Published On: May 27, 2015

Today’s post was written by Sara Croft
Last week, several Easterseals Crossroads staff members attended the Crossroads Guild’s 60th Anniversary Luncheon. Organized in 1955, the goal of the Guild is to help the children of Easterseals Crossroads reach their full potential, and to enrich and make a difference in their lives with compassion and respect for differences in abilities through volunteer service, staff support, promotion of Crossroads’ values and services, the education and socialization of Guild members, and fundraising.
President Linda Knoderer reflects on her the past, present and future of the Crossroads Guild:
“After six decades, Crossroads Guild continues to make a difference in the lives of children. All members have the same ideas and goals in mind when they join the Guild, and that is to support the children’s programs of Easterseals Crossroads by volunteering and fundraising. Of course, with membership comes added benefits, such as developing lasting Guild friendships, and working with dedicated and caring staff members at Crossroads.
2014 Crossroads Guild Check PresentationOur Guild fundraising goals for the upcoming 2015-2016 Guild season will include the same events as always with the possibility of adding a few new ones. To quote the old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” pretty much sums up the Guild’s thinking about fundraising. We will continue with our longstanding letter writing campaign, host a Christmas in July craft fair and bake sale at Easterseals Crossroads, and exhibit our crafty wares at the annual Gift and Hobby Show in November. We are also discussing the addition of another artistry venue in October to promote and sell our handmade items. However, as we continue with our ongoing established fundraisers we are always on the lookout for new and innovative money makers. Our fundraisers this past fall were very successful, and we were able to donate $10,000 to the center for Wish List items and $2100 for therapists’ stipends. Fundraising is an important goal, but Guild gals also take pride in volunteering their time to help out when needed at Easter Seals. It’s not unusual to see Guild members lending helping hands at Easter Seals Crossroads sponsored events.
As I complete my tenure as president, I feel extremely blessed and grateful that our supportive group of women continue to make a difference with dedicated commitment to Guild and Easterseals Crossroads. I am only a five year Guild member, so my presidency has been a jump right in learning experience about Guild and Easter Seals Crossroads. It has been a fun, busy, rewarding, and wonderful time, and I am proud to be a Crossroads Guild member and Easterseals Crossroads volunteer!”
Volunteer Support: During their 2014-2015 fiscal year, Crossroads Guild volunteers contributed 4,443 hours of service, an increase of 1,403 hours over last year. Tessa Barnard, Volunteer Coordinator at Easterseals Crossroads, presented certificates to Guild volunteers and thanked everyone for understanding how important volunteers are to the success of our organization.
 
Financial Support: Their fundraising efforts through their Blue Boy Campaign, Christmas in July Event, Gift and Hobby Show, Cash for Kids, and general donations have raised $10,751. Over the last ten years, the Crossroads Guild’s fundraising efforts have totaled $115,700.
The generosity of the Crossroads Guild members and friends allowed them to support the 2014 Annual Family Fun Day, the Autism Family Resource Center Halloween Celebration, the Cookies and More Party for Easter Seals Crossroads staff members, gifts for the Children’s Respite Holiday Party, Autism Awareness Month Seminar Meetings, therapist spending stipends, and the 2015 Easter Seals Crossroads Wish List.
Linda Knoderer, President of the Crossroads Guild, presented President and CEO Patrick Sandy, Vice President Scott Fogo and Manager of Clinical Services Sherry Floyd a check for $10,000. These funds will be used to purchase wish list items for the Children’s Medical Rehabilitation program.
 
EastersSeals Crossroads is thankful for such a longstanding partnership with the Crossroads Guild.