October 2023
New Faces, Cozy Spaces, and Spooky Celebrations
October has been a remarkable month for Upside Down Moments, filled with heartwarming moments and incredible support. We welcomed a new team member, enriching our organization with fresh perspectives and expertise. The UpsideDown Moments Team has grown, and we were able to get together to connect and discuss exciting events and opportunities coming up. Our Halloween party for Shelter House was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers who ensured a day of spooky fun for the children. The outpouring of community support has been truly touching, with hundreds of essential hygiene items donated to help those in need. Additionally, we helped furnish two homes, transforming spaces into welcoming havens. These collective efforts are a testament to the incredible impact we can make when we come together, and we're excited to continue our journey of support and empowerment. Thank you to our volunteers, donors, and everyone who makes these moments possible.
New Team Member Alert
Aaron Crasner- Business Analyst & Admin Support
We are excited to have Aaron join us as our newest team member! With a background in space systems engineering and a passion for leading teams and tackling complex challenges, he brings a wealth of expertise to UpsideDown Moments. Aaron's technical knowledge, process-oriented mindset, boundless energy, and dedication to working with people will undoubtedly contribute to our organization's efficiency and effectiveness. When he's not on the job, Aaron enjoys quality time with his beautiful wife and four amazing children in Western Loudoun. He's a devoted husband and father who firmly believes in ensuring all children receive the dignity, love, and support they deserve. In his free time, you'll find Aaron gardening, DIY-ing, and playing tennis.
We're thrilled to have him on board!
Join us for a volunteer orientation
If you have signed up to be a volunteer, but haven't yet attended an orientation, now is your chance! Founder Becky Saunders and our volunteer coordinator Leslie Ihara will be holding the orientation in Hamilton. This is a great opportunity to get involved and meet other volunteers. If you'd like to attend, please fill out this short form to let us know.
Shout out to Catherine T. Crowe, Stephanie Zebrowski, Caroline Ceigersmidt, Monica C. Brooks, Aimee Brolst, Jaime Winslow, Alyssa, Kristy Wolfe, Nazish Mansoor, Michelle Sutphur, and Jessica for your contributions via our Amazon Wishlist. We had so many donations from our Amazon Wishlist, we lost track of all the donors, but please know we are incredibly grateful to you! All the donations are greatly appreciated!
Thank you to SterlingFest for having us as a vendor and to all those that came out to see us!
Thank you for all the donations this month!
JOIN THE GIVING MOVEMENT
We are absolutely delighted to share the incredible support we've received lately. Our generous community has stepped up in a big way, donating vital hygiene items, furnishings for two homes, and lots of clothing. These contributions are a testament to the compassion and unity within our community. We realized we were very low on essential items and within days the hygiene item donations started pouring in! As for the furnishings, they will transform two apartments into warm and inviting homes for families in need, offering them a fresh start and a place to call their own. The clothing donations are providing essential wardrobes and instilling confidence in those who require it most. The Ladies Board generously offered for us to pick up items not sold in their Rummage Sale to be used as donations. Additionally, a neighborhood yard sale also offered the same. Kimberly DellaTorre of Kid's Closet Connection-Loudoun has partnered with us to offer up the items not sold at their bi-annual consignment event. This is an incredible offer and we are so grateful for the many items this will provide to help fulfill our mission! We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has made these contributions. Your generosity is making a significant impact on the lives of the individuals and families we support. Thank you for being a part of the UpsideDown Moments family!
Sharing is Caring
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND SHARE WITH FRIENDS
New Sponsorship Levels
We're excited to introduce our new sponsorship levels! When you contribute to UpsideDown Moments, you're making a meaningful investment in the future of youth in foster care, young adults transitioning out of the system, and at-risk young individuals right here in Loudoun County and surrounding areas. Your support empowers us to provide them with essential resources and hope. By partnering with us, you're helping shape a brighter path forward, ensuring that every child and young adult we serve has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Together, we can make a significant difference in their lives, offering them the support and opportunities they deserve. Your generosity truly changes lives, one youth at a time. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey. Any amount helps us fulfill our mission!
Thank you to The Mad Knitter, Laura Rossini with Loudoun Volunteer Care Givers, for your generous donations. Laura has provided UpsideDown Moments with two full bags of gorgeous winter hats that will be sure to keep children warm through the winter months ahead. If you have a special skill or items you'd like to use toward helping UpsideDown Moments fulfill our mission, please click the button below to let us know.
Can You Help Us Find Our New Home?
As our commitment to the community deepens, UpsideDown Moments is actively seeking a new space to further enhance our impact. This space will serve as a haven for our donation items, allowing us to efficiently organize and distribute essential resources to those in need. It will also become a space for our free shopping days. By providing a dedicated, versatile space, UpsideDown Moments aims to amplify the positive change we bring to the lives of those we serve, fostering a brighter future for all.
Fundraiser Host
Brenda, Master Stylist at Dream Salon in Leesburg, has generously offered to host a
Sock and Underwear Fundraiser for UpsideDown Moments!
If you'd like to participate, simply stop in to drop off donations of NEW socks and underwear; all sizes are accepted. Maybe get a new haircut while you're at it!
161 Fort Evans Rd #105 Leesburg, Virginia
If you, your business, or your organization are interested in hosting a fundraiser for us click the button below to learn more.
Community Involvement
Huge shoutout to the incredible student-athletes from John Champe High School Softball team—Devon Yi, Bhavya Annamreddy, Sydney Perez, Lily Perez, and Molly Hamilton! Thank you to Rosanna Yi for organizing this. On their day off, they selflessly dedicated their time to assist us in packing essential hygiene items for those in need. Your compassion and willingness to give back to the community are truly remarkable. Thank you for your heartwarming support!
Super Saturday Celebrations at Shelter House in Leesburg!
IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
In October UpsideDown Moments hosted a delightful Halloween party for the children at Shelter House in Leesburg, and it was an absolute blast! With the spirited assistance of four dedicated teen volunteers, we transformed the day into a memorable Halloween celebration. Together, we engaged in a creative flurry of crafting, indulged in cupcakes provided by Cake4Kids, snacks, played exciting Halloween games, and even adorned ourselves with festive temporary tattoos. The joy and laughter that filled the room were heartwarming, and it was a wonderful opportunity for the children to simply revel in the spirit of the season. A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers and all who made this special event possible! If you would like to sponsor the Super Saturday Celebrations at Shelter House or volunteer to help us host the celebration in future months, please please fill out the volunteer form and indicate you'd like to help with Super Saturday Celebrations or email UpsideDownMoments@gmail.com. Let's make a difference and brighten the lives of those we support!
Comments