Spring Into Fitness 2014

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Marian Hope believes in treating the “whole” child. Our therapists and educators work with our Registered Dietitian, Blakely Page to help families understand and embrace better nutrition for their child and the whole family. In addition to Blakely Page, Marian Hope also hosts a FREE nutritional support group meeting on the first Wednesday of each month (6:30 pm at Marian Hope Center).

When we begin to talk to parents about making nutritional changes, many families benefit from guidance regarding which products to purchase and which ingredients to avoid. Making a shift in grocery shopping and meal planning can be overwhelming. To ease this transition, Blakely or members of the Nutritional Support group will walk through the aisles of Nature’s Pantry with them to offer suggestions and tips.

Angie Knight, Marian Hope CEO, and I were first introduced to Bob Perkins, co-owner of Nature’s Pantry, four years ago. We had already referred many families to Nature’s Pantry and so many of them were shopping there so often that they had gotten to know many of the Nature’s Pantry staff members on a first-name basis. Nature’s Pantry has supported Marian Hope with sponsorship for our Spring into Hope shopping event. They have hosted and sponsored nutrition and wellness seminars for us when Dr. John and Betsy Hicks have presented. One year, they hosted a Back to School carnival benefiting Marian Hope with fun activities for the kids. The owners and staff were willing participants in the dunk tank. :)

In 2013, Bob came to us with the idea of hosting a 5K run/walk to benefit Marian Hope: Spring into Fitness! It was a huge success for a first year – over 300 runners/walkers participated! I overheard one participant talk about how moved he was by the signs and cheers of sideline supporters as he ran by. We are hopeful to at least double the number of participants this year. The race will be held at Waterfall Park (near Bass Pro) in Independence, MO, on Saturday, April 26. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit the children and families that receive services through Marian Hope. spring into fitness

Over the last few years, Nature’s Pantry has become one of Marian Hope’s biggest supporters! Bob Perkins now serves on the Marian Hope Board of Directors and is helping guide the future of our organization. We thank Nature’s Pantry for their past and continued support!

To learn more about the 2014 Spring Into Fitness 5K Run/Walk, please click here.  Sponsorships are still available and participant registration is open.  This is a great way be active while supporting a worthy cause.  We hope to see you at Spring Into Fitness 2014 and in the aisles of Nature’s Pantry!

~ Heather Ruoff, COO of Marian Hope

Spring Into Hope!

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In less than two weeks, we are hosting our biggest event of the year.

Spring Into Hope

Spring into Hope is a 2-day shopping event held at the Independence Events Center, home of the Missouri Mavericks.  Shopping, food & drink samples, fashion shows, raffles, and other giveaways will be available to attendees on Friday, April 26 from 5:00PM – 10:00PM and Saturday, April 27 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM.

We think it’s an amazing event, but don’t take our word for it.  We asked a few mothers whose children attend the Marian Hope Center to describe Spring Into Hope and why it’s important to them.

Marian Hope Center is a place where you will find a therapist that truly cares about your child and wants them to succeed.  I have seen the therapists get SO excited about a tiny sound or imitation that a child makes.  As a parent, I know how important every little sound and movement is.

Marian Hope Center consists of the most giving and loving women I have ever been surrounded by.  You can help them help our children by supporting Spring Into Hope and other fundraisers.  Marian Hope Center’s needs range from large to small.  On a large scale, we are busting at the seams in our current building and parking is very limited.  We need more space.  On a smaller scale, fundraising can provide scholarships to families in need of financial assistance, healthy snacks, supplies, and many other things.  Come out and shop to have fun AND help an awesome non profit organization. – Parent

Spring Into Hope is a great way to hang out, have a girl’s night out, AND support an amazing center all at the same time! Spring Into Hope raises funds and awareness for Marian Hope Center, an incredible not-for-profit that services children in the greater Kansas City area and provides them with speech and occupational therapy services. Spring Into Hope is all of your favorite boutiques from around the city all in one location! This event is the perfect girl’s night/day out together, there is so much energy, so much shopping, fun fashion shows, and free food and drinks. Come on out and have a great time all while supporting an amazing therapy center. – Parent

 

Marian Hope Center is a non-profit organization.  We count on events like this to keep our doors open.  Your support will ensure that we can continue to help children with special needs and their families in individualized, integrated therapy settings.

So…write it on your calendar.  Invite your friends.  We even have a “Spring Into Hope” Facebook page that you can follow to get more details about the event and the vendors involved.  Tickets are available on our events page.  If you are interested in discounted tickets, check out Jenerous Deals.  We look forward to seeing you at Spring Into Hope 2013!