Community
Team Battelle volunteers touch many lives in many different ways. Here are a few thank you notes from those that have benefited from Battelle volunteers' gifts of time and compassion...
Tri-Cities Food Bank Protein Drive"...
" I believe you saw our empty shelves this time last year, so you understand how challenged we were. This time last year there was little for me to be optimistic about. All I could see was empty shelves and greater demand. With even higher food and gas prices you would have expected even emptier shelves (if possible) this year. I can't tell you how much difference a year makes, though our challenges in meeting demand were even greater this year. Our community and organizations like Team Battelle have come through in time of great need. On behalf our clients we are so grateful. We are taking on about five new families a day, five days a week. Living on the margin has become a greater challenge as medical, gas and food prices eat into the family budget. Your protein food drive addresses our greatest present needs. We are unique as far as food banks in that we can store large quantities of meat in our large walk-in freezers, and one of our local grocery stores gives us access to meat. This access is limited, however, so we cannot increase our buys from them. We will apply the food donated to our servings to make up for our shortfall, and we will apply money donations to purchases of meat from other sources. There are times that what we do here becomes discouraging. It is tough to look at our client base at this time of year. Since school is out, we see how many of our clients are children (42%) as the parents bring them to the food bank. We get rewarded many times over, though. Many of our clients give us a heartfelt thank you as they return their shopping carts. We also get to interact with so many nice people in our community, like the people who make up Team Battelle. The biggest plus for me is that my family has chosen to stay in this community because it is a community where individuals and organizations can still make a difference. Once again, Team Battelle came through for people in need and has made a huge difference. I want to pass on the heartfelt thanks we get from our clients to one of the many organizations that make what we do possible. Thank you and God Bless you!- that is what I hear most often as our clients leave. I am copying our board to make them aware of what you have done for us. When I get my final figures together I will send them a copy of all that you have done." (Summer 2008) – Art King, Executieve Director, Tri-Cities Food Bank
The Arc of Tri-Cities "March for Respect"...
" We would like to thank you for making this happen. Here are the successes we know to date, over 220 people attended the event, three TV stations covered the event, Team Battelle participated thanks to Kathryn Lang for extending the invitation to them and over 220 March for Respect shirts were sold during the event." (Spring 2008) – Donna Macy, The Arc of Tri-Cities
Finley School District #53...
" Dear Battelle, Thank you for the generouse donations to our Finley Elementary School students. Your gift of winter coats for our students is greatley appreciated. Your gift has touched many people and it will help keep many of the children warm during the frosty winter months. " (Winter 2007) – Sonya Bell, School Counselor, Finley School District
Benton Franklin Adult and Family Drug Court...
" I received a phone call the other afternoon from a friend who is a second grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Kennewick. She stated that she requires her students to write a paper about the highlights of their Christmas break. She said one of her students reported his favorite part about his break was seeing his mother being successful in drug court and then receiving lots of wonderful presents at the drug court session from Santa. He reported how proud he is of his mother, and that it was the best Christmas he has ever had in his whole life! It is this type of event in a childs life in which we know we are making a difference! Team Battelle continues to make a difference by their generous donations to the families and children involved in the Benton Franklin Adult and Family Drug Court programs. Together, Team Battelle sponsored 88 children this year. Once again, a big thanks to Team Battelle! ". (Winter 2007) – Sheila Davidson, Coordinator,Adult Drug Court Family Treatment Dependency Court
Adult Day Services...
" Thank you for the wonderul Bingo gifts and cash donations. We and our clients appreciate your generousity. ". (Winter 2007) – Dr. Jeanne Berretta, Emily Wieimer, Jean Munow, Grace Clinic
Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation...
" It is with gratitude the Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation acknowledges the monetary support provided by the Team Battelle volunteers during the 2007 "For the Love of Giving" holday paroject. In December 2007 FCCF distributed its funds to designated pediatic cancer research programs throughout the United States. ". (Winter 2007) – Alice L. Didier, Treasurer, Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation
Grace Clinic...
" Dear Battelle Empoyees, Thank you for opening your hearts and pocket books to helping the uninsured in our community recieve medical, dental and counceling services here at Grace Clinic. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. All of the supplies you've given are a blessing. We here at Grace Clinis appreciate all that you have done for us. (Winter 2007) – Dr. Jeanne Berretta, Emily Wieimer, Jean Munow, Grace Clinic
Benton Franklin Humane Society...
" I wanted to take a minute and thank you and the rest of Team Battelle for your work on this year's "For the Love of Giving" campaign. Each year, the generosity of the employees at Battelle is showcased in this wonderful act of kindness. The Benton-Franklin Humane Society has been lucky enough to be a recipient of this generosity for many years (this year, thanks to Jill Blaylock), and we can't thank you enough. This year, not only did I fill my personal vehicle (Honda Pilot) with donation items, like food, litter, cleaning supplies and toys for the animals, but Ms. Blaylock had to put a few things in her car that did not fit in mine to take to the shelter for me. Not to mention, donors graciously gave us nearly $1,000 and a gift card to Petco worth nearly $1,000. The latter gift will especially come in handy in the spring, when we need to purchase a lot of puppy and kitten formula for the "babies" we take in. Because we are a local non-profit that gets no funding from any local or national government or organization, we rely solely on the generosity of local individuals and businesses to operate the area's only "no-kill" animal shelter...and have been a part of this community for over forty years. The giving spirit of the Mid-Columbia shines through at this time of the year...and your campaign is a testament to that charitable nature. Thank you again from all of us at the Benton-Franklin Humane Society, and the animals that are temporarily under our care, until we can find them a forever home. ". (Winter 2007) – Ed Dawson, BFHS Operations Manager
Coats for Kids...
"Thank you for the generous donations to our Finley Elementary School students. Your gift of winter coats for our students is greatly appreciated. Your gift has touched many people and it will help keep many of the children warm during the frosty winter months".
Tri-Cities Food Bank...
"On behalf of our clients I want to thank Battelle for the great food drive just concluded. Your timing could not have been better this year. As you saw before the food drive, our shelves were basically empty. This crisis started around June for us this year. As you saw today, our shelves are now filled. Much of that is due to the 22,258.75 pounds Battelle collected in the year's food drive. We converted the cash donation of $2,421.00 donated to pounds by multiplying that amount by 80 cents, which is the market value per pound of the food we acquire. This is a part of the total weight listed. Our 110 volunteers are now serving 10.6 tons of food a week. It is very difficult for us to keep up with our present demand. Our budget for food purchases this year was for $70,000. Because of increased demand and less access to local food drives this year, I predict we will purchase around $90,000 worth of food by the end of the year. The cash donated for this drive will go towards meeting that increased demand. As I had mentioned to you before the drive, we are by far the largest all volunteer organization in the Tri-Cities. Since our founding in 1974 we have never paid a salary. The one thing I can assure you that this food will stay here in our community. Once again, I want to thank you and all of the food drive participants at Battelle for your continued support. I think one way you can judge the worth of a community is how the community treats its neediest citizens. This community is a great community in that regards. Battelle seems to always be there when there is great need. You came through again this year." (Winter 2007) – Art King, Executive Director, Tri-Cities Food Bank
Mid Columbia Reading Foundation...
"Thank you so much for the books from the book drive you had for the reading foundation. We counted 395 books - Thank you for supporting the foundation." (Summer 2007) – Mark and Tracy, Mid-Columiba Reading Foundation
Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation...
"Doners like you make a difference. Donors like you help the Tri-Cities Cancer extend our care behond the physical treatment of cancer patients to extra services that we provide without reimbursement. Without community support we could not continue to offer our additional services." (Summer 2007) – Bernadette Flynn, Foundation Diretor
Benton Franklin Counties Family Drug Court...
"On behalf of the Family Drug Court, we would like to express our warm appreciation for your generous effort in organizing the Team Battelle's contribution of Christmas gifts for all the children who's parents are participating in the drug court program. It was obvious that so much time and thought went into this project. Once again people at Battelle have demonstrated that they are truly caring individuals committed to making a positive difference for the children and families in our community." (Winter 2006) – Shari Gasperino, Family Drug Court Coordinator
Tri-Cities Food Bank...
"The Tri-Cities Food Bank wishes to thank Battelle volunteers from the food drive which took place through December and resulted in over 12,000 of food to our food bank. Your generous donation will allow us to help the people that we serve and is particularly needed at this time of year during the holiday season." (Winter 2006) – Art King, Executive Director
American Red Cross Turkey Trot...
"On behalf of the Turkey Trot Committee and Benton Franklin Red Cross. I would like to extend our sincerest thanks for your support of the third annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving American Red Cross, Benton Franklin Chapter
Girl Scouts Mid-Columbia Council...
"Girl Scouts Mid-Columbia Council extends its appreciation to you and the employees of Battelle for including us, and therefore all our girls members, in your annual "For the Love of Giving" Project. Every gift will play an important role in serving the young girls of our communities with this value-centered, quality, and fun leadership program. You and your employees can take pride in being partners in this tremendously important endeavor."(Winter 2006) – Bonnie Brewster, Interim CEO, Girl Scouts Mid-Columbia Council
Benton Franklin Drug Court Programs...
"The Drug Court team members wish to express an extra big thank you to Team Battelle (Winter 2006) –
American Red Cross...
"On behalf of the Turkey Trot Committee and Benton-Franklin Red Cross, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks for your support of the third annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning. Your support allows us to continue as a viable Red Cross chapter, representing the best interests of the Mid-Columbia region and being a part of the network of chapters that form the American Red Cross." (Fall 2006) – Heather Filbin, Financial Development Specialist
Family First...
"I want to take this opportunity to thank Battelle once again for supporting the Family First: 2006 community parenting rally." (Summer 2006) – Michael Patterson, Emmaus Center
Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation...
"Many thanks to you for your efforts on behalf of children with cancer, and to Battelle for helping to support this research. These young researchers are extremely grateful for any financial assistance given for their work. Thank you Battelle, again, on behalf of the children." (Spring 2006) – Marlene Oliver, Fighting Children's Cancer
Lee National Denim Day...
"On behalf of everyone at Lee Jeans, thank you for the outstanding support your organization has shown at for Lee National Denim Day. You and your colleagues at Battelle are aming a valuable contribution to raising awareness and finding acure for breast cancer." (Spring 2006) – Lee Jeans, Lee Jeans
From Columbia Basin Dive Rescue...
"Columbia Basin Drive Rescue is honored to have been chosen as a recipient of Battelle's For the Love of Giving project once again this year. Battelle's wonderful employees are very generous and provided us with essential supplies and equipment that will prove invaluable during our classroom training sessions." (December 2005) – Columbia Basin Dive Rescue
From Multi-Cultural Elder Awareness Committee...
"What a wonderfully generous group of people you are! This letter is to thank all of you once again for all of the items and money that you donated through the For the Love of Giving project. We certainly appreciate all of the time it takes for you to shop for the items." (December 2005) – Dorothy Reynolds, Multi-Cultural Committee
From Tri-City Pregnancy Network...
"Just wanted to send a note and let everyone know how grateful we are for all the wonderful gifts we received through the For the Love of Giving project and throughout the year." (December 2005) – Ruth Taylor, Executive Director
From Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery...
"On behalf of the Staff, Board of Directors and Children of Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery, thank you for your continued support of our program and mission." (December 2005) – Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery
From From Chaplaincy - Tri-Cities Hospice...
"A big thank you to you and your team for helping us with donations of linens as well as cash. We can always find something we need to purchase for hospice. You truly have a true sense of the holiday spirit." (December 2005) – The Chaplaincy - Tri-Cities Hospice
From From the Neurological Resource Center...
"We are honored to have been chosen as a recipient of Team Battelle's " For the Love of Giving" project again. We are most grateful for the generous donations of the Battelle employees (December 2005) – Karen Hayes,Executive Director
From McMurray Park Envirnmental Partnership Project...
"On behalf of the people of Richland, we would like to thank Battelle for their financial to the McMurray Park restoration project on October 22." (October 2005) – Volunteers
From From the Community Clean-up & Earth Month Celebration Committee...
"Thanks for using your hands and hearts to help strengthen and beautify the Mid-Columbia. With your donations and time we were able to complete 123 projects." (July 2005) – Gail Everett,Event Chair, City of Richland
From From the Fighting Children's Cancer Foundation...
"A sincere thank you for the donation of time and effort from the Team Battelle volunteers who assisted with the golf event. You should be very proud to know that your contribution will be touching the lives of innumerable young patients and families in a very direct and meaningful way." (June 2005) – Robert Schenter,Executive Director, National Association of Cancer Patients (NACP)
From From the Kennewick School District...
"We would like to emphasize our gratitude to all of the Battelle volunteers, and for the monetary contributions for awards and trophies. The volunteers have been excellent role models and your efforts have contributed to making a difference in these students' lives and success in earning their GED certificates." (June 2005) – Jason Davis ,Instructor, JJC Day Reporting School
From From the Neurological Resource Center...
"Because of contributions from people like Team Battelle, this was the most successful Variete' fundraiser we've ever held. Proceeds from the event will help the center continue to provide education, information, referrals and emotional support for people with neurological disorders, their families, caregivers and the community." (April 2005) – Nan Goranson ,Variete' Event Manager
From From the Children's Developmental Center...
"We are tremendously thankful to you for your generosity in providing the many contributions from the Giving Tree during the holidays. With the help of gifts such as yours we are able to carry out the promise to infants and toddler's birth to three years of age by providing programs and services of occupational, physical and speech therapy and special education." (March 2005) – Cathy Olson, Development Director
From From the Red Cross...
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support from the Team Battelle group. We are currently collecting far below our goals this summer across the entire nation. The past two days at Battelle has helped to increase our inventory in the Pacific Northwest Region. I can't tell you how much our hospital patients who receive blood transfusions and their families appreciate each and every one of you who helped make the 2004 summer blood drive at Battelle such a huge success by volunteering time to help organize the blood drive, encourage donations, bake cookies, etc. One of the successes we can count in addition to exceeding the drive goal by 24 units, is the spirit of cooperation shown by the donors. By scheduling appointments and limiting walk-ins to only a handful each day, the donor flow was great." (Summer 2004) – Phyllis Burk, Red Cross
From From the Juvenile Justice Day Reporting School...
"The students and staff at the Juvenile Justice Day Reporting School can never express enough gratitude for all your wonderful support. The Team Battelle volunteers have helped our students by providing extra services needed to help the high-risk students we serve. We are glad to report 14 students have received their GEDs so far this year." (Summer 2004) – Jason Davis, JJC Instructor
From From the Fighting Children's Cancer Golf Tournament...
"One of the challenges facing many organizers of charitable events is getting volunteers. This is the 3rd year for the Fighting Children's Cancer Golf Tournament. We faced the same difficulty. However, thanks to Team Battelle volunteers, we filled all necessary spots. Your effort was significant. We were honored that Battelle considered the objective of the tournament—fighting children's cancer—worthy of being designated as a Team Battelle project." (Spring 2004) – Dennis Fitzgerald, Chairman
From From The Neurological Center--Variete gala event...
"As usual, we cannot even envision projects of this magnitude without the support and power of Team Battelle. The members who participated were crucial to the success, from inception to clean up. ...You are an awesome team and we are looking forward to working with you again next year." – Carole Fingerson, TNC Executive Director (2004)