MPS HEP PROJECT VISIT/DONATION 12/15/10

Today morning Manju and Marie went to visit Milwaukee Public School Homeless Education Program (MPS HEP). For those who do not know, MPS HEP is our local beneficiary that we donate proceeds to in our community.

$1,000, that is 11% of all of our proceeds for 2010 went towards MPS HEP this year. The rest has gone to various projects and needs with in Vibha.

Thanks to Manju's son, we also were able to donate 12 back packs. A few other items from our donation drive during Dream Mile this past Sept. was also donated.

The meeting with them today was a really good one.

We discussed how the money we donated in 2009 had been used and they gave us a tour. Again with our donations this past year, they were able to buy gift cards for families that are in immediate need. The money also went towards other needs with in their programs that support homeless families in keeping their kids in school. There were so many examples given:

A family, mother and three children, had recently fled to Milwaukee because of domestic abuse reason, from down south. All they had fit in one suit case and the clothes on their backs. MPS HEP was able to give them gift cards, provided by the monetary donations from Vibha, so that the kids would be able to get clothes, shoes, and other items they needed right away and get them back in school.

Recently, there was a house fire in Milwaukee. A family was left homeless with nothing except for what they were wearing. They came to MPS HEP deseperate and in need as everything was lost in the fire. With the help of MPS HEP, and the monetary donations of the gift cards, they were able to help the family with gift cards to purchase clothes and neccessities.

The MPS HEP Coordinators are so greatful to Vibha for the ongoing support we have given them through out the years. They thanked us and were so happy that we were able to give them this monetary donation again this year for 2010.

MPS HEP also told us that we were the FIRST non profit organization to reach out and help them. That speaks out more then anything else. It's such a great thing to know that we as an organization appraoched them first, being that MPS and their program for the Homeless has been around for so long. After our contributions, other organizations has also started to help with donations.

MPS HEP is a government funded organization... they are very limited on funds and were left hanging many times with no options. As their program needs grew, also their monetary funds were being spread thin to try and meet all the needs. With our help they are able to help cloth homeless families, help them get back on their feet, and keep their kids in school.

KUDOS VIBHA MILWAUKEE!!!

Vibha Milwaukee Dream Mile 2010 - ROCKED IT OUT!!!

Incredible... September 12th, 2010.

At the alarm of 5AM a handful of us were up and ready to head out to Frame Park in Waukesha. What in the world were we thinking? What can possibly motivate us to get up that early to go to Frame Park by 6AM? Were we dragged out of bed? NO... We went there to set up for our second annual Vibha Dream Mile 5K run/3K walk event.

Earlier, the previous evening a lot of us were at Frame Park envisioning how things were going to play out and briefing and explaining the days event. It wasn't just the day previous we were trailing along Frame Park, but we've been there many times just going over things to make sure it was perfect. Months of planning and marketing had gone into play. A lot of dedicated team work and dedicated volunteers has put numerous hours into this. Tons of flyering, emailing, drafting, printing and postings were done. We were literally walking and talking Vibha for at least 2 months on Dream Mile. :) It was all worth it.

But here it was... the date couldn't come any sooner than this.

6AM Sharp - Volunteer cars roll in at Frame Park. Everyone unpacking and helping in setting up. Great team work how everyone pitched in setting up banners, registration areas, food preparations, blowing up balloons, setting up of picnic tables. Set up of book and school supply drive.

7AM - The first of the participants start to roll in for preregistration and packet info. Registrations area starts to pick up rather quickly. On the day of the event alone, there were almost 50 registration sign ups, with a total of 126 participants. For our second year, and in a different location than last year, this number was really good. It was incredible how the numbers picked up so quickly. In the background awesome DJ music starts playing. Volunteers start to greet participants, their family, and friends. It was great to see familiar faces of long time Vibha Milwaukee supporters and to meet great new and smiling faces.

8:30AM - line up and start up of event.

10AM - award ceremony.

To end it and top it all off... OF COURSE - ICY COLD WATER AND ICE ON THE ACC - LEENA GHOSH!!! WE NEVER FAIL!!!

We didn't for get about you Ashish Rastogi!!! Your group is hard at work here to make a difference in childrens lives and to inspire others here in Milwaukee because of your dedicated efforts of leading the path for us.

Thanks to all the volunteers whose been so dedicated in putting this all together in such a short time frame. Sushmita as lead for the event. Leena and Mukta for endless planning and coordinating and for the rest of the team... KUDOS!!! This event wouldn't have been possible with out every ones hard work and in the event day coordination of everyone who came to help make it all possible. Last but not least to our supporters... the participants. Thank you so much for coming out and supporting our cause.

Plan on joining us next year if you missed out this year.

A highlight, Scott Stoll - "The Man Who Biked The World", lead the participants on his bike at our event this year. A little about Scott, he biked in 50 countries,6 continents over 4 years!!!! http://www.theargonauts.com/ for more details and to purchase his book on his adventures around the globe.

DJ music was played by Phillip Maenpaa of Musical Revolutions and DJ services. - he really set the mood for the volunteers and participants. A true people person and great personality, he blended in with us on the day. http://www.musical-revolution.com

Bagels were donated by Einstein Bagels.

Outpost Groceries donated $50.

Waukesha Fire Department and Ambulance provided free standby service.

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NOTES FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS N TEAM MEMBERS:

Hi Everyone!

A Big Thank You to all of you for making the Dream Mile a success!

Everyone did such a fantastic job to make sure that the morning was fun and everything right from putting up banners, setting up the picnic area and finish line, registrations, food, timing to the face painting, water stations and cheering the runners/walkers was so well organized!

Lets meet up soon to celebrate the success of Dream Mile!

Three Cheers for Vibha Milwaukee!!

Mukta

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NOTES FROM OUR PARTICIPANTS AND SUPPORTERS:

"It was a good time. And what great people! I'm in next year too of course!" Pablo Baez (ran last years Dream Mile also)

"Had a ton of fun really, due to the great efforts of the Vibha volunteers. Another great job everyone. My Grandchildren and I had a great time." - Al Larson

"It was such an honor to lead the race. What a great event. I met so many wonderful people, and am honored to have an honorary first place medal." - Scott Stoll

Exactly One More Week Till Dream Mile...

Vibha Milwaukee Second Annual Dream Mile Event - September 12th, 2010 at Frame Park, Waukesha. Registration starts at 7:00 AM and the run starts at 8:30 AM. Registration fees is $20 for the 5K Run and $15 for the 3K Walk. $10 for students. On day of the event registration fee for 5K Run is $25 and 3K Walk is $20. $10 for students. This fee includes a free event day t-shirt. For more information go to our website at http://dreammile.org/milwaukee

The anticipation to another Vibha Mke event. Only a week to go till our second annual Dream Mile Walk/Run.

Behind the scenes, volunteers are hard at work - planning & marketing the event.

Vibha Dream Mile is a National Flag Ship Event - considering that in all (15 chapters spead through out the U.S.) 10 centers do this event annually. It's a driven event that is most participated in and is driven by volunteers. Us here in Milwaukee, are doing it for the second time since our center started in 2008.

We're still a small scale action center, but we've scaled a lot of great ideas and events in Vibha as a whole - including Vibha Vibe that is considered to be our next national flagship event.

Volunteers - You feel that rush? You feel that high? You feel this feeling in your gut. Some anxiety perhaps? That's all normal. WEAR Your Vibha Gear and comfortable shoes!!! Let's rock this event!!!

Participants - Get ready to come and have some fun running/walking for a cause. Great food, treats, refreshments, great music, company of great people, fun activities for kids, henna, face painting - and don't for get this year we are also doing a donation drive of gently used books and new school supplies.

NEW WAVES IN VIBHA... "ADOPT A PROJECT"

WHAT EXACTLY IS ADOPT A PROJECT???

Patrons will be able to choose a project that they wish to adopt and donate an amount of their choice to this project. Patrons can own all or part of a project. Patrons will use their login and password to view project reports for their adopted project and perhaps even interact directly with their adopted project. In short, this new infrastructure creates a more meaningful connection between Vibha patrons and Vibha supported projects. A login to the Adopt a Project website will be provided to those that wish to be a part of this.

THIS WILL GO INTO EFFECT JANUARY 2011.

If you as a Vibha Volunteer or interested individual would like to get involved, please do contact us.

Mukta Joshi - Vibha Milwaukee Volunteer Relations @ volunteer@milwaukee.vibha.org
Leena Ghosh - Vibha Milwaukee Action Center Coordinator @ coordinator@milwaukee.vibha.org

VIBHA MILWAUKEE DREAM MILE 2010

Vibha Milwaukee is conducting its 2nd annual Vibha Dream Mile 5K Run/3K Walk on September 12th, 2010 at Frame Park, Waukesha. Registration starts at 7:00 AM and the run starts at 8:30 AM. Registration fees is $20 for the 5K Run and $15 for the 3K Walk. On day of the event registration fee for 5K Run is $25 and 3K Walk is $20. This fee includes a free event day t-shirt. For more information go to our website at http://dreammile.org/milwaukee

ABOUT US:
Vibha is a volunteer driven non-profit organization that raises funds to support projects which provide better education, living standards and security for underprivileged children in US and India. For example: bringing kids of prostitutes out of their condition and provide education and other means, assist in the eradication of child labor, provide immunization, promote and carry out health fairs, education, and so much more. For more information on our projects go to our website at http://milwaukee.vibha.org

BENEFICIARIES:
This year for Dream Mile our local beneficiary is Milwaukee Public School’s Homeless Education Program. This program supports families with children that are homeless, or are soon to face homelessness. The program is supported by and run under federal law and regulations that all public schools must provide services to all students, including homeless children. A part of the No Child Left Behind Act.
For more information: http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/health/hep.html

SUPPORT OUR PLEDGE DRIVE:
We encourage you to please participate as Runners or Walkers and register at http://dreammile.org/milwaukee and join our pledge drive at http://www.active.com/donate/thedreammile2009.

Thanks for your support
Vibha Milwaukee.

Vibha wins $20,000 Grant from Chase Community Giving!

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of patrons like you, Vibha is among the top 50 organizations of the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook for 2010!

We received 2,149 votes on this program which makes us eligible for a $20k grant.

The proceeds from this program will go towards our 42 projects in India and US. Your continued support is the one of the key reasons why Vibha has been making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children in India and US.

To learn more about our projects, please visit www.vibha.org/projects. You can contribute to our projects through various programs listed at vibha.org/programs.

Vibha Conference in Twin Cities June 4th-6th

Present at the Twin Cities Minnesota Conference, in person, from Milwaukee: Mukta, Leena, Aparna, Marie, and Soumya. Present Via Web: Vishal, Parag, and Meenal.

Overall, the Vibha Conference was amazing and very inspirational. Every volunteer from all chapters are encourage to attend. Vibha Conferences are usually held the weekend after Memorial weekend at various action centers in US annually. Food and accomodations are provided for the duration of the stay. Event location is sent out as conference is planned and underway.

From personal experience of being there first time, It was worth it and very inspiring. It was an amazing three days spent amongst fellow volunteers from other action centers and Vibha head organizers. MN Volunteers were so hospitable and event was superb and well organized. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments, snacks, and such were provided throughout the stay for the conference.

Day 1 (Friday, June 4th Evening Social)

- Friday evening social was at a fellow volunteers home, Lakshmi's & Venkat's Residence, where dinner and refreshments was provided. There fellow volunteers from various chapters mingled and got a chance to meet one another. It was purely laid back and a meet and greet.

Day2 (Saturday June 5th)

-Welcome Address and Introductions – Ashish Rastogi, Director – Volunteer Relations
-Vibha – Minnesota: Successes, Strategies, and Challenges - Lakshmi Rajaram and Ramprasad Vijayagopal, Action Center Coordinators, Vibha Minnesota
-Booth Cup Announcement - Ashish Rastogi, Director- Volunteer Relations -
HOUSTON WINNERS (NEXT YEAR ITS OURS!!! :P)
-Speaker Introduction - Ron Victor, President, Vibha
-Keynote Address – Madhu Sridhar,President and CEO, Akshaya Patra Foundation, USA, “Nutrition as a foundation for Education – Feeding 1.2 million children everyday”
-Guest Address – Elizabeth Sweeney, President, Children’s Heartlink
-Thank You Address – Rajesh Haridas, Chief Operating Officer , Vibha
-Five Year Plan/Adopt-A-Project – Rajesh Haridas, Chief Operating Officer, Vibha
-Directors’ Talk and Prep for Breakout Session
-Breakout Session 1 –
(Fundraising Events, Programs, Marketing, Volunteer Relations, Projects)

After the conference for the day, we were all invited for a tour of the Twin Cities where Venkat, Volunteer from MN, took us to a beautiful sculpture garden and the Guthrie Theater to see the views of the wonderful city. Followed by TONS of Photo Ops at the two locations... we were invited to another fellow volunteers home for dinner and another social where there was TONS of food and refreshments.

Day 3 (Sunday, June 6th)

-Scaling Action Centers – Ron Victor, President, Vibha
-Website Presentation – Balaji Rajam, Director – Marketing, Vibha
-Breakout Team 1 Presentation
-Breakout Team 2 Presentation
-Breakout Team 3 Presentation
-Video from DSS, Pune
-Breakout Team 4 Presentation
-Breakout Team 5 Presentation
-Closing Remarks – Ron and Rajesh

The weekend was filled jam packed with tons of information, socializing, collaboration, ideas, fun, and FOOOOOD!!! Vibha really came together from all centers and really poured their hearts out in the break out sessions. We collaborated on some really awesome and great plans for Vibha in the next 5 years and its future.

A highlight - Total of 6 new Vibha Chapters in India. For those of you that didn't know... Vibha was before hand a US Volunteer base nonprofit, so for that fact that there are action centers in India now, that is great news. They are reaching out to the projects in person and working with them. There is an expecatation that there will be more chapters opening up.

Please come to this weekends Volunteers meeting for a full load of what we've gained from the conference. Its very exciting to share with all of you. Please join us so we can implement and share with you all that we have planned on a local and national level. News, highlights, and facts on all scales national and local on ideas. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mukta - Volunteer Relations, or any Vibha Milwaukee Volunteer. COME AND BE INSPIRED!!!

UWM - UNION
When: Saturday June 12, 2:00pm
Where: UWM Union - 2200 E Kenwood Blvd Room 240, Milwaukee, WI 53211