In the summer prior to attending convention we were notified by a previous member that her sister had just been diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain cancer). She endured weeks of radiation followed by chemotherapy after a brief two week break. The diagnosis stunned this family and they remain hopeful that with the treatment regimen, she will be able to fight this battle and win! Unfortunately, she wasn't able to work and there will be unforeseen medical bills and expenses ahead. Our chapter held two of our famous football fundraisers for the Michigan vs. U of M game held on October 21, 2023 and the Superbowl game held on February 11, 2024. All members participated by selling squares to their family and friends, a total of 22 hours was put into this project, we sold 500 squares at $10.00 per square, after winner payouts (some people donated their winnings back to our cause) our chapter was able to give our recipient a total of $3,425.00.

Again, because our football square fundraisers are so successful we did a Thanksgiving Day sheet that would support our annual Christmas Family and our local police departments event Shop with Cop! We sold 200 squares for $2,000.00 profit, paid out $1,000.00 in winners, $900.00 was designated for our Christmas family and $100.00 was donated to our local police department. This fundraiser included all members and a total of ten hours for this project.

In November, members shopped for our Christmas family, mother and father with six a boys were provided most items on their wish list along with gift cards to a local grocery store. Members shopped, wrapped and delivered all items to the family which were very overwhelmed with our generosity. This project took about 8 hours and the funds were provided from the Thanksgiving Day football squares.

Unfortunately, shortly after the New Year an inactive member contacted us to inform us that her sister was faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer and would be undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Again, we were happy to help and hosted a bowling fundraiser at our local bowling alley. We had 105 bowlers attend at $25.00 per bowler for a total of $2,625.00, donations from six people that didn't bowl for total of $150.00, there was a basket raffle which raised $927.00, we sold 50/50 tickets in the amount of $845.00 and other donations totaled $1,725.00. After paying the bowling alley and paying out the 50/50 winner (who donated back $100.00) we were able to present our recipient with a check for $5,012.00!! This recipient also received $750.00 from the Superbowl Square game. Needless to say she was very grateful and our donation was almost able to cover her total deductible for her surgery.

A motion was adopted for $500.00 to contribute to an organization called Anchored Hope. Anchored Hope is Christian- based, volunteer organization that offers hope and assistance to victims of human trafficking. They operate on the streets, providing physical, medical, emotional and spiritual support to girls and women impacted by sex trafficking. Their goal is to compassionately connect victims with existing resources to assist with substance abuse, trauma care, counseling, long term care and/or restorative therapy, housing and more. They also help to increase awareness of human trafficking through education and speaking events. Their primary focus has been to provide hygiene kits to the women and girls that are impacted by human trafficking. Many times they arrive at the center with only the clothes on their back. A few members got together and packed gift bags with toiletries, undergarments to drop off at the facility which took approximately four hours. We will continue to support this cause as we have a balance of approximately $225.00 remaining.

In March, our chapter participates in March Madness. One member usually heads up this fundraiser and creates brackets for the basketball playoffs. A total of two hours was put into this project. We raised $105.00 and the proceeds were sent to a little league organization in our town.

As I'm writing this submission for the Olive King Mauer 2024 award it makes my heart happy that as few as L ladies can be associated with such a great group of woman who make tremendous impacts on others.

In closing, our chapter contributed 54 hours total and raised $9,817.00.