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Chili Cook-Off
Our Chili Cook off is still set for 5:30 - 7:30pm, November 17th at New Song Church. Our judges are all lined up but we are looking for a few more teams. No entry fee....just your fabulous chili (4- 5 gallons). Contact Jaci @ #222-2108 for more information. If you don't want to compete; plan on coming to taste some great chili and participate in our live auction. Suggested donation of $5 per person/$15 per family collected at the door.
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Haunted Fort
Head on out to the Haunted Fort on Oct. 20th for some good family Halloween Fun. RMHH will be getting a portion of the proceeds from this night. It will be a great time!
Checkout their website and their Facebook page!
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Haunted Fort Returns
Haunted Fort - North Dakota's premiere haunted attraction - will open its doors this Friday, Oct. 14, to once again terrorize the people of Bismarck/Mandan.
Now in its tenth year, Haunted Fort - located within Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park - has grown from a small, one-weekend event into the largest haunted attraction in western North Dakota. For the month of October, the Custer House, Commissary, Barracks and Granary buildings at Fort Lincoln are converted from historic reconstructions into horrific scenarios that bring people's darkest fears to life.
Since 2006, Haunted Fort has been designed and operated by Matt Schanandore and Scott Larkin. Schanandore and Larkin say they take a lot of inspiration from movies, TV shows, books and their own phobias when planning the event. According to Schanandore, the most challenging part of Haunted Fort is coming up with new scenarios every year. "Once you raise the bar, you have to keep raising it or people get bored," Schanandore said. "We spend a lot of time brainstorming and tossing ideas back and forth during the planning process. Basically, the day Haunted Fort ends we start talking about what we're going to do next year."
The other challenge, Larkin explained, is finding new things that people are afraid of. "There are some common things - like clowns - that people are afraid of, but we've pretty well exhausted those over the past six years," Larkin said. "So, we read a lot of books and watch movies and TV shows to see the kinds of fears we haven't already exploited."
Schanandore and Larkin stress that the Haunted Fort evening event is definitely aimed at an older crowd. "The settings are pretty extreme, so we recommend the evening event for ages 13 and up," Schanandore said.
In lieu of the evening event, the younger crowd is invited out for the Haunted Fort Halloween Kids Bash on Sunday afternoon. The Kids Bash features carnival-style games with tokens and tickets the children can redeem for prizes. Children are also encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. "We just want the kids to come out and have fun celebrating Halloween," Larkin said. "And, of course, there's plenty of candy."
This is the tenth year of Haunted Fort, and Schanandore attributes its continued success to local community sponsors. "We get a lot of support from the community," Schanandore said, "especially Party America, which has been involved with Haunted Fort for the past six years."
This year, Schanandore and Larkin hope to attract a larger audience is by using a lot of online and social media tools, including Facebook and Twitter accounts, and online ticket sales. There is also a mobile version of hauntedfort.com so people can access the website and buy tickets on their smart phones. "Last year, we had over six thousand people come through Haunted Fort in the six nights we were open," Larkin said. "Our goal this year is eight thousand."
Haunted Fort runs every Friday and Saturday for the rest of October, with tickets sold from 7p.m. - 11p.m. Tickets are $10 at the gate or online. Advanced tickets are also available at Party America. There are also special Thursday events on the 20th and 27th to benefit the Ruth Meier's Hospitality House and Big Brother Big Sister of Bismarck, respectively. Tickets are sold on Thursdays from 7p.m. - 10p.m. The Haunted Fort Halloween Kids Bash is every Sunday from 1p.m. - 4p.m. Admission is $3 per child. Adults are free.
Visit www.hauntedfort.com for more information, or to purchase your tickets in advance.
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United Way Day of Caring Pet Palace
This year's Day of Caring project will be converting our garage into a pet shelter. This shelter will be used for our residents whom are homeless and own pets. As of now we are unable to serve homeless individuals and their pets. We believe this is a missing service in our community that we would like to see available. We believe this will help us serve the people of our community more efficiently.
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House respectfully requests your support for our Day of Caring project. Would you please consider donating needed supplies or gift cards for the project on August 17th? We would be more than happy to post on our Facebook page, website, and our quarterly newsletter thanking our project sponsors as well as using anything you would like to see distributed. Below is a list of the items required for our project to be completed. Please inform us of your intended donation by July 27, 2011. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
(6) Pad locks with Master Key
(6) Hasps
(6) Knobs (wooden or metal)
(200)-2 inch screws
(200)- 1 inch screws
(6) Sash Lift
(6) Vinyl Runner (5'6" x 4'6" each)
(28) 90 degree braces (at least 2"x4")
(12) Door Hinges 3 ½ inch
(11)-2"x6" 8' boards
(11)-2"x4" 8' boards
(17)-8'X4' foot (3/4 inch thick) boards
(54 Square Feet)-Chicken Wire fence
(5 sets) of ear and eye protection
Cat and dog toys (enough for six pets)
Food (dry cat and dog food)
Cat litter
(3) Cat Litter Boxes
(12) dishes for food and water
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WALMART FOUNDATION ASSOCIATE CHOICE PROGRAM
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House has been chosen as one of the five organizations who will participate in the Associate Choice Program for the State of North Dakota. We are very honored and excited to have been picked.
As you can see from the other sections of our web site, Ruth Meiers is not only a homeless shelter that serves men, women and children, but we also offer supportive services to low-income people who are at risk of becoming homeless. Our mission is to provide housing and supportive services to help people achieve self-sufficiency.
Although we are located in Bismarck, we serve many people who come from outside of this community. Our 2010 statistics showed that of the 414 people who stayed in our shelters, 20% were from Bismarck/Mandan, 39% were from other parts of North Dakota and 41% were from out-of-state.
The $100,000 that we hope to receive from the Associate Choice Program has been earmarked for our Women's and Children's Emergency Shelter. This shelter served 131 homeless women and children last year. It is our plan to use the funds to provide the women and children with the support they need during their stay with us.
Thank you so much for choosing Ruth Meiers Hospitality House to participate in this program. Together we can all make a difference to our friends and neighbors in need.
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Domino's Fundraiser
Domino's Community Fundraising Coupons are Here!
This coupon booklet is a $200 value - valid at all Bismarck and Mandan Domino's locations with no expiration date. The cost is just $12.00 and 100% of the purchase price benefits Ruth Meiers Hospitality House. There are buy one, get one free offers, 1/2 off any pizza at regular menu price coupons, and more - PLUS a carryout offer for a FREE large 1-topping pizza, a $13.60 value alone!
Domino's Community Fundraising Coupons are available at Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, 1800 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck. Please stop or call Julie or Lori at 222-2108 for more information!
Put the FUN in Fundraiser!
WHO DOESN'T LOVE DOMINO'S PIZZA?
This is a fun & easy project for you or your club, youth organization, or business to help raise money for a worthy cause! Call Julie or Lori at Ruth Meiers Hospitality House (701-222-2108) to begin....challenge a friend to a selling competition, buy several as gifts for friends or family, use your imagination and help make a difference in your community!
Price: $12.00 - the free pizza coupon alone is worth more than purchase price!
Expiration: None
Purchase is not a tax deductible contribution, 100% of proceeds benefit the homeless and low-income men, women, and children served by Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.
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ONE MAN, ONE MISSION, 50 STATES
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House and the Great Plains Food Bank have been choosen to be a part of this great mission.
This story all started in 2008 when I had a vision to make a change in the lives of those who go
everyday without enough food to eat or a warm place to lay their heads at night. My name is Bob
Graham and I want to make a difference in America. Over the past few years I have organized several
music events with my band (I am a musician as well) to raise money for local homeless shelters and food
banks in my home state of Rhode Island. My events have had some success and I was able to raise
money for those in need in my state. In 2010 I started my own company, BG Entertainment LLC, The
Entertainment Company That Cares. My vision is to build my new company as the first entertainment
company focused on stopping hunger and homeless ness in America. Taking on this new project and
working a fulltime job driving a tractor trailer truck does not leave me much time for playing music
anymore. After some serious thinking I realized that my music playing days were coming to an end if I
wanted to succeed at my new venture and before I put my drums in their cases I need to do something I
never did before, I wrote my first original song titled "Now or Never". To my surprise the lyrics came to
me as if they were always there, just waiting to be written. They say a great song comes from something
you are passionate about and I am very passionate about this cause.
This matter hits close to home as I lost someone in my life who at one point was homeless and
eventually passed away alone. I dedicate this song to him and I know he would want me to release this
new song to help those in need in America. After completing the lyrics to my new song I recruited some
local musicians to help me make my dream of helping others become a reality. I am launching a
nationwide campaign titled "We Need To Stand Together 2011" and I am going to release my song
"Now or Never" worldwide and donate the proceeds from the sales of this great song to 50 food banks
and 50 homeless shelters across America. I truly believe in my heart that I can make a difference in the
lives of those in need. I also realize that I won't stop this ongoing epidemic on my own but if we can
somehow find away to work together we just might slow the hunger and homeless situation in America
from growing any further. If anything comes from this story I hope it makes you stop and think for a
minute that there are Americans that need our help. Even if it is volunteering at your local shelter or
donating some can foods or clothing or maybe even downloading my new song so we can provide
financial help for shelters so they can keep their doors open so those that are in need can count on help
being there for them when times are difficult. This is my story ONE MAN, ONE MISSION, 50 STATES I do
hope this story reaches as many people as possible to let them know I am trying to make a difference
and sincerely hope I can make a difference in someone's life that you may know in your state.
Bob Graham/Owner of BG Entertainment
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much"
Helen Keller
Please check out their website and purchase a song to help those lest fortunate!
http://www.bgentertainmentri.com/
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Facing Hunger in America
Carolyn and Betsy are siblings who are using their early retirement to travel to all 50 states and Facing Hunger in America by volunteering in hunger relief efforts. They are hoping to complete the project in 2 or 3 years. As a result of this wonderful project, they will be prepared to conduct workshops or talks, as well as support, rcommend, and lobby for changes we see as most effective to alleviate hunger.
Ruth Meiers was lucky to be on the sites they chose to visit. Check out what they learned!
http://facinghungerinamerica.blogspot.com/
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SAVE THE DATE
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House will be hosting the second annual chili cook-off on November 17, 2011. More information coming soon!
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From the Heart - 2010 Christmas Challenge
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House is blessed with the generosity of most of our local parishes, churches, congregations, synagogues, and places of worship. This partnership is a good fit - enabling these neighbors to help their neighbors. While our staff, Board of Directors, and the clients we serve are very thankful for the generosity of our entire community, we would once again like to share the amazing Christmas Challenge results from Legacy United Methodist Church, in Bismarck, ND.
Their 2010 Challenge? To exceed last year's Christmas challenge and raise $28,000 to benefit Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.
On January 16th, 2011, Sue Martin, Executive Director, and Kelly Gunsch, Director of Development, attended both Sunday services at Legacy United Methodist Church to celebrate in their second successful year of this amazing fundraising challenge. Sue and Kelly shared with everyone how their extraordinary efforts would be put to good use at Ruth Meiers. Pastor Kermit shared that they had collected $32,000 to benefit the homeless and hungry at Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.
Homelessness has no set rules or status requisites - it could happen to any of us. Our friends at Legacy United Methodist Church have shown the spotlight on their community leadership and have stepped up to challenge other parishes and families to do the same. As our partners, the families at Legacy UMC are now part of the solution to solving these ever present social problems. Their generosity has set a wonderful example for their children as well - and has enabled our organization to do so much in this time of financial uncertainty. Together, we are making a difference and we are so grateful for their amazing efforts.
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Here is a hint regarding tomorrow's media-reveal:-) November 16th, 1:30 p.m. - front steps of the State Capitol!
A special thank you to our awesome Board members and project volunteers that have made this awareness campaign possible!
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"Where will I sleep tonight?" Media Reveal
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House will launch a community awareness campaign during National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week.
DATE: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
Location: At the steps of the State Capitol, Bismarck, ND
While the community at large may not realize it, the Bismarck-Mandan region has surpassed Fargo by having the largest number of homeless people in the state of North Dakota. Please join us for this media-reveal to learn the details of our "Where will I sleep tonight?" campaign. Together, we can make a difference to these men, women and children in need.
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Stone Soup Community Fest Chili Cook-Off
In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Ruth Meiers is hosting our first-ever chili cook-off on November 18th.
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E Avenue C, Bismarck
Cost: $5 per person or $15 for your entire family - free will donations also accepted!
Please join us for delicious chili, a charity auction and lots of fun!
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Drop-In Center at Women's Shelter Opens October 1st, 2010
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House is going to open a "drop-in center" on a trial basis at our women and children's emergency shelter starting Oct. 1st. 2010. This location is at 215 W Front Ave. The new drop in center will be for single adult females over the age of 18 and/or women over the age of 18 with children.
Due to limited space, and fire department codes/regulations the new drop in center will only be able to hold 10 individuals on any given night.
Below is some information regarding our drop-in centers. Please contact Lori or Sue at RMHH with any questions you may have, 701-222-2108.
The operating hours will be the same as the drop in center at our Men's shelter (Notice: Winter hours start Oct. 1st.)
Winter - 10:00pm - 6:30am (Oct. 1st - March 31st)
Summer - 12:00am - 5:00am (April 1st - Sept. 30th)
**These hours will be strictly enforced at the new drop-in center due to it being on the same site as our emergency shelter and due to lack of funding to provide 24 hour staff on the premises.
**In extreme weather conditions, the "EMERGENCY WEATHER PLAN" protocol, implemented by the MVCHP and 10 year plan to end homelessness, last year will go into effect.
*All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult female.
*No Males over the age of 18 will be allowed at this drop-in center - They must go to the drop in center at the men's shelter.
*Single Females may stay at either drop-in center (at the women and children's shelter or men's shelter)
*No Children are allowed at the Men's shelter drop in center
*When someone needs to access the new drop in center, they will need to go to the location and knock on the door (it is a secured building). Once there they will need to fill out a short one page intake (no id is needed) and sign off on the drop-in center rules. This will only need to be done one time, however they will need to sign in any night that they stay.
***We understand that our drop in centers have some restrictions because of the limited hours, space, accommodations, regulations we have to adhere to etc. However, this is the best we can do at this time to meet the needs in our community with the time, space, staff, and funding we have. It will certainly provide a warm place to sleep/rest out of the cold and a warm meal for those who are homeless while our emergency shelter beds are full and for those who don't want to live in a shelter.
We appreciate what everyone does to serve the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community.
THANKS!!!
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Great Plain Food Bank Grant Benefits Food Pantry
Ruth Meiers Hospitality House is the grateful recipient of a grant from Great Plains Food Bank. The grant funds were used to purchase a brand new (and energy efficient!) upright freezer and a refrigerator! These two new appliances will allow Ruth Meiers to store frozen and perishable food donations so they may be given to the hungry families serve. Our food pantry distributes over 5,000 pounds of food every month so the grant will greatly benefit the low-income families who would otherwise go hungry.
The Great Plains Food Bank touches the lives of more than 56,000 children, seniors and working families each year who struggle with, or are at risk of hunger. More than 5.5 million pounds of surplus food is donated annually by local, regional and national food industry partners. This food is then distributed to people in need through a statewide network of 230 member food shelves, emergency shelters, soup kitchens and other charitable feeding programs in 83 communities across North Dakota.
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Susan Martin Recognized by Zonta for Her Profound Impact on our Community
On March 16, 2010, the Zonta Club of Bismarck honored our agency's Executive Director, Susan Martin, for her work towards the mission of advancing the status of women. Sue's leadership and guidance have carried Ruth Meiers Hospitality House through six years of growth and program success - helping the homeless, hungry and low-income men, women, and children in our community. Sue's dedication to the Ruth Meier's mission of helping people become self-sufficient inspires our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and the community to take action and make a difference to the less fortunate.
Each year thousands of Zonta Clubs worldwide join millions of people to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th - it is a day to reflect on the achievements of the past year and prepare for the challenges ahead of us to advance the status of women worldwide. Susan was presented a bouquet of gorgeous yellow roses (the longtime- Zonta symbol of fellowship) and recognized for the profound impact she has had in this community and surrounding areas as Executive Director for Ruth Meiers Hospitality House.
The Zonta Club of Bismarck is an organization with about 35 members with a mission dedicated to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy.
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Ruth Meiers Hospitality House Goes Green
In an effort to save the planet (and by default some money) the Stone Soup Kitchen is going green! I recently went with a friend to the landfill to dispose of a couch. What I saw was very disturbing. Plastic was everywhere! After doing some research, I discovered that Styrofoam cups last 1 plus million years in the landfill. Plastic forks, knives and spoons will be around for 1000 plus years. It's a small step for the planet, but a big step for Ruth Meiers. If you would like to help us in this Green quest, we will be needing: used or new (reusable, not disposable) plates, bowls, silverware, coffee cups and drinking cups. Lightweight items would be the best, but anything would be gratefully accepted. You can bring the items to 1800 East Broadway Ave. anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or you can call me at 222-2108, ext. 103 or e-mail me at, jhuwe@rmhh.org.
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Baking for Diabetes Bake Sale
Posted on 11/2/2011
Shelter Support Staff Job Opening
Posted on 10/12/2011
Chili Cook - Off
Posted on 10/11/2011
Archived News Articles
2011
- Nov
- Oct
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