Partners

In this first episode of our special two-part series, we're taking you inside our nationwide Bink-A-Thon debrief meeting, where chapter coordinators share their heartwarming stories from this year's MrBallen Foundation event. From Meridian, Idaho to Connecticut, from Southern California to Virginia, our volunteers united in their mission to create comfort one blanket at a time.
Join Susan Finch and chapter leaders, including Kathy Taylor from Irvine/Orange County, whose partnership with Girl Scouts doubled their volunteer turnout; Jeanne Malgioglio from Connecticut, whose team completed 145 blankets for Al's Angels and the Center for Family Justice; Director Terrie Madruga, who launched a new chapter in Meridian, ID with patriotic scarves for veterans; and Caitlin Peterson-Woolard from Woodbridge/Lexington, whose Girl Scout volunteers showed incredible enthusiasm, completing 15 blankets in just 30 minutes plus the 150 made the by the rest of the group. These stories showcase the power of community service and the impact of dedicated volunteers nationwide.
Learn more about Bink-A-Thons here.
Connect with the chapters featured in this episode here:
Jeanne Malgioglio - Monroe/Trumbull, CT
Caitlin Peterson - Lexington, VA
Terrie Madruga - Meridian, ID
Kathy Taylor - Irvine, CA
Susan Finch - Beaverton, OR
 
Thank you to the MrBallen Foundation for sponsoring this event!
 

Today is a short episode requesting you consider these requests:
Consider starting a local chapter - 2 - 100 people! Great way to build community and make friends. (info here)
Make binkies, aka blankets. We can send you the labels. (info here)
Host a Bink-A-Thon at your company or in your community - we'll give you all the stuff you need. (what's a bink-a-thon?)
Sponsor Binky Patrol - podcast, website, events - request a sponsor package. (info here) (request a package)

Our topic today is Quilting for Community: From Grief to Nonprofit Success with guest Lizz Leral, Executive Director of Quilting for Community. She shares how personal loss sparked a quilting journey that grew into a thriving nonprofit. You'll hear her story and ideas about:
Transforming personal healing into community service
Building an intergenerational crafting community
Creative fundraising through a fabric thrift store
Balancing volunteer passion with business necessities
Learn how quilting fosters connections and supports those in need.
Lizz Leral, a Philadelphia transplant, founded Quilting for Community in Los Angeles in 2018 after losing her Dad. Previous to quilting, Lizz was a singer/songwriter and independently released 3 albums under her moniker Lizz Fields. Her professional experiences revolved around performing, teaching, and creating. 
Upon discovering quilting to be emotionally & mentally beneficial, Lizz had the vision to create a space for the community to learn quilting, free of charge. “Newbies” learn the basics, then after 3-4 quilts, they guide the next batch of newbies. The classroom quilts are donated to those in hospice, hospitals, and shelters. Since its inception, Quilting for Community has delivered 1,423 quilts and taught 679 students.
Social Mediahttps://www.tiktok.com/quiltingforcommunity https://www.instagram.com/quiltingforcommunity/https://www.facebook.com/quiltingforcommunity

In this episode of All Volunteer All Heart from Binky Patrol, host Susan Finch welcomes Angie Marie, a community leader from Hood River, Oregon. Angie shares her inspiring story of creating Gorge SpeakEasy, a monthly storytelling event that brings together diverse members of the community while supporting local nonprofits. Through volunteer efforts and innovative partnerships with local businesses, Gorge SpeakEasy has become a platform for connection, personal growth, and community impact. Angie and Susan discuss the power of collaboration between organizations and how companies can give back to their communities beyond financial contributions. This episode is a must-listen for businesses seeking creative ways to make a difference in their local areas, emphasizing the exponential impact of cross-organizational cooperation. Join Susan and Angie as they explore the heartwarming potential of storytelling, volunteerism, and community-building.
 
Gorge Speakeasy on Instagram
Binky Patrol on Instagram
Gorge Speakeasy on Facebook
Binky Patrol on Facebook

Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to our hearts: recognizing and appreciating the incredible volunteers who make our mission possible.
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organizations, tirelessly giving their time, energy, and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. They are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, often without expecting anything in return. But as nonprofit leaders, it's our job to make sure they feel valued, appreciated, and supported every step of the way.
In this episode, we'll be sharing some creative and affordable ways to show your volunteers just how much they mean to you and your cause. From small tokens of appreciation like pins and stickers to heartfelt gestures like personalized thank-you notes and special events, we'll explore a variety of ideas to help you celebrate your volunteers and keep them motivated and engaged.
So grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by the power of volunteer recognition. Together, we can create a culture of gratitude and support that will help our nonprofits thrive and make an even greater impact in the world.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. We are all in this together, working towards a common goal of making a difference in our communities. So, let's lift each other up, celebrate our successes, and show our volunteers just how much they are appreciated.
Here are some key suggestions for non-profits mentioned in the episode:
Recognize and thank volunteers through small gifts like pins, stickers, or patches. These can be ordered in bulk to last for years and distributed to volunteers at events or through chapters.
Apply for grants specifically aimed at volunteer recognition and support to cover the costs of items like pins, stickers, and T-shirts.
Partner with organizations like the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, who appreciate patches and can help spread awareness about your non-profit.
Use services like Vistaprint  or lynmar.com to order promotional materials such as brochures, banners, and postcards. Take advantage of coupons and sales to save on costs.
Create a store or online platform where chapters can easily order branded items for their volunteers.
Organize contests and challenges for chapter leaders and volunteers to engage them and reward participation with small prizes like fabric kits or branded items.
Encourage volunteers to wear and use branded items to promote your organization and make it easier for people to learn about your mission and how to get involved.
Plan and budget for volunteer recognition initiatives, as they are important for keeping volunteers motivated and committed to your cause long-term.
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Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Leah Okimoto, Executive Director of the incredible organization Aaron's Presents. Through Aaron's Presents, kids are empowered to make a positive difference in their communities by pursuing service projects of their own design. From providing reflective vests to peers walking home in the dark, to leading cheerleading classes for younger kids, participants experience the joy and fulfillment of helping others. As we'll hear from Leah, these projects not only spread good in the world, but build confidence, purpose, and compassion within the young people carrying them out. Aaron's Presents demonstrates the boundless potential within all children to be a force for good when given the opportunity. I was so moved learning about the transformative impact of this organization. We hope you are inspired by listening to Leah Okimoto share the heartwarming mission and powerful stories of Aaron's Presents.

Shannon Kmetic, founder of Angels in the Outfield, joins Susan Finch to discuss her mission of supporting children impacted by crime and abuse. Kmetic shares how her experience as a prosecutor showed her the need to help children after going through trauma and the justice system. She details the year-round work Angels in the Outfield does to give kids opportunities to pursue their passions, from sports gear to college visits, and provide a sense of normalcy. Kmetic emphasizes the power of helping children heal through positive outlets and relationships. As Susan describes their upcoming collaboration providing blankets to Angels' holiday store, Kmetic thanks participants for giving children warmth, security, and care. Together, they model uplifting partnerships that allow grassroots groups to transform children's lives. Will you join them by volunteering time or donating to organizations like Angels in the Outfield?
About Shannon Kmetic
Shannon was a Deputy District Attorney for Clackamas County when she founded the Angels in the Outfield in 2009.  She had been a prosecutor since 1996, and her caseload for quite some time had involved domestic violence and child physical and sexual abuse cases.  Shannon had just prosecuted one of the worst sexual abuse in her career, and she realized that more had to be done for this young victim and others like her. She was worried that the "system" was not equipped to deal with long-term issues related to victimization and healing. Shannon was blessed with a wonderful family and supportive parents, but not all children, including vulnerable children who are abused and neglected, get to experience what she did.
Shannon's hope was, and is, that the Angels in the Outfield will provide hope to children who fall within our mission. Getting to experience or do things that they may not have otherwise, or participate in an activity or event, or have something that will assist them daily will be the impetus for healing. 
Links from this episode:
Angels in the Outfield
Binky Patrol
MrBallen Foundation

As part of our MrBallen Foundation series, we have Bev Warnock, the executive director of Parents of Murdered Children, an organization dedicated to supporting families devastated by the unimaginable loss of a loved one to violence.
As I spoke with Bev, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her mission. The pain and grief that these families endure is unfathomable. But within that darkness, Parents of Murdered Children brings a glimmer of hope, a lifeline for those navigating the turbulent waters of grief.
The organization's origins trace back to a tragic incident in 1978 when a young woman's life was cut short by the hands of her ex-boyfriend. From this heart-wrenching loss emerged a gathering of parents who, like broken pieces, found strength in coming together. And thus, Parents of Murdered Children was born, offering solace, compassion, and a sense of belonging to those who've walked this unimaginable path.
In this episode, Bev shares the struggles these families face – the legal battles, the lingering questions of why, and the challenge of rebuilding lives while never letting go of precious memories. She tells us about the profound importance of remembering those lost, and how even the simplest acts of remembrance can comfort a grieving heart.
But it's not just the families that bear the weight of grief; the entire community also suffers. Bev talks about how parents struggle to cope with their grief while helping their surviving children navigate their pain. It's a heartbreaking balance that requires understanding and support from everyone around them.
So, as we delve into this episode of All-Volunteer, All Heart, let us remember the strength and courage of those facing unimaginable heartbreak. And may we all be inspired to reach out, listen, and remember the stories of those who may no longer be with us but whose memories will forever be cherished in the hearts of those they left behind.
Bev and Susan gave a few challenges and action items in this episode:
Reach out to someone who has lost a loved one and share a favorite memory or story about the person. Let them know that their loved one is not forgotten and that their memory lives on in the hearts of others.
Encourage friends and family members to be patient and understanding with grieving parents or loved ones. Offer a listening ear and let them express their emotions without judgment or pressure to move on.
Challenge yourself to attend a support group or grief workshop if you have experienced the loss of a loved one to violence. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be a crucial step in the healing process.
Consider volunteering or supporting organizations like Parents of Murdered Children that provide vital resources and support to families affected by violence. Your contribution, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in someone's life.
Be mindful of the impact of domestic violence and strive to raise awareness about its devastating consequences. Support initiatives that address and prevent violence within communities, as fostering a safe and nurturing environment is essential for everyone's well-being.
 
Links from this episode:
POMC.org
MrBallen Foundation
Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 28.
Locations are to be posted soon.
Bring: Your heart, your smile, sharp scissors, your sewing machine if you want to, thread, possibly a cushion to pin and cut on the ground or a folding chair in a cafeteria, and comfy shoes.
Learn more about MrBallen Foundation here.
Learn more about Bink-A-Thons here.
Contact Susan Finch with questions about this event.
 

Amy Smart is the founder of Diary of a Quilter. Her newsletter is inspiring, her website is filled with resources. Amy now knows about Binky Patrol. Binky Patrol volunteers have all been introduced to Amy Smart and Diary of a Quilter. This is how it works. 
Susan suggests that you seek out companies, individuals, and influencers in your space that have active social media presence, but who also have newsletters. There is a great opportunity for both them and you to expand your lists and introduce each others' audiences to your respective companies. It's easy to do and doesn't cost anyone money.  Listen to Amy's story and their ideas in this episode of All-Volunteer, All Heart - Connecting Like Hearts to Grow Your Organization.