Supporting Project Linus

Kathy and Parivash

TWA has supported Project Linus for the last few years.  As of this year, all 50 states have adopted and carry out the mission of making and distributing blankets to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. Allyson who heads up the Troy chapter told us today that the blanket we were making—twenty-five were requested by Beaumont neonatal unit and one hundred were going to the Red Cross.

Representing the Troy Women's Association, Kathy, Parivash, Elizabeth, and Edith along with three granddaughters, all left with a fuller heart. We are reminded that those that give, benefit as much.  Each member donated material and bias tape, and a full bag of washed flannel was delivered, compliments of TWA.

From Camp Casey Wranglers

This email comes from the Camp Casey crew.

Hi Edith and Nancie,

I am just overwhelmed with gratitude to you and the entire TWA group.  What you continue to do for us is just beautiful and I want you to know just how much it means to us.  To think that a presentation to your group years ago would lead to a lasting friendship is such a wonderful thing.  

The event was a true testament to the terrific people that surround Camp Casey and believe in what we do.  I'm happy to report that, while we did not profit from the event, we didn't lose money either.  It was officially the first "flop" fund raiser we've ever had and I'd say that's pretty good considering that we've been around for almost eight years.  Plus, as a riding program, it's about time we're able to use the phrase "get back on the horse."

The day was a true display of how many people love and believe in us.  The people, like you, who were there-- volunteering, vending and just supporting us couldn't have been more wonderful.  We have the most dedicated volunteers, families and supporters and I'd say that means we're doing something right.  It was a true learning experience and I firmly believe that it can only be considered a failure if we don't learn from it.

We are getting busy writing our notes of thanks to everyone, but I wanted to take a second to send out an instant note of gratitude to you and the women of TWA-- who have rallied behind us for years and have been true friends to us.  If you don't mind, please forward this along to the women of the group so they know just how much we love TWA.

I am beyond touched by your continued encouragement and support.  Thank you so much.

In health and horses,

Molly, Lauren, Danielle and all the wranglers of Camp Casey

Camp Casey, Chili Cook-Out

Hannah pulling out chairs.

Supporting one of our projects, Camp Casey, today, four TWA ladies braved the elements. At eight in the morning, ignoring the strong winds and cold temperatures, Hannah and Edith dragged tables, chairs, and setup boxes between Troy Avenue and Nine Mile in Ferndale. Challenged by flapping tents slapping them around they mustered enough energy to complete the job and set up strings of lights in several young beech trees. Carol H. took over at eleven, made a quick detour to a nearby store for mittens, and spent the next five hours overseeing the entrance tent. Nancy D., a full-fledged supporter of this organization, remained there to the end, ten p.m.

It was an all-out effort with arts and crafts vendors and live music headlined by Josh Gracin, a country music artis who was the fourth place finalist during the 2003 season of America Idol. Although the weather didn't cooperate and attendance was disappointing, good spirits abounded.

Just as the group at Camp Casey continues to help kids conquer cancer one “Neigh” at a time, we look forward to supporting future events for Camp Casey.

Find out more about Camp Casey at http://camp-casey.org/

Video Tech & Anti Bullying

April 2011 - present


Each year we select a project that benefits the Middle School Community in Troy. This year we worked with Boulan Middle School and their Video Tech class and helped them get some new equipment they needed to keep current with the ever evolving field of technology. When we selected this project, we had no idea what the potential impact on the student community would be. I couldn't be more proud to be affiliated with this project and the great things that have already come from it.


Mr. Williams selected four Kodak Play Sport HD cameras for his classes to use. He reported back to us the following update:

"The Video Technology class at Boulan Park Middle School used the cameras to create many types of videos which were then edited on Apple Macintosh computers using iMovie '09 software. Our focus last year, which will be enhanced this year, was to create projects highlighting how students are being bullied in schools and what behaviors we can use to stop this type of activity. Students designed scripts and stories which demonstrated how damaging this type of behavior can be to their classmates and how we can all help each other to prevent this from happening. Small group of students (4 or 5) then taped the stories using the Kodak cameras. I believe this was a very successful project and classes were very enthusiastic!"

Each year many project ideas are submitted and as a committee we select the one we feel will do the most good for the most students in our community. Mr. Williams and his class are a perfect example of how our partnership with the Troy Schools works!

Haven Breakfast

This morning, Carole P. and Edith attended a breakfast fundraiser for Haven at the Townsend in Birmingham.  In 1977, it was the first and only sexual assault counseling center in Oakland County.Two years later it broadened its services to include domestic violence. This morning, Dr. Frank McGeorge from Henry Ford Hospital spoke of the need to support victims and to speak out about the seriousness of domestic violence to family, friends, and colleagues. Beth Morrison, President and CEO of Haven, told us of seeing her mother beaten again and again. But the most moving moments came when Julie and Chris shared personal experiences and how they ended up in the program.

Yes, Carole P. cried and Edith knowing she had not brought a kleenex kept swallowing hard.

Our organization continues to support Haven and looks to find additional ways to help, especially now that the economy is struggling and harder for Haven to raise money.

Learn more about Haven at www.haven-oakland.org.