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| A Newsletter from Baby's Space Volume 2, Issue 5 - May, 2011 |
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Why Your Gift Matters
Dear Friends:
As the Minnesota legislative session winds down, we're expecting funding cuts in early childhood and elementary education that will affect our Baby's Space and Tatanka Academy programs.
Any size of funding cuts affect our programs because 100% of our families live below the poverty line and 75% of the children receive scholarships to remain in our programs. In arguing these cuts, I remind our legislative leaders that in return for basic state funding, 100% of our preschoolers tested ready for kindergarten this year. That's return on investment.
If you joined us last Friday at our annual fundraiser (and likewise, if you've contributed at any time), we extended our deepest gratitude. Now more than ever, private donations will make a difference in the lives of our children and families and in transforming the neighborhoods in which we serve.
Thank you for your generosity. To give a gift, or to increase your gift, please see the easy-to-use information to the right of my letter.
Best Regards,
Founder and Executive Director
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To Donate to Baby's Space
Click below on the >donate icon and be directed to giveMN.org, a secure way to donate online (and 100% of your gift goes to Baby's Space). If you prefer to contact us directly, download our Baby's Space Donation Form for credit card and check donations that may be sent directly to us. Thank you!
 | | 100% of your gift goes to Baby's Space |
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FUN at Fine Line
It was a night to remember Friday, April 29 when more than 200 friends and supporters of Baby's Space gathered at the legendary Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis for live jazz music, a complimentary martini bar, a chance to win cases of wine, and an update on the inspirational successes of Baby's Space from founder and executive director Terrie Rose. Couldn't join us? You can still donate, just click here! See you next year!
 | | Kristine Sabes, Andrea Mueller and Gretchen Gill greet guests as they enter the Fine Line! |
 | | Melody Chestler and Teresa Iglesias-Solomon work the party selling tickets to win one of four cases of wine. |
 | | We welcomed many Baby's Space staff members to the event! Pictured here is Mark Downey, business manager, and his wife Christine Sanguinet. |
 | | Ryan Miest and Chris Bray, Baby's Space board members, welcome Martha Sather to the event. |
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HEROES: Laurie Swiler
A Special Friend Thinks of Baby's Space During a Medical Emergency
 | | Thanks to Laurie Swiler, twins Diondra and Desiree proudly show their mom, Mariah, their ornaments. |
You might recall our recent feature about Laurie Swiler, a long-time friend of Baby's Space who for eight years has donated personalized Christmas tree ornaments to each child at Baby's Space.
On Tuesday, April 26, tragedy struck when Laurie suffered a brain aneurism. During her hospitalization, Laurie remembered that one of her favorite events - the annual Baby's Space fundraiser - was going to take place at the Fine Line in a few days and that she would miss it. Via her husband Greg and her caringbridge site, she reached out to Terrie Rose to make a plea for donations in her name. Many friends responded and contributed in honor or Laurie.
Our love and support for a full recovery go to Laurie. And, our humble gratitude for Laurie's selfless dedication to helping the children of Baby's Space. |
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TATANKA ACADEMNY UPDATE
Imagining Yourself in a Bigger World
In the Tatanka Academy second- and third-grade class, the students completed a "me on the map" study. Each child placed themselves in their room, in their home, on their block, in their city, state, country, and in the world!
 | | A Proud Student Presents His State Project. |
The students also selected a state and used resources including library books, the Internet, maps, and classroom discussions to make a presentation board. The students practiced presentations in preparation for a Parent presentation at the April family night!
Our congratulations to our exceptional students at Tatanka who learned research skills, developed independent work abilities and even public speaking practice during this challenging - but fun - project!
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Family Night is a beloved monthly tradition at Baby's Space where parents, children and staff come together to share a story and meal.
 | | Parents and children connecting is a goal of Family Night. |
A recent Family Night featured the book "The Wind Blew," by Pat Hutchins. The children and families made kites and everyone enjoyed the talents of the enthusiastic Baby's Space staff who acted out the story. More than 25 families enjoyed the evening. As one mother stated to center director Debbie Lund, "I know where to go to be happy."
 | | The smallest hands received help with their kites. |
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