WINTER 2011

scoTT ElmquIsT phoTo

A REscuE mIssIoNMarlene Blackburn opens her house and

heart to a special kind of pet in need.

gREEN voluNTEERs

bARTENdER boosTERs

squIRREls gIvINg bAck

… ANd moRE

STYLE WEEKLY’S MAGAZINE FOR RICHMOND VOLUNTEERS AND PHILANTHROPISTS

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Adoption ● Foster Care NURTURING CHILDREN

Individual/Family Therapy ● Guardianship Developmental Disabilities ● Immigrant Services Deaf & Hard of Hearing Advocacy

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

Pregnancy Counseling ● Homeless Services ● Interpreter Services Emergency Food and Financial Assistance ● Refugee Resettlement

SUPPORT IN CRISIS

1512 Willow Lawn Drive ● Richmond, VA 23230 804.285.5900 ● www.cccofva.org

Your support helps kids like Zoe!

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TER 2011Editor in Chief: Jason Roop, Jason.Roop@styleweekly.com; Richmond Giving Art Director: Joel Smith; Photography Editor: Scott Elmquist; Contributing Writers: Vernal Coleman, Rich Griset, Katherine Houstoun, Jack Lauterback, Rick McKeel, Melissa Scott Sinclair; Copy Editor: G.W. Poindexter. Richmond Giving, distributed quarterly, is published by Style Weekly. It may be distributed by authorized distributors only; readers are limited to one copy per person. To reserve advertising space, receive additional copies, become a distribution site or respond to an article: Richmond Giving, 1313 E. Main St., Suite 103, Richmond, Va. 23219. 804-358-0825. On the Web: styleweekly.com. By e-mail: letters@styleweekly.com. Copyright © by Style Weekly Inc.™ 2011. All rights reserved.

Since springing back to life in 2004, the volunteer Richmond Tree Stewards have become vital advocates of caring for Richmond’s urban forest. In 2010 the group logged more than 1,500 hours working on trees in Central Virginia.

Operating in conjunction with the nonprofits Trees Virginia and the Enrichmond Foundation, the Stewards act as a small army of volunteer arborists. Using an array of clippers, handsaws and hard hats, the work is hands-on. “We have to work with both feet on the ground and no power tools,” advisory board member Louise Seals says.

The rewards of trees are numerous, Seals says: They raise property values, add beauty, provide habitat for wildlife, produce oxygen and help reduce energy costs in houses. Streets that are covered by canopy need 65 percent less improvement during the course of 10 years than those without. Seals says that 42 percent of Richmond is covered by canopy, and that last year Tree Stewards spent more than 140 hours pruning in the Fan alone.

To initiate new members into the world of trees, the group holds classes that last 10 weeks on trees and tree maintenance. It costs $75 for future volunteers and $100 for others.

Former advisory panel President Suzette Lyon, who’s spent three years with the organization, says that projects in the past year have included helping CSX volunteers plant 76 trees in one day at Gillies Creek Park, helping Holton Elementary School plant 40 trees in one day and planting 30 trees around the track at Byrd Park.

The Richmond Tree Stewards hold an Arbor Day celebration annually, which serves as a fundraiser for future projects. This year it takes place at the Carillon in Byrd Park on April 15. The free event begins at 10 a.m. and will include lectures about trees, a tree identification walk, yoga classes, jazz music, free trees and an appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog.

“It’s a good cause,” Seals says. “You don’t have to hug a tree.”

— Rich GRiset

To gET INvolvEd Visit the Richmond Tree Stewards website for information on classes and the Arbor Day celebration at richmondtreestewards.wordpress.com.

ThE gIvINg TREEs

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Community sERviCE nEWs, notEs AnD iDEAs

Volunteer Suzette Lyon has spent three years with Richmond Tree Stewards.

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Bars and restaurants have long been congregation

spots for the philanthropic set and their charitable

events — the thinking, perhaps, that people are more

willing to part with their hard-earned ducats after a

few cocktails. Makes perfect sense.

Taking that thought a step further, many of my

Richmond-area bartender colleagues hold events of

their own to help their favorite charities. By leveraging

the followings and friendships made through

bartending, they bring out the crowds and raise

money for those who need it most.

Megan Stimpson, a bartender at Bank and Vault

downtown, originally wanted to develop one night a

month when one of her regulars could get behind the

bar as a special guest for the evening. The problem she

encountered was that many regulars were unable to

collect tips because of their jobs in such professional

industries as banking and government. So to make

it worth their time, she let the night’s guest bartender

pick a favorite charity to which proceeds could go.

“Cocktails for a Cause” was born. The well-attended

event is held the first Thursday of each month at Bank,

1005 E. Main St., and has helped benefit sufferers of

neurofibromatosis and Crohn’s disease.

“We just figured that it gives our customers a way

to bartend for a night, have fun and do something

good for their favorite charity,” Stimpson says.

Another one of my bartending brethren found a

way to give back after learning that the late Stephen

Barker — known by many

in the service industry

— was in a valiant fight

against cancer. Camille

Kostin, a bartender at

Lucky Buddah and Cha

Cha’s Cantina, helped to

spearhead a fundraiser to

help pay for his family’s

medical bills. Events

consisted of a poker

tourney at Gus’s Bar

and Grill and a charity

raffle with live music at

BlackFinn Restaurant, and

raised a little more than

$13,000.

Kostin also took a

chilly Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach on Feb. 5 to

help raise money for the Special Olympics. “I may not

have a lot,” she says, “but if the little I have makes a

difference, that means the world to me.”

Another local bar that frequently uses its high-

volume crowds to raise money for charity is City Dogs

in the Fan. The live-music venue draws heavy college-

age crowds nightly and has held events as wide-

ranging as a Sole’s for Souls shoe drive and a Show Me

Your Cans food drive, both benefiting the homeless.

I’ve seen the work up close as my girlfriend,

bartender Heather McCannon, works to help organize

and market the monthly, music-centric events. “We’re

frequented by young people who really care about

the needy,” she says, “so it makes sense for us to use

our bar and to do everything we can.”

It should go without saying that if you can afford

a few drinks then you can definitely afford to spare a

few dollars for the less fortunate. The opportunities

are out there. So belly up, and help your favorite

bars support the community. It’ll make the hangover

slightly less hairy if you know it was for a good cause.

— Jack LauteRback

Pouring Themselves Into Helping Others

For volunteer, a mission to breathe EasierJennifer Melton works as an advocate for increased funding for lung cancer

research in a city that boasts the headquarters of Philip Morris USA. But Melton says that tougher than lobbying members of the Virginia General

Assembly or soliciting donations in tobacco country is combating the stigma that’s attached to the disease.

“People think that the disease is preventable,” she says. “They think that because you’re not a smoker, you’re not at risk.” That misconception is part of the reason why funding for lung cancer research lags behind other forms of cancer, Melton says. “The reality is, if you have lungs, you’re at risk,” she says.

Two years ago, Melton was working as a staffer at a local dental-supply company when her father, Steve Salmon, was diagnosed with lung cancer. After he succumbed to the disease six months later, Melton began volunteering on behalf of the National Lung Cancer Partnership. And through the work Melton

says she found catharsis. Now a full-time volunteer, Melton is organizing the Free to Breathe 5K Fun

Run/Walk and Memorial Walk at the Short Pump Town Center on March 12, with the proceeds going to the partnership’s awareness, education and research programs. Melton hopes that survivors of lung cancer and those that love or have lost someone to the disease will turn out in support.

More than 20 teams of participants have already signed up, Melton says. “We’re hoping that the money we raise in Richmond will help fund the research that finds the cure.” — Vernal Coleman

To gET INvolvEd The opening ceremony of the event starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. For more information and to register visit http://tinyurl.com/freetobreatherva.

sCott Elmquist Photo

Bank and Vault bartender Megan Stimpson launched the monthly “Cocktails for a Cause.”

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Little Sisters of the Poor1503 Michaels Rd | Henrico, VA 23229 | (804) 288-6245Online donations can now be made on our NEW WEBSITE: www.littlesistersofthepoorvirginia.org

help us provide a home & loving care for virginia’s needy elderly

help us provide a home & loving help us provide a home & loving help us provide a home & loving Please

FEb. 18World Fusion is a globally infused celebration of life and culture in Richmond. Featuring music from the DJ Williams Projekt, food, drinks and more, to benefit refugee resettlement clients of Commonwealth Catholic Charities. the party is at the Richmond Country Club, 7-10 p.m. tickets are $50 at cccofva.org or by calling 285-5900.

FEb. 25the American heart Association’s Richmond Go Red for Women luncheon aims to spread the message about heart disease among women and its prevention. to bto bt e held 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Jefferson hotel. For information call 747-8334.

FEb. 26At Grandpa Eddie’s Alabama Ribs and BBq, it’s a bluegrass jam from noon to midnight to benefit the Richmond Fisher house, which feeds and houses families of veterans being treated at mcGuire veterans hospital. Details at gpebbq.com.

mARch 5Bourbon street in shockoe Bottom, a black-tie optional party from 8 p.m. to midnight, benefits Greater Richmond sCAn — stop Child Abuse now. tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door to this young professionals-driven party. more information at grscan.com/byp.

mARch 19the Richmond sPCA holds a day of events including a 5K Run, vendor fair and other activities to benefit homeless pets cared for by the nonprofit. At the Robins-starr humane Center, 2519 hermitage Road. more information at richmondspca.org/race.

mARch 26the 12th Annual Grief Relief Gala, which benefits Comfort Zone Camp for children, will be held at the virginia museum of Fine Arts from 6:30-11 p.m. tickets are $125. more information at comfortzonecamp.org.

mARch 30mosaic Café in the River Road shopping Center is host to a dinner that benefits the uganda Rural Fund. From 5-9 p.m., 13 percent of dinner receipts and all bartender tips will go to the charity.

ApRIl 1the 14th annual Fancy hat Party will be held 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Richmond marriott hotel, featuring a lunch, raffle, hat contest and guest speaker steven “Cojo” Cojocaru. to to t benefit the hospital hospitality house. tickets are $100. more information at www.hhhrichmond.org.

ApRIl 9the 10th annual Easter seals uCP Eggstravaganza combines a black-tie egg hunt with a silent and live auction, food and an open bar. to bto bt e held at laaDifférence in shockoe Bottom. tickets are $125. more info at nc/eastersalsucp.com/events or by calling 287-1007.

sElEcTEd EvENTs FoR A good cAusE

sCott Elmquist/ FilE Photo

DJ Williams Projekt

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it’s quite possible that nina Zinn’s blood runs

green. As a restoration assistant at the nature

Conservancy, nina (pronounced nine-ah)

spends her days restoring streams and wetlands

throughout virginia. in her spare time, she works to

bring nature to more urban environments. in July the

31-year-old offered her landscaping services to the

Friends Association for Children day care in north Jack-Friends Association for Children day care in north Jack-Friends Association for Children day care in north Jack

son Ward. there she built an edible playground and

an outdoor classroom with the help of 70 volunteers

from Aramark. this spring will find her hands deep

in the dirt as she works with children from Friends to

maintain their garden, which includes raised beds, a

virginia native-plants area and vertical farming on the

playground’s chain-link fence. she’s also built raised

beds for a community garden in Church hill as part

of sustainable East End Development, and founded

urban Backyard Edibles (urbanbackyardedibles.com),

through which she builds and maintains kitchen gar-through which she builds and maintains kitchen gar-through which she builds and maintains kitchen gar

dens for local clients.

Giving: What do you consider your cause?Zinn: to to t teach the children and community the impor-tance of a healthy diet and to respect the environment and protect it as a resource. that’s what i’m about in a nutshell.

Why does this cause mean so much to you?i was raised on an 80-acre farm in southern missouri in the ozarks. now we would call it a sustainable farm. my mom really wanted us to have healthy food, and she made that a priority as a mother. she had a 2-acre garden and canned and made fresh baby food, and we had our own cattle and milk cow. i was given that, and that’s how i really started to appreciate the environ-ment. that’s why i want to ensure that people in an ur- want to ensure that people in an ur- want to ensure that people in an urban environment, children and adults, enjoy the same things. And it’s totally possible.

how can a garden make a difference?i feel like the best way to really educate the younger generation and the community to get back to eating healthy, fresh produce is for children to have fun get-ting their hands in the soil, planting a seed, watering it and then watching it grow into something delicious to eat.

What do you hope to achieve with your each of ventures?At Friends i’m very passionate about creating an en-vironment for those children that goes beyond brick buildings and concrete sidewalks. i want to bring life and green and happiness to environments that seem harsh. [the purpose behind] the community gardens in Church hill is to bring people together to produce something that’s healthy to eat together. it’s to cre-ate community and to have healthy food and create awareness of the importance of those two things. mybusiness is another outreach to a different part of the community to produce similar results of more people having fresh, organic produce available to them.

did you have an aha moment when you realized this was what you were meant to do?i remember coming back from measuring out the Friends garden, and the kids were peeking out the windows watching me. i came back in and they asked me what i was doing. i said, “i’m getting to ready to build a garden for you.” And they said, “yoyoy u’re going to build a garden for us?” their eyes were huge, and they just couldn’t believe it. i thought, “this is what it’s about.” that’s the moment i always think back on.

growth opportunities

photo by scottphoto

by scottphoto

elmquistby scottelmquistby scott

interviewed by katherine

houstounby katherine

houstounby katherine sTATEmENT

nina Zinn takes nature and nutrition into the city.

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Friday, April 15 

Lunch & registration  12 NOON 

Shoot starts at 1:00 PM 

Conservation Park of Virginia 

$350 per team (4 person)     $75 per individual 

for more info contact Neil Woolcott      

nwoolcott@boysandgirlshome.org 804.270.6566 ext. 146 

Virginia Home for Boys and Girls The community resource for children and families 

www.boysandgirlshome.org 

17th Annual Skeet Shoot

This spring, don’t leave us all alone in your garage.all alone in your garage.

Donate us to GoodwillDonate us to Goodwilland let us become

someone else’s treasure.

www.goodwillvirginia.org

Help us find the Richmond area’s most amazing kids. Visit styleweekly.com/16under16 to nominate an amazing child to become one of Style Weekly’s 16 under 16. Or call for a nomination form at (804) 358-0614 ext 331.

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Help us find the Richmond area’s most amazing kids. Visit styleweekly.com/16under16 to nominate an amazing child to become one of Style Weekly’s 16 under 16. Or call for a nomination form at

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(and sometimes feet)(and sometimes feet)

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Bring her your nippers, your fighters. Your sick and furless refugees. Your cage-bound creatures yearning to run free.

Marlene Blackburn will not turn them away. Ferrets, the small and mischievous cousins of wea-

sels, are the third most popular pet in the United States. But while Richmond has dozens of organizations that save dogs and cats, the group Blackburn founded is the only one that rescues ferrets.

Since 1998, Blackburn and the members of the Rich-mond Ferret Rescue League have taken in more than 1,800 surrendered pets. Blackburn has about 35 at her South Side home turned shelter, all sick, unadoptable or old (ferrets live to be 6 to 8, on average).

2010 was the organization’s worst year for adop-tions, Blackburn says, but a record year for surren-

dered ferrets. She took in four on Christmas Eve alone.Although the league tries to help owners keep their

pets, members never refuse to take them. It doesn’t mat-ter if bald tumors sprout from their tails, or if they’ve lost most of their fur. It doesn’t matter if they smell -- and they do have a smell, even if descented. Some liken it to skunk, while others say it’s more like grape soda or corn chips. Either way, it ain’t Chanel.

Owners typically give up their pets for one of three reasons: They can’t afford to keep them; their ferrets are old or sick; or they don’t have enough time to spend with them.

Ferrets sleep in fleecy hammocks about 19 hours a day; when they’re awake, they demand at least a few hours of out-of-cage play. But they’re escape artists, so their roaming area must be ferret proofed.

One woman opens her home to the pets no one else will take.

by Melissa Scott Sinclair

Curious and playful pets, ferrets are often adopted by people who don’t realize how much attention they need.

The UnwanTed

sCOTT ElMquIsT PHOTOs

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ther. A 35-pound bag of ferret food costs close to $60, and the animals require regular vaccinations and vet visits. Cancer is common in older ferrets.

One recent afternoon, fellow ferret rescuer Paige Collier brings 6-year-old Sweet Pea for Blackburn to evaluate. The albino ferret hangs limp while Blackburn lifts her by the scruff and feels her haunches for lumps.

“Oh honey,” Blackburn says. “Lymphoma. You missed this one.”

“You can’t do anything?” Col-lier says.

No, Blackburn says gently.“But she gives me kisses,” Col-

lier says, getting teary. She presses the ferret to her chest.

“Give her kisses,” Blackburn says. “Give her every treat in the world.”

Collier euthanized Sweet Pea two weeks later.

Why do Blackburn and her fel-low volunteers endure the grief, time and time again? Because the ferrets have no one else.

In the mid-1990s, Blackburn asked the Richmond chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals what it did with surrendered ferrets. The answer: euthanasia.

After nine months of research, Blackburn founded the Richmond Ferret Rescue League. Her first res-cue was Ginger, a tiny, silver female

that arrived at the Richmond SPCA in the filthy 5-gallon paint bucket her owner had used as a cage.

From then on, local animal groups called Blackburn for ferret rescues. She took in 19 the first year; her house hasn’t been empty since.

Blackburn loves ferrets, she says, because of their zest for life. Even the most ancient animals wriggle in joy when she lets them out of their cages to wrestle, bur-out of their cages to wrestle, bur-out of their cages to wrestle, burrow, caper and climb.

Recently her beloved bandits have become a saving grace. In November, Blackburn’s only son, U.S. Army Spc. William Kyle Mid-dleton, was killed while on foot pa-trol in Kandahar, Afghanistan. If it weren’t for the ferrets, Blackburn says, “I’d have a hard time getting up every morning.”

In February she expects six sur-In February she expects six sur-In February she expects six surrenders from members of the mili-tary. Collier just picked up a pair from a soldier being deployed for a year. “He said, ‘I know you’ll find them a good home,’” Collier says. “And then he started crying.”

Collier assured him his ferrets would be waiting for him when he returned.

TO GeT InvOlved: In addition to cash donations, the nonprofit Rich-mond Ferret Rescue League wel-comes food, blankets and toys. Meet members at the 2011 Henrico Humane Society Pet Expo on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Showplace.

Marlene Blackburn founded the Richmond Ferret Rescue League in 1998. She and other league volunteers never turn a ferret away.

Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia Thousands of people here in Central Virginia have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they have limited food choices—and sometimes, they

have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most have no choice at all. They are our community’s most vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, vulnerable members, from the elderly on fixed incomes, to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job to the working poor, to those experiencing sudden job loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know loss. And many of them are children who don’t know

the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy the source of their next meal, but need healthy food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.food to learn, grow, and succeed.

What they eat… isn’t always nutritious … isn’t always reliable … isn’t always there.

Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia • Central Virginia Food Bank1415 Rhoadmiller St. • Richmond, VA 23220 • (804) 521-2500

feedmore.org

working together to feed moreworking together to feed more

Please help us provide life-sustaining food to these neighbors in need. Now, more

than ever, they’re counting on us.

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Hot Stove BanquetWith their inaugural season successfully behind them,

the Richmond Flying Squirrels threw an event to

celebrate baseball and raise money for local nonprofits.

The Hot Stove Banquet drew an estimated 475 fans

and supporters to bid on sports memorabilia, grab

autographs from such names as Tommy John and Darryl

Strawberry and mug for photos with the team mascot,

Nutzy.

The event was a way to keep spirits high in the off-season

and introduce new faces. But the team also knows that a

strong fan base “can become a great vehicle for raising

money for charities,” says Jon Laaser, the Squirrels’

director of broadcasting, who was master of ceremonies.

The event raised $8,000 to be shared among the United

Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, the Miracle

League and SPARC, the School of the Performing Arts in

the Richmond Community. “We’re always on the lookout

for charitable partners,” Lasser says of the team’s various

events, “so it’s never too late to contact us.”

TheRe

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1 Tazewell native and all-Star pitcher Billy wagner signs autographs. 2 Bill axselle, Gary Green, larry Botel and Mike Berry. 3 darryl Strawberry meets a fan. 4 Guests mingle at a reception before the banquet. 5 Mike Murphy, Tom white, Byrd Grimsley, and Kurt Peter with Chuck domino, the team’s chief executive manager.

Richmond Flying Squirrels • Richmond Marriott downtown • January 28, 2011 Photos By Ash Daniel

art on wheels • Gallery5 • February 11, 2011 Photos By Jay Paul

Sweethearts for the Arts Masquerade BallIt was billed as a “blush-worthy benefit for Art on

Wheels,” a local nonprofit that works to improve access

to the arts in communities with limited resources.

Guests to the Gallery5 soiree were asked to wear masks,

be open to a little ribald entertainment — and naturally,

to “give as much money as they possibly can,” says

Magnolia Jackson Pickett Burnside. The performer, who

played event host, was one of several creative spirits

intent on supporting the local arts.

“It is a celebration of unique art forms that are unique

to the Richmond area, and we’re here to provide

entertainment to the people,” Miss Burnside says. “And

plus it’s also kind of like a big ol’ party.” Not to mention

its “naughty side,” she says of a spanking booth set up

for the occasion. The event featured performances by

All the Saints Theater Company, burlesque dancers, DJs

and more, with raffles, contests and a silent auction —

and food provided by Cellar Door and Sticky to Go Go.

1 Mike dulin & friends watch the show. 2 Some guests wear masks to get into the spirit. 3 anna Swanson as “deepa de Jour.” 4 The host of the evening, Magnolia Jackson Pickett Burnside (Justin Castonguay) asks for applause to pick the winner of the costume contest. 5 andrea and Kevin Orlosky, founders of art on wheels.

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Nothing forces an area or an organization to re-evaluate its priorities quite like an ongo-ing series of budget challenges coupled with a growing need for services and solu-

tions. Many regions of the country haven’t taken mul-tiple warning signs seriously, and have neglected to deal with real problems. They’re now confronted with difficult choices that will have financial, social and political ramifications for decades to come. Nonprof-its and businesses of all types are being stretched to address an array of human needs. In boardrooms and meetings everywhere, nonprofits are cutting budgets to survival levels so they can meets needs where possible.

Richmond, like most areas of the country, is at a crossroad. But there are indications that we’re on the verge of getting it right. Fortunately, everyone calling Richmond home has an opportunity to participate in a meaningful evaluation of our area and take on the role of advocate. You can have a voice in helping to clarify the region’s priorities so that taxpayers, fund-raisers and donors of every stripe know with precision how their investments and sacrifices will help as many people as possible to build the lives they desire.

The Capital Region Collaborative is a joint leader-ship effort of the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce. It’s the most extensive, comprehensive outreach effort in a generation to ask us all, “What are our priorities as we look ahead to Richmond’s future?” To that end, the most important partner in the process is us. If we can each help answer that question, we’ll create an environment where three very important things will happen:

1. Richmond will clarify not only its planning priorities, but also its image of itself,

2. While they allocate resources for our mutual benefit, political leaders will have better di-rection from their residents, and

3. Nonprofits, volunteers and financial support-ers will have greater clarity and vision with respect to their roles and sacrifices on behalf of those they serve.

As executive director of the Regional Drug Free Alliance, I’ve seen how alcohol and drug abuse nega-tively affects virtually every community in the Rich-mond region. Every neighborhood, school, college campus and employer, must deal with the destructive nature of alcohol and drugs at some level. How do we as a region address simultaneously the role that harm-ful substances have on us as individuals, families and institutions, and how individuals, families and institu-tions make positive impacts on the problem? How do decisions about transportation, education and law

enforcement, for example, affect how we approach prevention and treatment?

Currently, local coalitions in the counties of Ha-nover, Henrico, Chesterfield, the cities of Richmond and Petersburg, and at the regional level are working nonstop against a tide of issues — alcoholic and non-alcoholic energy drinks, marijuana use, teen binge drinking, prescription drug abuse, teen stress, dys-functional families, the reduction of prevention mes-sages to youth and others. The issues and costs are staggering. The cost of not prioritizing our approach to these and other issues is even greater. But because the area’s drug and alcohol problems don’t exist in a vac-uum, they must be dealt with in the context of other regional priorities. That’s why the work of the collab-orative is critical to our region’s success, as well as the success of substance abuse prevention and treatment.

There are reasons for optimism. The United Way recently announced that it exceeded its 2010 goal in a tough fundraising year. Richmond’s media repeat-edly demonstrates its willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in addressing human needs. The Capital Region Collaborative is making a differ-The Capital Region Collaborative is making a differ-The Capital Region Collaborative is making a difference because of its process including as many people and organizations as want to participate. And the non-profit community is doggedly persistent in reflecting the values, beliefs and attitudes of its community, its leaders, volunteers and supporters.

Our economic challenges have boosted aware-

ness of our neighbors’ needs, as well as the desire to engage in problem solving to meet them.

How can you get involved? Invite the Capital Re-gion Collaborative to visit your business. Representa-tives will explain what it does, and listen to you while you share what you want from Richmond. As it com-pletes the second year of listening, it will work directly with the community to clarify the priorities that we have expressed together.

You can also visit the collaborative’s website at capitalregioncollaborative.com to take an online sur-vey about the region’s priorities. It takes just a few min-utes, and every submission is reviewed.

Engage nonprofits and their missions now. And if you’re interested in substance abuse prevention, visit drugfreealliance.org to learn about regional and local efforts and to link to the local organizations closest to you. And to research initiatives to support or get a snapshot of the Richmond nonprofit community, visit connectrichmond.org.

Your participation, at whatever level you choose, will help make Richmond the best community it can be. Don’t forfeit the opportunity to make a difference. Engage.

Rick McKeel is executive director of the Regional Drug Free Alliance.

Opinions in First Person are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Richmond Giving.

by Rick McKeel

Looking Ahead Together

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9120 Lockwood BoulevardMechanicsville, VA 23116 l 804.723.7000www.owens-minor.com

At Owens & Minor our teammates reach for new heights

when giving to others.

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