Meet Rachel Simon during her national book tour when she’ll sign her New York Times Bestseller: “The Story of Beautiful Girl,” An unforgettably moving love story about the improbable odds faced by a couple with disabilities and a lost child–from the author of the bestseller “Riding the Bus with My Sister.”

Rachel Simon is the award-winning author of six books and a nationally recognized public speaker on issues related to diversity and disability. “The Story of Beautiful Girl” was ranked Ten Titles To Pick Up Now by Oprah Magazine and Ten Books Not To Miss by USA Today. During this event the books, “The Story of Beautiful Girl” and “Riding the Bus with my Sister” will be available for purchase.

DATE: May 23, 2012
TIME: 5:30pm-8:00pm
LOCATION: EuroNest, 5700 West 36th St., St. Louis Park
PRICE: $35, includes light Hors d’oeuvres, beverages, book signing, in-store discounts and a chance  to win a $100 gift certificate to EuroNest
REGISTER: rachelsimon.eventbrite.com

When: March 8 and March 15, 2012 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Location:Opportunity Partners, Koch Technical & Training Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka, MN 55343

Did you know? Among parents of children with special needs:

• 68% have no will
• 72% have no trustee

Beyond One Day at a Time, a free seminar presented by Opportunity Partners, Kukla Law and Northwestern Mutual, will take you through the necessary steps to plan your future and the lifetime of those with special needs.

During this presentation, you’ll learn:

• The Five-Step Special Needs Planning Process
• How to Build a Strong Foundation for your Child
• Strategies Specific to Families with Special Needs

Click here to register for this free workshop. Please contact Sue Hayes at shayes@opportunities.org or 952-930-4202 with any questions.

Step back in time to the Fabulous ’50s as we celebrate the founding of Opportunity Partners.

Theme: The Fabulous ’50s

Location: Hotel Sofitel Minneapolis in Bloomington

Date: Friday, April 27, 2012

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Attire: ’50s or formal

Arrive at 5:30 p.m. for silent auction, social hour and fun ’50s themed games. A delicious dinner by Chef Mark Crane will be served at 7:00 p.m. Then enjoy an evening of fun with emcees Ian and Margery Punnett of myTalk 107.1. Nationally known auctioneer, Karen Sorbo, will help start the bidding at our live auction and Fund-A-Need. After dinner, enjoy live music and dancing with The Rockin’ Hollywoods.

Meal Options:

Poulet a la Reign: Enjoy the Chef’s wonderful expression of your mother’s classic Chicken a la King – any ’50s housewife would be proud.

Beef Bourguignon Pot Roast: Reminiscent of the crock-pot roast you had as a kid – enjoy it as an upgraded gourmet delight.

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese: Experience this modern twist on a classic with creamy cheese and big chunks of lobster, putting the blue boxed mac & cheese to shame. Available vegetarian upon request.

To purchase tickets please contact Annie Heggernes at events@opportunities.org or 952.930.4286 or visit the event website.

Event Sponsorship Opportunities Are Available: 2012 Gala Sponsorship Form

Spring is right around the corner! Opportunity Partners is hosting our annual plant sale. This year we’ve added an online store option. You can click the banner to the right to order your plants online using a credit card. You can also contact Annie at 952.930.4286 or aheggernes@opportunities.org with questions or to order.

Orders are due by 3:00 p.m. on April 6, 2012.

You will be able to pick-up your plants on May 17 from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. & May 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pick-up location in Minnetonka/Hopkins-area to be announced soon.

New this year: Home Delivery! There is a $25 fee to receive your items delivered to your door. Plants will be delivered within a 25-mile radius of Opportunity Partners’ Koch Campus in Minnetonka. Delivery will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from May 17 through May 21, 2012.

By clicking the banner above, you can also donate to the new OP Gardening Club! Volunteers will brighten up the grounds of our day campuses and residential sites with new plantings. Funds will also go to support horticulture therapy and classes for people served. We appreciate your support!

Happy Gardening!

When: Thursday, February 16 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Where: The Mendakota Club, 2075 Mendakota Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Enjoy breakfast with Opportunity Partners. At this fundraising event, we will share important information about our mission and goals for the year. You’ll also hear from people who are redefining ability in our community. Help us share our story by inviting your friends – the more the merrier!

For more information or to register for this free event, contact Annie Heggernes at 952-930-4286 or aheggernes@opportunities.org. You can also register online at http://opbreakfasteastmetro.eventbrite.com. Please register by February10th.

At Opportunity Partners, we believe in giving people of all abilities the chance to lead a rich and independent life. Our generous donors help Opportunity Partners give people the tools to pursue their dreams. You can help by making a financial contribution today.

Here are some important things for you to know about making a year-end gift to Opportunity Partners:

• If you want your gift to count toward the 2011 season, it must have a postmark no later than December 31, 2011 if you are sending your gift by mail.
• When giving online, you must make your gift before 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2011 for it to count toward the 2011 season. So don’t wait!
• Check if your company matches gifts. You can contact your HR or Finance department to get the proper form to fill out. Then you can fax, email or mail the form to Opportunity Partners and we’ll take care of the rest. It’s easy.
• If you have questions about other ways to give, please email giving@opportunities.org or call 952-912-2494.

To make a gift online, please go to our donation page.

Thank you for your support!

Here comes the pasta

Join us at the annual Hopkins Noontime Lions’ spaghetti dinner on Thursday, March 1 at Opportunity Partners’ Koch Technical & Training Campus.

Spaghetti with meatballs or meatless sauce, salad, bread and beverages will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Koch Campus, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka.

Tickets, which are sold at the door, are $7 for adults, $4 for children under 12, and $30 for families of five or more and group homes. To go orders are also available.

For more information, email events@opportunities.org or call 952-912-2494. Come show your support for this tasty fundraiser.

Opportunity Partners is thrilled to announce a $10,000 matching challenge gift on Give to the Max Day – November 16. Give to the Max Day is a day for people to come together to raise as much money as possible for nonprofits in 24 hours – starting at midnight on November 16 through 11:59 p.m. on November 16.

For every dollar Opportunity Partners receives up to $10,000, it will be matched dollar for dollar. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a long-time Opportunity Partners family member.

To give on November 16, go to www.givemn.org/opportunitypartners

Donate

Opportunity Partners is participating in the 6^th Annual Art Abilities show that opens October 23 at the Hennepin County Ridgedale Library in Minnetonka.

Artist and family reception – 11 a.m. (atrium)

Gallery opening – noon (2^nd floor)

There are 35 pieces of art from Opportunity Partners, Homeward Bound, REM, Phoenix, CCP and the Harry Meyering Center. This well established community event is a wonderful demonstration of how persons with disabilities give back to the community through their time, talent and skill.  The art will be displayed until November 16.

After November 16, the exhibit will move to the Changing Landscapes Art Show at the University of Minnesota.  The art will be displayed at the U of M in Pattee Hall from November 18 until February 16, 2012.

When: Tuesday, October 4 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Where: The Metropolitan Ballroom, 5418 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, MN 55416

Enjoy breakfast with Opportunity Partners. At this fundraising event, we will share important information about our mission and goals for the coming year. You’ll also hear from people who are redefining ability in our community. Help us share our story by inviting your friends – the more the merrier!

For more information or to register for this free event, contact Annie Heggernes at 952-930-4286 or aheggernes@opportunities.org. You can also register online at http://opbreakfast.eventbrite.com.