Well, Art Night has officially come to a close, and despite a few hiccups along the event planning journey, overall it was a success. We raised over $1000.00 for the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, met several new people in the community, sold dozens of paintings, and had a great time doing it. We also learned a lot in the process...
We learned some heart-wrenching facts about the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
Even though Art Night is over, we will not forget that 140,000 people in Mid-Michigan depend on the food bank. For every $1.00 donated, 7 meals are given to someone in the community. A little goes a long way for the Food Bank, and hunger is completely faceless. There are no stereotypes. The same individuals who used to donate to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank are the people who need it today. Everyone is hurting in this economy.
We learned that the Lansing restaurant owners are some of the most generous people in the community.
We are so grateful for our sponsors, and we're happy to see all of the gift certificates being picked up by the patrons this weekend. Thanks again Pita Pita, Dusty's Cellar, Clara's, Spotted Dog Cafe, Gone Wired, Thai Village, Eden's Juice, Emil's, Waterfront Bar and Grill, The Nut House, The Knight Cap, Geno's Pizzeria, Jalapenos, Coral Gable's and Beggar's Banquet. We are overwhelmed with gratitude!
We learned that the local press cares about community events.
Thanks to the efforts of our publicist, Ronda Liskey, Art Night was featured in The City Pulse, on lansingstatejournal.com, on LCC Radio, and in several other digital and printed publications. We appreciated all of Ronda's work, and the publicity we received from all of the media outlets in the area.
We learned that in the current state of our economy, we face a Catch-22...
Although it's now more important than ever to raise money for our local nonprofits, it is now more difficult than ever to get support. People are struggling on every level in Michigan, but despite these hard times, we we're encouraged by the turnout at Art Night. The second night was a little slower than we hoped, but we still had a good time. We still had positive feedback from the people who came. And most importantly, we still managed to surpass our fundraising goals.
It may be a while until we plan another event at Hotwater Works, but we're definitely happy about the results of Art Night. Thanks again to all who participated!
For more information about the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, visit
>midmichiganfoodbank.org.
For all of your hot tub and sauna needs, visit
>hotwaterworks.com
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Inside the Food Bank
I picked up the Mid-Michigan Food Bank banner this morning from the Financial Development Officer, Betsy Ruekert, and I got the chance to tour their warehouse on Mint Road. The Food Bank warehouse is stocked from top to bottom with bulk categories of canned foods, pastas, peanut butter, large quantities of produce, sauces, and more. There are literally thousands of donations (mainly from grocery stores and chain food suppliers) piled high to the ceiling. It's an organized and clean space, and Betsy and I walked through the aisles while she enthusiastically briefed me about the organization ins and outs. The team worked earnestly behind us, loading large crates of cereals and celery into trucks destined for a 7 county region.
I knew from their website that the food bank feeds more than 58,000 people in the region. I asked Betsy if this number has increased recently because of the recession. "That statistic hasn't been upgraded in a few years," she told me. The food bank now feeds more than 140,000 people in Mid-Michigan! This is astounding to me.
So, the way it works in a nutshell: The food bank receives food and cash donations form the community (this comes from private individuals, farmers, families, and chain groceries), and then the bank supplies local pantries. The bank gets great deals on food purchases, but they need to cover the costs of all shipping and storing. This is why cash donations are extremely important to the operation.
"Some people have the wrong idea about the pantries," she told me. Someone had recently suggested to her that food pantries were mostly visited by homeless people, drug addicts, and the mentally ill. This idea is completely false, explained Betsy. The same people who need the food from the food bank on a regular basis are the ones who used to donate to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank. They may still own homes and cars, but right now people everywhere around us are struggling to scrape by. Many of the dependents are children. During holiday vacations, weekends, and summer break, the food bank is most critical for these kids. School is often the sole opportunity for thousands of Mid-Michigan kids to have nutritional meals.
As the number of hungry families in Michigan continues to increase, so does the cost of the Mid-Michigan Food Bank operations. Art Night at Hotwater Works hopes to raise at least $1000.00 for the food bank. This is a small amount of money in general, but an enormous help to the cause.
1 day until the event, and we're ready to share delicious food, wine, and visionary art with our guests. $1 dollar is worth $10 to the food bank, and whether you're donating or not donating, either way it will be a great time!
I knew from their website that the food bank feeds more than 58,000 people in the region. I asked Betsy if this number has increased recently because of the recession. "That statistic hasn't been upgraded in a few years," she told me. The food bank now feeds more than 140,000 people in Mid-Michigan! This is astounding to me.
So, the way it works in a nutshell: The food bank receives food and cash donations form the community (this comes from private individuals, farmers, families, and chain groceries), and then the bank supplies local pantries. The bank gets great deals on food purchases, but they need to cover the costs of all shipping and storing. This is why cash donations are extremely important to the operation.
"Some people have the wrong idea about the pantries," she told me. Someone had recently suggested to her that food pantries were mostly visited by homeless people, drug addicts, and the mentally ill. This idea is completely false, explained Betsy. The same people who need the food from the food bank on a regular basis are the ones who used to donate to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank. They may still own homes and cars, but right now people everywhere around us are struggling to scrape by. Many of the dependents are children. During holiday vacations, weekends, and summer break, the food bank is most critical for these kids. School is often the sole opportunity for thousands of Mid-Michigan kids to have nutritional meals.
As the number of hungry families in Michigan continues to increase, so does the cost of the Mid-Michigan Food Bank operations. Art Night at Hotwater Works hopes to raise at least $1000.00 for the food bank. This is a small amount of money in general, but an enormous help to the cause.
1 day until the event, and we're ready to share delicious food, wine, and visionary art with our guests. $1 dollar is worth $10 to the food bank, and whether you're donating or not donating, either way it will be a great time!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Gearing up for ART NIGHT
As the first Art Night approaches, The Hotwater Works Staff is busy finalizing the last minute particulars and getting the show room all set for the event. To put it lightly, we're stressed! But as stressful as it may be to plan and host an event, we are so excited to help out the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
As artists Julian Vandyke and James McFarland finish the aesthetics, the rest of us are working hard and crossing our fingers that the Lansing community will come in to support the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
Many of us cannot imagine what it is to be hungry. We worry about our jobs, our daily schedules, and our futures, but we are blessed to not feel the burden of true hunger.
The Mid-Michigan Food Bank strives to feed Michigan's hungry, serving a network of Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Isabella, and Shiawassee counties. More than 58,300 people receive emergency food relief from the Mid-Michigan Food Bank each year. 30% of those recipients are children! It is more important now than ever for Michigan residents to support one another and our outstanding local nonprofit organizations, like the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
We're proud to announce that our sponsors for the event include: Clara's, Dusty's Cellar, The Spotted Dog Cafe, Waterfront Bar & Grill, Emil's, Eden's Juice, The Nut House, Empire Szechuan, Gone Wired, Jalapeno's, and Thai Village. Wow! This is a great mix of wonderful local restaurants who have graciously donated appetizers, merchandise, and gift certificates for Art Night.
The store is decked out from head to toe with dazzling new art pieces, and we're ready to showcase our Furohealth Japanese-style soaking tubs. Musician, Rob Curtner, will be performing, and patrons will have the chance to win a FREE Hot Tub!
Stop into Art Night at Hotwater Works this Thursday, October 13th and next Thursday, October 20th. Whether it's to support the Food Bank, enjoy great art, listen to live music- or- Let's be honest- you just want some free wine and food- we're happy to have your company!
As artists Julian Vandyke and James McFarland finish the aesthetics, the rest of us are working hard and crossing our fingers that the Lansing community will come in to support the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
Many of us cannot imagine what it is to be hungry. We worry about our jobs, our daily schedules, and our futures, but we are blessed to not feel the burden of true hunger.
The Mid-Michigan Food Bank strives to feed Michigan's hungry, serving a network of Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Isabella, and Shiawassee counties. More than 58,300 people receive emergency food relief from the Mid-Michigan Food Bank each year. 30% of those recipients are children! It is more important now than ever for Michigan residents to support one another and our outstanding local nonprofit organizations, like the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.
We're proud to announce that our sponsors for the event include: Clara's, Dusty's Cellar, The Spotted Dog Cafe, Waterfront Bar & Grill, Emil's, Eden's Juice, The Nut House, Empire Szechuan, Gone Wired, Jalapeno's, and Thai Village. Wow! This is a great mix of wonderful local restaurants who have graciously donated appetizers, merchandise, and gift certificates for Art Night.
The store is decked out from head to toe with dazzling new art pieces, and we're ready to showcase our Furohealth Japanese-style soaking tubs. Musician, Rob Curtner, will be performing, and patrons will have the chance to win a FREE Hot Tub!
Stop into Art Night at Hotwater Works this Thursday, October 13th and next Thursday, October 20th. Whether it's to support the Food Bank, enjoy great art, listen to live music- or- Let's be honest- you just want some free wine and food- we're happy to have your company!
Friday, October 7, 2011
ART NIGHT AT HOTWATER WORKS!
5-8 p.m.
Art Auction for the Mid-Michigan Food Bank!
Bid on art created on-site
Enjoy Wine, Local Appetizers, and converse with artists,
James McFarland and Julian Vandyke
Come see the Latest thing in Hot Tubs!
2116 E Michigan Ave Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 364-8827
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Steam Soaking Tub
Furohealth® has designed and manufactured a Steam Soaking Tub, providing a portable steam room experience for an incredibly low price. FuroHealth is bringing the luxury of a spa to the comfort of home! The Benefits of steam therapy date back thousands of years. A steam bath experience is deeply therapeutic, and alleviates a myriad of health problems. Not only is a steam bath relaxing, but the wet heat opens skin pores, aiding in detoxification, stress relief, and muscle tension therapy.
During a steam room session, the body can sweat out up to 30% of built up toxins.[1] Environmental chemicals can accumulate in our bodies, contributing to 95% of cancers, and steam heat has the power to purge your body of these harmful impurities.[2]
Steam therapy can also rejuvenate skin and boost your immune system. As the body temperature increases, white blood cells are released. These cells aid in combating infectious diseases. During hyperthermia, heart rate goes up and oxygen travels to the skin’s surface.[3] Blood cells carry minerals and vitamins, which cause skin to glow and look healthy. Not only does steam heat make you feel relaxed and stress free, it makes you look good, too!
Steam inhalation can also enhance the respiratory system and relax sore muscles. The steam heat relieves inflammation and congestion in the upper respiratory membranes and stimulates discharge of mucous from the throat and lungs. This makes the Steam Plunge ideal for flu-season, and an asset to people who commonly suffer from allergies and congestion problems.
Heat from steam causes muscle relaxation, allowing oxygen to enter the blood vessels. This experience dissolves stress, and pacifies the mind and body. Owning a steam bath for wellbeing, stress, and happiness is a healthy and practical choice!
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