Great job everyone!

Yesterday was a HUGE success! I'm so proud of our girls. They work so hard and do a great job even with their extremely busy schedules. Thank you to all the alumnae that also showed up. I counted over a dozen that stopped by at some point yesterday just to help out for a little while and say hello. So proud to be an AOII.

The exact numbers aren't in just yet but I'm estimating around $5,000 profit. This money will be split between Arthritis research and 7 year old Zachary Harper who has autism.

Micha Gairhan Kenley (alumna/philanthrophy advisor) and Paige Bevill (collegian) deserve a HUGE round of applause for their hard work. Thank you ladies for putting so much time into this project and for going above and beyond. You are both amazing ladies.

Beautiful AOII's and Jackson Morris (Megan Haines Morris' son) future AOII Guy.

7 year old Zachary Harper. Philanthropy fundraiser recipient.



2011 Strawberry's BBQ fundraiser

Thank you to all the collegiates and alumnae who sold Strawberry's BBQ plates for Katie Nelson and her family. We were able to give her a $5,600 check. Thanks again for everyone's hard work.

St. Jude Service Project

Hello Alumnae,

I have a fun project for anyone who is interested in participating. The 18th annual St. Jude S'travaganza will be February 6th, Superbowl Sunday. For those of you not familiar with the event here are a few facts.

• This event was started 18 years ago by the Cathcart family who lost a child to cancer and decided to become advocates for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• This event has grown into the biggest "Superbowl" fundraiser that St. Jude has.
• Last year's profit was $255,000
• Last year's ticket sales were around 1,425
• The event is held at the Jonesboro Fairgrounds. There are over 20 x-large TV's and projector screens that surround the interior of the building. There is a gigantic food buffet that includes everything from BBQ, Ribs, sausage, crawfish, shrimp and much much more. 
• Each ticket sold provides a person with access to the event starting at 3:00 and ending when the game is over. The ticket price also includes all you can eat and drink all day long.
• There is a HUGE silent auction area and amazing raffle items. Last year close to $74,000 was raised just from the auctions.

With all that said, here is my request. For this event we need a LOT of homemade desserts (enough to feed around 1,200 people). All desserts need to be collected by Saturday, February 5th. You can drop them off one of two ways. You can drop off your homemade dessert to me on Friday, February 4th or drop them off at the fairgrounds on Saturday the 5th. Please bring your desserts in/on disposable serving dishes. We will not be able to keep up with personal items. Any and all desserts are appreciated. There is refrigeration if needed. (Suggestions: cakes, pies, cupcakes, tarts, banana pudding, cookies, brownies, bars, etc. - nothing is off limits)

Please email me linzburnett@hotmail.com and let me know if you would like to donate a homemade dessert so that I can tell the lady in charge of organizing the desserts.

Also, if you are interested in helping with setup just let me know and I'll tell you where and when.

Thanks so much,

Lindsay Burnett

AOII's help community organization

Story from KAIT8

Getting a job in this economy is tough, but even if you get an interview, many women are left thinking, "I have nothing to wear".
Not everyone has the proper clothing to wear to an interview and look professional. But Elena Brown with Staffmark says that's the first thing the employer looks at.
Faye Cox, the Executive Director of the Center, has worked diligently to bring in donations.
"It's slightly used or new clothing that women would wear to their job. So we have everything from casual tops and slacks to business pants and skirt suits. These aren't close that a woman would put in a yard sale for $2 or $5, but they are more than willing to donate them to a woman that needs them."

The Professional Clothes Closet is open to women with a referral from employment services, community agencies, employers, churches, or by presenting a resume.

Saturday, May 16 from 10-3 pm at the First Christian Church on Union St., The Closet will have an open shopping event.
"This will allow women to come in with their referral or resume, but they don't have to make an appointment. They will still get their own personal shopper, and they won't leave with just one outfit."

Ashlyn Kohler, an ASU student and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority Member, says even college kids can find the items they are looking for.
"My sisters and I looked through our closets and found what we could to give. It's stuff we would wear to an interview. We just know it's hard out there for kids graduating college with no money and no professional looking clothes. We want them to look their best and we hope to spread the word about The Closet."

Please read the full story and watch the video, just click on the link below.

http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10362769