MARJORIE'S HOPE, INC.
SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

I chose the name of Marjorie's Hope in memory of my younger sister, Marjorie who was killed by a 17 year old drunk driver in Tallahassee on August 5th, 1996. She died one week past her 33rd birthday. Marjorie was a single mother and left behind two children, Andrea age 11 and Robert age 12. Marjorie had a zest for life that many of us adults would love to recapture. She adored her children and loved volunteering where ever her children were involved. She was the first parent to sign up to chaperon and loved riding on the bus as a classroom volunteer. Generally, she would be seated in the back of the bus (with the kids) leading the songs of the bus. Her favorite school activity was to be involved for the school's annual field day events. She was the first parent to line up with the kids for a game of tug of war against the teachers and generally the last person to cross the finish line in the burlap sack races. She relished in delight with her teammates of students in the tug of war win against the faculty. On any given day, you could find her in the front office signing kids into school who were running late, selling popcorn after school or helping a classroom teacher. Marjorie loved teachers and loved children. Because we were raised in a family who believed in giving back to the Community in which we live, we were introduced at very early ages to Lion's, Kiwanis, Sertoma's, Toys for Tots, etc. Marjorie always gravitated to the events that involved helping children. When Marjorie was young, she was skilled in horse back riding. I have no doubt that was the reason her favorite I chose the name of Marjorie's Hope in memory of my younger sister, Marjorie who was killed by a 17 year old drunk driver in Tallahassee on August 5th, 1996. She died one week past her 33rd birthday. Marjorie was a single mother and left behind two children, Andrea age 11 and Robert age 12. Marjorie had a zest for life that many of us adults would love to recapture. She adored her children and loved volunteering where ever her children were involved. She was the first parent to sign up to chaperon and loved riding on the bus as a classroom volunteer. Generally, she would be seated in the back of the bus (with the kids) leading the songs of the bus. Her favorite school activity was to be involved for the school's annual field day events. She was the first parent to line up with the kids for a game of tug of war against the teachers and generally the last person to cross the finish line in the burlap sack races. She relished in delight with her teammates of students in the tug of war win against the faculty. On any given day, you could find her in the front office signing kids into school who were running late, selling popcorn after school or helping a classroom teacher. Marjorie loved teachers and loved children. Because we were raised in a family who believed in giving back to the Community in which we live, we were introduced at very early ages to Lion's, Kiwanis, Sertoma's, Toys for Tots, etc. Marjorie always gravitated to the events that involved helping children. When Marjorie was young, she was skilled in horse back riding. I have no doubt that was the reason her favorite The school supplies began to transition in 2008 into backpacks with school supplies. The first year approximately 35-40 backpacks were donated. The following year (2009), that number grew to about 50 backpacks with the assistance of two friends (Judy Ross and Liz Murphy) helping to assemble the backpacks with supplies. The next year (2010), the backpack donations grew to about 75 with the assistance of 10 family and friends (Kim Wiley, Karen Thieme, Gabrielle Allen and more). Then in 2011, backpack donations grew to 99 with the assistance of approximately 20 volunteers (Angie Schmeiser, Jessica Meeks, Stephanie Clarke and Family, Kim Wiley, Gabrielle, Lexi and Lindsey Allen, Andrea Orndorff, Jennie Wolfe and others). In 2014-2015 school year our goal of 500 backpack donations were exceeded when the new goal reached 653 backpacks with the assistance of 200 amazing volunteers. This year's goal has been increased to a new level and a record number at 1000 backpacks, school supplies, basic hygiene products and healthy snacks. Without the co-partnerships of Target Superstore #2209 (SunCoast) and staff, Kathy Steiniger, the West Pasco African American Club, John Gillis at Friendly Kia Dealership, Chellie Fontaine at 106 radio station, the Jensen Family, Wendi McAnn, Richard Hayes, Robin Stafstrom and the staff from Digital Lightbridge, Junior Service league (JSL), Knights of Columbus Council, Capstone Insurance, Andrea Orndorff, Angie Gardner, Stephanie Clarke, Lori Morrison, Latricia Stevenson, Jessica Meek, Kim Wiley, Robert Brownridge, Doris and Jim Slaton, CJP and Ear, Nose and Throat Associates with so many other volunteers and private donors from this amazing community who share the vision of helping children within this community, this event and ongoing efforts would never be possible year after year. This year in August 2015, close to 100 volunteers gathered at Hudson High School to fill 1305 backpacks with school supplies and personal hygiene items. This was an exciting year for Marjorie's Hope. Not only were we able to provide for a record number of backpack giveaways, we were blessed to be introduced to a new volunteer, Jim Sonsalla. Jim was influential in coordinating a co-partnership between Marjorie's Hope and two national companies: The 3M Corporation and the manufacturer for ColorPrism erasers. As a result, the 3M corporation donated 1305 string backpacks filled with many "extra's" that were enjoyed by school age children and the manufacturer of ColorPrism erasers donated 5000. Jim continues to reach out to our organization to share his huge idea's already in the making for Marjorie's Hope and continued growth in assisting us to reach our 2016 backpack goal of donating 1700 backpacks. Once again, 2016 was a year of growth and milestones. Marjorie's Hope officially received their Not for Profit 501 (3)(c) status. It is with great pleasure, that I extend a special word of thanks to Duggan Cooley. Without Duggan's assistance and guidance, I am not sure we would be a not for profit today.