Donation Opportunities
A note from Judie Zylman, Development Associate
It is an honor for me to be invited to “come out of retirement” and to be so warmly welcomed by this dedicated Team at Adoption Associates, Inc.
I have enjoyed two years of retirement following a 23 year career as executive director/CEO of Hospice of Holland. Along with the pleasure of overseeing the day to day operations of a growing non-profit, I was the only development officer during those years.
God truly blessed our efforts as we enjoyed a wonderful base of much needed financial support from our extended community. Just before my retirement, we opened the doors to our state of the art Hospice House in Holland. I am so blessed to hear repeatedly of my friends and family members who have been lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff in the House.
I truly believe that this invitation is God’s call to this wonderful mission. While praying for God’s will to be evident, a friend in my Bible Study said she was praying that God would give me scripture confirmation. Within 24 hours I was given these verses:
“I have heard their cries from their taskmasters…” Exodus 3:7
This is the story of God’s call to Moses to deliver the Israelites from the Egyptian rule. He promised that He would bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. I have heard the stories of many children who are living in poor conditions. God, through AAI, brings them into a home flowing with milk, the physical love and care from a loving family; and honey, the Spirit of the Lord.
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19
How many of these children adopted from foreign countries will God call to bring the Gospel to their home lands some day? The potential is there!
“The one who calls you is faithful…” II Thessalonians 5:24
Jane Bareman closed her e-mail proposal to me with this verse. What a blessing! This new position is just a tad intimidating after 23 years in my home environment. But this verse reminded me of my first days in 1984 with Hospice. That, too, was God’s call and I totally needed and depended on Him to lead and direct me each day. He was faithful then and He will continue as I move forward in this new adventure.
I also can say that I embrace the Mission of AAI on a personal level. My husband, Landis, and I are blessed with six grandchildren. Two are biological grandchildren and the other four “adopted”. Three through second marriages; and our now five year old grandson, Alex, though adoption from Guatemala. Alex was nine months old when God brought him into our family. What a joy he is!!
My position is part-time and I really look forward to meeting with many of you; family members who have opened your hearts and homes to children needing your love and support. What an example of Christ’s love you are to those around you.
Hopefully I will meet some of you at the “Change a Life—Change the World!” banquet on December 5.
Hugs!!
Judie Zylman, Development Associate
Upcoming Donation Opportunities & Fundraising Events:
“Change a Life—Change the World” Benefit Banquet • December 5, 2009
A holiday benefit supporting the mission of Adoption Associates, Inc., will take place on December 5, 2009 at 6pm at the Prince Conference Center at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This benefit banquet will feature several exciting auction items and speakers who have been touched by the life-changing work of Adoption Associates, Inc.
There is still time to commit to becoming a table host, volunteer, or event sponsor. Please visit our banquet web page for more information. If you do not live in Michigan but would still like to attend, the conference center has on-site accommodations. For more details, please contact Leslie Baker, banquet coordinator, at 616.667.0677.
Visit our Change a Life—Change the World! Benefit Banquet web page.
Red Wings Adoption Awareness Event • November 27, 2009
Attention Red Wings fans:
On Friday, November 27th the Detroit Red Wings hockey club will be working with Adoption Associates, Inc. in an effort to raise awareness for National Adoption Awareness month. This event will take place at Joe Louis Arena at a Red Wings home game. Adoption Associates, Inc. will have an information booth set up during the game for anyone interested in learning more about domestic infant or international adoption. The Red Wings would also like to offer a special “AAI fundraising ticket” to anyone interested in attending this event.
This event provides Detroit Red Wings ticket discounts, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting Adoption Associates, Inc.—a normal $53.00 ticket for only $35.00! For every ticket purchased through this link, $5.00 will be donated to Adoption Associates, Inc. to be used for the many humanitarian efforts they support in their program countries (China, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Russia, and Ukraine) as well as to support special birth parent situations and children with special medical needs through the domestic adoption program.
Game Date: Friday, November 27th vs. Calgary Flames at 7:30pm
To take advantage of this special offer, click on the link below and fill out the order form. A Red Wings Representative will contact you within 48 hours to confirm your order. Tickets can be mailed and/or picked up at Will Call with a photo ID and confirmation number.
There are no refunds or exchanges. Please note that a one-time $5.00 handling fee will be applied per order. Please call Ryan at 313.396.7504 with any questions.
Click here to purchase your fundraising tickets!
Wear Your Jeans to Work Day
Adoption Associates, Inc. is looking to partner with companies nationwide for “Wear Your Jeans to Work Day” fundraisers to support the mission of Adoption Associates, Inc. Businesses can choose the date of their event and AAI will provide the materials needed to make the event happen. If your company is interested in participating in this event, or if you’d like to learn more, please contact Judie Zylman at 616.667.0677 or at jzylman@adoptionassociates.net.
Realtor Partner Program
Several realtors have already partnered with Adoption Associates, Inc. and are making financial contributions to Adoption Associates, Inc. as a result of each home sale closing that they complete. If you are a realtor who is interested in participating in this program, please learn more by contacting Judie Zylman at 616.667.0677 or at jzylman@adoptionassociates.net.
Visit our Realtor Partner Program web page.
