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 & 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 button to the right 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.

Step 1: Register today!
Go to www.madeintheshade.org to register with your favorite organization! Registration flyers are also available at the Koch Technical & Training Campus at 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka, MN 55343.

… Step 2: Raise Contributions!
It’s easy! Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to sponsor you as you help people with disabilities realize their dreams. Each participant who raises over $25 will receive an official Made in the Shade T-shirt.

Step 3: Come Walk!
Don’t forget to bring your pledge money and waiver form with you to Lake Calhoun the day of the walk. Check in is at 9:30 a.m. with “shotgun starts” at 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. The walk will take place rain or shine – expect a great experience either way.

Step 4: Celebrate Success!
After you’ve taken a spin around the lake, join us at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, a short program, and music by The Moss Piglets!

Getting There
Thomas Beach is located on the south side of Lake Calhoun. Parking is available on city streets around the lake or in a pay lot near Thomas Beach. For bus info call Metro transit at 612.373.3333 or go to www.metrotransit.org.

Participating Organizations
* Opportunity Partners
* Choice, Inc.
* egh
* Homeward Bound
* Midwest Training Services, Inc.
* Partnership Resources, Inc.
* TSE Inc.
* Wingspan Life Resources

For more information contact:
Annie Heggernes at (952)930-4286 or aheggernes@opportunities.org